Bertworld

Nice Job

2007-04-09T14:47:00.000Z

Saw this on research project. Howcome do I never get these sort of jobs.

They seemed to have missed the key ingredients of brown sauce though! shoddy piece of work.

Must do better and News!!

2007-03-28T21:48:00.000Z

I am really bad at keep this blog thing up to date.

So whats the news ....

Well I am moving jobs to work in London, and will be moving in with Kim.

As part of that I am selling my house, and then will be looking to buy down south. So going through all the stress things related to selling and moving.

And in between finishing one job and starting the next, will be off to Oz, for Kims sister's wedding. So all will be a bit rushed

Really lookign forward to the new job. Good opportunites to learn more, and with a reinsurer so on the other side of the coin. Will be tough learnign curve and potential long days, but I do that anyway and potentially more rewarding. Also as with a smaller company shoudl be able to see more and better communication.

Before all that having a few drinks in Glasgow week after Easter. More than welcome if nothing on.

Will try and write more stuff promise.

housework reduces breastcancer

2007-01-02T12:55:00.000Z

Awesome news

all we need now is to find out it's dangerous to men!

Christmas

2007-01-02T12:47:00.000Z

Well Christmas was not too bad. Had the typical ridiculous number of christmas meals before the main event. Think 4. Then went down to Kims on the friday night.

Unfortunately this was when the fog was delaying things so the flight took off 3 hours late, but they told us to board an hour late, then told us it was delayed another 2 hours, and we had to sit on the plane. That's easyjet for you. Then got on the train and it left gatwick to three bridges. Then it stopped. The train was behind a freight train where the driver didn't have the experience to pull the track into the sidings, so it stopped there waiting for a new driver. We then went back to Gatwick and were told we scould use a different line. But an hour or so later, nothing was moving and no news, so got a taxi instead.

Had a relaxing weekend, and headed over to my dad'd onthe sunday, and took 45 mins less than expected as managed to catch the earlier train, as trainline gives too much time to cross London. Then went to see James Bond. Cool, one of the best, so much grittier.

Next morning was pressies, at around 6, not too bad. Only the kids got theirs and I had to wait till after breaky. Then got my pressie. WooHoo!! Just what I wanted, mainly as I'd sent out a list and a little sad so won't mention here!

Then on the morning of the 27th it was off overseas ....

fireworks

2006-11-04T17:55:00.000Z

So ages again since I posted. so what have I done.

Um.
Not much really.
Been drunk playing poker on line, been down to York for flicks leaving.

thats it. But have a few good weekends planned. Next one in Manchester watching Muse.
Tonight off to Keiths for his birthday and macheteing a cake.
Then tomorrow life convention (sad workie thing) about 5 mins away, not sure i fancy all the quizzing likely to go on, and the talk to do.

But should be interesting.

playing poker now, so must concentrate.

..... nerly forgot why the post!

Fireworks love them, hate them. What d'you think. Personally rather ban them except public displays as my cats get terrified, and dangerous with thick yobs. God do I feel old with that comment!!

Ryder Cup

2006-09-25T19:07:00.000Z

What an Awesome display. I remember when we used to be 10-6 up and then just sneak home or lose in the singles. The thing is that we now have 8 of the 12 in the worlds top 20 compared to just 5 americans. It' that strength in depth that proved so good.

Really tempted to see about going over in 2 years time

Adam Hills

2006-09-23T19:11:00.000Z

Saw Adam on friday night in a place called the old fruitmarket. Great looking place. Outside its a modern building but inside the old fruitmarket is still there and is a small theatre, this is all with wooden roof and balconcys etc. A surprising building.

His show was great, and started off with some talk about Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter, (talking of which did you see the denial by stingray on bbc of any invovlement in his deat - v funny) anyway he sketched that he wasn't surprised that he'd died by an animal and would have been surprised if he'd died of old age, and then said only an aussie could get away with the persona, and did a persona of a geordy crocodile hunter. v funny.

Later he did various sketches including digs at americans, and about how the canadians are fantastically bilingual. Won't say anymore as very funny. Definitely someone you should see if he's showing nearby

Ashes Squad

2006-09-11T12:09:00.000Z

Well first to say been a long time since I posted. Must do better.

Anyway, tomorrow they announce the team to go down under and keep hold of the ashes. So who would I take.

Well firstly we always seem to take 16 and then end up calling people in at short notice, not used to climate etc. I understand why you don't want lots as they may not play, but they can practice and be part of the squad. So I would definitely take more.

Now clearly the team depends on the pitch, and the series state. So there may be times to play 2 spinners. Others may want to pack full of batsmen.

Firstly though Captain.... Strauss. He's proved more than capable and I think there will be enough pressure on Freddy, also Freddy had a tendency to bowl himself too much.

Bats
Trescothic - have to take despite any illness issues
Strauss
Butcher - need an experienced bat, and now over injury scorig runs this summer and lots of centurys against the Aussies
Bell
Cook
Pietersen
Collingwood
Solanki - prefer to Shah, Ramps etc

Keepers
Read
Jones

All Rounders
Freddy Flintoff

Bowlers
Harmison
Hoggard
Jones (leave a spare place for him - so 1 over the 16)
Panesar
Giles - experience, and useful with the bat. but number 2 spinner.
Plunkett - prefer toAnderson but I do support Durham!
Broad - young, but the trip would do him well.
Lewis

Definitely need choice of bowlers and would suggets we generally played 5 as we need to get them out twice and the spinner may only come into play in second innings.

So thats 8 bats, 2 keeper, freddy and 8 bowlers. A hefty 19, but expect that Jones would be called off, or only in late. What with the current injuries we need the back up!

Croatia 2

2006-07-04T12:35:00.000Z

Well on the tuesday we headed off down town to get to the boat. Not exactly what we expected. It had been billed slightly differently. Stopped at a village for an hour where nothing to do, when been expecign a beach where could swim. Then went to a picnic, which was nice, as great fish. But they had some dodgy croatian red wine/ or liquer thing and then had some of the crew singing, which became a bit irritating. We then went swimming and left over anhour late and had singing all the way back by the crew who were now quite drunk. Not that impressed.

Anyway got home, watched Englands game, 2-2 vs Sweden.

Next morning had planned to go the National Park, but a nasty mozzie had bit my eye-lid and if any of you know, by eye swelled up really badly. So left that for a few days. Instead just walked to a nearby beach and relaxed, swam, read etc. Then went to a pizza place with fantastic pizza.

Thursday was a lazy day, still recovering from mozzie bites. Then watched Australia scrape home against Croatia. Thankfully, wasn't on in the nearby bar. Not sure why as soe earlier games had been.

Friday, with my eye not too bad, drove off to Krka National Park. Then went for a walk past the waterfalls and a boat trip, stopped at Visovace, which was nice then near some other falls for lunch which was great. Then back in the boat and a drive home. The park was ok, for a day break, but not a nice as some places I've bben

On Saturday headed off to Split, earlier than expected as asked to leave early as someone else was coming into apartment. Not happy about that, and as such would not recommend the same apartment. But at this stage just couldn't be arsed to worry about it, left the place in a mess though!!

So went to Split and wandered around Diocletians palace which was nice, but it was very hot so had to have a nice cool beer :-) Crashed back at our hotel and then went into town for a meal.

Next day flew back and arrived in Luton, and got Bus to Victoria so could watch Englands footy and then back to Horsham.

Aerial

2006-07-03T07:33:00.000Z

Just been listening to Kate Bush's Aerial. Not bad, if a few weird songs. First there is a song Pi where she sings pi in numbers for most of the song. Then theres Bertie, with lyrics. Lovely Bertie. Then a song about a washing machine.

Um.

Croatia

2006-07-03T07:19:00.000Z

Well sorry for not many posts recently, but been in Croatia, then whilst home busy at work, wathing the footy, sorting out cleaning (yuk) and then suffering from cold - which i feel terrible from and tempted not to go to work - lets see how things go ...

Anyway in Croatia, Kim and I flew out on the saturday morning with easyjet from Gsatwick, ok flight if a little early. Then hired a car, and drove to Trogir, fairly easy as only 8k away from the airport. We stayed there and grabbed some nice pizza for lunch watching the boats in the harbour and then got some basic supplies at the market and supermarket and headed to our apartment.

The apartment was ok, but a few things not as expected. The bathroom was small, but okish, one of those things with pictures. Also there was no overall door to the apartment it was 3 rooms at the top of the landing. Um. But the balcony was big and fantastic views.

So we just settled in and had a nice night watching the world go buy whilst having some of our wares on the balcony. Next morning, birthday .... yeah. So got my pressies, a few books and some ashes cufflinks (must be tough for an aussie to get those, although she said it was special as we wont win them again for years).

Next day we made use of the car and travelled round the Island of Ciovo and settled in Slatine on the other side of the island, at a beach. Had some nice lunch and then came back and crashed. Then we watched Australia lose gallantly to Brazil.

Monday didn't really do much except visit Trogir, look around and book a boat trip for the Wednesday. We basically spent the afternoon sitting on the harbour with a nice beer, or 2, and reading. In the evening we went to a nice restaurant and had great bbq'd fish.

more later ....

Scorchio

2006-06-11T17:19:00.000Z

A pleasant surprise this weekend stinking hot. So really should have spent the time driving off somewhere, but alas no

Started off the weekend by cleaning (hoovering, washing and ironing). Really just getting ready for my hols in Croatia. Can't wait. Also been sorting out my new mobile, i'l pass on the detaisla after back from my trip, bargain really, £30 for phone and the broadband I pay £21 for nowomes free. So nice new phone - 2mb camera, mp3 player and some 400 mins and 100m texts a month.

Saturday afternoon headed to McPhabbs, nice and busy pub I knew had 2 large screens and I could just about get away cheering on En-ger-land. Bonus was a TV in the front beer garden so watched the game, consumed a few nice cold beers, and then went home for a nap. Won't bore you all of the details of the footy.

Today done sweet fa, watched some footy and some tennis and saw Asafa Powell equal the 100m WR in Gateshead. Pretty impressive run, in a place not usually considered quick. The headed to the Gym and got there at 520 to be told it shuts at 6. So managed a 15 min run and 5 mins on the cross trainer. Not so bad.

Been a week going to the gym and been 5 times so not so bad. Aim to go again on Tuesday and then Thursday, with Salsa on Wednesday.

so off now to try and work out my space aged bbq and then cook some lamb burgers for tea, and might polish off that nice cold bottle of white.

Weekend away

2006-05-30T16:36:00.000Z

So at the weekend wandered off down South to see Kim. You know how you have to do these things - hee hee. Anyway hired a car and went off to Chichester and stayed at the Nags head. Chichester is really nice, very compact good shops and pubs. Generally spent tiem shopping and visited www.artforall.co.uk where I bought "fuego blanco" by Fletcher Sibthorpe. Stunning. Getting it on thursday and can't wait.
see http://www.artforall.co.uk/BU-gs725.htm

Had some food at the nags head which was fantastic and added Arundel Stonghold to my beer list.

