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Travel blog…

I decided to have a few days away in Italy and to start things off I was staying at a Premier Inn at Gatwick Airport to avoid a very early start to get my very early flight. However, I still had to wake up at 4am which hurt my eyes like looking into a laser beam at a Jean Michel Jarre concert.

I managed to get ready in good time and looking out of my bedroom window I could see the transfer bus waiting outside. Sadly I couldn’t get there in time and had to wait 20 minutes for another one. Still, what’s the hurry…

Once through check in and security which involved me getting a full body search I boarded the flight. Having a servere nut allergy I got the ‘special’ seats which results in extra leg room and a different breakfast to everyone else. However, the public address to the rest of the plane was a little embarrasing. You can’t eat your own nuts and we won’t sell them to you either went the address!!!

After a two hour coach ride to the Hotel I arrived at the Hotel Splendid Palace. My concern about the outdated rooms was resolved when it turns to have had a major facelift. My room was very small and very nice with the most fantastic view…

In the afternoon I walked into town and had my first proper Macchiato on Fleurs instructions.

Dinner was interesting… I’d told the hotel when I arrived about my nut allergy and had made a sign to wear around my neck… Well, not really but it felt that way. I went down to dinner and the matradee said… Arrr yes… We have a real problem here… I said oh!!!

Upon that he sat me down a disapeared into the back. To my pleasure he produced one of the best pasta meals I’d ever eaten and I was stuffed. Being a boring Brit I felt it was only right to drink the free beer and read my book. However that was interupted by the main course!!! WTF!!! Steak and chips!!! The pasta was a fucking starter… I ate the lot, was stuffed, and didn’t die… Who was I to argue. The mostly german guests looked in jelousy as I had clearly had two great meals compared to their dried up buffet… 🙂

My first nights sleep was not great. Not sure why. Different bed maybe caused a few nightmares. Very odd. Waking up this morning the lake shining in the sun and the church bell ringing, what an amazing sight. Such a contrast to Saturday and the clouds and rain. However, I love the snow capped mountains in the distance and the fact I’m not in Benidorm!!!

The next day I took a ferry to the town of Riva. Not much going on there but I did managed to get the worlds best Lasagna. Every mouthfull was a delight. I followed this with my newly found interest, Coffee Macchiato. This one came up so strong my eyes could see through time… Fantastic!!!

The following day I decided to go on a little trip. It was an early to go visit the Alps in Austria. Getting up at 5am was just so wrong considering that this is meant to be a relaxing holiday… my body decided to reject this. Yes, that’s right. I had the shits!!! Stomach twisting, sick feeling cold shivers. Geat, let’s go in a coach for the next 8 hours… I was green / grey in colour and feeling rougher than a junkie coming down from his last hit of crystal meth… The first stop was more than welcome… I ran from the coach faster than Linford Christie and into a nearby hotel to drop off whatever it was that was making me ill… Realising that I’d spent a little longer than planned from the coach I ran back. I’m not sure how long I’d been away but all I can say is the weather had turned for the worst and my flat converse shoes had become ice skates on the marble floor. My legs opened wider than a man in my condition should do and I pilled into a fence, busting my leg and knee. Now I’m walking with a limp and scared my next toilet break is in another country, which it was… The only thing that made this worse if that’s possible is the man behind me in a strong west country accent describing out loud what he was seeing… A cow, a train, a mountain, a man with shitty fingers about to punch me!!!

Somehow I managed to survive till I got high up into the Austrian Alps and duly went to find a pharmacy. Walking in, Italian is no longer the order of the day but German. Sadly my iPhone doesn’t have German so I showed her and played her the following message in Italian: I need something for diarrhoea. The assistant duly laughed out loud and then totted off to bring back the old stalwart of Immodium… She charges me a few Euros and said she thought the phone was a good idea. I looked her in the eye and said… Frankly it’s a fucking life saver… We laughed and I left her to get my insides cemented up.

Feeling a little better a few hours later I had chance to explore the Alps and came to the conclution that I’ve seen snow before and felt the cold far too often. Interesting the men in these villages all wear a blue apron. All of them. If a man has one side tucked into his belt then he’s single looking for love. What an amazing and strange custom. Some things still surprise me in this world. I only noticed one guy with his apron tucked in and he was old and ugly. I got the feeling that this was always going to be his look…

I continued to live on Latte Macchiato…

After having a day of rest and relative bordom, the next day I took a trip to Venice.

