Iceland
Finally a new piece for your delectation. We did hit quite a few problems with covid permissions on return to the UK however. Iceland was easy but returning to home, hmm. A brezze through Heathrow, nothing was checked of course, but to keep up with all of the official admin, which changes frequently not so. My next trip is scheduled to be Japan but with borders firmly closed this may not happen until 2023 or beyond, as we are hoping to do the ice festival in Sapporo. Fingers crossed.
Report here
Report here
Amex and retirement
I have finally left American Express after 25 years service, with the downturn in the travel economy I have decided to put my feet up. and call retirement
So no more glamour hotel reports and tales of the exotic for now. Travelodge and chippies is the way ahead. I will continue this blog of course, once things get moving again and we are less hunkered down.
So no more glamour hotel reports and tales of the exotic for now. Travelodge and chippies is the way ahead. I will continue this blog of course, once things get moving again and we are less hunkered down.
Covid 19 update
All well and taking things sensibly, as far as you can. A minor triumph, a whole weekend in Wales, report on general travels page. Still going to favourite pubs and restaurants and working from home. All future travel plans postponed, don't fancy planes much at the moment and with France closed due to quarantine that will be the Eurostar out of commission for me. Been discovering my garden, and reacquainting myself with the new Flight Sim. Stay safe everyone.
Safari (with Singita)
Sompting Brooks Development
A project is now underway on Sompting Brooks, between East Worthing and Lancing, north of the railway line. The idea is to divert the stream which runs underneath Church Farm and to create a publicly accessible river trail, alongside a wildflower meadow with seating areas and eventually a wildlife viewing hide. Wildlife, including foxes and badgers, are active in the area and fish are already returning to the stream. See map below.
The scheme is being run by The Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust, along with the Sompting Estate Trust, and financed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Additional support is provided by the Environment Agency, Rampton Offshore Wing Ltd and Sompting Big Local.
A lot of the work is volunteer focused with courses being run on conservation, photography, and ecological surveying. Already over 900 volunteers are engaged and currently laying a series of hedges at the entrance to the project. Local residents are being invited to study wildlife in their own gardens in the area with use of camera traps, which can be borrowed from the project.
It is hoped to be completed and open to the public late spring 2021. Consultations are in progress with the council to investigate the possibility of including an East to West cycle path with access from East Worthing/Lancing.
More info here.
The scheme is being run by The Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust, along with the Sompting Estate Trust, and financed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Additional support is provided by the Environment Agency, Rampton Offshore Wing Ltd and Sompting Big Local.
A lot of the work is volunteer focused with courses being run on conservation, photography, and ecological surveying. Already over 900 volunteers are engaged and currently laying a series of hedges at the entrance to the project. Local residents are being invited to study wildlife in their own gardens in the area with use of camera traps, which can be borrowed from the project.
It is hoped to be completed and open to the public late spring 2021. Consultations are in progress with the council to investigate the possibility of including an East to West cycle path with access from East Worthing/Lancing.
More info here.
Zanzibar
I have added notes on my recent adventure in General Travels and the Agent Page.
Worthing hotel fails to set the mark.
Adam had cause to stay at the Travelodge on Worthing seafront last week, his review is below. I should retire now! Over to you Adam,
A microbiologists dream escape!
Are you an aspiring microbiologist? Then this is the hotel for you!
A warm welcome and a whole weekend of activities await you at the Worthing Seafront Travelodge. Once inside your room, you can look forward to some quality time examining an assortment stains and splatter on the walls, identifying mysterious sticky substances on the bedside fittings, and playing 'Guess the Orifice' with the bodily stains on the bed linen. You can while away the hours searching for traces of DNA amongst the endless amount of dust left coating every available surface, with the occasional stray pubic hair or toothpaste encrusted lump of dried saliva to help you along the way.
If, however, you are not a microbiologist and happen to stumble in here entirely by mistake, then I would recommend asking for a refund before you open the Pandora's Box of horrors that is your room. A mistake which my wife and I sadly made, and now leaves us both requiring extensive treatment for PTSD."