Had planned to do Arundel on the Sunday but instead did Roman ruins and Parnham house. The ruins were impressive and only found whilst digging a housing estate in the 60s. The house was beautiful. Got back that evening and went for tapas and watched X3, good fun even if the ending could have been beter.

Then on Sunday did very little but swent off to Amberley for lunch by the river, really pretty and sunny but a little chilly. Didn't do the museum.

Then headed off home.

Eventually got back around 11.30 and this is the best bit ....
got in, no cats around, filled up their bowls. Went to the bedroom and lights on looked out the window before closing the blinds. Saw my two cats outside in the dark. Florence looked at me and then after checking started to run, yes florence, got half way and stopped to make sure it was me and ran all the way in the house.

Nice to know someone looks forward to seeign you so much.

How much for a soda and lime

2006-05-26T11:33:00.000Z

Decided to take a few days off drinking, well, more like will cut back until holidays in mid June and only drink on Englands World cup game and a weekend away. So went to salsa on wednedsday night and instead of ordering the pint of san migual at £2, on happy hour, ordered Soda and lime.

So how much.
Typically no-one knows if you go tot he same pub they will charge differing randomn amounts. Normally a price of around 50-60p is what I get charged but varied from 10p up. Tiger Tiger charged me £2.20. Suppossedly £2 for the soda water and 20p for the lime. Outrageous. Would have been better on the beer.

So will keep a track of pints as I go along

Tiger Tiger Glasgow 2.20

Well no time no blog

2006-05-23T07:04:00.000Z

I think my half term report would be "could do better", and probably something about grammar too.

So what made me post today. Firstly to rant about my pc. Nothing much just that when I logged on the other day my set ups for Mozilla were corrupt, so I seem to have ost all my bookmarks. This is so incredibly annoying, so having to gradually put them back. Will have to do some sort of a back up in future.

Secondly, was away at the weekend and got back to a note from the police saying they broke in to my house as the alarm was going off. Interesting as I hadn't set it due to a combination of not knowing the code yet, or even checking out the instruction manual and wary of my cats setting it off when I am away. Anyway they broke in downstairs, and left no damage. Bit concerned that it was so simple.

So what I been upto, well

Madrid for Lints 30th
Weekend in Edinburgh
Actuarial conference
Madrid again for business and weekend

generally too much work, so not much else done, a bit peeved about it and feel could get more support.

Off to Chichester and Arundel this weekend

Looking forward to a week in Croatia in June, oh and winning the world cup. Bit concerned Kim wants to watch Australia play Croatia, in a croatia pub all togged up with aussie stuff ... I predict a riot.

finally, been really bad in keeping up with people so will need to organise a few trips. You have been warned! so need to come down to Norwich and York in July or August.

will promise will do better

Cheese Rolling

2006-03-08T17:36:00.000Z

So thinking of going to the cheese rolling in Gloucester. It is on the 2nd May bank holiday and is quite near Gloucester. The website is www.cheese-rolling.co.uk

It should be easy to get accommodation in Gloucester and thinking of doing that on the Friday night, going for a roll down a hill on Saturday followed by a few beers to recover and then possibly a relaxing Sunday and possibly Monday looking round the region.
Let me know if you are interested, on the usual email.

Scotlands victory

2006-02-09T08:52:00.000Z

Well over the weekend I had my dad up for the weekend. It was for his birthday in October, I know a little early (not late) but still. Well he didn’t know about it till Friday afternoon when he was presented tickets to fly up from C ( her pressie) and then he called to find out what he was doing.

He thought he was coming to see the Mitchell library, this is in Glasgow and only a short walk from my flat. My Dads been doing his family tree and this is the best place to look down the Scottish side.

But better still I told him we were off to see Scotland play France.

He arrived Saturday afternoon, in time to hit the pub and watch most of the Ireland – Italy game. Feel that Italy were unlucky with the dodgy Irish try, they could do with more luck in the championship. Then watched England beat Wales, the first half was a lot tighter, and it was as if Wales were playing catch-up rugby throughout and looked dangerous at times but didn’t really break through. The second half ended up as a run away mainly because of a Welsh sending off for obstruction which was a little harsh as no real prior event, wasn’t that near the try line and it had been a fairish game. Also England subs are a better standard and the extra fitness of these helped push the game their way. The final scoreline was a little flattering.

Then in the evening went off to Mother India, another great Indian meal. Indians aren’t really my thing as I don’t like really hot food and a lit of food at Indian looks like slop. But here had Spiced haddock and then a lamb dish. Nice.

Next day got up late and headed off to Murrayfield, somehow managed to lose my Scotland top, will need to keep an eye out for it, or buy another one for Italy trip later on.
Headed to a pub and a tent for a bit of liquid refreshment and then off to the game.

We were seated in the corner up in the skies, but the atmosphere was great. The game was great and the French made lots of mistakes, or maybe forced into them. The scots strength seemed to be in the pack and they often pushed back the French mauls and scored a couple of push over tries. They did look a bit lost when putting the ball wide. The French always looked dangerous and made some great breaks but the Scots defended well. The big mistakes were numerous throw-in issues especially on their 22 giving possession away, and then Craig Patterson missed a penalty late on which would have given more room, but in the end they sneaked nervously home. First win against the French since 1999.

Then we headed out and caught the end of the Chelsea Liverpool match. Enough said, but we look to be going through a rough patch, hopefully sort it out before Man U and Benfica games.

So all in all a great weekend

Off to Krakow

2006-01-27T00:47:00.000Z

Well off to Krakow in a couple of hours. Currently sitting in Stansted waiting for my flight ... and a little bored. Looking froward to the weekend and will catch up with Rob. Tomorrow is a trip to Auswitz, just somewhere you have to go to. I'lllet you know. I had meant to watch Schindlers list ( which I've not seen) this week. But the dvd is the wrong region and didnt fancy watching it on the player in my bedroom, small screen and all. I'll try and watch it in the next couple of weeks.

Not sure what else will do, probably finish my beer challenge, which I have been taking easy. I have done 362, so 3 left by midnight tuesday. Expect to finish this weekend. I think I may have actually done it if I hadnt lost a paper copy of beers I'd done. Never mind. Doesnt sound like me!!

2005 predictions

2006-01-24T20:00:00.000Z

Well in 2005 I set a few predictions and things to do. Lets see how I did. Not expecting too good

Ashes 2-2. Ok it very nearly was, and dont care I lost this one

Lions tour predicted 2-1 loss, was 3-0 oh dear, at least got result right

London win Olympics. Yeah. Bang on!!

Had Norwich City stay up on last day. Well they were just there before play but went down. Close.

Interest rates – 4.25% - 4.5% not so bad

House price - no change - actually about at 5-6% increase

FTSE – 5000 - well above that, got to about 5700. Great year for shares

dollar exchange rate - $2.10 - okay way off, was really going for it. was around $1.75-$1.80

Britney to divorce. Never mind. should have gone for Brad.

Charles and Camilla to marry. Yep.

Johnny Depp wins best actor oscar. Ok he didnt, not sure he even got nominated!

A reality TV show is stopped. Well a few have been because they were crap, but had thought of more substantial. May need to count as a yes!

Labour win General election with Majority of 100 - they did but slightly fewer around 70. Not too bad

US sign Kyoto accord. Well they have admitted global warming exists so at least some progress.

Ukraine applies to join EU. No.

British troops announce withdraw from Iraq. nope, but this year definitely.

A friend in York who is single now becomes engaged. You alldisappointed me. will need to carry this over.

Lint only does 10 of his challenges - Cheers Lint. needed this one

Royal Ascot is rained off - okay not quite, it did rain. Just thought it would be abd if York flooded!

So in all 4 out of 19 but another 6 quite close. So not quite Nostradamus. Perhaps I ought to encrypt them so I can claim later that I was right!!

Testing

2006-01-19T19:17:00.000Z

Well this is partly a test to see how emailing my blog works. Also see this story from the bbc

bye now

Parrot talk

2006-01-17T12:40:00.000Z

see this story from the bbc
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4619764.stm

will start to update more often

Simon says

2005-12-18T12:23:00.000Z

Been ages since last left a message. will need to update about weddings etc soon, but pictures are up on flickr.

for the mo try Santa Simon says very funny and will tell things i've tried, by the way there is an elf

Weddings

2005-11-18T09:00:00.000Z

Well firstly I've been amiss at updating this. So a small sorry for all those enthralled, and a small sorry for those who regret my giving up my sojourn, and wrecking havock on the world by my lack of punctiuation, grammar et al.

So the theme of the last few days have been weddings. Firstly went down to Helens wedding. Never been to Ascot before but looked nice, the church was a quaint old church which reminded me a bit of St Davids cathedral in Wellington. Then off to the reception at Englemere house which was a beautiful place and the food was great. I think the dj was a tad naff, and seemed to play songs which no-one had heard of. The first dance was cool, to Mambo number 5, and James and Helen looked really good. Lot better than Daf and Richs dancing later. I have videos of both!!

Stayed in the Berystede, which was vey nice and they were doing a murder mystery weekend, so when we got back to the bar there were some very surreal fancy dress going on. Not sure if i'd had one too many or not!

Then on the Sunday we went to a great pub, unfortunately it was closed when we got there so decided to go for a walk and found Windsor Great Park round the corner. Bonus. Got back to the pub and had food, mine was Sea Bass, bit predictable for me.
Then it was goodbyes as we went our seperate ways.

This weekend is Alex and Loobys wedding in Norwich. Really looking forward to this and catching up with friends. Travelling down later this morning by air and a few beers tonight. The wedding itself is black tie, so unfortunately will have to wear the kilt :-)

more later, also ill put photos up soon

West Wing

2005-11-09T07:30:00.000Z

Well since I last blogged and said I was catching up with series 5, managed to finish watching all that, and series 6 too! The new candidates are chosen, and the presidential race is the start of series 7. Can't wait. Will be interesting to see what happens if the democrats win (as they are bound to, otherwise whole new cast) and who stays and who goes. Or do they drag it out and call it a day?

It could be difficult to make it work so well.

Top 10 TV programmes - current

2005-10-19T19:23:00.000Z

We were discussing this over the weekend due to the current dirge on. My top 10 programmes ar

1. Spooks
2. Love Soup
3. QI
4. Grand Designs (starts tonight)
5. Jamies great escape (starts tonight)
6. Star Trek Enterprise
getting difficult
7. Property Ladder
8. Stargate
9. Jack Dee Live
10. News 24 ?

Not counting as not watching current TV series
Lost (on series 2)
West Wing (catching up series 5)
Six feet Under (catching up on series 4)

Weekend in Bed

2005-10-17T06:47:00.000Z

Ok another silly pun. So been away for the weekend again, got down to York for 9.30ish and headed to Lendal cellars for a few nice beers and then to Lints for many more till around 3ish. seemed to go very quickly.

Next day after a late one up, had breaky at around 2, yep 2pm! greta bacon and egg rolls and then off to Harrogate to See Wayne and Aneta. In total there were 7 of us, and we headed for a few beers at the Winter gardens and then the Hotel Du Vin. Would really recommend popping in here for a drink. A bit more expensive but very nice and worth it. Then we all went to bed, a restaurant, which unfortunately we didnt eat on a bed. Lots of the usual entrendres later we headed for a bar and a late taxi back.