My imagination was that it was a romantic, beautiful and relaxing city. Certainly I had reservations about going without Fleur but with the weather being fairly poor and every other person being German I couldnt face another day of sitting around, so I took the chance that it would be so good I’d want to go again and I can get all my pictures out of the way now. Well I’m actually glad I did. Venice is a beautiful city disbite the fact it’s falling apart at the seams and sinking into the sea. The first thing you notice after the 3 hour coach ride is that Venice is an island situated off the coast of a very industrial port. Ship building, ferrys and smoke stacks litter the area. After the short boat trip to Venice itself I arrived in St Marks Square. This was a massive disapointment. Dirty, plain and full of pigions like Trafalger Square used to be. Two competing hotels on either side off seating, lunch and a classical orcistra. At the same time!!! This might be a bit too much but you kind of accept it. Then you look at the menu. The prices are off the scale for the simplest meal and to add insult to injury, you get charged €5 just to sit down, then the meal cost and then the compulsary 12% tip!!!

As part of the trip we could all go on gondela rides around Venice. €18 each, which I felt was resonable given my size. The poor bugger that gets to push me around in a boat will bloody earn it… However, this was just for a seat on a boat for 6. If I wanted to go it alone it would cost €108!!!

So, here I am about to get into a Gondela with a bunch of stangers with extras being the option to drink sparkling wine from plastic cup and have a man sing opera alongside an accordion player who all get into the boat with you. Cosy!!!

Now, these Gondela’s  look amazing. Polished black with gold fittings. If it had a lid however, it would be a coffin… The fronts have a polished silver spike which bobs up and down in a threatening way, especially if you’re the gondolier standing on the back of the boat in front who’s arse is about to be impailed!!! As I was instructed to enter the boat I decided not to step in like normal people, I decided to jump in, both feet first. The poor gondleia almost shat himself as the boat rolled like it had just been hit by a tsunami. The poor man then cried out…. ‘Mumma Mia!!!’ Needless to say, I did say sorry and offer to buy him some new underwear.

Once we got underway, the trip around the canals was amazing full of character. The strength and skill needed to guide these boats around was staggering. I’m not sure how it was done or how he stopped it tipping over but many of us kept going ‘whorrrr’ every so often as the angle got more serious. The thing that struck me was the smell. I’m not sure if it had anything to do with the suddenly hot and sunny day but the pong was terrible and the water dirty and full of litter. It was certainly an experience but far from romantic. More like a funfair ride. just more expensive and a little cheesier…

Walking around the allyways was interesting for the Italian and middle easten architecture but all the shops were the same. Masks, plastic Gondelas and scarfs at €450 each. Venice is one big tourist trap to grab you’re money and offers very little in value. The tour guide said that few people live there now and it’s now just a big outdoor museum. Along the dockside, Africans, loads of them, sell fake Louis Vuitton handbags which on the surface look as good or bad depending on you’re point of view as the originals. Police walk passed them and arrest and fine €1000 anyone who buys them. Even the police are on the make!!! Mumma Mia!!!

Venice is visually interesting and an experience, but so disappointing too.

I got back to the hotel late and dinner had been saved for me. This was so welcome after the 12 hour round trip. I got back to my room. Dropped everything off and went to the bar for a drink. At this point the lift must have entered a surreal universe. As the door opened I was greeted by all the Oap’s watching several naked Brazillian black women dance up and down the carpet to music. I agree that it could have been worse and I could have naked Japanese men swinging their little dicks around. A surreal end to a interesting and long day.

The rest of my time was fairly lazy with resting swimming, easting more Pasta and finally catching some sun.

I had a good time away, got some thinking done and realized that the best bit about going on holiday is coming home again.

M

PS: All the pictures are available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/xalio/sets/72157624041387980/

The first week of my holiday is almost over. I can’t say I’ve done that much really which is great on one hand as I didn’t want to do anything, however on the other hand have I wasted my time pottering around. One thing is certain. I’ve not been bored.

Fleur and I celebrated our first year together and spent a fortune at Gordon Ramsey’s, The Narrow on Narrow Street E14, which was fantastic as always. The food is beyond amazing and we both felt stuffed beyond healthy!!! The next day we had lunch at Booty’s Wine Bar also on Narrow Street which was a much cheaper affair and with great home cooked food. I had the Rootin Tootin Chilli which took my breath away. The building has been around for hundreds of years and is situated on the River Thames. So close in fact that the boats wake hits the windows.

Last night I celebrated a friend’s birthday at BAFTA. Apart from the great company and laughs, free Champagne always helps the evening go with a bang!!!

I’ve just got back from voting in the general election. I went along with my friend Adrian who was told that he didn’t have the right to vote. After some stern words and some red faces, it was a mistake. For a moment I thought he was an illegal…

Also, well done to Fleur today, she passed her citizenship test and is now a Brit… Depending on the election she might want to change her mind!!!

Right, I’m off to Lake Garda in Italy for some rest.  I just hope I have a country to come back to or will the dust cloud or a hung Parliament consume us all???

See you soon, much love!!!

M

Well actually it’s on my bike.

