Ex-pat Plonk

Ex-pat plonk is any alcoholic beverage made by a member of the ex-pat community while living and working abroad. Some of it is pleasant enough but most of it is more or less foul. Some is even toxic. There are reasons enough for this sad situation but no valid excuses, because it is easy to make wholesome, palatable drinks that no-one need be ashamed to serve, using readily available supermarket ingredients.

I lived in the Middle East from 2002 to 2018 during which time I evolved many methods and recipes suited to the conditions and restrictions of the region. When back in UK and effectively grounded by the corona-virus pandemic, I decided to devote a blog to the topic as a 'one stop shop' for the ex-pat plonk community and anyone else who fancies giving it a go.

In fact, I already have several web articles 'out there', most notably on HubPages, where over the years I have fielded thousands of questions from aspiring wine and cider makers, most of whom, it must be said, have got into difficulties only through not following my simple directions. Fortunately, I am extremely patient. . .

At last - The Paraplexed Crossword

 The Basic Crossword

Across 1. The newish name for Twitter (1)

Down   1. The third-last letter of the English alphabet (1)

The Intermediate Crossword

Across 1. The newish name for Twitter, repeated once (1,1)

             3. The number 20, as written by Marcus Junius Brutus (2)

Down   1. A possible shorthand for one's previous partner but one (1,1)

             2. Substitute signatures for two illiterate individuals (1,1)

The Advanced Crossword

Across 1. A winning row in noughts & crosses (1,1,1)

             4. A traditional descriptor for a premium strength ale (3)

             5. The number of days in September, as written by Caius Cassius (3)

Down   1. The newish name for Twitter, repeated twice (1,1,1)

             2. A winning column in noughts & crosses (1,1,1)

             3. An amorous appendage to a signature in a love letter (1,1,1)

The House of the Living Doll

The House of the Living Doll is a fusion of two well-known songs. Guess which ones!

 

A Dangerous Species

 Beware of the Financial Advisor. It hangs around in ex-pat haunts such as Doha's Champion's Bar, listens in to conversations for hints of affluence, and ingratiates itself with unsuspecting individuals who might be looking to invest some hard-earned money. It is likely to use a pseudonym, like Decent Bloke, Helpful Guy or John Hunt. But what it is really trying to do is scam you with some dubious investment scheme. Having received its commission, it won't want to know you any more.