DAY SIX of a writer’s diary

Ryan Clement

TODAY, WAS BOAT TRIP DAY. However, I still managed to write the opening paragraph to Day Seven. So, technically, I managed to keep the momentum going; One small step on Day Seven of the book, One giant step towards its completion.

BREAKFAST STARTS AT 7.30 and I had to catch the coach at 7.50. So, there was little time to spare. After I finished my two poached eggs 🥚🥚, with beans, fresh coffee ☕️ and a bowl 🥣 of Granola, I was ready to go. The receptionist said the driver was waiting for me, which was true, but others were still boarding the ride. Whilst on my way, it reminded me of parts of Arizona, which is where I was in March this year, bounding to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon. Parts of our journey were arid and sparse in vegetation, as we passed many Joshua Trees.

I CONFESS that the only time I had heard of the Joshua Tree was from an album of that name by U2. Interestingly, when I went to the Grand Canyon it had snowed ❄️, which am I told is rare. I blame our guide. On the journey, he had asked for it to snow in hope rather than true expectation because he hadn’t seen snow for many years. But, I guess what, his hope came true! He was a happy bunny! 🐰 Personally, I was not impressed! 😠 I could have experienced snow back in the U.K. Anyway, notwithstanding this, as would be expected, the Grand Canyon 🗻 was truly amazing! What a sight, and I was honoured to see first-hand a place I had only previously heard of and seen in educational books.

Back to my boat trip. There were about 12 of us on the boat that sailed between the island of Kos and Turkey. It was arguably one of the most peaceful times I have had, similar to solitary moments I have had many times whilst sitting on various white sandy beaches in parts of the Caribbean. But there was something tranquil, calm and still witnessing the various shades of the blue sea that I doubt could be reproduced by any painting artist 🎨, such would be priceless if they could. We ended up, anchoring just off the island Pserimos, which I am reliably informed by more than one source (including friends who live both in the UK and Kos) that in the winter time, yes they do have winter, is inhabited by only 25 to 30 people. Anyway, this day was not much short of what I would describe as perfection. Any problems or concerns one would have about life or, on a less serious note, one’s book finishing on time was washed away and replaced with serenity.

BACK AT THE HOTEL. There was evening entertainment every day. On some nights, there were acts from South Africa who were just truly amazing and were my favourites amongst the others. Then came an association with two people whom I think, and hope, will be friends. Again, for privacy reasons, I shall not mention their real names but shall refer to them as George and Michelle. It was strange how we got together. It was first on the night when one of the singers from South Africa was singing some classic songs, so we all went on the dance floor (I shall let you decide whether my going on the dance floor has the same meaning as my dancing!!!). But how this relates to this day is that we somehow ended up chatting until 1am – not on the dancefloor, I should add – being the early hours of Day Seven. It is hard to put this into words but if one could imagine being on a picturesque Greek island. It’s warm. It is a dark save for the starlights. There are stars brighter than probably anywhere else you know. You have a choice of almost any drink you desire: alcoholic, non alcoholic, cocktail, mocktail etc. 🍷🥂🍸 You name it, you can have it! 🍾 What more can one ask for beyond not wishing for snow in the Grand Canyon in March and having to complete one’s latest book on time?

BUT HOW THIS RELATIONSHIP STARTED was that George, like me, was a former quantity surveyor and did his degree in that subject, as too did I (B.Sc.) before I studied law and read for the Bar. But our similarities did not end there. He has written a book, which was on quantity surveying, whereas I have written a book, which is on employment law. But the similarity still did not end there. He’s about to write a novel, whereas as I have written a novel, Like Father, Like Son. Naturally, therefore, he was interested to know that I was writing my current book, Discrimination in Employment in 7 Days!.