I bought a nice bike from King Cycle in Greenwich in order to get fitter, save money and enjoy the summer. So far it’s been amazing. Yes, my arse hurts and my legs burn when going up the smallest of hills but I’m feeling great.

I’m lucky that I don’t have to ride on the road and have a cycle path from home to work. It’s a little isolated and if I fell off or bumped into a mugger on my way, it would be some time before anyone found the body. In contrast it is used by a few fellow bikers. Most of which pass me by…

What do we think of Doctor Who so far.  I’m not too impressed so far.  Too much has changed too quickly.

The Doctor, The TARDIS, The Daleks and the writing is not up to the expectations we all had for Steven Moffet.  He should have made the best Doctor Who ever, but all I can ask is… Bring back David Tennant and Bring back Russell T Davies.

I’ll keep watching, as I’m a fan.  Only hoping that it gets better.

M

Did I mention that Marlow and Henley have a load of Swans too…

What a great weekend…

I was awarded some extra days off work for 10 years long service… That’s far too long in one business but I have had some good times and some bloody terrible ones too. I guess the main reason for staying so long is the people you get to meet and the friendship that develop. It’s interesting to return to the branch I started in so long ago and enjoy a few relaxing days out to celebrate. If that’s the word???

Saturday was the first day of the good weather and we decided to go to Hampton Court Palace. Soon after arriving we attacked the maze and attack it we did. Or rather Fleur did as she missed the point of getting lost and having fun and decided to becomes member of the Borg.

She did the maze both ways in 5 minutes… Job done!!!

However, while walking around a square courtyard she got lost… Twice!!!

We walked around the Palace for a good 15 minutes before coming to the opinion that looking at an old dusty chair on the hottest day of the year was not the best plan we had… So, we run out into the gorgeous gardens and slept on the lawn in the glorious sun.

An expensive way to sleep on grass but a good day!!!

Hello Moliblog fans…

While at the supermarket today I discovered the Mexican version of Subway called Tortilla Mexican grill. I’m sure the world has lots of them but this is the first I’ve found. It’s located below the DLR station at Canary Wharf and the food is fantastic. I had a Chicken Burrito with Cheese, beans and salsa for £5… It’s well worth the money and than Taco Bell in America.

My foot feels better today, I’m always shocked at how quickly it comes and goes. One minute your fine and then you wake up in agony. 3 day later it just gets better. Now the doctor has given me pills to stop it happening again. Watch this space. I hope it works.

Bit of a wasted day today, I originally wanted to go abroad for a few days, but Fleur didn’t want to do it. However, since the Icelandic volcano eruption all flights are cancelled anyway. Looks like I was always doomed to remain at home alone today. Still, I get to look up at the blue sky without any aircraft to spoil the view. Not seen that since 9/11.

I’m hoping Saturday and Sunday will offer me more than watching Countdown and eating Mexican food…

M

It’s been the week of the stupid and the just plain dumb…

Most people come and go and pass through without you remembering them. Some stick in your memory because life would be so dull without them.
I remember years ago an old woman coming into the store with one of those tartan trolleys. She walks up to the manager and asks for batteries for her vibrator. The manager was lost for words at the thought of this little old lady using a rampant rabbit. He asked, what batteries does it take? She then proceeded to open the zip of the tartan trolley and reach inside. The manager started to stare into space like a not so rampant rabbit caught in the head lights. As she began to lift out the object, she revealed a large back massager!!! Poor man!!!

At work we try to sell a great many things. One of these is SKY HD. However, we can’t seem to do it. Imagine my surprise and Cheshire cat grin when a woman asked for SKY and all the channels. I was just about to rush off and get it arranged when she said. “Can I have it for a week?” WTF!!!

Also I had a woman ask me for a cable. I asked what cable would she like. She said, “I’d like a yellow one.” Nice!!!

Later in the week, one man asked me, pointing at the ticket saying £379.99, is that the price? No, it’s a random set of numbers generated to confuse the mentally insane. We have a small monkey in the back just to pull numbers out of a cardboard bed pan and place around the building.

A member of staff came up to me with a question about pay. It’s was a serious request and went something like this. Mark, can I get the same pay as a nurse who looks after the mentally sick… If I have to do it here, I should get paid the same. LMAO!!!

To top things off I got a call out today on my day off. One of my fellow managers forgot his key and everyone was waiting outside. Thank fuck I only live a short distance but having had a few drinks and a late night, I could have done without that.

I went for my ten yearly eye test today. I went along to Vision Express at Canary Wharf. I got a very friendly service and a detailed test. Results are that I’ve still got my greater than 20/20 vision and I’ve not got to go back for another 2 years. Here is a picture of my retinas…

Also today I had a Sushi lunch in Selfridges with Fleur and enjoyed the sunshine on Hyde Park.  Afterwards we had Tea in Fortnum and Masons which is a fantastic experience and very reasonable.

