According to Fleming, when he isn't on assignment, Bond is essentially just a regular civil servant. He goes to the MI:6 offices for a flexible 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. workday. His days are largely spent reading various intelligence reports. Sometimes he works nights and mans the Universal Export phones. Bond spends his free time playing golf or cards with friends or sleeping with married women.
—Le Samourai
A Gent in Training.... A blog about my continuing efforts to be improve myself, be a better person, and lead a good life. It incorporates such far flung topics as fitness, self defense, music, style, food and drink, and personal philosophy. Agent In Training
According to Fleming, when he isn't on assignment, Bond is essentially just a regular civil servant. He goes to the MI:6 offices for a flexible 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. workday. His days are largely spent reading various intelligence reports. Sometimes he works nights and mans the Universal Export phones. Bond spends his free time playing golf or cards with friends or sleeping with married women.
would love a small section that shows Bond on his downtime, slightly bored with being ' thrown around by that damned Commando chap'
We could see Bond sorting out the Bins, Recycling his plastics etc. Then arguing with the neigbours
over their inconsiderate Parking. Before poping some Beans in the Microwave to pour over his freshly
made toast. Then slouching in front of the telly to catch up on some Jeremy Kyle, and loose women.
( Sorry that's my down time ) )
As others have pointed out I think Bond spends as much time as he can in warmer climates, and in the
Benson novels he had a villa in Jamacia where he spent loads of time between missions. Although he too
has the daily grind of reading reports etc.
"I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
Have to go along with le samourai on this Bond must spend his off duty times in London
otherwise he wouldn't be able to buy all those nice things we all hanker to aquire,and knowing the civil service
he probably has shed loads of paper work to fill out IN TRIPLICATE, )
I would love to see a bit of domestic Bond, but I'm not sure how it would work. You couldn't have a film start with Bond at home having a bit of a scratch and a dig while watching 'Match of the Day' (judging by his address just off the King's Road, he'd have to be either Chelsea or Fulham...I'm going for the latter), because you have to start with a dramatic PTS. Therefore, the only place it would likely work would be just after the titles...but that's pretty much what we got with Skyfall with the 'enjoying death' stuff, so to go from an action-packed opener to a tin of beans in Bond 24 would be a bit redundant. We could have Bond making his scrambled eggs for brekkie in his silk pajamas and bunny slippers with a bit of Hoagy on the radio when the bad guys break in and try to kill him...but having the bad guys attack him at home was also sort of done in Skyfall. Love to see it happen, but it would be difficult to include without either taking the gloss off Bond's superhero aura or making it highly reminiscent of Skyfall.
I am dismayed by some of these comments! I mean, tinned beans, bunny slippers, sorting the bins.....come on folkes, THIS IS JAMES BOND WE ARE TALKING ABOUT!
My feeling is he would spend down time here in London. I bet he had friends - casino mates, card schools etc, and of course ladies in the little black book to call on. I think he would go into the office, do paperwork at home on the SONY VAIO laptop but on weekends and in evenings when not on missions he would likely go to the gym, run in Battersea Park as it's near home and go for dinner and clubs like Blades, Le Circle and maybe even Annabells.
He wouldn't clean his own flat, change the beds, do the ironing - remember May does that! He would eat out more than at home, but the fridge would be full of Heineken, Champagne, and "finger food". Lots of Russian vodka about the place for those all important Martinis when he hits the homestead.
Any others think this would be Bond's life - London based....or am I describing my own wondeful existence! Hahahahahaha.
Asp9mmOver the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,541MI6 Agent
He wouldn't clean his own flat, change the beds, do the ironing - remember May does that! He would eat out more than at home, but the fridge would be full of Heineken, Champagne, and "finger food". Lots of Russian vodka about the place for hose all important Martinis when he hits the homestead.
Any others think this would be Bond's life - London based....or am I describing my own wondeful existence! Hahahahahaha.
No Heineken, but loads of bourbon. He also eats out a lot and has a great social life in London. Fleming mentions much of it in his books.
whatever he does, it's bound to depress him (accoding to YOLT, the book), which would mean that Fleming had him basically idle and lacking in objective until his next mission.
But the movie Bond (i feel) would most definitely be having a good time in between missions.
In DN he is playing baccarat and bedroom golf with the honeys, and in FRWL he is picnicking by the creek (with the honeys).
I've read somewhere that he has a side job when off missions. anybody read this too?
I am dismayed by some of these comments! I mean, tinned beans, bunny slippers, sorting the bins.....come on folkes, THIS IS JAMES BONE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT!
My feeling is he would spend down time here in London. I bet he had friends - casino mates, card schools etc, and of course ladies in the little black book to call on. I think he would go into the office, do paperwork at home on the SONY VAIO laptop but on weekends and in evenings when not on missions he would likely go to the gym, run in Battersea Park as it's near home and go for dinner and clubs like Blades, Le Circle and maybe even Annabells.