A microbiologists dream escape!
Are you an aspiring microbiologist? Then this is the hotel for you!
A warm welcome and a whole weekend of activities await you at the Worthing Seafront Travelodge. Once inside your room, you can look forward to some quality time examining an assortment stains and splatter on the walls, identifying mysterious sticky substances on the bedside fittings, and playing 'Guess the Orifice' with the bodily stains on the bed linen. You can while away the hours searching for traces of DNA amongst the endless amount of dust left coating every available surface, with the occasional stray pubic hair or toothpaste encrusted lump of dried saliva to help you along the way.
If, however, you are not a microbiologist and happen to stumble in here entirely by mistake, then I would recommend asking for a refund before you open the Pandora's Box of horrors that is your room. A mistake which my wife and I sadly made, and now leaves us both requiring extensive treatment for PTSD."
Six nights in Qubec
January in Quebec, you know you want to! See the general travel section for an alternative winter break.
Cambodia (The Return) plus Laos
As anyone who knows me is soon aware I have a bit of hang up on Cambodia, well I am now giving it its own section on this blog, and am rolling it out with my trip report from my last visit and updated notes on Siem Reap. See tags above. I have also visited Luang Prabang in Laos and added a trip report in my general travels section.
Hlaba'nkunzi has cubbed.
My leopard from last years South Africa blog has cubbed. Mum and cub are doing well, and frequently seen around Sabi Sand Reserve.
Top of the World
Report on my first P&O cruise in the general travel section.
South Africa and the Kruger
See agent section
China (A food guide)
I was very lucky to return to China this November on a trip with Imperial Tours, the full blog of which can be found in the agents section.
One of the most intestesting parts of the trip was of course the cuisine, so on my return I started to do some research into it, and the results are below in a handy little guide. On my last visit I really struggled here, this time armed with a guide, and let’s face some pretty top end venues I feasted. There is some wonderful food here, so I suggest you check local reviews for good restaurants in your vicinity. Just engage the staff in an enthusiastic conversation and amazing things can happen. It isn’t just about chow mein and sweet and sour. Traditionally Chinese food should have five flavours, sweetness, sourness, hotness, bitterness and saltiness being combined to achieve balance and harmony. Below I list the main regional styles and a London based venue to check out.
In China the food is usually served around the table in communal dishes with rice and noodles served at the end of the meal to fill you up if you are still hungry. It therefore may be worth checking out a buffet to get as wider variety of tastes and textures as possible, especially if you are on your own.
This piece is largely borrowed from an excellent article by food blogger Ben Norum and China highlights.com
SOUTHERN REGION
Cantonese (Hong Kong/Guangzhou)
Traditionally this cuisine is mostly mild, with the aim of bringing out the flavour of the ingredients. Heavy on meat, which may be er exotic. This style is the most popular in the UK although more sugar and spice is used here. Fish is usually steamed and served with a little soy sauce and ginger.
Look for sweet and sour pork, wonton noodles, chow mein, congee, dim sum, roast duck, seafood served with white rice and rice noodles.
Try: Hakkasan, Royal China Club (Baker Street), Gold Mine (Bayswater) for duck.
Fujian (South Eastern)
The area between the provinces of Hong Kong and Shanghai produces lighter and more subtle styles than other Chinese regions. Regularly cooked with red rice wine into ‘drunken’ dishes. It produces an exotic variety of seafood, such as sea cucumbers. Also soups using wild herbs, mushrooms and bamboo.
Look for Stewed Chicken in Three Cups Sauce, Buddha Jumping Wall (Seafood and Poultry Casserole)
Hunan (Central South)
Served hot and spicy with a sour aftertaste. Here the taste is not from peppercorns but from a mix of chili and vinegar. Possibly served with citrus fruits. Stews and stir fries with lots of vegetables and white rice.
Look for Hunan Orange Chicken
Try: Local Friends (Golders Green)
WESTERN REGIONS
Sichuan (Chengdu)
Main ingredient here is the Sichuan pepper, which is very spicy and indeed numbing to the throat. Sweet flavours, gingers, mustards, chives, liberal amounts of garlic. Meat and Vegetables stir fried with fiery spices.
