Room 101 From Room 1017

Episode 135

Death,Fights,Flights,Passing Tests,Starting Afresh.

On February 28th, amidst the chaos of life's unpredictability, a peculiar phenomenon occurs. It's as if the universe conspires to sprinkle a bit of magic into the air, weaving moments of serendipity and joy into the fabric of the day. For me, February 28th isn't just a date on the calendar; it's a beacon of hope, a reminder that amidst life's twists and turns, good things still find their way to me.

Perhaps it's the universe's way of balancing the scales, granting a reprieve from the ordinary and showering me with unexpected blessings. From chance encounters that blossom into lifelong friendships to opportunities that unfold like petals on a flower, February 28th has become a harbinger of positivity in my life.

Sure, there have been days filled with challenges and setbacks, but on February 28th, those troubles seem to fade into the background, overshadowed by the brightness of the good fortune that comes my way. It's a day to celebrate the little victories, to cherish the moments of joy, and to marvel at the wonder of life's mysteries.

Music:

The Black Keys - Hi/Lo
Foo Fighters - These Days

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Episode 134

Like a rare breed of confidence, rocking a face that's as unpredictable as a pair of bad tits.It's like my face decided to rebel against the laws of gravity and embrace its own unique shape, just to keep things interesting.

While Hollywood's leading men are busy perfecting their chiseled jawlines, lm out there flaunting a face that's as rebellious as a rockstar at a classical concert. Who needs symmetrical features when you've got character, right?

So while those celebs are going under the knife to fix every little imperfection, lm proudly sporting a face that's as unapologetically flawed as a Picasso painting. Because let's face it, perfection is overrated, and we,my friends, are the epitome of authenticity!

Music:
Arctic Monkeys - I Bet That You Look Good On The Dance Floor
Suede - Beautiful Ones

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Episode 133

So, you know you've officially hit empty nest status when your house starts echoing your thoughts louder than your own voice. It's like you've upgraded from a bustling family home to a quiet monastery overnight. You find yourself walking around, marveling at the newfound peace, only to realize it's just you and the tumbleweeds having a party.

You start getting overly excited about things like reclaiming the remote control without a wrestling match or discovering that your grocery bill has magically shrunk to a fraction of its former self. And don't even get me started on the newfound ability to actually hear yourself think in the morning – it's like a symphony of silence.

But then, just as you're reveling in your newfound freedom, you stumble upon that stack of baby pictures and suddenly find yourself drowning in a sea of nostalgia and empty tissue boxes. You start to miss the chaos, the laughter, and even the occasional temper tantrum. Who knew you'd actually long for the days when your living room doubled as a LEGO minefield?

But fear not, fellow empty nesters, for this is just the beginning of a new chapter filled with spontaneous adventures, impromptu naked dance parties, and finally having the time to pursue that hobby you've been putting off since, well, forever. So, embrace the empty nest – it might just be the best thing that ever happened to your sanity.OR NOT.

You JPTers make me smile downloads through the roof,cooking he in Japan.
Thank you all,

Darren.

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EPISODE 132

In the clandestine underbelly of Japan's history, there exists an elusive figure named Satoshi Kirishima, a man who has spent five decades living in the shadows, leaving no tales in his wake. His life, a covert odyssey, unfolds far from the prying eyes of the law, an enigma hidden in the intricate folds of society.

Satoshi is a master of anonymity, a living whisper in the crowded streets of urban Japan and the quiet corners of rural landscapes. For fifty years, he has artfully sidestepped the relentless pursuit of the authorities, leaving behind no traces of his existence. A phantom who walks among us, Satoshi's survival hinges on an innate ability to blend seamlessly into the background.

His motives, concealed in the recesses of his silent journey, remain unknown. Was Satoshi a fugitive from justice, or a soul escaping the shackles of a life left behind? The absence of tales, of stories passed down through the generations, only deepens the mystery surrounding this man who lived beneath the radar.

While the authorities grapple with the challenge of capturing a man who leaves no footprints, Satoshi's legacy becomes one of silent defiance. His existence challenges the very concept of surveillance and control, a testament to the human capacity to evade and adapt.

In the annals of fugitive history, Satoshi's name may never be etched in headlines, and his tales may never be told. Yet, the absence of stories becomes a story in itself, a narrative woven from the threads of unseen lives and silent escapes, where a man named Satoshi existed on the fringes, leaving behind only the lingering question: who was he, and where did he go?

Music:

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird
Wings - Band on the Run

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Episode 131

Your friendly guide through the highs, lows, and unexpected bends of living beyond borders. In this episode, we're diving into the nitty-gritty – the sacrifices, the gains, and the tough decisions that sneak up on you.

Picture this: you've taken the plunge, left friends behind, tightened the budget, and embraced a life that promises better days. It's a journey filled with growth, but let's talk about the unspoken truths. Saying goodbye to the familiar, hunkering down to save money – it's part of the expat package. And yes, life gets better, but it comes with its own set of challenges.

Fast forward a few years, and here's where the plot thickens. Parents get ill, and you find yourself on the other side of the world. What do you do? It's a dilemma that many expats eventually face. In this episode, we'll explore the emotional tug-of-war, the choices that weigh heavy on your heart, and the reality of being far from loved ones during challenging times.