Good night.

Then lunch on Sunday before heading back up to bony Scotland. Most annoying thing is that despite my camera being in a case now it seems that the screen is broken again. This is expensive to fix and tempted not to do so. Think probably due to someone being too rough with it moving luggage. So for christmas will need to buy myself a new camera.

Never Eat Shredded Wheats

2005-10-09T18:59:00.000Z

Ok my geography isnt good, only managed a B, and it is better than my English. Not much surprise there I hear you say.

So need to revise the NESW thing, firstly for UK, limiting myself to Mainland UK, so can't count Skye. Secondly I will go for highest number East and West rather than Lowest.

North - Rovaniemi, Lapland (66 32'35'' N)
South - Christchurch - New Zealand (43 31'60''S)
East - Christchurch - New Zealand
West - San Fransisco
(I have checked and Christchurch is futher South than Franz Josef)

In the UK its a little more difficult and I think it is

North - Inverness
South - Exmouth
East - Lowestoft - been to the most easterly point!
West - Kyle of Lochlash (just before bridge to Skye)
(I hadnt realised Scotlnd is further west than cornwall, and north Wales)

North- East-South and West

2005-10-07T06:26:00.000Z

So just thinking this morning where the most North, East, South and West places I have been are.

Well this is my list

North - Rovaniemi, Lapland (Land of the lap dancers!)(66 32'35'' N)
South - Christchurch - New Zealand (43 31'60''S)
East - Greenwich Meridian ( 0 Longitude E)
West - errr Greenwich Meridian (0 Longitude W)

In the UK its a little more difficult and I think it is

North - Duntulm, Isle of Skye
South - Exmouth
East - Lowestoft - been to the most easterly point!
West - Pwheli

Never used a slide rule

2005-10-06T06:34:00.000Z

This morning was listening to Radio 5, as I do most mornings, and they start discussing a press release by the assocation of consulting actuaries on pensions. So even before they got to the article they started on about they are a strange bunch of people with their slide rules and calculators. After the article this went on for a while. Not impressed, but it is difficult for the profession to shrug these images. Was very tempted to text in, but felt that might just end in erision, or being ignored.

So as a point of record, I have no idea what a slide rule really is and I have never used one. Also it seems I so rarely use a calculator these days. I do know how to use an abacus but havent for years, although I do still own one. All from when I lived in Hong Kong.

Anyway Nicky Campbell is quickly going down my list of people to listen to and may need to find something better to listen to in the mornings. Not Radio 4 though, just a step too far.

David Dickinson

2005-10-04T06:42:00.000Z

Was reading the TV section of the paper yesterday and it referred to David Dickinson as "that annoying man who like to holiday in a jar of marmalade". like it.

Top 100 films part1 ... comedy

2005-09-30T19:29:00.000Z

So 10 comedy films

The best place to start is those films I just adore and can watch endlessly without tiring of them.

The first of these if with the great Bill Murray I think that you either love him or the him and don’t understand why he is so rated. But I’m in the former camp. My favourite film by along way is Groundhog Day, this is a wonderful film where he goes from one extreme to the other and is hilarious, especially as he starts thinking of ways to kill himself.

The second film is another from one of my comedy heroes who first few films were hilarious and low budget and then he went into a bit of spiral and hopefully will come back on form. So this one is for Steve Martin and despite how much I like a man with two brains I will have to go for the hilarious The Jerk the idea that a white boy is adopted by black family and doesn’t know till he’s 18 and then is given a radio so he can listen to white music which he find he can tap to is great and the letter home saying that next week he’ll have a second job is great stuff.

My 3rd film is another I can watch endlessly, all I can say What have the Pythons ever done for us? So my third film is Life of Brian. By far the best of the Python films, probably because the script is so much better and its not trying to be so surreal.

The next one I need to think Mel brooks and despit e how good the producers is it has to be the one I saw first and will always see when its on TV Blazing saddles. Puerile jokes including the farting, but very funny.

And that leads me onto another film which was pioneering Airplane, the original and best spoof film. Everytime you watch it you still see something new.

Well I have to have a Woody Allen film, but which one? Sleepers? Bananas? Love and Death? Manhatten? Not quite Annie Hall. Breathtaking and very funny.

So time for another film you just love or hate Forest Gump, its just one of those films I can watch time and time again and keep finding it funny and wanting to watch it more

So next going back in time I’ll pick The Philadelphia story, I think it best represents all those old black and white films you used to see in the afternoon as a kid. Great fun and a great cast.

So nearly getting there and getting more difficult. Next has to be an Ealing comedy. Unlike a lot of other Ladykillers isn’t my favourite, and although I like Heavens above will have to go for another Peter Sellers film I’m alright Jack. Which then leads me into Terry Thomas, the original cad, and Monte Carlo or bust which spawned the wacky races, basically he plays the dastardly person. Maybe not the greatest film ever but very watchable.

But that’s my 10 and I haven’t gone for any animation (Shrek, Ice Age) and missed things like chaplin, keaton and the marx brothers, and all Billy Wilder films let alone great recent films like Theres something bout Mary, A fish called Wanda, and When Harry met Sally …

So may need to re-edit after a few days extra thought.

Top 100 films

2005-09-29T18:22:00.000Z

Well this morning wathcing the news and having a nice cup of tea "thud" from the other room, and my monthly edition of Empire had arrived. Apart from what look like some good films coming up (can't wait for Wallace and Gromit) they had started a list of 100 top films and a guy had started with his top 10 comedies.

So in a similar vain ... my top 100 films.

Well the first thing is how am i going to split these films up, category seems most sensible and at least I can try and sneak a few more comedies in where I want in other categories. cheating I hear you say. So to start with need to choose my categories or genre

I'm currently planning on choosing 10 for each of
Comedy
Thriller
Romance
Sci Fi
Drama
War
Horror
Westerns
Action/Adventure
Historical

These may include
Animation, Crime, Fantasy, Musicals, sport and foreign films

So tomorrow I'll start with Comedies. Then spend a week thinking of the next list. Enjoy and feel free to criticise, even though I know you'll be wrong!

head weight

2005-09-29T18:19:00.000Z

At work today there was a very weird conversation about what proportion of your body does your head weigh. So found this article about how to try and weigh your head!

Sayings

2005-09-20T06:51:00.000Z

This weekend there have been a number of great things I've heard. Either proposterous or very cutting. You know the sort of thing which is grewat then you forget till someone reminds you. Will try and remember to post them all up here.

The first was said by Matthew after I explained I had managed another beer on my 365 beers in a year challenge. "Wow thats more than one a day! no thats almost one a day, its ......" whilst all started to take the piss.

Durhams double promotion!

2005-09-12T11:52:00.000Z

So yesterday Durham fought back against a good Yorkshire score to win their one day game and are now sitting in second but guaranteed promotion. Just need to beat Sussex in a match and take the title home.

In the county championship Lancashire beat Essex and we've dropped off the top after leading all season. Possible could catch up but might not. Howeever as Essex didnt win they are now 22 points behind and you can only get 22 points in a game, so effectively promoted, even if in theory need one batting or bowling point in the last game. I had felt that we might have held on to win the title as we were platying some of the teams at the bottom, but we narrowly avoided defeat against Derbyshire.

Need to strengthen again for next year, but great to get to the top league after coming in the bottom 3 for several years.

Last day of the ashes

2005-09-12T06:23:00.000Z

Radio 5 were goling on about if you were writing a film how would this series end. One caller suggested the americans would win! very funny.

In all seriousness, this day has the potential to be so dramatic.

So here's my dramatic tension.

Bright sunny day, crowd sing Jerusalem, Vaughan and Trescothick stride to the crease. First ball lifts off a seam and is edged to the slips. England lose another couple of quick wickets and are 80-4. Flintoff and Pieterson at crease survive till an over before lunch when Pieterson makes a stupid shot and is caught in the deep. 120-5 at lunch.
Flintoff remains with Collingwood until 180, when Collingwood is given LBW from a ball that looks like it pitched outside leg. Jones lasts a few balls until caught bat pad at silly mid off. Then Australia clear the tail just before tea with England leading by 203 and Flintoff not out 85.

Tea is taken early and Australia have 210 to score off 40 overs. They start well and then lose a couple of quick wickets to be 100-4 off 24 overs. They get offered bad light but decline it. They continue to accumulate runs including a quick 40 from Gilchrist and they are left with 25 needed off the last 3 overs with 3 wickets left, Warne and Lee at the wicket, but light is fading. Warne is facing flintoff .....

Then it ends one of so many different ways. Warne gets last runs to retain ashes. Australia are left short in the run chase, Flintoff clears the tail and England win 3-1. You decide.

The thing is it could so easily end up with Australia facing a run chase and may be an unbelievable day. Will book meetings in my diary from 430, so can go to the pub, and hope that they dont make it as difficult asjust described.

Wedding

2005-09-09T11:33:00.000Z

Well this is the second tiome writing this. Aaaahhh.

Anyway last week was A&W's wedding. So got down to York on friday night and a few drinks later and a visit to Kennedys, was perhaps a little tipsy. Enough said.

Next day headed over to Harrogate and after a quick bit got to the chapel. The church was a little odd in that it was upstairs but looked like an old church insider. The vicar was very funny mainly at wayne's expense, and Aneta looked beautiful in an elegant white dress with a good size train and sparkly bits.

After that we headed to ripley castle, which is gorgous for a champagne reception with classical quartet and a chance to wonder round the house and the grounds with sweeping lawns and a river, and deer running wild. What with great sunshine it was about perfect.

Then there was the meal, food was good, and was intermingled with polish cheers, learnt 2 new words kiss and cheers! Then onto speechs, first dance and the cutting of the cake. All followed by the best wedding disco ever been to.

After that just crashed back in hotel with more champagne!!

Sunday we wandered round Harrogate for a while and then met up with the happy couple for lunch, before heading back to York and up north

House warming weekend

2005-09-01T11:42:00.000Z

So on Friday Jon and Elena came up from Norwich and in the evening we went off to Mother India’s, normally I don’t like Indians because I don’t like really hot spicy food, but this stuff was great especially the fish starter. Started to get a little hot, but good stuff. Later crashed back at mine with a bottle of wine, as we were all knackered and chatted and fell asleep.

Then the big day and after breakfast we headed down town. The big new purchase of the day was Gaint Jenga ( well it wasn’t Jenga itself just the similar brick toppling game). Damn the thing was heavy to carry back. In the meanwhile visited the Lighthouse and had lunch at the social, wouldn’t recommend eating there, poor and expensive. With that sort of review should be a food critic!

Then in the afternoon others from York turned up and we headed over to the park for Frisbee, which Daf seemed to like throwing it down the hill for others to chase. Unsure if he was just crap or it was deliberate. After the Frisbee went to a dodgy pub to watch the end of the cricket and then on to the Ben Nevis a nice pub with great whisky selection.

