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Vegan - Green - Immigration Lawyer - Loves Manchester, Real Ale, Photography, World and Independent Cinema, Folk Music and Festivals - Learning French, Web Design, Tango, Swimming

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Dear Reader,

I have been vegan since August 2005 and vegetarian since 1998. I went vegetarian for animal rights reasons and vegan because it makes sense; there is a wonderful poem by Leonard Cohen, I had it written down on a scrap of paper when I find it again, I’ll share.

Like most folks I guess, I see veganism as a way of life. I didn’t turn vegan for the health benefits, but I do enjoy reaping them now. No, I am a vegan because I want to walk the path of least destruction. Not that there is anything wrong with those who found veganism for their health.

I am also a member of the Green Party (UK), which links into my belief about the path of least destruction. I may run in the local elections at some point.

I love Manchester. I think it is my spiritual home. I have discovered an amazing pub called the Marble Beer House. All the Marble Beers are vegan and all worth sampling. There is also an awesome vegan supermarket near me called the Unicorn. I enjoy attending the Chorlton Film Institute once a month and I’m looking for a good yoga class.

I want a bike and I am trying to learn to swim so I can eventually go surfing with my little brother. I enjoy taking photographs. I am interested in abstract, macro and street photography.

I am currently studying on a photography course with the Open College of Arts. Currently suspended due to a lack of finances. I am also on a web design course with the University of Ilinois. On top of all that, I am also learning French and Tango.

I write music reviews for an online music magazine called We♥Music. I am a massive fan of music festivals! Keep it real, keep it folk! I am also a fan of experimental electronica and good loud stuff.

I am a solicitor with the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit in Manchester. I work with a team of dedicated lawyers, each one of them is wonderful. It is one of the greatest jobs I have ever done. The pay sucks but the rewards are massive. I also help out with other projects whenever I get the chance.

Basically, I have two types of clients; those who have suffered greatly or those who have fallen in love; refugees and migrants. I am attracted to the idea of refuge and exile. Oh yeah, and I get to read Human Rights reports for breakfast.

Some times I like to wander around the streets without any aim or purpose. Some times I like to sit in a quietest corner of the busiest cafe and read a book, newspaper or just scribble in a pad.

I have two usernames online, thedharmablues and lazyvegansunday. One is a tribute to ‘The Dharma Bums’ and the other is a concept I am working on. More details to follow…maybe

This is the closest I’ll ever come to writing a biography about myself. Despite all the ‘I’s, I am more interested in other folks.

Sincerely,

Ryan Bestford
aka thedharmablues

في دارما بلووز

Place I can be found:
www.ryanbestford.com
www.goforthandconquermore.co.uk
www.twitter.com/thedharmablues
www.myspace.com/lazyvegansunday