ALSO KNOWN as Northern England, or simply the North.
I spent Christmas, and New Year’s, in the North.
Christmas in Preston (north east), New Year’s in Newcastle (north west).
From the US, I landed in Manchester, but frequented Liverpool for my long distance trains.
These are the northern cities.
***
I spent a good two weeks of December 2021 in the South.
Staying mostly in Gloucester, but also visiting London, Southampton, Bath, Cheltenham, and passing through Bristol, and Birmingham.
***
If I had my way, I would already be exploring the Eastern European block by now.
Countries like Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, Romania, Serbia, and Croatia.
Although I have standing invitations to Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Switzerland, I really want to explore those countries I mentioned above.
Because, Why not?
***
But Omicron, as we all know by now, is the big party pooper.
Do I really want to take unnecessary risks?
I came to Europe to affirm Life.
And so far, this is what the trip has been about.
I’ve been meeting people, visiting the sick (more psycho and mental, rather than Covid symptoms), I’m hitting historical spots and touristic attractions.
***
In keeping with #ThePSN PINK Ambassadorial Tour of Europe, I’ve been campaigning Pink in Filipino households.
Updates from the ground: more Northerners are for Leni; more Southerners (except for London which is also for Leni) are for some other candidates.
Like f*cking Manny Pacquiao.
Of course, with a little logical explanation, I easily convert the Pac-Man fans to the Pink movement.
***
The harder to convert are the fans of the thief.
It’s as if stealing, and historical revisionism, have become the norm in our modern times.
“Sure, the Marcoses have stolen, but…”
And I stop them right there and then, just to say, “The Marcoses have stolen so much, and we are still paying for the billions they have gotten.”
I stop the engagement right there.
It is enough for me that they admit that the Marcoses are liars and thieves.
And then, I just appeal to their moral intelligence.
***
If they have no morals, or only have moronic intelligence, why waste my time?
I can’t take the stress of stupid people at 53.
I do my part, I do my job.
And the world can just self-destruct if it wants to.
That’s why I maintain a great sexlife.
So whatever happens to the world in 2022, I am sure I have my fun!
***
If it were just my libido, my first hookup for the year would have been a young man more than half my age 53.
(These lads and blokes are from Grindr, of course.)
But Connor wanted to meet for a New Year’s Eve party in Blyth, another northern city.
In a pub, with friends.
And I asked Connor, where he is with Covid vaccines and all.
And he said, “Oh, I’m doing much better. My friends and I all got Covid from our last pub-hopping (that’s barhopping for you), and are recovered now.”
I didn’t know what “recovered” means to them, and I didn’t want to push, so I just said, “Goodbye, Felisha!”
***
We had a New Year’s Eve party at my hosts’ house.
Just two related-families, and a tricking of guests (healthcare workers, so they’re Covid-informed) coming in and out.
I slept early, and started some New Year’s ritual early the next day: first sunrise, first sunset, mindful eating, intermittent fasting.
I believe that what happens on January 1 sets the tone for the rest of the year.
I’m superstitious that way.
And so, when an opportunity for a hookup came up, I didn’t say no.
***
Before midnight on the first day of the year, I established myself as a reigning stud at 53!
I met a 47-year-old guy; but to be honest, he looked older than I.
Well, he is not Daniel Craig; but have you seen Hugh Grant lately?
***
As I write this, I’ve already met five Northerners.
Adam is 25. Slim, twink, banker (likely just a bankteller). Just smooching in a dance club, December 29.
Ian (or is it Iain?) is 47. Fit, older Hugh Grant, biker. The fireworks of New Year Day 2022, his house.
Daniel is 33. Chubby, yuppie, nice car. Quickie in the park.
Liam is 27. Gorgeous, unemployed. Groping at Cafe Nero.
Gary is 33. Irish, handsome, fit, bi (with a girlfriend). Nude massage, and you-know in his flat. My sweet birthday gift from the gods.
James is 40. Stocky, paramedic, wine, Netflix. Have you ever had Allah’s tears on your skin—from head to toe?
***
On the whole, I just have got to say, Northern men are nice, and cool.
I wonder, Does it gets any nicer and cooler once you get farther north like Scotland, and Northern Ireland?
I mean, didn’t I have a wonderful time in Edinburgh and Glasgow last time?/PN