In the evening the theme was crap music, and my was there some. Amazingly lots from Richard, typical stuff 80s ballads, one off hits. Thankfully no Rene and Renata! I started the Jenga and the first game went well, even if I lost as the tower went really high. Managed to meet some of my neighbours, and missed out on most of the food which thankfully someone else took control of. The whole time seemed to whish by until 430 when it was time to crash. Great to see everyone though!

Next day was up and cleared the place up a bit, ie binned bottles and filled up dishwasher! Made bacon sarnies, forgot about the sausages in the oven. Oops. Then said goodbye to Jon and Elena and saw Nicola off to the station as James and I went to walkabout to see the cricket.

In the evening those of us left headed off to Kublai Khan a Mongolian bbq via the blackfriars pub, real ale place in Merchant City would really recommend, one of my faves. I left early as started to fall asleep , great company, and a little embarrassed. Had been living on Adrenline for the rest of the weekend.

On Monday decided to go to work, not an Scottish bank hols, bit odd really. Caught up with Kim and Sheree for lunch at Sobr near the lighthouse. Nice noodle bar and good value lunch menu. Definitely recommend this place. Really should have gone here on Saturday instead of the social. Then in evening finished most of clearing up.

Wedding this weekend looking forward to that!

Sport - bizarre

2005-08-29T18:05:00.000Z

Earlier this year i started to look into what sports I could do. So decided to investigate the downright bizarre. Then expanded the idea to taking part in several world championships.

Over the last couple of weeks some of these have taken place.

The world bog-snorkelling took place today, see the bbc news site.

and then the other week was the birdman see the bbc news site for this. not so sure i'll do this one.

the others i thought about were the world conkers championship. gloucestershire cheese rolling, worm charming and possibly pooh sticks. thje other I fancy is the royal shrovetide football game between the whole town.

will have to think of plans soon

Sports events

2005-08-17T11:27:00.000Z

If you read this blog you will be more than aware that I like to go and see sporting events. A round up of the things I have seen include

2005
Old Trafford Ashes test
Open Golf at St Andrews
Lions in New Zealand
6 nations rugby
Royal Ascot horseracing

2004
Heineken cup rugby
Athens Olympics
Athletics at gateshead (Isanbeyeva broke pole vault record again)
Melbourne grand prix

2003
Cricket World cup
Athletics at gateshead (Isanbeyeva broke pole vault record 1st time)
World Athletics in Paris

Previously
- athletics at crystal palace
- wimbledon tennis
- Horse racing at newmarket, York and Cheltenham festivals

So what are the plans for 2006 ????

Well first thing is booked! travelling off to Milan in february. Why I hear, well Turin in 90 minutes by train, and fully booked both hotels and flights because it is Torino2006 Winter Olympics! Got a few basic tickets booked. Short track and speed skating, Ice Hockey and womens curling (well I do live in Scotland).

After this will try and organise a group trip to Paris for the french tennis open and also to one of the test matches probably Sri Lanka at Edgbaston or Trent Bridge.

Housewarming

2005-08-15T06:47:00.000Z

So have you got your invite??
If not either I don't like you, I've forgotten your address, I simply missed you out by mistake off a huge list or your my Dad and you know why I'm not inviting you!

So anyway heres the basic details. (not I do not put my address out on here so call me , or email me, or drop a note n the comments and I'll get back to you)

Saturday 27th August from 8pm
This is the bank holiday weekend.

Please bring one CD of bad music, something don’t mind losing. Sure Rich will find this easy!! Oh yeah and a bottle of beer/wine.

If you get in contact will send a full invite with
- address
- maps
- local hotels etc
- links to things to do in Glasgow
- links to travel

Cricket again

2005-08-15T06:38:00.000Z

Well saturday was literally a washout. 14 overs, annoying that play stopped at 630 when it was bright sunshine because of some sily ICC rule. Not only wasted a good day and annoyed spectators but may affect if a result comes out. As for the cricket it was probably Englands worst day of the ashes but thankfully lasted not long. Jones needs to improve rapidly. missed stumping and an easy catch. will be intersting on tour next year when they take a second keeper along. As for now don't ruin a winning team, quite yet.

On Saturday spent most of the time travelling to and from the ground and in pubs. Went to Chinatown in the evening, "The Great Wall" restaurant, original title! Then to an odd pub playing older music including stuff from 60s-80s and early 90s. Fun stuff. stayed til 2! Suppossedly Keith has a "f*ckable nose"!

Sundays play much better, though catching up with it on the train. Finally managed to clear up the tail and batted quickly to set up a target, just 400 left on a longer final day. Will be interesting. Need a good start and will be difficult if the aussies shut up shop.

Cricket

2005-08-13T08:57:00.000Z

Well just waiting for day 3 of the cricket to start. The last 2 days have been great and with good sunshine. In Englands innings felt we should have scored more and a bad shot selection by Peiterson at the end of day 1 didnt help, and Flintoff seemed to go for the big shots a bit early. Never mind better to have the 440 on the board.

The aussies then started off really well and then the game started to turn and what a great end session. 210-7!! Don't think we should force the follow on if we have the choice but bast and put on 300 quickly then use the deteriorating pitch. last time Australia followed on was in 1988!

The champage moments have been
day 1 - Vaughan bowled off a no ball. Class
day 2 - Bells catch and Flintoff bowling Katich as he left the ball

The barmy army are singing all there usual songs

" you all live in a convict colony, a convict colony, a convict colony ..."
" its coming home, its coming home, the ashes are coming home ..."

Gillespie seems to be getting cheered by the crowd, for his bad bowling, which is so funny! he got a huge cheer when he came on to bowl on Friday. Warne is gettign loads of stick with "wheres your missus gone" and comments about him doing exercise. But still he has the upper hand on the pitch.

Good fun, and hoping for a good days play to push our advantage.

broadband arrrived

2005-08-09T08:03:00.000Z

Yeah, after trying to get this to work and failing for unknown reasons managed to get it work in 10mins last night, no idea what previous problems were, probably just tried to connect when an update was being sent or something.

Only downside is that despite choosing the wireless option it wont work wireless on my laptop due to soem configuration issues. According to Wanadoo I need to reconfigure my pc. great. Another job to do.

But on the upside staretd to upload pictures and hopefully will have lots more there over next few days

W's Stag

2005-08-09T08:01:00.000Z

So what’s been happening?? Firstly badly sprained by ankle playing badminton on Thursday. Agony. Next morning was all stiff and needed a taxi to work, 10 minute walk normally. Been getting better over the weekend, but may take a while.

On Friday took the train down to Sheffield for Waynes stag do, started with drinking games! Cant believe the inability of some people to count to 21. Then a curry and a late couple of beers.

I know all the Lord of the Stag rules, but everything was quite tame, yeah right!

Next morning after a bit of a hangover. Karting. Somehow in the random grid positions I was drawn 5th, 5th and 4th in my races! First race there was a pile up just round the bottom corner and I managed to get to first place with a good half lap spare, a bit unclear how fast to go under the yellow flag and took it a bit easy, so was getting caught. But kept my position till the end. From there it went downhill. Next race span out from 2nd to end 6th. Then in final race Joe passed me in the start and stayed less than a car length ahead all race with no errors, at one point we went round 2 laps less than a foot apart. Real good stuff. Managed to scrape into the A final and 7th on grid and passed 2 on the straight to the first corner, and then another two at the next corner up to 3rd and strangely pressing towards the first 2, and gaining lap space. Felt that I wasn’t the quickest but fairly consistent. Then whilst pressing further to catch the leader, spun, the marshals just dotnt care and by the time they got me turned was down to 6th and adrift managed to catch up a bit but there my race ended.

Other highlights of the weekend
- laser quest
- odd smells
- the twins
- j’s injury
- leadmill queueing farce
- only 2 runs
'nough said

work grief

2005-07-28T17:15:00.000Z

So heard today that someone's started a rumour bout me saying "something like must get back to work and stop skiving", on here. Well can't remember writing that, and to be honest just in jess. Bad thing is suppossedly gone somewhere else and doesn't matter if true or not.

Not pleased by whoever said that and would like them to match my current hours. Rant over.

Aus 97-5

2005-07-21T11:55:00.000Z

Fantastic start! people are saying best session of a test match for years, and a real contest. Wished could have seen it.
Just need to get Gilly out after lunch. What with it suppossedly being a batting pitch and disappointment at losing the toss. There was a message on BBC message board asking if they could questions Australia's test status. V funny. But long way to go.

Just changed my scrolling test, the band is easy, but how about the song???

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So eventually 190m all out then the bad news started coming in 11-2 oops, 21-5 oh no. Now 92-7 and giles out on last ball of day, bit poor that one.

just need to repeat first innings bowling then try to do a bit of batting. fingers crossed.

Tiger Hunt

2005-07-17T23:14:00.000Z

Over the weekend visited the golf at St Andrews. The train took almost 2 hours, but was wel organised from there. Fantastic weather and a little sunburnt on Saturday! Monty missed a few chances on Saturday and should have been a bit better off, but looked all set up for a great Sunday. Especially when Monty seemed to star clawing back Tigers lead. Unfortunately all changed in 30 secs with Tiger getting a birdie and Olly and Monty both bogeys. Lead went form 2 to 4 and all over.

Highights of the wekend include seeing Choi take 9 on the 17th, glad to see we can all mess it up.
See this the bbc's open oscars

Predicitions update

2005-07-09T22:50:00.000Z

Well heres the latest on my predicitions

Ashes 2-2. Still looks ok

Lions tour predicted 2-1 loss, was 3-0 oh dear, at least got result right

London win Olympics. Yeah. Bang on!!

Had Norwich City stay up on last day. Well they were just there before oplay but went down. Close.

Interest rates – 4.25% - maybe not so bad, wait and see

House price - no change - looking ok

FTSE – 5000 - well above this now, rather it stays ahead than I get my predicition!

dollar exchange rate - $2.10 - not much hope stabilised below $2.

Britney to divorce. Maybe lets see.

Charles and Camilla to marry. Yep.

Johnny Depp wins best actor oscar. Ok he didnt, not sure he even got nominated!

A reality TV show is stopped. Well a few have ben because they were crap, but had thought of more substantial. May need to count as a yes!

Labour win General election with Majority of 100 - they did but slightly fewer around 70. Not too bad

US sign Kyoto accord. Well they have admitted global warming exists so getting there, but dont think this will happen.

Ukraine applies to join EU. wait and see.

British troops announce withdraw from Iraq. Not too likely I think, though it may come after election as a u-turn

A friend in York who is single now becomes engaged. Come on you all.

Lint only does 10 of his challenges - He claims 6 done and a few getting there.

Royal Ascot is rained off - okay not quite

At least one other person leaves NU for Abbey. Not sure bout this one, nothing I know of .... yet

Third test

2005-07-09T22:40:00.000Z

Went to the game yesterday. Good game, and the ref's seem to be noticing some of the blatant late tackles and was why two of the blacks were sent to the sin bin. Still missed a few. Have no idea what our backs were trying to do, everyone was not playing in position and seemed o run out of ideas before kick off!
Think we should have kept the game close to the pack.

After got back to the quay, eventually and went for a few drinks. Back v late say 4ish, and up this morning to check out by 10, with a teeny headache. Need water now.

