So I turned up at The Rochdale Hamam only to be told the old 1935 boiler had blown up.It was closed forever today rather than Sunday.So It Goes............
Because I was around that neck of the woods i decided to visit Haslingdon Sauna instead.Bob normally goes there but he & wife Lynne & son Neil are on holiday in Vietnam ...but it was pleasant enough anyway...... On the way-back "mountain" drive back to Yorkshire I listened to a BBC RADIO 4 Interview with Neil Young.You might be able to grab the podcast of it here.
Because I was around that neck of the woods i decided to visit Haslingdon Sauna instead.Bob normally goes there but he & wife Lynne & son Neil are on holiday in Vietnam ...but it was pleasant enough anyway...... On the way-back "mountain" drive back to Yorkshire I listened to a BBC RADIO 4 Interview with Neil Young.You might be able to grab the podcast of it here.
A week Sunday I meet up with Margaret & Don in Manchester to see the Dalai Lamia.
I really should be going over to Italy..but it has been a difficult year so far for such True Adventures.
Did I tell you?I got into problems re building regulation there?The last time I was working there a couple of heavy officials from the village comune turned up & told me to stop all work (even interior painting etc) They threatened me with the Carabinieri.So I had to stop doing anything!!!
Finally, last month,[ via Enzo D'Amrosio a local Architetto] retrospective planning permission was granted.The idea of drawing plans up after work has already been done is an ironic Italian concept involving winks ; a little cash;and lots of time to stamp official documents.Its the Italian Way!.Normally people turn a blind -eye but ,as The Village's Mayor sadly (genuinely) told me "If somebody complains,I have to be seen to be following the correct procedure.I have to be seen doing something..."
Did I tell you?I got into problems re building regulation there?The last time I was working there a couple of heavy officials from the village comune turned up & told me to stop all work (even interior painting etc) They threatened me with the Carabinieri.So I had to stop doing anything!!!
Finally, last month,[ via Enzo D'Amrosio a local Architetto] retrospective planning permission was granted.The idea of drawing plans up after work has already been done is an ironic Italian concept involving winks ; a little cash;and lots of time to stamp official documents.Its the Italian Way!.Normally people turn a blind -eye but ,as The Village's Mayor sadly (genuinely) told me "If somebody complains,I have to be seen to be following the correct procedure.I have to be seen doing something..."
Anyway, It's now sorted and I can ,as of last month, restart my work on the house.
A side issue is I am disappointed with Mick Goggins.( late of Hebden Bridge+Mytholmroyd)Who helped me buy the place & promised to help (he has already bought several houses in the area) .Now I paid him some money to help me.I suppose he didn't rip me off financially.....but when my money disappeared so did he. I mistook business for friendship. Had he warned me in advance, this whole planning situation would have be avoided.A shame.
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| Mick Goggins. |
Ironic.This week I heard from my spies that the vacant building next to my house in the village of Pennadomo has come up for sale at a reduced rate.The original idea was to "Do-Up" the building I already own & buy this place and knock through to this 2nd building.But given the time its already taken me I,m feeling a wee bit jaundiced about that idea at the moment.Maybe I will dwell a little on things............?
Another reason for me not traveling at the moment is that ,because of ConDem Government cuts,my local Social Services have had to make MORE cuts in my area.I've been asked to work an extra day for 3 months while the axe is swung .[Several Ironies here, I know]. Plus, I,m helping a local Gal called Jo set up a wee Home Schooling Business.
The net result is I,m working more than I expected this year.
Here is a slideshow of The Hamam & related socializing.[1984-2012]My Friends,The Building Can No Longer Contain Them........
6 comments:
Never mistake business for friendship. I have made that mistake, too. Love ol' Neil.
Did you manage to get the bench?
hmm interesting ont he building coming open...think on it and move as opportunities dont always come around twice...
My brother bought a house in [corruptish foreign country] and found dealing with all the red tape too time consuming, so he sold it after just a year. At least you got things sorted out with the first building.
Friendship and business don't mix. :(
partnership is the dodgiest ship you can sail in mate! As for "retrospective" planning permission..... my whole street seems to be in on THAT particular act!! Your Italian gaff sounds enticing though..... I can swing a paintbrush if you need a little help!!
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