I travelled to Bournemouth tonight to see 'Travis' play. They were absolutely brilliant and began the gig in a really unique way. To the sounds of the theme from 'Rocky' they entered the concert hall from the back and walked through the crowd before climbing up onto the stage!


picture by tomoco, travisonline.com

The only disappointment was that they didn't play "Battleships" or "Big Chair"

23.05.07

I travelled up to London tonight to meet up with my old friend David to see 'OMD' play at the Hammersmith Apollo.



For once I wasn't the oldest person at a gig, not even close! The band initially played their Architecture & Morality album in its entirety before playing a set of their biggest hits. An excellent gig only marred by the fact that when they played 'Enola Gay' they used a very different keyboard sound for the main riff which made them sound like a tribute band!

18.05.07

Today we spent time at the Hafengeburtstag, the Hamburg Harbour Birthday Festival. The harbour becomes a mass of masts.



My friend Ute had organised that we spend time with her family and friends on a private boat trip around the harbour to get the best views of all the historic boats that would attend.



and views of the Hamburg skyline from the water.



Whilst we were sat on the boat I got to test the zoom facility on my new camera. A wasp landed on my leg for a bit of a rest and became my model!



The festival ends with a huge procession of boats leaving the harbour, and our boat timed it so we were coming in as they were going out! Perfect!







A big thank you to Ute for booking us on the trip! We met up with her and her husband Markus at the harbour afterwards and then together with Kirsten we had a relaxing time drinking coffee at Starbucks, where the also sell THE most gorgeous white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake!
All too soon it was time to head back to the airport, so an even bigger THANK YOU to Kirsten for driving us back there, and for making the weekend so very special!

13.05.07

We got an early flight to Hamburg today to visit Kirsten, my friend for 24 years. We originally became pen-pals way back in 1983, with our shared love of Depeche Mode, and although we have met when she has visited England I have never been to her home city, so the time has come to address that!
To best christen my new camera I had to take some pictures from the window of the plane, as the blueness of the sky and shape of clouds will forever fascinate me.



The weather wasn't quite as clear when we landed but thankfully Kirtsen picked us up at the airport and we were quickly in the beautiful city centre of Hamburg itself overlooking the water at Binnenalster



and the much larger Außenalster





before we visited the famous docks



 and then took a lift down 80ft (24m) to walk through the Alter Elbetunnel

c

 which consists of two 1,400ft (426m) tunnels built in 1911 to connect central Hamburg with the docks and shipyards on the south side of the river Elbe. Then we walked through The Speicherstadt district which used to house all the old dock warehouses and in recognition of the largest oriental carpet warehouse in the world there is now an area of pavement designed to look like an oriental carpet!



After a short rest stop at Kirsten's beautiful flat we set off for something to eat and walked past a statue of a man playing a tuba which I couldn't resist posing on!



The final destination of the day was the legendary Reeperbahn, where the Beatles learnt their musical trade and others trade something very different!



There was one shop that sold a variety of condoms and there was a huge one hanging in the window, accompanied by a sign that offered €100 to anyone who went into the shop and proved it would fit them...



I have yet to decide how I will spend the money!

12.05.07

Finally my 40th birthday present from Gareth arrived today. Its a Sony digital camera!

 He had hoped to get it for me in time for my birthday but it has yet to be released in the UK, so he got one mail order from Hong Kong instead for a much more competitive price and loads of extras included too. A huge THANK YOU to Gareth for such a great gift!!

Rather than have to drive a huge distance at some unearthly hour tomorrow morning to get to Stansted airport, I was able to book a bargain overnight hotel room about 20 miles north on the outskirts of Cambridge. We set off for a more leisurely drive there this evening. I say leisurely, it was fine for most of the journey, but as we passed Stansted it was getting quite dark and as we left the M11 and went onto the A11 we realised that road signs must be a luxury in this area as there weren't any for miles!!! We did eventually find the hotel with just enough time to drive into Cambridge for some pizza and then back to the hotel for sleep in readiness for our early start. 