Flight back later.

As an aside is there a word for when you forget what a word is and have to end up describing it. Something which happens more as you get older. The wost was when I forgot the word scaffolding it and thee is no other possible word so ended up describing as metal poles up a building, very eloquent.

rafting and upto Auckland.

2005-07-07T03:11:00.000Z

So this morning headed off for the rafting, went for a short raft down the Kauna river. Not as good as the Wairoa I had done before, but still fun.

Then off to Waitomo to pick up Daf who had gone off caving etc. Then upto Auckland. Fancy some nice food tonight

Olympics

2005-07-06T13:13:00.000Z

Fantastic News. London 2012. Soooo upset French lost.

I think it has the chance of being the best olympics ever, if purely from the aspect of the level of support that it will get. When in Athens there were more brits than any other nations (except greece, of course). Also if we end up sending 30000 to new zealand for rugby imagine the level of support at home. In addition London has so many ethnic communities that so many countries will get massive support.

Saving up for tickets NOW. May consdier volunteering

More Wine tasting

2005-07-04T20:22:00.000Z

So next morning booked a wine tasting that was moved to lunchtime. Then went for a walk round Napier. Very interesting Arc Deco and well worth a trip.

The wine tasting started at 12 where we went to Moana Park a small boutique winery who gave us around 10 samplings and a few from this years wine that hadnt been finished. Then a bbq. Very impressed, and oredered some wine as large discounts available as they want to promote their wine.

Then went on to Triton Hills, Ngatawara and some plane themed place ( may have been started to suffer at this time!) Then a brewery - roosters, more a pub really as never saw the brewing.

Not much can remember and not too well next morning!!

Cable cars, rugby museum

2005-07-03T11:17:00.000Z

Today started off by getting up late and checking out of hostel. Then off to the cable car. Must admit not that impressed due to it being quite small and also because it is no longer the original.

Then later drove over to Napier via Palmerston North and the Rugby Museum. This seems to be the only such museum but doesnt feel that it is endorsed, more set up by enthusiasts. Suppossedly they had the Bledisoe cup there earlier in the week. Some of was good, but some exhibits were a little poor. Felt that they would display everything.

Then onto Napier, found hostel. Not too bad and went for a meal. Ended up having Pizza in the pub as yet again people were unprepared and the restaurants who were 1/3rd full couldn't cope. Pizza was good though.

Lions defeat in Welly

2005-07-02T21:55:00.000Z

Well today started well. Headed off to the Te Papa, the national museum and spent a couple of hours around here. The stuff around earthquakes was verey interesting as was the large moa.

Then went to the wellington brewery company, and tried a taster pallete of 6 beers. After that got some food and went to the Beehive (Parliament) and Cathedral. The beehive must be one of the most horrible buildings I have ever seen. The Cathedral is all wooden and like an english country church and inside it has all old flags hanging, like it is stuck in a WWII time warp.

After that tried a beer opposite at the backbenchers, where meeting up after the match.

As for the match started great, didnt finish so. A shame about some more appalling referring decisions which might have kept the game closer until the last 20 minutes when the ABs ran away with it. But still not happy and not happy to fully discuss.

Later went back to beehive and saw some replays and some of the French game. After a few more got back to the Hostel to see Australia struggling at Cricket.

Later wopke up in middle of night and though would catch up with cricket and when I got there the Womens tennis was still on. Watched the end then the cricket, can't belive that we got into such a mess and then got out of it.

NB "pints" in NZ, aren't pints but about 450 mills or something, and usually weak rats piss, but a bit better than the stuff the convicts produce.

New Zealand.

2005-07-01T21:30:00.000Z

Haven't been posting much, but will try and make up now that I have free internet!
But will put roughly in date order for you

Wine tasting and Blenheim

2005-06-30T19:36:00.000Z

So got up in blenheim and wandered round for a full breaky, nice. Read papers bout the big match. Then headed around Blenheim. It is a quite nice small place with a few good looking bars, and a few shops. Nice park. Then to kill some time headed to a maori museum. Was expecting a bit more than 2 rooms. Not too bad.

Met Daf off the Trans Coastal train and headed out for a wine tasting. We went to Drylands, Cloudy Bay and MudHouse. The latter one also had olive tasting and shot tasting nearby. Bad idea! So had a few. Bought two bottles of Sauvignon Blanc and a aubergine vinagrette which is delish.

Then whilst killing time headed to a bar or two for a few beverages.

Welly beers

2005-06-30T01:31:00.000Z

So flew into Wellington from Blenheim. This was the smallest commercial plane ever flown in beating the one from Joburg to Sun city. Only 16 seats, and needing to bend head to walk down. Plane trip was a cool 15 minutes. So lazy to fly!

So got into Hostel and headed down to wellington. Went to a couple of bars and furthered my beer challenge then in the last pub was Sean Fitzpatrick, John Kirwan, John Gallagher and Dewi Morris. Dewi was a lot taller than I thought he would be. Lots of people were taking photos including Daf.

Sore head tomorrow morning I think

Shantytown and Bus trip

2005-06-29T21:40:00.000Z

So this morning looking to kill some time we heaed to Shantytown. About 8clicks south of Greymouth. Started with full breaky. Bit of a theme here! Then wandered round the town. It was a recreated shanty town. All morning we only saw about 6 other touristsd at most. And there must have been more employees than tourists.

Went gold panning, and now very wealthy!! ok maybe not. Took some cool pics in sepia, only time this feature ever seemed to be worth it.

Then got on the bus to Blenheim. 8 hours trip. Aaaahhhh. Ok it wasnt too bad. The views were great and was lucky the mist stayed away.

Switzerland

2005-06-05T12:30:00.000Z

Well one of my challenges this year was to visit 4 new countries, and as a result of an unexpected work trip to Switzerland, Staying over at the weekend in Geneva, I have now achieved said challenge. Thailnad, Lao, Veitnam and Switzerland. Unfortunately no documentry evidence in my passport of the last trip.

So stayed over in Geneva on friday night and saturday. The weather was great and they have lovely surrounding. And the ladies .... Well worth a visit. Spent friday sampling the beers and helping the other challenge.

Saturday morning whilst checking my photos, it appears that they all disappeared. Now I know you are thinking Bert got drunk and deleted them by mistake. But no. My card now only has memory for a few photos. Something has gone corrupt. Aaaahhh. Looks like lost photos of trips to Fort William and Skye. Not happy, and may need to take in to a place to see if they can recover them.

So Saturday looked around Geneva, the Jet D'eau, the old city and took a boat ride on the lake. very nice. In the evening had a few cold beers and then headed for food.

Now before I continue should say that I didnt have a french phrase book with me! So for starters managed to order shrimps with a roquet salad. So ate all except said shrimps. Never mind. Second course ordered porc, Pork! But more like got Pied du Cochon ... pigs trotters. Not happy. All bone and fat. Not nice and didnt eat much just played around on table. Should have been warned it was on house speciality, and when leaving guess what the restaurant was called ... yep, should have been more carefully. Not happy.

Anyway back in blighty at gatwick waiting for flight home. Cats will be missing me.

Fort William and Skye

2005-05-30T18:36:00.000Z

Spent the weekend up in Fort William and Skye, more of later and some photos.

Really nice scenery and good fun, even if the weather seemed the be strangely related to if my car had the roof up or down. Maybe just paranoid of someone upthere having fun.

Best sign of the weekend in Skye "Slow Children". Well thats what you get with imbreeding, but seems a bit politically incorrect to tell us.

What a Rafalation!!

2005-05-30T18:30:00.000Z

Ok trying a really bad pun. Couldnt comment too much about the footy on Wednesday, and was strangely feeling a little weak on thursday - must have been something I ate.

Anyway the match. What a match. Nearly left the pub at half time to come home and see the misery with a cuppa. But stayed and what a game. There was a Milan fan in the row in froint and he was running round celebrating early on. Then when it ws 3-3 he couldnt hold it any more and had a go at someone in the crowd. Bad loser. Then the penalties, couldnt believe Shevchenkos was so bad. Thought the ref was a bit poor. If he really thought Gerrard fall was a penalty then gattusto should have been sent off - not even booked. When I first saw it thought Gerrard had made the most of it, couldn't care! But looks okish.

Cant wait for the next Man U fan to mention how long since we won the premiership.

Come on Milan

2005-05-25T05:45:00.000Z

Baros not AC!

Lonely Planet - Scotland

2005-05-24T11:50:00.000Z

Suppossedly there has been a new edtiion of the Scotland Lonely planet. Reading about it in the metro, the highlights are

Glasgow hailed the "synonymous with style and chic, is the highlight of any trip to Scotland" and Edinburgh "one of the most loveable cities on the planet."

Suppossedly previous versions described Scotland as sectarian ridden, and full of binge-drinking, anti-English whingers!

see the herald

Fantastic weekend

2005-05-16T12:25:00.000Z

Well what a great weekend, for once it didnt rain! Not only that but it was fantastic weather, really hot. Well hot for Scotland in May. So after getting out of bed, quite late, I headed down to the shops and then past my new house. Haven't got written confirmation yet - suppossedly has to go back and forth between solicitors, but it had a sold sign on. Hopefully to me.

In the afternoon headed down to Kelvingrove Park there must been several thousand people in there and on the one slope it was covered with people. So crashed for a couple of hours in the sunshine. Nice to know this will all be just 100m from new house. Big garden lots of walks and no gardening! Have to check out the bye-laws about bbqs.

On Sunday went to see Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy, very surreal opening, generally liked it and saw all the old bits. Nice to see old Marvin and the old voice of the guide. Hopefully they'll be another one - especially as they were off to the restaurant at the end of the universe. (See chip yet another classic film review!)

Oh just before the film went for a sarnie in Pret a Manger, and whilst there saw a girl who worked at Starbucks opposite leave, run across to Pret to get her lunch. That just seems wrong, and is as good a recommendation for Starbucks as I've seen! Talking of shops Comet doesnt have any and no matter how hard I tried couldnt see any trains at Watch station.

After the film headed to a pub for the end of the premiership season. When Man U scord thought Norwich looked ok as just before had a graphic saying they were in 18th. But at the same time Charlton equalised and West Brom scored. Shame for the canaries but well done the baggies.

footy heartbreak

2005-05-08T18:01:00.000Z

So Liverpool lost again today. 14 defeats in the league. Just not good enough. But then Tuesday was awesome. YEEEEEEAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH. Okay it may not have crossed the line but otherwise we would have had a penalty with Cech sent off, and I dont really care!

On the good news front nice to Norwich sneak a win, they seem to be winning games which they would have manged to lose earlier in the season. Lucky Worthington hadn't picked up manager of the month. Incredibly last 6 games are 4 wins a draw and a defeat. With Fulham as the last game they may need to win their first away premiership win since 17 December 1994 (1-0 vs crystal palace). Good luck though!

Chip birthday weekend

2005-05-04T21:45:00.000Z

Well last week went down from Glasgow to Newton Stewart area for Chips 30th. Waited for Jaqs to turn up then went shopping. I was looking for some walking boots, and the place Iwent just didnt seem to care about serving me, they just blanked me as they were dealing with two customers who seemed to want to try every boot in the shop on, so ducked out, and came back in 20 minutes and bought my shoes in 5 minutes flat. Not that difficult to buy size 8 walking boots.