He wouldn't clean his own flat, change the beds, do the ironing - remember May does that! He would eat out more than at home, but the fridge would be full of Heineken, Champagne, and "finger food". Lots of Russian vodka about the place for hose all important Martinis when he hits the homestead.
Any others think this would be Bond's life - London based....or am I describing my own wondeful existence! Hahahahahaha.
Everything you say is bang-on...except for your outright dismissal of the bunny slippers. You did forget the eggs and rashers of bacon in the fridge too though, and the orange juice. Of course, his closest friend in the books is Tanner, so he'd likely see a bit of him when not in the field too. Also, although mentioned him watching MOTD, if interested in team sports at all, literary Bond would probably have been more a cricket man and perhaps rugby than footie. Film Bond would likely be a footie man, I suspect.
I would love to see a bit of domestic Bond, but I'm not sure how it would work. You couldn't have a film start with Bond at home having a bit of a scratch and a dig while watching 'Match of the Day' (judging by his address just off the King's Road, he'd have to be either Chelsea or Fulham...I'm going for the latter), because you have to start with a dramatic PTS. Therefore, the only place it would likely work would be just after the titles...but that's pretty much what we got with Skyfall with the 'enjoying death' stuff, so to go from an action-packed opener to a tin of beans in Bond 24 would be a bit redundant. We could have Bond making his scrambled eggs for brekkie in his silk pajamas and bunny slippers with a bit of Hoagy on the radio when the bad guys break in and try to kill him...but having the bad guys attack him at home was also sort of done in Skyfall. Love to see it happen, but it would be difficult to include without either taking the gloss off Bond's superhero aura or making it highly reminiscent of Skyfall.
just for the record to you non-Londoners , Kings road is in Chelsea and the Fulham part of it is called New Kings road,
Bond would definatly live in Chelsea
whatever he does, it's bound to depress him (accoding to YOLT, the book), which would mean that Fleming had him basically idle and lacking in objective until his next mission.
But the movie Bond (i feel) would most definitely be having a good time in between missions.
In DN he is playing baccarat and bedroom golf with the honeys, and in FRWL he is picnicking by the creek (with the honeys).
I've read somewhere that he has a side job when off missions. anybody read this too?
Don't forget the golf and judo. I think Fleming says somewhere that Bond is not a team-sports kind of guy. Bond gets outside of London quite a bit to play golf in, I seem to recall, Sunningdale and Sandwich(?).
Ps Barbel, I'm just glad you didn't crack any of the bone gags when discussing Bond's love life... )
just for the record to you non-Londoners , Kings road is in Chelsea and the Fulham part of it is called New Kings road,
Bond would definatly live in Chelsea
Definitely lives in Chelsea, but if he was the footie sort, I think he'd rather spend a Saturday afternoon at the quaint Craven Cottage than the behemoth Stamford Bridge given his penchant for being somewhat rebellious. That said, I do agree that in all likelihood he'd opt for rugby or cricket more than footie...but would definitely have a prime spot along the Thames to watch the boat race.
just for the record to you non-Londoners , Kings road is in Chelsea and the Fulham part of it is called New Kings road,
Bond would definatly live in Chelsea
Definitely lives in Chelsea, but if he was the footie sort, I think he'd rather spend a Saturday afternoon at the quaint Craven Cottage than the behemoth Stamford Bridge given his penchant for being somewhat rebellious. That said, I do agree that in all likelihood he'd opt for rugby or cricket more than footie...but would definitely have a prime spot along the Thames to watch the boat race.
Would Bond pop down (in season of course ) to Hurlingham for a bit of polo ,
always a good place to mix with the upper classes ,especialy if you was looking for
some nice well bred Sloaney girl for company if you get my drift
By the way, did I tell you, I was "Mad"?
superadoRegent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,656MI6 Agent
As it's been said, yes, Bond has a pretty set routine of London life when not on missions. I'd like to suggest reading through James Bond's London by Gary Giblin, which helps fill in the details about James Bond's lifestyle in town that seems pretty robust.
"...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
Well at least two of the actors who have played Bond are football fans Timothy Dalton supports Man City and Daniel Craig supports Liverpool useless bit of info for you there
It's obvious Fleming gave Bond the same leisure life he had during and immediately following his service in WWII. He more or less stayed in London except for his diplomatic
trips abroad on behalf of his boss. He played cards and golfed when he had the chance - such as when the there were no air raids. After the war he kept the same lifestyle but also had the opportunity to hop over to the coast of France for some casino time. Bond like
his creator loved London and England and like everyone else, only hated the winters and other moments of miserable weather. That's when he would head off to sunnier climates or looked forward to going there on a mission.
