To those reading this category (Falkland Journal, 1988) for the first time, I urge you to read my first ever post – ‘An Ill Wind‘ to provide context for this post, which is the 20th extract from my 1988 journal.
Saturday 7 May 1988, Koei Maru 30
I am guilty of neglect. I seem to either write letters or my diary, one usually at the expense of the other. It is late Saturday now, I have just had my breakfast. I keep having bonkers dreams, I am plagued with them.
I wrote to the Myers and to Deb and Alex.
I hope so much that Arsenal won last night, yesterday, today I mean. I must be one of their remotest supporters, I may try to join the fan club.
When I think of the only club in London, I think of Gavin and Sean and how lucky they are that they will see the Littlewoods Cup final! Sean will actually be there, lucky pig.
Time goes by. Soon it will be Sunday and soon I will get picked up by the patrol ship. Yahoo!
I took a whole bunch of really boring sunrise shots and tried to photograph a number of birds. It will be a very dull film I think.
Sunday 8 May 1988, Koei Maru 30
I am on to my next 10 Japanese letters! recap on: a i u e o
The next bunch are Sa, Shi, Su, Se, So; Za, Ji, Zu, Ze, Zo
Why is it so bloody difficult?
Wrote a long letter to Mum and Ad, I sent another £15 for developing films.
Monday 9 May 1988, Koei Maru 30
At last I wrote to Clive, but it is very late of me to reply.
I am very bored. Tonight we’ve caught nothing, I have been unable to work. It is pitiful.I am being paid to fritter my time away. Possibly the worst aspect is that during these bad catches I smoke maybe two cigarettes. I must stop before it becomes a habit.
I am sitting listening to my African tape. I must go to Africa – I hear it calling. I am desperate to go there. I want to work in Africa.
Revision:
How could I have dared neglect to put in the article about Uderzo? What a terrible blunder.
Jim was on the radio this time, it was good to talk to him. He enjoys a good chat as opposed to a quick talk! It is good.
It looks like I may be marooned for a few more days! The patrol ship had to arrest a Korean ship and returned to Port Stanley without little old me. It is possible she’ll steam out over the next couple of days to collect me – who knows? Slightly depressing.
It seems as though Jim wants to come to Montevideo – I hope it can be arranged, it would be good to have some company.
Tuesday 10 May 1988, Koei Maru 30
Another five katakana I think.
What a terrible day – nothing, absolutely nothing to do. I think I’ll cry if I don’t get picked up soon. Only my South American music is keeping me sane at the moment, or is it the fact that I’m listening to it at all an indication of my insanity? Some would think so.
Wrote a letter to R&C, a bit short and feeble, but I’m running out of things to tell people.
My room stinks! I think it is because I spend so much time in it. It is stale and nasty, but what can I do?
Well, I’m angry and upset, but that is tomorrow.
Natural adventures 