Sunday, August 14, 2005

Yer Bits and Bobs

Back in the dim and distant, your average Victorian gent and gentess used to carry a truly stupendous quantity of accoutrements around with them. Travelling around Britain in the 1870's your average well to do gent would have about his person:
  • umbrella
  • snuff box
  • gold watch on chain
  • iron tipped walking cane
  • Cape
  • pinze nez or spectacles
  • woollens
  • waterproofs
  • greatcoat
  • books
  • newspapers
  • field or perspective glasses

They were so weighed down with bits 'n bobs that it's a wonder the cart springs on their horse drawn carriages didn't snap under the weight. Imagine the weight of all those sodden woollens when it rained? Railway carriages must have reeked of stale cigar smoke and kippers as the garments gently radiated steam.

We don't carry quite as much around with us these days, but we come pretty close. The last time I travelled by train I had about my person:

  • Ipod
  • newspapers and various magazines
  • PDA (I've no use for the thing, I just like fiddling with it)
  • notebook computer in case
  • books
  • knapsack (not containing bomb)
  • digicam
  • umbrella
  • Swiss army knife (don't ask)
  • Tunnocks teacakes

I'm sure that I didn't weigh as much as my Victorian counterpart; but I certainly equalled him in the sheer quantity of my bits 'n bobs. Plus ca change.

I'm a great believer in always travelling light. If only I could practise what I preach.

14 comments:

Sniffy said...

I guess there's a bit of a desert island mentality about it. You need something to keep you occupied and to make you feel safe while you're away from your familiar surroundings. And what if you did get stranded? What items would see you through until you coule make it home? Of course, if you did get stranded, it might be because of an "incident" so a digicam to capture events is an essential item. I think a digicam is an essential item anyway, I love them for the freedom they allow in taking photos of everyday things.

There was a phone in on the radio recently: "What three things would you like to have with you if you were stranded on a desert island?"

a) satellite phone
b) GPS system
c) digicam

garfer said...

If I was stranded on a desert island I would prefer to have:
a) Ray Mears
b) Satellite phone
c) 500 packets of vesta curry

Sniffy said...

Fair point, but I'd rather have chicken and mushroom pot noodle than Ray Mears

garfer said...

Ray Mears would probably be a lot more nutritious than chicken and mushroom pot noodle. Not much fat on that fellah.
I have a strange craving for a Vesta this evening. I haven't eaten one in twenty years. I must get a packet and remind myself of the vileness.

Herge Smith said...

The case of golden pinze nez (i think) sounds so much more exotic than the case of the golden PDA.

I always travel light - keys/ phone/ cash card/ hanky

pissoff said...

The hanky always comes in handy Herge. My father always carries a hanky and doesn't hesitate to pull it out and clean my children up when he feels they're not very well presented. He also carries nail clippers so he can whip them out and give random manicure.

You've got to wonder about the hanky though don't you? I mean, you blow your nose repeatedly in that thing and then keep shoving it back in your pocket.

garfer said...

Herge
Louis Vuitton or Cartier probably sell gold plated PDAs. That would be the ultimate in bling
April
The most toe curlingly embarrassing thing that can happen to a child is their mother using a hanky to wipe their face in front of their mates. 'Gerroff....I'm not a baby'.

pissoff said...

You know garfer...I think you need to post a picture of "Tunnocks teacakes" so we can too can experience the love. Either that or you can send me some through the post and we too can partake in a cultural exchange.

garfer said...

Tunnocks teacakes are very fragile, but I could probably send you some if suitably packaged.
I will try to post a photo for your perusal today.
There is, of course, the question of what you will send in exchange. A Moose head is out, and I don't fancy a pickled RCMP much. Any suggestions?

pissoff said...

That's a good question garfer....What would be a fair exchange?

Herge Smith said...

Pwwhhhoooaarrrr.... aye Garfer, AYE!?!

garfer said...

Ignore Herge, he gets a bit carried away sometimes.
I duuno what would be an acceptable exchange. I suppose it would have to be something edible. Maple syrup would be a bit obvious, but I'm sure that you can think of some Canuck delicacy to sent winging across the atlantic.

Sniffy said...

Hanky????

What a girl.

garfer said...

Yeah, what a total wooze. He should learn to wipe his nose on his sleeve like a real man.