11.05.07

We went to see Alan Carr in Basingstoke tonight. He's doing a short tour before having a show filmed for DVD in London. It was quite disappointing as he played almost the same show we saw last year so we knew most of the routine already.

06.05.07

We travelled to Cardiff today to celebrate the 60th birthday of my sister Glenys. Suddenly I don't feel so old anymore!! We went out for a meal and had a great time catching up with the family. The food was excellent too!

05.05.07

Our best friends Scott & Jon had their civil ceremony today in Cardiff!



A huge CONGRATULATIONS to them!!
We had a really great time and got all suited up for the occasion.





 It was also great to catch up with loads of people I haven't seen in a very long time, none of whom had aged at all (in case they read this!)

28.04.07

The last day of our holiday :~(
I started the day by sitting quietly on our the verandah, getting to the end of my final holiday book. It's called "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak



which I wholeheartedly recommend, as it is an incredibly beautiful and moving book. Unsurprisingly I was in floods of tears at the end!
The journey to the airport and subsequent check in were completely stress free, the flight was on time and we didn't have to wait that long for our luggage at Gatwick either, so a great end to a great holiday!
I also got to finally see "Happy Feet" which was the in-flight movie



 and I swear that air travel makes me even more sentimental than usual, which is quite an achievement! Enough said!

25.04.07

We took a walk along the hotel beach today. It's not a conventional beach



 as the coast along here is one large reef so the waves crash in across it.



There are piers that allow you to walk across the reef from the hotel beach and then enter the sea where it ends,



 but it's been too rough since we've been here to go in.
As it's our last night here we made sure we were outside as the sun set, so we could watch the changing sky over the desert.








 

24.04.07

Over the last few days we've watched the incredible spectacle of swallows skimming over the pool and getting a quick drink of water. Today it was even more special because I was in the pool at the time, standing perfectly still as they almost dive bombed around me! Not sure if you'll be able to make one out in the picture I took?



Following the wildlife theme I noted that Gareth does a great impression of a hippo when he's in the pool!



whereas I just pose!



Yet again tonight there was another beautiful sunset.


 

23.04.07

We had a wander around the hotel grounds today and had the 'pleasure' of seeing some camels, my least favourite animal ever!



I still hold a grudge from years ago when I rode one in Gran Canaria that start to buck in an attempt to get me off it and only by clinging to the wooden seat on its back using the inside of my knees did I stay on. Unfortunately the skin at the back of my knees wasn't so lucky and as the blood ran down my legs I developed an intense dislike of camels!
 Though it does have to be said that apart from utter revulsion, every time I see a camel I remember watching them on "Animal Magic" on TV as a child and half expect them to suddenly start talking in the voice that Johnny Morris always used for them on the programme, like a posh old aunt!
It was almost dusk when we walked back to our room and the light over the desert looked beautiful



leading to a clear night sky.



I also finished reading a really great book tonight. "The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night" by Mark Haddon,



which if you haven't read yet I really do recommend.

22.04.07

So this is it, I'm 40 years old! Life now begins I've been told! A HUGE thank you for all the cards and presents I've received, I'm genuinely touched.
I started the day by going on a bus trip to a local beach where the snorkelling has been recommended. I got to see some beautiful fish and sea life, a really great memory of the day. I also wore the t-shirt bought by my colleagues at work so here's the proof...



On the journey back I got to thinking that my life so far could be sound tracked by many songs that each evoke a memory that reminds me of a different place or person. If you click here I've tried to explain the significance of some of the most memorable.

21.04.07

Much the same as yesterday! Got up, ate, swam,



 read, relaxed, got massaged (harder this time!) ate again, went to bed. Perfect holiday so far!

20.04.07

We both woke today wondering if the other had left a light on when we went to sleep last night, only to realise that it was the light coming through the glass in the top of our domed ceiling!
Breakfast was excellent and then we chose as suitable spot next to the pool and did nothing all day except, read and relax, with the occasional swim!





