some variation of benson

 heya

yes, indeed, this is one of them posts, look you see. a disclaimer, then, since it seems (and no doubt is) the right thing to do. smoking is a quite silly thing to do, and one should not do it, if they are able to avoid it. please, then, do not see this post as any effort or attempt to influence or endorse anyone to do such.

on my (fairly) recent adventure to the south east of our nation it was so that, from time to time, i felt compelled, or indeed obliged, to reflect on life for a moment. to do so, i did indeed find it most agreeable to have a cigarette (they are bad for you do not do it) at the same time, bringing all sorts of efficiency and good time management to it all. not that there is all that much to consider of my life, but still, anyway, you get the point. 

most frequently, as is the case with much of my life, i did so alone. there are not all that many of us smokers left, to be sure. but, actually, i have noted (observed, even) it being so that the further south you travel in (down) our nation, the more smokers you find. and, indeed, how much greater the habit is tolerated. 

this would be quite (as in very) boring if the tale was just of me, sat alone, wondering where it all went wrong, smoking. it is not such a tale at all, for one episode of such proved to be provided with some unexpected, and quite generous, company. 

as i sat, generally (or casually) considering how very welcome it was that an evening breeze was clearing some of the humidity i found to be a very real thing in the south east, a car pulled up. not uncommon for a hotel, i think you may find. three late teen, maybe early twenties (i am terrible at guessing such, which shall be of relevance) lads got out, whereas a forth parked the car up. on passing me they noted i was smoking, and commented that this was good. they asked me if i would wish to have another cigarette. i said that was very kind, but as presently i was smoking one such an offer would presently be declined. 

it was so that this response saddened them. not quite my intention or wish, of course, but all the same they looked, well, upset. to ease this, they then insisted that i take some cigarettes for later on. being versed in the customs and laws of the English way of doing things, i assented to this offer. for this, i was presented with variations of benson and hedges blue cigarettes. well, variations in respect of some regular king size ones, and some "super king" size ones. 

when considering the extravagant cost of cigarettes, mostly due to the obscene tax placed on them, and that tax has recently increased so i can guess who it is that Rishi and Boris have decided is now going to be paying for the invisible war on the new plague, this was most generous. and very greatly appreciated indeed, nice one lads. 

just what business did these lads have at the hotel? that would be a matter not of my concern. but, as it happens, the subject arose in conversation. apparently, and this level of responsibility is to be applauded, when it is so that they went to town on the lash, they checked into a hotel for the evening, using taxis to get to and from where it was they went to, if this term is still used, "party". doing it this way, they found, meant no concerns over driving, and no distress caused at home when they returned rather late and potentially rowdy, or with other guests. 

presumably this is rather a formality, but yes, then, this did indeed enhance my view that the place of England called the south east is simply fabulous. generally the south has a reputation for being mean, nasty and unfriendly. my suspicion is that when people say this, by "south" they actually mean London (innit), which does have a reputation for being a city full of people who do not speak to each other, except in instances that they feel compelled to shout at one or another for some indiscretion. 

be excellent to each other!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!