Join me for a listen that balances the excitement of expat life with a dose of reality. I'll share stories as I navigate through the complexities of sacrifice, success, and the unexpected turns that make our expat narratives uniquely ours.

So, grab your headphones, tune in, and let's unravel the layers of expat life – the sacrifices made, the joys gained, and the resilience needed when life takes an unexpected turn.

Darren

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Episode 130

5:30 am at an airport bar – a time when even the coffee looks at you and says, "Amateur hour, mate." It's like a scene from a twisted comedy, where weary travelers are torn between the existential crisis of ordering a pint or pretending they're responsible adults with a cup of tea. The bar becomes a stage for jet-lagged performers, attempting to turn their drunken fellow travelers  into dance partners. And don't even get me started on the breakfast menu; it's like a culinary interpretation of regret. You've got folks doing the airport limbo – how low can you go?It's a symphony of sleep-deprived souls, clinging to their pints like they're life rafts in the sea of early morning chaos. Ah, the airport bar at dawn, where the only thing taking off faster than the planes is your the fat girls knickers on the next table and your sense of decency. Cheers to the blurry line between a nightcap and the first sip of morning madness!

You people we are at 130!!!!
Thank you for sticking with me,pass it on,download and lll keep doing what lm doing.

Darren.

Music:

Status Quo - Paper Planes
MIA - Paper Planes

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Episode 129

In the nostalgic maze of holiday comparisons, the generation gap is a Grand Canyon. My holidays, back in the day, started with the delightful symphony of Mum peeing in a plastic bucket. It was my version of a morning alarm, a less-than-soothing wake-up call to the fragrant reality of life. Now, fast-forward to the offspring's adventures—they're globe-trotting, sampling exotic cuisines that has envy-inducing Instagram influencers going crazy.Yet, amidst the cultural odysseys, one common thread binds us: boredom. We share this yawn-inducing, universal sentiment, separated by four decades but united by a collective eye-roll at holiday monotony. The scenery has changed from the plastic bucket to passport stamps, but the essence remains. So, whether it's deciphering the nuances of ancient civilizations or decoding Mum's morning bucket ballet, the boredom transcends time, creating a peculiar bond across the generations. Welcome to the holiday continuum, where the only thing that doesn't age is the relentless pursuit of excitement to fend off the drowsy embrace of boredom.

Keep on downloading people.

Happy 2024.

Darren.

Music : 
The Sonics - Have Love Will Travel
Credence Clearwater Revival - Have You Ever Seen the Rain?

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Episode 128.

It's a common challenge that many expats face. When you return home, people may have certain expectations or perceptions based on the person they remember, not necessarily the individual you've become during your time abroad. This contrast can indeed lead to friction, as they may project unfulfilled aspirations onto you.

Explaining this to others can help them understand the complexity of the expat experience and the personal growth that comes with it. It's an opportunity to highlight the importance of accepting change, both in yourself and in others, as everyone's journey is unique. Acknowledging these differences can pave the way for more genuine connections and understanding.

Or you can just tell everyone to F**k Off.

Happy 2024,folks,

Darren.

Music:
 Carte Postale  - Slove
Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd.

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Episode 127

Picture a North England Christmas where the festive cheer turns into an alcohol fueled dark dark comedy. Family feuds echo like carolers on a sugar rush, overindulgence in booze,spirits and food transforms the living room into modern day Gaza, and the aftermath resembles a battlefield of empty bottles,sick buckets and self inflicted liquid wounds. Amidst the chaos, a young kid observes the adult drama, trying to decipher the blend of holiday spirit and intoxication, perhaps forming a childhood memory that can never,ever be erased.

The Pogues - Fairytale of New York
The Pretenders - 2000 Miles

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Episode 127

'Tis the season to be jolly, or so they say. But for me, it's the season to plug my ears and run for cover. Why, you ask? Because of those relentless, earworm-infested Xmas songs that invade the airwaves like a festive plague.

You see, I've declared a personal war on these jingling, sleigh bell-ringing, repetitive pieces of auditory torture. It's not that I'm a Scrooge; I just value my sanity. The constant barrage of "Jingle Bells" and "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is enough to make me want to hibernate until January.

So, I've instituted a strict ban on Xmas songs within the confines of my ears. My headphones are now equipped with an anti-Christmas-song force field, and I've mastered the art of the preemptive "la la la" to drown out any unsuspecting carolers.

I've even considered starting a support group for fellow sufferers of this holiday melody madness. We'd meet in soundproof bunkers, armed with noise-canceling headphones and survival kits filled with chocolate and funny cat videos.

Now, don't get me wrong; I'm not against celebrating the holiday spirit. I just believe it can be done without subjecting ourselves to the same playlist of cheer-induced madness year after year. Imagine a world where "Last Christmas" isn't the soundtrack to every shopping trip or elevator ride.

So, as the first notes of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" ring out, I'll be donning my earmuffs and retreating to the safety of my Xmas song-free zone. Call me the Scrooge of sleigh bells—I wear this title with pride. After all, 'tis the season to be sane.

So here are some of my best old and new,but certainly not festive.

Like and subscribe and Fuck Xmas.

Manchester Ochestra - The Silence
Noel Gallagher - Council Skies
Sean McGowan and the Dubliners - The Irish Rover
Elbow - Grounds for Divorce
James Brown - Superbad

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