Not far from Hadrian's Wall

Carlisle to be precise, and the Dojo of Sensei Dan Russell, who has been a student of mine for 35 years and a close personal friend. Driving to Carlisle is a nightmare, catching a plane is even worse. I tried to be patriotic and travelled by British Airways, but due to disputes within the system, delays and no food on the plane made my journey a misery. I travel on average 10 times a year, to various countries and never experience such disruption, please get it sorted.

I was met by Sensei Dan, and we made our way to his home, after a dive along an isolated road we arrived at his farm, which is home to an array of animals, it is like a retreat for civilisation. I was treated to a fish supper and vegetables that were picked fresh from his garden, the country air suddenly took its toll, and I bade goodnight.

The following morning I awoke expecting the roar of traffic and sirens, and then I realised where I was, instead I was awoken by silence, and the voices of nature. The colour grey turns to the colour green, the wind is the only conversation, and the movement of the trees is the only chaos.

We made our way to the Dojo, where a small contingent of people were waiting to receive the teachings that I had to offer, the training was hard but educational, all seemed to be enthusiastic. After the training had finished, it was back to the farm, where I'm asked to catch the supper, in one of the lakes. There is an abundance of fish, namely trout, but alas, having a 10th Dan in fishing I failed to produce but thanks to the assistance of my colleague and his premonition, the fish supper was on the table on my arrival.

I spoke with Sensei Dan and we agreed that I would conduct seminars twice a year at his Dojo during 2006, and all will be welcome.

George Andrews

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