Look for Hot Pot, Kung Pao Chicken
Try: Sichuan Folk (Spitalfields)
Xinjiang (Kazak Borders)
Central Asian (Uyghur and Kazakh), Muslim influence. Heavy Lamb dishes (halal) served with black beer. Roasted fish, pilaf rices.
Try: Silk Road (Camberwell)
Xizang (Tibet)
Tibetan style. Stir fried meat, flatbreads and dumplings. Momos, (steamed buns)
Try: Kailash Momo (Woolwich)
NORTHERN REGIONS
Shaanxi (Xian)
Similar to Hunan, heavy on salt, garlic and onion. Steaming is a popular cooking method.
Try: Xian Impression (Holloway)
Beijing
Oily and rustic. Dominant flavours with pork and mutton prominent, and of course peking duck, pancakes and onions. Mongolian influenced.
Try: Min Jiang (Kensington)
EASTERN STYLE
Liaoning (Korean Borders)
This style from the far North East of China is very different to the main cooking schools, borrowing influences from its neighbours in Korea and Japan. Oily with strong flavours. hot pot, fried vermicelli, dumplings.
Try: Top Taste (Bethnal Green)
Zhejiang (Hangzhou region)
A wide variety of seafood often presented raw, or just slightly cooked with wine, vinegar, soy and sugar. Also you can find salted meat and preserved vegetables. Locals will again have a preference to rice over noodles. Sweet desserts.
Look for Ningbo salty crab, Beggars Chicken, Dongpo Pork
Try: Red Sun (Marylebone)
Taiwan
Steamed buns, noodle soups, pancakes, bubble tea.
Try: Bao (Soho)
One of the most intestesting parts of the trip was of course the cuisine, so on my return I started to do some research into it, and the results are below in a handy little guide. On my last visit I really struggled here, this time armed with a guide, and let’s face some pretty top end venues I feasted. There is some wonderful food here, so I suggest you check local reviews for good restaurants in your vicinity. Just engage the staff in an enthusiastic conversation and amazing things can happen. It isn’t just about chow mein and sweet and sour. Traditionally Chinese food should have five flavours, sweetness, sourness, hotness, bitterness and saltiness being combined to achieve balance and harmony. Below I list the main regional styles and a London based venue to check out.
In China the food is usually served around the table in communal dishes with rice and noodles served at the end of the meal to fill you up if you are still hungry. It therefore may be worth checking out a buffet to get as wider variety of tastes and textures as possible, especially if you are on your own.
This piece is largely borrowed from an excellent article by food blogger Ben Norum and China highlights.com
SOUTHERN REGION
Cantonese (Hong Kong/Guangzhou)
Traditionally this cuisine is mostly mild, with the aim of bringing out the flavour of the ingredients. Heavy on meat, which may be er exotic. This style is the most popular in the UK although more sugar and spice is used here. Fish is usually steamed and served with a little soy sauce and ginger.
Look for sweet and sour pork, wonton noodles, chow mein, congee, dim sum, roast duck, seafood served with white rice and rice noodles.
Try: Hakkasan, Royal China Club (Baker Street), Gold Mine (Bayswater) for duck.
Fujian (South Eastern)
The area between the provinces of Hong Kong and Shanghai produces lighter and more subtle styles than other Chinese regions. Regularly cooked with red rice wine into ‘drunken’ dishes. It produces an exotic variety of seafood, such as sea cucumbers. Also soups using wild herbs, mushrooms and bamboo.
Look for Stewed Chicken in Three Cups Sauce, Buddha Jumping Wall (Seafood and Poultry Casserole)
Hunan (Central South)
Served hot and spicy with a sour aftertaste. Here the taste is not from peppercorns but from a mix of chili and vinegar. Possibly served with citrus fruits. Stews and stir fries with lots of vegetables and white rice.
