Yes another holiday approaching!

Isn't nature amazing

nepenthes

A baby one

 I would not call myself politically motivated in any way. I have lived quite happily in France for over 20 years without feeling the least bit upset of not being a part of the voting system. I've only voted once in Britain which was during the Thatcher years and when she won again I decided to leave rather than stay and fight Conservatism. We in Britain and France have a certain cynicism about politics. We all know that our politicians are not pure or perfect. We are allowed to criticise and make fun of them and not fear for our lives. My children were in many "manifestations" during their Lycée years demonstrating about government policies that either did or didn't concern them. I wasn't worried about them and was pleased to see them expressing their views. Interviews on the television and radio are usually challenging and lively occasions and if the interviewer isn't probing and asking difficult questions we wonder why. I certainly have taken it for granted until recently. I am under no delusions about how free the press is in Western Europe and I do not think our politicians are any better than any others, however freedom of press is a gift to treasure.

A rafflesia

   Last week I have been trying to finish an assignment for a course that I am attempting to do. I am the queen of procrastinators and with all my visitors I have had the perfect excuse not to do anything. However since Naomi left I have had no excuse and have forced myself to do something. I think I have nearly finished but who knows if it is up to standard. I have to have it all finished before Thursday because I am going away to Java to meet Lisa in Jakarta. I know I can hear you all saying "what another holiday and another daughter". Yes, it is the mid-year school holiday which coincides with Kaamatan, the rice harvest festival celebration. Sadly I will miss it this year but I wanted to visit Indonesia before I leave and thanks to Air Asia's very cheap flights, I can fly direct from KK. Lisa seems to have had a great time in Australia and New Zealand since I saw her in Singapore, travelling all over the place and it will be great to catch up on all her adventures while exploring some of Java.