Anyway then went for a drive in the MG down south, after there were some roadworks we ended up travelling through the hills, and very pretty.

Got there mid afternoon, and relaxed for a couple of hours, 2 games of snooker, got the fire going, saw the Daleks, and then a group dinner. Fell asleep really early due to being exhausted worrying about houses in last few weeks.

Next day whilst everyone slept through their hangover, tried the pitch and putt out, found out I need to sit down more in my stance, to avoid straightening up and mis-hitting.

Then later we went for a long walk in mist, highlights were the loch which we completely missed, and the well of the rees. Sorry that should be lowlights. Despite the mist and poor sights good to get out for fresh air.

In the evening the bbq was ditched, but all the food was cooked up, and the next day we headed off to wigtown, "Scotlands Book Town since 1997", um. Then drove back in early evening along to Girvan and up through Burns country and the coast to Glasgow.

Really relaxing weekend and thanks a lot to Chip.

Wrong shop titles

2005-04-27T15:55:00.000Z

Just after a thing at work today, where suppossedly tie rack don't sell tie racks. Next time ask for the following in these shops

Chicken Tikka Massala - Currys
An ant farm - Habitat
Boots - Boots
Foot Locker - Foot Locker

any others ???

Durham cricket

2005-04-27T11:21:00.000Z

So what has happened to Durham cricket. First we beat Leicestershire in 3 days by over an innings with Hussey scoring a double century, followed this up by beating Worcestershire, who had won their previous game, by an innings, and trashing Surrey in the sunday league, bowling this team of batters out for less than 100.

Sure all will resort to type and we'll end up at the bottom.

Die Rover die.

2005-04-13T16:24:00.000Z

Call me a harsh, unfeeling individual. But it is really annoying me why we should give anything to save Rover and 6000 jobs. There are so many companies around who are shelving off jobs. I work in the insurance sector and this is rife. There has been no calls for the government to step in and save jobs. Consider even some of the companies who have collapsed such as AMP and equitable. Even in Birmingham there must be plenty of other loss making companies who would love government support, but for some reason the Rover staff feel let down by the goverment. Why ???

Ok 6000 jobs in Birmingham is a lot, and there are lots of ancilliary industries that may be affected, people say around 15-20k jobs. But at what cost. Rover spent £500m from BMW and shelved off several parts for several hundred million more. Last year they lost £77m, and sold 110,000 cars. Suppossedly they need to sell 180,000 to break even and havent managed that for years.

The solution is not to support Rover as it stands, but either ensure that it gets its costs under control, or sells more cars. To be honest the governement could help Rover sell more cars by ensuring public bodies buy British eg police, hospitals etc.

Alternatively close Rover and get someone else to build cars there, either with a clean slate, as a new manufacturer, or a foreign car company.

Rant over.

Quick York trip

2005-04-11T11:38:00.000Z

So over the weekend made a quick trip down to York, skived off work early and then drove down to York getting there at 8ish. Headed to the pub for a beer, then some food and a late night beer.
Next morning sold my car to Drew, hope all is well with it, and will miss the faithful old girl.
Had lunch and then a long drive upto Fife, for dinner with Scott and Rhian, and Zoe and Jaqui. Fun fondue. Absolutely shattered and as typical started to fall asleep after fondue. wish I hadnt mentioned that last fondure where they decide to put make up on me, as they were trying again.

Still good night and good to catch up with old friends, who I shoudl really see more off.

House news

2005-04-01T07:48:00.000Z

So this story goes from confusing to frankly bizarre. First I had a buyer who pulled out because of the plans nearby. Then another buyer who was on the sidelines and interested came along and offered the same amount, thought yep that will do, but they need to move quickly. Now the frankly bizarre someone else has come along and offered £15k more but the proviso that I throw in my beloved MG. Ok thats only worth say £8k and they are a cash buyer. But dont usually feel like doing the dirty on someone else after agreeing a price.
Any suggestions what I should do??

Glasgow Comedy

2005-03-24T08:29:00.000Z

Well last night I went to my third comedy gig. Just Will Smith to see tonight. So what has it been like ....

First went to see Phil Kay, whom I have seen on TV. However massively disappointed, he was just totally unprepared, had no flow. Whether that is his act or not I dont know. Suffice to say i walked out at the break.

Then last Saturday I saw Boothby Graffoe, he's someone I've seen doing a short stint in Edinburgh. He was really laid back and a good laugh. Maybe not hilarous. May have been more receptive since just been watching two rugby games in the pub. He finished his set with the Bungy Girl song. He suppossedly has a cd out and I may see if i can find a copy.

Last night was Jack Dee. Firstly he's a lot smaller than you think. At the end he does the text me something and I'll read it out. A few comments were on his size nad the funniest asked if he wanted a leg up on his stool. Generally it was good, a few bits were okish and there were one or two really funny bits. However he stole lints "why do they have Ambulance written in large letters on an ambulance" spooky. The funniest bits were probably at the end on the texts as he could be more impromptu. One joke was

A man walks into his house with a duck under his arm and sees his wife and says "thats the dog I've been shagging" to which she says "thats not a dog its a duck" and he says "I wasnt talking to you". boom boom

Hopefully Will Smith will be good. On late tonight so unsure if should go home first or just straight to the pub. decisions decisions.

Oh and by the way, sure you all know this but Scots is Pants on predicitive text. What other funny things are there?? Also mine doesn't like any swear words.

Houses are like buses

2005-03-17T13:39:00.000Z

You wait months for a buyer .... Then two come along at once!

Naffs 22 Taffs 46

2005-03-17T12:52:00.000Z

(this is one of those annoying blogs I had tried to blog before but didn't work!)

So Saturday went over to Edinburgh as a warm up for the Wales Scotland match. So crashed with Jaq, but she was too into her trivia to come out on the town. Probably a good idea. The place was packed full of welshmen and women. For some reason we ended up following the nuns around for a while. All in all a good laugh.

Next day got up late and wandered over to the match. We were placed behind the goals. But not too impressed with row RR, as it sounds in the gods. Luckily we were at the right end of the pitch and saw all the action. Prophetically I said " I hope Wales dont go straight into a 20 point lead and ruin the contest", well thats what happended. The Welsh were very good and the Scots well very poor. The intercepted try was case in point.

When I looked at the team sheet the backs were all glasgow except Patteson the fullback, who played well. Having seen Glasgow play twice this year, it was somewhat familiar. The Welsh should have been further ahead at the break but wasted several good overlaps with people going for glory. They can't afford to do that against the Irish this weekend.

The Second half was a different affair mainly because the welsh dropped down a gear or two and rested players, but Scotland picked up a few tries.

Not too bad a game, but the Scots have a long way to go.

Paris Olympics - hee hee

2005-03-10T17:44:00.000Z

Nice to see the french have messed up their IOC visit. First they have a general strike and then some of the organising committee are arrrested for corruption.

Nedopoly

2005-03-10T17:37:00.000Z

After the previous notes, I open up the Metro (Scots version) and its talking about Nedopoly.
(Neds are our equivalent of Fossers, Chavs)
Check it out here

Monopoly Rules!

2005-03-08T12:53:00.000Z

Started to read Tim Moore's "Do Not Pass Go" following the history of monopoly. He starts about his childhood memories and his house rules. One interesting thing is he says that his father brought him a US set and they used to play 2 sets together in a figure of 8, going though the Go squares. Very cool. Wish I'd thought of that.

Anyway, house rules of monopoly, this is what my email was suppossed to be about. There seems to be as many different minor rules as there are when playing pool. My usual ones were

- double money if land on Go
- no auctioning of properties
- no mortgaging of properties
- fines in the middle and won by landing on free parking
- cannot buy property until passed Go at least once.
- 3 doubles is directly to jail, so if the third double would have landed you on Mayfair with a hotel, lucky you!
- loser puts the board away (to discourage them from throwing the board around - sometimes difficult to enforce)

Bristol visit

2005-03-08T12:39:00.000Z

well last weekend I went to Bristol. The excuse was that Anna was having a 30th birthday drinks. But a good excuse to go away for a weekend, and since my hols in Laos, I have been trying to make sure I make more of life, keep in touch, visit friends etc.

Anyway flew out on friday night and arrived in centre of Bristol at the Royal Marriott. Fab, gorgeous hotel in nice part of town near all the good stuff. The room was great. Popped across the road for a quick beer and a place playing cheesy 80s music with a bass rythm on top and one of the scariest dancers since drunken nights at ziggys.

On Saturday planned to get the tour bus round bristol stopping at SS Great Britain. Unfortunately it doesn't start runing till March 19th. So I walked along the quayside to the ship, and spent a couple of hours looking over the SS Great Britain and other museums. The ship was smaller than I thought it would be - guess just used to the massive ships today. But very impressive and granduerest (that's probably not a word but should be). It's currently undergoing restoration and lotsof work is being done. Would be good to see it in 5 years or so.

Then I wandered back to the explore and Imax and caught up with Anna, we went round the sciencey bits of explore including building an archway, a musical harp, and a cool game of interactive volleyball. Then saw something bout the stars, hopefully I now know my orios belt from my great bear, but dont bet on it. Finalyl we saw an Imax show about the international space station. I love these things!

So then a meal, where caught up with Skelders, a few drinkies and a club with more scheesy 80s music.

Good night all in all.

The only bad things was the breakfast the next morning. Firstly they cleared my palce away when I was getting my full english - not impressed and inthe afternoon started feeling ill and may have food posioning. It was either the breakfast or one of the nibbles the night before - the cheesy tart thing looked ropey.

Al in all a good weekend, and managed 6 new beers. Will have to put an update on this

Clean tipple

2005-03-04T12:35:00.000Z

Liked this story about alcoholic soap. Could only happen in Wales!

Glasgow Comedy Festival

2005-03-03T13:49:00.000Z

The 3rd glasgow comedy festival is on 10 March to 26 March.
Unfortunately will miss stuff on the first and last weekend, there are lots of big acts on in the last weekend. Although there are lots of acts, unlike Edinburgh most are only doing 1 night.

Still booked up to see quite a few people
13th Reginald D Hunter
14th Daniel Kitson
16th Phil Kay
19th Boothby Graffoe
23rd Jack Dee
24th Will Smith

Of these seen Daniel Kitson before and also Reginald D Hunter and Bootby Graffoe at a late night Edinburgh session (at the unbelievably hot Smirnoff Underbelly!)

Looking forward to this lot!

Bad afternoon

2005-02-27T21:56:00.000Z

Went off to the pub to see the footy and rugby. Bound to out messy. Me, real ale, liverpool in a footy final and England in the rugby.
It all started off so well with an early Liverpool goal. But to be honest Chelsea were the better team throughout, although disappointed that they equalised by a flukey own goal with less than 15 minutes left. As for the rugny may need to watch the highlights, thought Ireland looked more dangerous, but would like to see the disallowed try again. Nough said.