Look for Hunan Orange Chicken
Try: Local Friends (Golders Green)
WESTERN REGIONS
Sichuan (Chengdu)
Main ingredient here is the Sichuan pepper, which is very spicy and indeed numbing to the throat. Sweet flavours, gingers, mustards, chives, liberal amounts of garlic. Meat and Vegetables stir fried with fiery spices.
Look for Hot Pot, Kung Pao Chicken
Try: Sichuan Folk (Spitalfields)
Xinjiang (Kazak Borders)
Central Asian (Uyghur and Kazakh), Muslim influence. Heavy Lamb dishes (halal) served with black beer. Roasted fish, pilaf rices.
Try: Silk Road (Camberwell)
Xizang (Tibet)
Tibetan style. Stir fried meat, flatbreads and dumplings. Momos, (steamed buns)
Try: Kailash Momo (Woolwich)
NORTHERN REGIONS
Shaanxi (Xian)
Similar to Hunan, heavy on salt, garlic and onion. Steaming is a popular cooking method.
Try: Xian Impression (Holloway)
Beijing
Oily and rustic. Dominant flavours with pork and mutton prominent, and of course peking duck, pancakes and onions. Mongolian influenced.
Try: Min Jiang (Kensington)
EASTERN STYLE
Liaoning (Korean Borders)
This style from the far North East of China is very different to the main cooking schools, borrowing influences from its neighbours in Korea and Japan. Oily with strong flavours. hot pot, fried vermicelli, dumplings.
Try: Top Taste (Bethnal Green)
Zhejiang (Hangzhou region)
A wide variety of seafood often presented raw, or just slightly cooked with wine, vinegar, soy and sugar. Also you can find salted meat and preserved vegetables. Locals will again have a preference to rice over noodles. Sweet desserts.
Look for Ningbo salty crab, Beggars Chicken, Dongpo Pork
Try: Red Sun (Marylebone)
Taiwan
Steamed buns, noodle soups, pancakes, bubble tea.
Try: Bao (Soho)
Don't Lose Hope
I was bought up in an inherently racist household, and had a challenging childhood coping with the consequences. Fortunately I was able to overcome the inevitable results through a combination of a highly intelligent partner and some unusual oddball experiences as life took me towards London and its brilliant cultural mix and the inevitable re education that followed.
The result of last night’s election saddens me greatly, it is alarming, and presents a threat not only to our country but to Europe as a whole. I understand the need to control immigration, manage our own affairs and defeat the mad levels of bureaucracy that Brussels has launched towards us. Surely though this could have been negotiated by our elected political representatives, rather than a tasteless election gimmick which, like most Tory policies has gone fantastically tits up.
The result has gone hand in fist with the rise of right wing politics across Europe, and will egg on those elements even further. We have already seen the assassination of the greatly promising Labour MP Jo Cox to a lunatic with associations to Britain First, surely warning enough.
I regard myself as European, with special relationships with Ireland and Germany, and will still at least be able to continue to have EU citizenship through my Irish roots. However a democracy is a democracy and we have to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off and work together for a better future. I loved the uplifting Trafalgar Street graffiti on the way home tonight.
The result of last night’s election saddens me greatly, it is alarming, and presents a threat not only to our country but to Europe as a whole. I understand the need to control immigration, manage our own affairs and defeat the mad levels of bureaucracy that Brussels has launched towards us. Surely though this could have been negotiated by our elected political representatives, rather than a tasteless election gimmick which, like most Tory policies has gone fantastically tits up.
The result has gone hand in fist with the rise of right wing politics across Europe, and will egg on those elements even further. We have already seen the assassination of the greatly promising Labour MP Jo Cox to a lunatic with associations to Britain First, surely warning enough.
I regard myself as European, with special relationships with Ireland and Germany, and will still at least be able to continue to have EU citizenship through my Irish roots. However a democracy is a democracy and we have to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off and work together for a better future. I loved the uplifting Trafalgar Street graffiti on the way home tonight.
Virgin Trains have given up!
