Travel
Observations on Sweden
The Swedish in Sweden in October are generally a very pleasant people. Terribly law-abiding, no graffiti, no litter, few elderly wandering the streets, no vagrant homeless, some fantastically pretty ladies who were very wrapped up for the miserable sleety non-snowy weather…
Turkey!
Hmmm. Turkey, it’s a strange place. In Istanbul at the moment, and believe it or not it’s raining! I’ve had interesting interactions with locals from the best of human nature to the most scrounging little-minded people that you can imagine. One friend here had a mislaid phone returned with a smile - that was lovely to see. On the other hand I was walking along the street last night as a shoeshiner ran past, dropping his brush from his tray. I stopped him and returned his brush, he then proceeded to clean my sandals then tried to charge me 30 lira for the pleasure… Not impressed with that!
Weather has been good until this morning as it is now warm rain - what a novelty!
Holiday planning?
Upcoming fun and holidays - depending on the availability of holidays at work.
Verdon gorge for a weekend and a day or 2.
Wales for a bit of MTB with Mullins and gang.
Then there’s Istanbul with Sarah.
Edinburgh
I was on a short break in Edinburgh recently, taking advantage of the fact that Sarah was over there for a conference in Heriot-Watt. I stayed in the King James Thistle hotel on Leigh St. Great architecture in the town, great summer atmosphere, and strange locals - especially the oilrig electrician that liked to eat anything..
Gran Canaria - Anniversary!
To celebrate our being together for the past 5 (yes - FIVE) wonderful years, myself and Sarah are temporarily heading to a warmer clime for a few days soon. Puerto Rico, the Gloria Palace Amadores **** and hopefully a little bit of sunshine.
Rest and relaxation, a few Mojitos by the pool, a trip to the centre of the island, a visit to Las Palmas, Carrefour, Maspalomas dunes, are all on the plan.
I’m really looking forwards to this!
Driving!
Lots of time in the driving seat..
Galway –> Achill.
Achill <–> Erris Head.
Achill –> Galway –> Castleknock.
Nearly tired of driving! Somewhere around 10 hours of driving between 8pm Friday and midnight Sunday night, as well as doing rescue for the Triathlon that took place on Saturday in Blacksod Bay. I’m a tired bunny.
I’ve now got 3 days onsite with a customer in Dublin, for my first Professional Services engagement. Nice opportunity, and I’m learning loads. Staying in the Castleknock Hotel which is nice enough, rooms are pleasant, staff are nice and helpful, and I’m less than 4km from the customer site. Still took 35 min this morning!
I’m off for a pizza now I think. I’m now a hungry bunny too!