Only 3 days work left and then I’m on holiday…

Have a good weekend

M

Finally getting around to write something…

This week I attended a coaching workshop in Daventry. I really enjoyed the course and got to learn that the art of being a good coach is being a good listener and getting the coachee to realise that the answer is within them. A commitment made must be believed, owned and lived. No point taking on someone elses values, goals and objectives. These must be your own.

Thanks Amanda and Andy for a great course.

The hotel was nice and service excellent. My room however was basic, with the smallest TV since time began and a carpet that made my eyes hurt…

Also, I got the chance to hear the stories and opinions of my fellow managers around the country. The general feeling is that most are worried about the future. With the creation of more two in one stores, the company will need fewer managers and colleagues. I’m hoping that all the skills and training I’ve had will ensure my future. Otherwise I could be forced into another store or out altogether. Redundency is such a scary prospect having never been out of work since I left school. However, out of the ashes of many careers, new worlds can be forged. The future is a night light, just have to watch out for storms approaching.

On Wednesday I went along to my first residents meeting on board the boat Teresa Joanne.  It was a mix of people who wanted to heckle the volunteers who try and make things better for everyone on the estate. People who just wanted to have a social night and people who wanted things actioned.  I’m not sure much got agreed but my question was answered in the most amazing way.  I had asked that some historical artifacts were sought and placed into the estate.  As this was the site of the Harland and Wolf shipyard, the original gates have been located and can be bought, restored and placed at the entrance of Galleons Lock.  If the funding can be arranged, I would be so proud that I was able to contribute to the look of Galleons and the history of my home.

My very good friend Sam and family are off on a 3 month trip through Asia. Some might say that living near East Ham is much the same experience… A few of us met up to wish him Bon voyage and sink a few beers at the Parlour. The Parlour is a bar for city wankers. It was packed toe to toe, playing the loudest music and darker than a pub during the blitz. I must be getting old as this place just bored me. The highlight was Sonny spilling his drink on some (W) Bankers coat, the guy looks up with the quip, ” I’ll suck that out later.” Not that Sonny thought it was funny and almost started a fight again.

Having had a few beers we followed along with everything on the menu at Wahaca, Canary Wharf.

The food, beer and service is amazing and so cheap for what you get.

The star of the night was Sonny again, with his story of Sweetheart the stripper and her ability to take her clothes off and offer anger management.

Certainly a multi talanted girl…

Today finally took my poor Mini in for it’s MOT.  Given my anger at all the Pot Holes around the city, I was quite pissed off to discover that it failed it’s MOT due to a suspension fault.  I’ve not had a car fail its MOT since I bought my first old banger soon after passing.  My protesting must have been enough for him to pass it anyway with the promise of returning to get it done next week.  I’ll certainly do it.  Maybe I should send the bill to the council?

Love and Laughs,

M

I took a short walk along the river with Fleur on Saturday. Not a long walk as it started to rain and get cold and dark. Considering that that week had been sunshine and warmer than normal, it was a shame that I had to come in early.

I did get to walk across Galleons Lock itself, with its low chain and long drop into the river Thames. I’m not sure it’s the safest place to walk or should even be allowed in our nanny state of health and safety…

Also at the weekend I watched a movie called Harry Brown. I really enjoyed the realism and darkness of this British films starring Michael Cane. Caine plays the title role of an OAP former Marine who goes vigilantly on some local scum who killed his friend and generally behave like animals. Sadly the scum are some of the people I see every day at work. Unlike clever criminals, these people dress and act in an obvious way that it’s hard to miss. However, this is mainly due to their belief that they are untouchable, cocky beyond measure and fully aware of the limitations of the law. It’s all the more fitting that the true justice in a society that fails to protect the citizen from these animals is terminal bloody violence from the last person you would expect to exercise revenge.

I love the fact this movie was shot locally in East London and in South London, near to where Michael Caine was born. The underpass that features in the film is opposite where my friend Sonny lives and serves to hammer home the realism for me. A great film and well worth seeing.

Moan of the week. Has anyone seen the commercials on Television for Quickquid. These are loans for poor people with a mind blowing interest rate of 2222.46% APR. It’s shame that the poorest people get even further into debt with these loans. How can that be allowed?
I’m off for the next couple of days on a training course at the Staverton Park De Vere Spa hotel in Northamptonshire. The course is to teach me coaching techniques to get the best out of my team at work. These courses are really expensive to run for the company and I’m hoping to learn something new.
I got a new application for the iPhone called Ageing booth. I love it but it didn’t work too well on the dog!!! See the results on me…

My beautiful girlfriend has given me a book to read, The girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Has anyone else read it? Fleur thinks it fantastic, so I’ll take her word for it and give it a go. I’m not really into novels. This could be something new for me to get into.

Love and Laughs,

M