Scooter Boy

Simone [via SMS to friends, Morocco Feb 2008]: Hooning around Fes on the back of a scooter stopping off periodically to have sex with its owner.

And this would be relevant, how?

Let me give you some background.

Me to Alan via SMS Jan 2008: Too many people getting shot in Yemen. Going to Morocco instead.

Alan: Oh good. You'll love it and you'll move there and then I can come and visit

Man knows me well, and man is correct. Two weeks there was all the evidence I needed of humankind's inclination to generosity and I wanted in.

Problem? I don't speak French.

Problem? I don't speak Arabic either.

Then, one day a few months ago, the job of my dreams comes up.

60km from Fes. Up the Atlas mountains. PhD required. In my field. Language of Instruction? English. Woo hoo!

Some months later, after the Dubai Debacle, this job is still open.

So I get onto the website. Application to Vice President, Academic Affairs. Should probably look up his name.

Oh no. You guessed it. Scooter Boy.

Alan: Good Onion.

Amy: Well I don't want to be insulting Simone, but maybe he's slept with so many woman he won't remember you.

John: I never did understand what 'hooning' meant.

In better news, while the axe was falling (who has ever heard of it taking three weeks in this region?), I went to Qatar to see some of my friends.

Astoundingly, some of the buildings have actually been finished.

Less astoundingly, not all are aesthetically pleasing.

This is because, as my mate's architect boss explained to my mate, I am completely ignorant of current trends in modern architecture for which this architect has won awards.

So I will leave it to you to decide on the merit or otherwise of The Great Penis in the Sky:



When not photographing Qatar's skyline, I was mostly stuffing my face, talking, listening and drinking, and so am able to present to you:

Elinor's Fabulous Fast Margarita Recipe:

1. Take a 6 ounce pack of frozen Lime Aid (concentrated sugar & lime juice)
2. Add 6 ounces Tequila (use the Lime Aid pack as a measure).
3. Add Triple Sec - 1/4 of the pack.
4. Add some ice and run it through the blender.
5. Drink.
6. Return to Step 1. A major advantage of this recipe is that it continues to be easy/possible to make as the tequila content of one's bloodstream rises.

Elinor & Nettie. It's not just the alcohol. It's the thought of leaving Qatar! Bye Bye Nettie. Thank you Elinor!

And so the job application process restarts. The trawling through job sites. The writing of applications outlining one's skills, experience, and qualifications to those with whom you have not had a holiday fling...

And advice? Hard to say. But to myself. No more in the Gulf. Work I mean, boofster! Not celibacy!

Ant presides over unpacking. And repacking.

Write more from... somewhere soon.

Simone the [Perpetually] Shifting

NOTE: The VPAA turns out to be a tiny, rotund, jolly little person who dedicated his PhD to his cat, Professor Lucy. My relief when he stepped up to the podium to welcome us, I leave you to imagine.

And the identity of Scooter Boy?

Your guess is as good as mine.