At some point during the day we were approached by one of the hotel staff enquiring if we were interested in the various massage services available at the health suite. Surprisingly at my age I've never had a massage so this seemed an ideal opportunity to try it out. 7pm was booked and I arrived a little early so I could use the gym beforehand. The massage itself began by placing scalding hot towels across my upper and lower back which was quite an opening! The masseur didn't speak English so when he decided I needed to know something he got another member of staff in to tell me that I must have some stress in my life and I had many muscles that needed work. It's quite hard taking advice when lying stark naked and face down on a massage table so I was relieved when the massage resumed and it was so good I booked some more!
At dinner the hotel provides "entertainment" in the form of some old DJ (a term I use graciously!) who fades various songs into one another with the skill of a chimpanzee. The reason I chose to mention him is that one of the tracks he butchered tonight took me right back to every party my parents ever had when I was a child. At some point you could guarantee that "The Twist" by 'Chubby Checker' would be played and my father would lead the way with some energetic twisting! I'm often amazed how hearing a piece of music can evoke a distant memory and make you smile!

19.04.07

At last the day has arrived where we go on a much needed holiday! A 4am start to the day to ensure everything was checked and checked again before we set off for the long drive to Gatwick Airport... or the not so long drive at that time in the morning, just over an hour in fact. The checking in desk was covering for various flights so for once there was a chance that most of the people queuing wouldn't either be on our flight or at our resort, and I'm sure you've all done it, stand in line and hoped that the loud, common people won't be sat next to you on the flight with their out of control kids! You know the ones, the 'father' who thinks that travelling in style means wearing an England top!
Our flight took us over Germany, Austria, Yugoslavia, Macedonia and Greece, including Athens,



 and the Greek Islands of Andros, Tynos, Gyaros, Syros, Mykonos and Rineia,



then Naxos, Paros, Antiparos, Despotiko and Strongyli,



Ios,



Thira and Thirasia



 before we went over the Egyptian coast



and followed the route of the Nile



 On seeing his first glimpse of the African continent, "it's not that exciting, it's just sand" was Gareth's under-whelmed response!
The in-flight movie was "A Night At The Museum" which I loved as much the second time as when I first saw it.
Marsa Alam airport is tiny and remote so there was none of the usual free for all that happens at the bigger Egyptian airports. As we queued to sort our visas the benefit of booking transfers privately with the hotel became apparent. A small man carrying a clipboard was shouting "Mr. Dayveez! Mr Dayveez!" and as soon as I held up my hand he produced visa stamps from his pocket, stuck them in our passports and ushered us straight to passport control. 45 minutes later we were at the hotel and being shown to our gorgeous room, the ceiling of which was domed with a small glass piece in the top centre. Next stop was to sample the all inclusive food and drink, both of which were excellent. Now it's time to unwind!

18.04.07

When I arrived at the office this morning it became clear why my colleagues Hayley and Carys were keen for me to go home last night! As it's my last day before I go on holiday, to celebrate my birthday they had decorated my desk with a huge balloon and banner! They also got me a t-shirt with a picture of me on the front with the words "It's All About......." emblazoned across the front



and across the back it says "Me,Me,Me,Me,Me!",



which is based on one of my regular office comments when people say they are going on holiday I usually have to say "it's all about you, isn't it?" in a jokey way!! They got their revenge today! I've promised I will wear it in my birthday so watch this space for photographic proof!

17.04.07

Gareth and I went to visit his parents today, to whom I must say huge THANK YOU for the surprise early birthday cake! Delicious!
It also gave them the opportunity to show us what they had bought for Bonnie, for when she accompanies Gareth's Dad in his security job!!


 

15.04.07

We went to dinner tonight with our friends Mark & Mark. A great evening further enhanced by the fact that we ate at Pizza Express so Gareth and I got to eat our first pizza's in 2007!

13.04.07

Well it's been three months since Gareth and I joined the local gym and tonight is when we had the quarterly check on our progress. In January I weighed 71.9kg (11 stone 3lbs) and now it's 63.1kg (9 stone 9lbs) so I must be doing something right!

12.04.07

Yet more daffodils have flowered in the last few days. All the hard work in the garden is really paying off!