The main difference between creation and creator was that Bond had to study and constantly train to be fit for his job. This would have left little down time for him, which is why he only had time for golf, cards and those affairs with only married women.
Comments
A Gent in Training.... A blog about my continuing efforts to be improve myself, be a better person, and lead a good life. It incorporates such far flung topics as fitness, self defense, music, style, food and drink, and personal philosophy.
Agent In Training
would love a small section that shows Bond on his downtime, slightly bored with being ' thrown around by that damned Commando chap'
over their inconsiderate Parking. Before poping some Beans in the Microwave to pour over his freshly
made toast. Then slouching in front of the telly to catch up on some Jeremy Kyle, and loose women.
( Sorry that's my down time ) )
As others have pointed out I think Bond spends as much time as he can in warmer climates, and in the
Benson novels he had a villa in Jamacia where he spent loads of time between missions. Although he too
has the daily grind of reading reports etc.
otherwise he wouldn't be able to buy all those nice things we all hanker to aquire,and knowing the civil service
he probably has shed loads of paper work to fill out IN TRIPLICATE, )
My feeling is he would spend down time here in London. I bet he had friends - casino mates, card schools etc, and of course ladies in the little black book to call on. I think he would go into the office, do paperwork at home on the SONY VAIO laptop but on weekends and in evenings when not on missions he would likely go to the gym, run in Battersea Park as it's near home and go for dinner and clubs like Blades, Le Circle and maybe even Annabells.
He wouldn't clean his own flat, change the beds, do the ironing - remember May does that! He would eat out more than at home, but the fridge would be full of Heineken, Champagne, and "finger food". Lots of Russian vodka about the place for those all important Martinis when he hits the homestead.
Any others think this would be Bond's life - London based....or am I describing my own wondeful existence! Hahahahahaha.
No Heineken, but loads of bourbon. He also eats out a lot and has a great social life in London. Fleming mentions much of it in his books.
does this make him a supporter? FFC?
whatever he does, it's bound to depress him (accoding to YOLT, the book), which would mean that Fleming had him basically idle and lacking in objective until his next mission.
But the movie Bond (i feel) would most definitely be having a good time in between missions.
In DN he is playing baccarat and bedroom golf with the honeys, and in FRWL he is picnicking by the creek (with the honeys).
I've read somewhere that he has a side job when off missions. anybody read this too?
No, that's a new one- can you remember where that was claimed?
Everything you say is bang-on...except for your outright dismissal of the bunny slippers. You did forget the eggs and rashers of bacon in the fridge too though, and the orange juice. Of course, his closest friend in the books is Tanner, so he'd likely see a bit of him when not in the field too. Also, although mentioned him watching MOTD, if interested in team sports at all, literary Bond would probably have been more a cricket man and perhaps rugby than footie. Film Bond would likely be a footie man, I suspect.
His adventures include
THE MANDIBLE WITH THE GOLDEN GUN
THE SPINE WHO LOVED ME
GOLDFEMUR
THUNDERBALL & SOCKET
ORTHOPUSSY
TOMARROW NEVER DIES
ON HER MALLEUS'S SECRET SERVICE
...just being humerus, of course.
Not trying to be hip...
Don't rib me about it....
This is outrageous! I have a bone to pick with you! )
All corrected now guys. Sorry.
just for the record to you non-Londoners , Kings road is in Chelsea and the Fulham part of it is called New Kings road,
Bond would definatly live in Chelsea
Surely Bond would watch "rugger" not football ?
Ps Barbel, I'm just glad you didn't crack any of the bone gags when discussing Bond's love life... )
Tempting though it is, I think I'll pass. Although one rises to meet a challenge...
(Gotcha "crack"! ) )
Definitely lives in Chelsea, but if he was the footie sort, I think he'd rather spend a Saturday afternoon at the quaint Craven Cottage than the behemoth Stamford Bridge given his penchant for being somewhat rebellious. That said, I do agree that in all likelihood he'd opt for rugby or cricket more than footie...but would definitely have a prime spot along the Thames to watch the boat race.
Would Bond pop down (in season of course ) to Hurlingham for a bit of polo ,
always a good place to mix with the upper classes ,especialy if you was looking for
some nice well bred Sloaney girl for company if you get my drift
trips abroad on behalf of his boss. He played cards and golfed when he had the chance - such as when the there were no air raids. After the war he kept the same lifestyle but also had the opportunity to hop over to the coast of France for some casino time. Bond like
his creator loved London and England and like everyone else, only hated the winters and other moments of miserable weather. That's when he would head off to sunnier climates or looked forward to going there on a mission.
The main difference between creation and creator was that Bond had to study and constantly train to be fit for his job. This would have left little down time for him, which is why he only had time for golf, cards and those affairs with only married women.