Cant believe its sunday night feels more like saturday. Work tomorrow. Ho Hum.

Resolutions and predictions (update)

2005-02-26T16:57:00.000Z

Resolutions
1. Finish a cryptic crossword in the metro.
- well did about 21 out of 24, but the Metro has stopped doing the crossword. So looks like a failure but not really my fault!

2. Lose one stone (in weight) by end of next year.
(started at +1lb over where thought would be - too much beer at new year! will lose this as well so stating at s+1)
Ok, well current at about starting weight, should be at about -3 by now. Um. Will have to do better!

3. Learn how to punctuate properly.
no progress

4. Find a group of people to play the clarinet with
advert placed, need to do more. Um

5. Visit 5 new countries.
Not so bad been to 4. see recent memos. Also may change my trip to NZ and stop off in Singapore

6. Read 24 books (2 per month) and at least 6 from the top 100 list.
Currently read 8, well ahead. Think only the Alchemist is in top 100, so just on target there, may end up having to read Harry Potter.

So as 1, is now dead I will replace this with

7. Drink 365 different types of beer. (one for each day)
Now if I had started in January or recorded those it would have been easier. I think this will be very difficult. I will try and take a photo of each. Dont think I'll make this but worth trying

Predictions
Sport
Cricket - Ashes drawn 2-2
Lions tour – lost 2:1
London wins the Olympics
Norwich city stay up - on last day

- The inspection of London went well, so looks a bit better, but Paris is still the leader. As for Norwich still 2 points away from last safe place. Still possible.

Economic (for end of year)
Interest rates – 4.25%
House price - no change
FTSE – 5000
dollar exchange rate - $2.10

- Ftse is around 5000 already so looks good, dollar exchange rate still below $2 and they have increased base rates so will likely strengthen the exchange rate or at least halt decline. Looks tough. Interest rates look like going up rather than done. Um. House prices little change so far.

Celebrity
Britney to divorce
Charles and Camilla to marry
Johnny Depp wins best actor oscar
A reality TV show is stopped

- Hey 1 down here, and come on Johnny thankfully he got the nomination, although Jamie Foxx looks a shoe-in.

Political
Labour win General election with Majority of 100
US sign Kyoto accord
Ukraine applies to join EU
British troops announce withdraw from Iraq
- The tories are getting closer to Labour and majority looks like being less than the current 170ish. US look to be getting cosier with Europe, never know. As for others, need to wait for the election before we withdraw from Iraq or else will be a big u-turn pre-election.

Fun
A friend in York who is single now becomes engaged
Lint only does 10 of his challenges
Royal Ascot is rained off
At least one other person leaves NU for Abbey.
- Well as for the first one has a new girlfriend, and Lint has been on a date. Come on Pete, Martin, Flic, Chip et al Unfortunately this also means that Lints doing quite well on his challenges. As for the Abbey thing we have a recruitment freeze which makes things tough.

Berties awards

2005-02-26T16:53:00.000Z

The results of the first berties are (see nominations)

Best sporting event
Kellys 800m gold

best film
Million Dollar Baby

Best live Event
The darkness

Most drunk
The aussie girls at new year

Best Party
- Karoake birthday party

Best city
Melbourne

Worst Performance
Alarm at flat

Pub of the year
3 legged mare

I'm back

2005-02-24T13:29:00.000Z

Yes I'm back - the photos are likely to go on line this weekend, not all of them, you'll be happy to hear. May take a trip to York soon, so let me know of anything on or else may make it Easter.

The lyrics were "One night in Bangkok" naff song from the 80s. New one this weekend

Travel stats

2005-02-22T04:49:00.000Z

So here are some boring stats for you all.

Number of countries visited 4 (UAE, Thailand, Lao, Veitnam)

Distance travelled 15256 miles
days travelled 19.91 days
average speed 31.9 mph

Different forms of transport 14
(plane, train, slow boat, bomb boat, cyclotaxi, mototaxi, songtaew, foot, minubus, car, river boat, tuk tuk, kayak, bike)

Alcohol Beer - approx 30 pints (honestly thats all)
White Wine - 3 glasses
Lao rice wine - 1 glass
Lao Lao - 2 sips
Lao Whisky - 1 sip
Vietnamese Vodka - 3 double shots down in one (oh dear)

Books read 5
(Bad company - Jack Higgins, Christmas Train - David Baldacci, The Piano Tuner, Daniel Mason, The Alchemist - Paulo Coehlo, The Da vinci code - Dan Brown)

Revolutionary museum.

2005-02-22T04:40:00.000Z

Well its the last day in veitnam, not much to do apart from last minute shopping, blogging and lunch. Have to get a taxi at 600 to the airport and hopefully back home for lunch tomorrow.

This morning I went to the revolutionary museum, which I had hoped would inform me about veitnams struggle, but although it had lots of pictures of people and pamphlets, never really put them in any historical context so not much better informed. Bit of a shame. Also walked past the opera house which is a fabolous french building.

Also just checked my tracker and someone searched for "franz ferdinand number plates" no idea what they were looking for. Although the one who searched for @pat pong pictures" I have a fair idea!
Interestingly my blog keeps coming up where I have done typos. Quite funny!

Xin Chao Vietnam

2005-02-21T06:09:00.000Z

So where did I leave you ... yes Vientiane.

So spent 2 days travelling. The first day we went to Lak Sao, and on the way stopped off to ride on some bomb boats. These are boats are from American Fuselages, in a war that never existed! Basically the story in a few lines. In the veitnam war, the sides agreed to leave Laos out of it. Then the Viet cong wee using paths through Laos, so instead of invading Laos the US supported rebel groups. They trained the Hmong to revolt and supplied planes, fuel and weapons to an army of US citizens who signed out of the army. So officially not at war, but in all true respects they were. Also Laos is the most heavily bombed country in the world!

The next day we went through the border which is a little remote. We had to go through 5 different queues to get in, or at least our tour guide did! Then we took another 8 hours to travel to Hanoi. Got in at about 8.

Went to a meal and then Saturday was a free day. 6 of us walked to the Hoan Kiem lake in the centre and walked around the Lake seeing sights including Ngoc Son temple and Le Huc bridge. Then we started to do a tour of the old quarter of different market stalls and shops.

In the evening I caught up with Jon and we had a few beers, a bottle of vietnamesse vodka and a few more beers. Finally sharing a taxi to a night club Apocalypse Now with some Danes. Got in at 4ish. A little tipsy.

Sunday wasnt too good! Saw Uncle Ho which was a little odd, almost expecting him to move. Also saw his house, which it is claimed he lived in continuously. Right! So the US missed that one. You need to be careful over the propoganda over here. Then in evening went to a Czech beer place near to the hotel. Service was ropey. They did have a guy singing Opera (the cornetto one!) very impressive, only the one song.

So today visited the Hanoi Hilton as named by US, basically a french build prison used first to hold vietnamesse communists under french rule, and the US airforce pilots in Vietnam War.

Glying back Tuesday night, and will be at revolutionary museum tomorrow.

Onwards to Vientiane

2005-02-15T14:26:00.000Z

So stillin Luang Prabang, went off to a trip of textile fatories, and metalworkers. I managed to but a nice pressie at the silk farm, and then some good paper lamps. In the evening we had an easy bbq in the hotel.
Next day a relaxing day, decided not to see the monks giving alms at 530, but we went off to some waterfalls (name later!) the trip took about 1 1/2 hours. The falls were great and we walked to the first level and looked over. There was a chance to swim in the falls, and I started by jumping off a ledge into a pool, no one else wanted to swim. The water wasnt too cold and got a good photo.
Then we went to feed a tiger and some bears which had been saved from poachers when young. The tiger, phet, was magnificient, very fit and majestic. The bears were great fun and loved their bananas.

In the evening, after a walk to the top of the main hill in the town for sunset, it was dinner and the night market. Nearly stayed later to watch the rugby - probably glad i didnt.

Next morning we headed off to Viang Veng, a long day, 7 hours by mini bus. But not too bad a trip, thought it may be worse. In the evening just went for a quiet meal and beers down by the river.

Then today went on a trip with kayaking and visiting caves, and a bit of trekking. Energetic and fun. At lunch a chance for a swim, and I jumped form a 5m platform into the river, again no one else wanted to do this. Managed to lose my Laos hat, not sure I had mentioned that this is the 3rd hat I have lost!! others thai hat blown off on the mekong and a laos hat left at waterfalls. Still for $2 each, can afford this.

Then in the evening a 3 hour trip to Vietiane, where staying for next 2 nights before 2 long trips upto Hanoi, where next report will be from.

Anyone got the lyrics yet??? bit easy really.

Luang Prabang at last (cont)

2005-02-12T06:02:00.000Z

So the next morning up at 645. Ths was suppossed to be a holiday! Decided to miss the cold shower as the electricity was still out form night before. So headed to the market to buy some fruit for the boat trip. Surprising not that busy. Then after breakfast of pineapple pancakes headed for the boat.

We carried on down the river for about an hour before we stopped at a Hmong tribe vilage. Suppossedly we are the only group to stop here, and some of the other villages become too commercialised and tourist focus. The main point is to not try and affect the lifestyle of the village. The village was incredibly poor. They had just been moved down from high up on the mountain to nearer the river. Wether this was orced or heavily encouraged is unclear, but they now have a school and a couple of running taps. The new village is only 2 years old. The huts were bamboo but they were saving up wood so they could build wooden huts. They had lots of helthy chickens and a few pigs, nd lots of dogs which looked like they were struggling. We actually though a couple looked like they were dying. The tribe looks like it is just hanging in there. We walked round and was shown the school and offered some of their local spirit which I had to try. Picture later. Then we left. We all felt really bad about them but need to ensure any donation we make is used in constructive ways rather than changing the nature of the village. So likely to donate books to the school.

Then we carried on down the Mekong, and round lunchtime, opened a Beer Lao and had a sarnie. Later in the afternoon we went to Pak Ou Caves ( by the way Pak means Mouth so Pak beng is at the mouth of the Beng River and Pak Ou is at the mouth of the Ou river!). These are a popular stop for tourist and there are 2 smallish caves with religious buddas. To be honest this was massively disappointing and not something I would make the trip especially to see.

Then we carried on down and arrived in Luang Prabang at sunset (about 6ish). Caught a ride to the hotel, on the outskirts and absolutely gorgeous. Then went into town for a Lao meal, with many things including Lao sausages and Larp.

This morning had a trip round the Royal Palace. The royal family seemed to rule until around 1975 when the country was taken over by communists. The family fled and the servants were "re-educated", although they did come back! The palace has a famous Budda in it, the Pra Bang hence the name of the city of Luang Prabang (not sure what Luang means). Some of this was disappointing, and the tour guide was a little propogandaish. He claimed that the Laos had had 63 kings all of who were good kings, come on. However the ceremonial room was fantastic, covered with japanese glass mosaics.

Then off to lunch, another Beer Lao.

Later today going round textile factories and then tomorrow a waterfall. Back on the road on Monday to Viang Vieng.

Luang Prabang at last

2005-02-11T14:15:00.000Z

So we got up early on Thursday (I think) morning. Thats 7am. Not much of a holiday if you ask me! Had breakfast. Took some fantastic sunrises over the mekong.

