BIrthday

So, it was my birthday yesterday, and must say, I had a really awesome day. One of the best on memory. The day was really a two parter, so here goes with the deconstruction:

Part Un

Woke up and started looking for interesting things to do in the afternoon. Since the weather seemed to be such a beautiful, sunny, crisp Autumn day, I decided that the South Bank would be an excellent place to go. Trawled through Times BFI films currently on, and found a really interesting sounding French film called 'Heartbeat Detector', directed by Nicholas Klotz. Decided it would be a perfect way to spend the afternoon and booked two tickets. Then hooked up with a friend, Lauren, who had the day off, and headed towards the river.

We got there, and decided to go see the 'Crack', or 'Shibboleth' as it's actually properly entitled. Did that, had same discussions I had with Chris two days earlier, and then decided to have lunch at The Gourmet Pizza Company on the river. Went with Peking Duck pizza, since I am a real fan of Hoi-Sin Sauce. Was pretty good. And the service was excellent. The waitress, German possibly, was really helpful and attentive. Which makes me all the more guilty for not leaving a tip. We honestly totally forgot. Shocker!

Anyway, then went and had a pre-film spliff on a patch of grass behind the London eye. Got nicely stoned and went into film. And blimey, even having read the blurb, the film was intense. And surreal. And confusing. Now I did really enjoy the film, but altogether felt that it moved too slowly, and since it didn't really have a proper, linear plot, my stoned brain struggled! Nonetheless, the acting was top-notch, direction and cinematography was very good, and the soundtrack was really interesting: Schubert, Ian Curtis and techno. I will definitely have to watch it again soon, and know it's on at the ICA in about 2 weeks. Still, a very interesting take on the new corporate world, free markets, and a dark Nazi-Germany past that's still an enduring legacy for many Europeans. Perhaps a little too long at 143 minutes though.

Part Deux

So left film, and enjoyed a very crisp walk back to the East End. Walked through the City and headed to one of my favourite pubs, The Pride of Spitalfields, on a cheeky side street off Brick Lane. Now was only planning on a few drinks with a few mates but think 13 people actually turned up, which was touching. A few pleasant surprises too. Started off gently on the beers but ended up turning into a session several beers and shots later. Oblivion. Don't remember getting home but thankfully must have been with Chris.

Ridiculously dehydrated and quite hungover this morning, but extremely happy. Being unemployed for so long has made me realise what really matters in life. And it's not money, or material goods. It simply is having an amazing group of loyal friends, and a close-knit family. And for me personally, being able to pursue what intellectually stimulates me. And that is all the more reason why I must go into a job that allows me to do this, at least partially. Thus, I must work in Pharma based research and analysis. And this all still points towards market research/Consultancy. It will happen. Just gotta stay positive.

Currently listening to a really beautiful, haunting, ethereal mix by Sutemos DJs (Lithuanian electronica!).

Fin de Blog.

Peace,

F.