 

14.04.07

My dog Bonnie has found the ideal vantage point from where she can keep a close eye on everything that is happening in the lounge.



She positions herself on the stairs and peeks through the banister rails!

08.04.07

Whilst visiting someone to do with work I parked on the road outside their house today. Unfortunately the man who lives opposite didn't take that into consideration when he reversed off his drive, straight into the side of my car. At least he had the decency to come to find me and tell me what he'd done. Others wouldn't have, so I can be grateful for that at least. He has put a huge dent in the rear driver side door which will have to be replaced.



My sister Glenys had some official photos taken today of her family. Here are just some of my favourites.








 

07.04.07

"I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils"
William Wordsworth

Spring has definitely sprung in the garden, with the various types of daffodils that I bought recently just coming into bloom.



A beautiful sight!

04.04.07

I went to see 'Razorlight' play in Bournemouth tonight. Now I've never hidden the fact that when I first saw them play a few years ago I really didn't like them, not because of their musical ability their but for Johnny Borrels clichéd posturing and stage antics, providing nothing original. From tonight's performance very little has changed, but the lighting and use of screens made the show worth watching.

01.04.07

I drove to Oxford tonight to see 'Travis' play their first show since 2005. I have a habit of getting lost in Oxford and tonight was no exception! I eventually arrived at the venue just as the band took the stage.
A superb gig showcasing songs from their forthcoming album. It's rare that I instantly like new songs by any band but tonight Travis continually proved me wrong. Look out for new songs "Selfish Jean", "Big Chair" and "Battleships".

19.03.07

My sister Julie paid me a visit today so we quickly headed into town for some retail therapy whilst we waited for Gareth to get home from work. I have always loved helping other people spend their money!!
We then set off to Gosport to drop Bonnie with Gareth's parents before getting the ferry over to Portsmouth for yet more retail therapy at Gunwharf Quays where I took a liking to an old torpedo!



We then decided to brave the heights of the Spinnaker Tower



 which on a clear day like today gave spectacular views.



Then it was a trip to Nando's to eat, where for once we got to pay before Julie beat us to it, before heading back to the Gosport ferry near where we found one of those street internet consoles that allows you to take a photograph and e-mail it to yourself...

Final stop was at Gareth's parents home, who made us all very welcome. A great day!

17.03.07

The crocus that I planted in the garden have heralded the arrival of spring!



 

11.03.07

I went to see James Morrison at the Southampton Guildhall tonight. A great gig but I was somewhat taken aback when he took to the stage as there were girls in the audience screaming!
The hysteria aside, it was a fantastic gig and he really has an amazing voice. Loved it!

26.02.07

Despite the excesses of last night I woke up feeling great and when I saw the view from our window



 I just had to take a walk around the beautiful grounds of the lodge.



We eventually said our goodbyes and started the long trek home.. or not so long trek home as it turned out. With a little planning with a road atlas we got home in just over 3 and a half hours!

25.02.07

Over the last few months we've been exchanging covert e-mails with our friend Pascal who has organised a surprise 40th Birthday party for his wife, my good friend Mandy.
He's booked a huge lodge in Bettws Cedewain in Mid Wales for the party, so after printing out the directions from an internet route finding service we set off on the long trek. The very long trek!
I started to get a little concerned when the route took us directly through the centre of Gloucester. Having lived there for a few years in the 90's I knew very well that the ring road would be a quicker and easier but stupidly questioned my own judgement and followed the instructions, getting caught up in the town centre shoppers traffic in the process! The rest of the journey wasn't that successful either and we eventually finished the 170 mile trip after almost 5 hours of driving! It was worth every second though just to see the look on Mandy's face when we walked in!!!
We unloaded the car and then headed to join everyone in the local pub for a well deserved drink. This was followed a little later by a beautifully prepared celebratory meal back at the lodge and then a party where I got a little worse for wear, as this picture clearly indicates!



I had such a great time catching up with Mandy's family and friends, most of whom I hadn't seen since her wedding, where I got even more worse for wear at the party afterwards. I may be getting a reputation here!

24.02.07