Then we headed for the border which opened at 8. Across the Thai border and then a little boat cross the Mekong (No mans land). The Laos borer wasnt too bad. But one of our group had the thai border guards coming over with departure card as they had spent 3 days longer than the visa in Thailand and needed to pay more. Then went through curency where we were given monopoly money, sorry Lao Kip. The exchange rate is about us$1 = 10000 kip. and they only really had bundles of 5k notes.

Then we boarded another small boat to take us to our larger boat for the next 2 days. This was fairly basic. So headed down the Mekong for next 8 hours.

If you ever go this way dont take the speedboats the idea of 6 hours to Luang Prabang sounds good but these things are defeaning when they pass you , let alone if you're on them for 6 hours.

The whole trip was gorgeous, great views, and scenes of rural life. We stopped at ak Ben overnight which is now almost just a tourist town. Our guide gave us a walk round the vilage and we tried several local alternatives to chips. Very tasty. Then we retired for a beer lao, and off to an Indian restaurant. The food was great. As most of you know I dont like indian, mainly because I dont like really spicy or creamy food. But this was southern indian fare and great. The whole meal came to 28000 kip, oh and 9000 for the beer lao. In total around 2 pounds!

Then further on to Luang Prabang ... (more later)

Chang Mai and to the Laos Border

2005-02-09T11:25:00.000Z

So having arrived in Chang Mai had a really busy day. First thing we went to a Thai Womens prison. To put this in context it was really low low security, more of a detnetion centre, they had been in for what we would maybe consider minor crimes such as drug possession and given 4-5 year sentences. Generally they were there due to being in the wrong place or with the wrong people. So went for a Thai massage.

They started off with a foot washing. Well, my feet are incredibly ticklish. Not sure I should reveal this to those who dont know. So could barely stop giggling. The thai's are naturally a happy and smiley people, and just got all the masseurs laughing. The massage itself was all about strecthcing and pressing muscle and generally ok, if a little painful at times, like touching toes painful. Then they started to try and pull the toes and they started by cracking my small toe. I hate that. Anyway felt a lot better. Also I got the pretty young one - always a bonus!

So got back and went on a 25-30k bike ride round chang mai, through the villages and pass a leper colony. Saw many temples. This was incredibly easy - mainly due to good bikes. But a little tired after.

Then after a little break went to Doi Suthea which is a mountain outside Chang Mai, and they say you haven't been to Chang Mai if you havet been to Doi Suthea. At the top is a temple with reputedly bones of the budda. When we got there they were doing a special ceremony and we had to do a few basic respectful things. Very good, and the views were outstanding.

So we rounded the day off with food in the night bazaar, a bit of shopping and haggling, and some bad thai boxing.

Today was mostly about travelly by road to Chang Kong which is on the border to Laos, we stopped at Lunch at Cabbages and Condomns in Chang Mai, a sponsored restaurant. Some very funny photos, i'll share later.

The guest house in Chang Kong is fantastic. Basically an old teak house overlooking the Mekong and Laos. Off to lunch soon.

Tomorrow is an early day, breakfast and across immigration to Laos. Then we travel slowly down the Mekong to Luang Prabang ( eday trip stopping at Pak Beng overnight).

So next blog in a few days time.

Wat Po and Train

2005-02-08T02:32:00.000Z

Just a quick blog ...

Well caught up with the travel group, nice group of people. Canadians, brits, australians, liberal american and sspaniard/indian.

Yesterday went to Wat Po (wat means temple) in Bangkok, lots of Jeddas and Buddas. Including a gaint and impressive reclining budda. Then Lunch then a trip in a sleeper train overnight to Chang Mai. Where I am now.

Today it is Thai massage by women prisoners. Um. Followed by bike ride and then food and grand bazaar. Should be fun.

Tomorrow night staying in Pak Beng and then 2 night trip down mekong.

Finished one book (bad company by Jack Higgins) and started the Christmas Train by Daviv Baldacci on the train! Also saw Shaun of the dead on PMP. Cool film, and everyone wandered what I was doing as I laughed and giggled out loud.

Having fun 'cept the mozzies.

Erection day

2005-02-06T06:44:00.000Z

This post is not about the trip to Pat Pong, which was interesting and a little disturbing. Must admit I had expected the area to be a bit bigger.

Anyway today is Election day, hence the title, have to keep a straight face when pretty young female thais tell me its erection day. So as part of that they banned alcohol from 6pm on Saturday night to Midnight Sunday night. Great!

So after having a few cocktails, not so obviously alcohol went to Pat Pong which was very quiet and thats bout all i'll say on here. Then came back and eventually found a pub which did beer int he back room and the bonus was that they had the Liverpool game on. Followed by the Rugby. 'nough 'bout that. Sure Daf will make a comment. So went to sleep about 3am, a little tipsy. Woke up with a hangover, whiuch is interesting when alcohol is banned!

Met Rob and we decided to go to the races. Now there are 2 courses in Bangkok and they race on alternate Sundays. The hotels said it was the Royal Bangkok Sports club, so got a taxi there to find that it wasn't but the guy said the other course, closer to the hotel, had races on. So got there and no it didnt. They had moved the races to Saturday because of the election. Fab. So ended up in a one hour circular cab drive 140baht (about 2 pounds!)

So now just crashing till meeting tour group and then catch up with Rob for a beer, and watch Chelsea game.

Arrive in Thailand

2005-02-04T09:03:00.000Z

Well I made it.
First things on thursday I managed to get the cats int he baskets and then whisked them off for their 3 week hols. hope they enjoy it.
Then after washing up and throwing away stuff in fridge, got a taxi to the airport. Took a long time to go throygh check in but that was ok.

Watched 2 films on the way out The vilage, which appeared to stop a little early, so not sure if saw the ending. Um. Then some teeny film raise my voise of something. brain dead affair.

On the stop over got down into the main hall and there was an irish pub - unbelievable. So had a couple and watch Ricky Gervais Animals. Very funny. Especailly his critique of the creation.

Then flew to Bangkok, watched Ladder 49, a fireman story with Joaquim Phoenix and John Travolta, not too bad. At the airport did all the customs things and got a taxi to hotel, think I got ripped off! Checked in with a message from Rob. Great. Hotel is very good for the price. So will enjoy.

When unpacking found I'd forgotten my hat and more importantly my camera battery charger. I had deliberatelty charged the spare battery on Wednesday night. Bit of a faux pas that one, but picked a spare up at a camera shop. Silly thing and not that cheap. Darn

Anyway back to hotel and then a beer. Oh its very hot here !!!!

Packing

2005-02-01T19:12:00.000Z

tickets
passport
visas
travel insurance
some us dollars
some veitnam whatever
credit cards
hanoi guidebook
4 reading books (the alchemist, the da vinci code, the piano tuner and the christmas train)
6 t shirts
1 short sleeved shirt
1 long sleeved shirt to wear
2 pair chinos (1 wearing)
3 pair shorts
(shoes wearing)
flip flops
sun cream
mosi repellent
toothpaste, brush
shower gel (useful wash clothes washing as well)
deoderant
razor
cheap towel (can loose!)
floppy hat
fleece/ reversible and waterproof
matches
small folding up bag (*) for daily travelling
corkscrew with knife
binoculars
digital camera
spare battery
recharger and adapters
spare digital film
portable media player
sunglasses
Pen
notebook
6 sock (mostly old and i can throw)
pants (wont bother! will take a few)

Well that went well - space in the ruck sack, both side pockets empty, could squeeze more in top.
But have some things in folding bag (*) eg tickets, passport etc.
Also only 20 pounds under recommended 22 pound

Things still need
lots of US dollar - post office tomorrow
good money belt - airport!
first aid kit - airport!

Also need to check tempreature - the guide says it can be cool and talks about wearing knee length shorts and long trousers. Should be ok.

Any suggestions of things I've forgotten???
If you want a postcard let me know and any preferred scene.

1st Berties

2005-01-31T19:30:00.000Z

The nominations are closed and here are the nominations for the first Berties, please note they are limited to things I have witnessed

Best sporting event
- Kellys 800m gold
- Mens 4x4 gold
- 2 golds on the track
glasgow rugby didnt quite make it

best film
- Incredibles
- Closer
- Million Dollar Baby

Best live Event
- Franz Ferdinand
- The darkness
- Taming of the shrew

Most drunk
- Graham
- Girl at work christmas party
- The aussie girls at new year
(I am disqualified as I cant remember it!!)

Best Party
- Karoake birthday party
- Australia day party (2nd)
- HalloOOoween party

Best city
- Melbourne
- Rome
- Athens
(note Copeghagen did quite make it!)

Worst Performance
- England cricket ( vs NZ at Durham)
- Paula's 10k
- Alarm at flat

Pub of the year
- 3 legged mare
- Bunker
- Kennedys

please feel free to comment

Passport phase 2

2005-01-31T19:19:00.000Z

So how did the story progress.....

Well was getting a little concerned and tried to phone the laos embassy in Paris and get through the menu to get to the visa department and "Parle vous Anglais", "Non", "Merd". Nough said.

So got my stepmother's sister Helen to call for me, so useful to know someone who can speak fluent French. very grateful. So found out that had been sent backon the 21st. Yippeee. Plenty of time.

Got to the end of the week and went to York for Aussie Day Party 2. Came back expecting to see a little note to say the postman couldnt deliver it as it needed a signature. No such luck.

But today got home and there was the note with the correct reference number. So will pick up tomorrow. YEAAAAAHHHHHHHH !!!!!!!!!

Never really that worried. hee hee.

The other good news was got an txt from Mr Phillips that he'll be in Bangkok this weekend so someone to see the town with and have a few beers. That and general catching up. Will be good. Not sure I'll post all the photos though!

The music link, which I havent updated for a while was "Its my Party". Try this weeks

Flat warming

2005-01-24T13:42:00.000Z

Where shall I start. So much, so just a few bullets

- rugby in the pub
- fruit machine win. Yeahhh
- friends down the pub for a quick pint (or 5)
- party gear on
- get the food sorted
- plus sweeties!!
- flat warming pressies thanks all.
- scared cats
- Tony tut tut
- who asked for the Karaoke
- strip poker
- red wine spills
- Graham -cant hold his drink
- bad head
- bit of tidying up (25 empty wine bottles!)
- breakky for 7 and lots of cups of tea
- listening to cricket
- visit to the botanic gardens
- farewell my friends
- sleep

Sure theres more.

GOMA

2005-01-24T13:20:00.000Z

Last week, before housewarming, visited the glasgow museum of modern art with Michelle. Quite surprised the place was free. There were lots of stuff here, mainly by scottish artists.

There was one scary piece about media
Also was a picture of brigth vertical lines, that was supposed to look like it was moving, very odd and wouldn't recommend after a night out.

Upstairs were vases by Grayson Perry which won the turner prize in 2003, very impressed by how they were done, but not the sort of thing I'd have in my house. Also was a big red church on it side called Dead Church/Real Life by Ross Sinclair, I like the symbolism of this.

Well worth a visit.