Not once last season did I manage to have a single trip that ran on time courtesy of Virgin Trains, usually sorted by their money back guarantee which meant I hardly paid for an away trip last year. Well they have surpassed themselves this time.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to plan away games these days due to the divine right of Sky TV to shift matches at very short notice to all hours of day and night. Why not I thought offer some from of insurance against this, pay a few quid more and if you get shafted courtesy of Sky you can then claim a refund or change your ticket free of charge. A fine idea, so I wrote to Virgin trains so gauge their response. This is what I received.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to plan away games these days due to the divine right of Sky TV to shift matches at very short notice to all hours of day and night. Why not I thought offer some from of insurance against this, pay a few quid more and if you get shafted courtesy of Sky you can then claim a refund or change your ticket free of charge. A fine idea, so I wrote to Virgin trains so gauge their response. This is what I received.
Thus it would appear some number cruncher has found it cheaper to dole out endless compensation without even bothering to investigate the claims. Hmm! Maybe I should raise a complaint? You didn't of course hear this from me. Fill your boots!
Owen and I do Japan
Owen and I headed to Japan for what was one of my greatest travel adventures. It is an amazing country with a superb travel network, and actually good value, nowhere near as expense as I was led to believe. See the travel section for the full blog.
Ten reasons to love Japan, and a few reservations.
Safety: One of the safest countries in the world. If you left your bag in the street someone would chase after you with it. Even late at night in a big city, totally chilled.
The Loos: Multi Function Electronic loo seats. Complete with bidet mode and heating.
Nature: Sustainable forestry has kept Japan green. Even in the big cities there are huge parks with trees crafted and formed into shapes using the Bonsai tradition.
Onsens: Get local get naked. Tattoos on foreigners are now being accepted. (Check first)
Walking: Even in the cities, beautiful river and canal side walks.
Okonomiyaki: Japanese Pancakes, big fresh pancakes of meat, cabbage and batter. (Or anything else you fancy) Cooked freshly in front of you and topped with a special sauce. Filling and delicious.
The Alps: Just a couple of hours from Tokyo. Bus and trains traverse these beautiful mountains, covered in verdant forest, truly beautiful. Matsumoto makes a lovely break from Tokyo with its fresh mountain air. Great for hiking.
Beer: Thriving craft beer scene in most towns. If you can’t find a bar there are plenty of well stocked off licences for take aways.
Rail: Shinkansen Trains are straight out of the 22nd Century. Covering the tracks at over 200mph they cover the country in no time. However there a significant number of small branch lines to explore. Japan loves its railways.
Tipping: Dosn’t exist, if short of change they round down. No embarrassments at dinner.
Not so sure
Food: Wagyu Beef (Specific breeds of Japanese Cattle) is viciously expensive. One restaurant had a sign up saying if you cannot afford our prices don’t complain. Just don’t come in. And as for Yakitori, Gizzards Yum?
Bar Life: Izakayas. Japanese bars. Couldn’t crack these. The few efforts we made to enter behind the curtain were addressed with, Full, Closed, or a firmly dismissive waving of hands.
Language: Impossible to break down the menus in Japanese script. One for future study.
Tokyo: Is so far away.
Hotel Check in: From 3pm and strictly enforced. Thus a big queue at 3PM to check in as everyone arrives at once.
Maid Cafe: How old were these girls? Fresh crawling attention.
Green tea: Its nettles and tastes of it. Yuk!
Octopus: Tenticles for dinner, No!
The Loos: Multi Function Electronic loo seats. Complete with bidet mode and heating.
Nature: Sustainable forestry has kept Japan green. Even in the big cities there are huge parks with trees crafted and formed into shapes using the Bonsai tradition.
Onsens: Get local get naked. Tattoos on foreigners are now being accepted. (Check first)
Walking: Even in the cities, beautiful river and canal side walks.
Okonomiyaki: Japanese Pancakes, big fresh pancakes of meat, cabbage and batter. (Or anything else you fancy) Cooked freshly in front of you and topped with a special sauce. Filling and delicious.
The Alps: Just a couple of hours from Tokyo. Bus and trains traverse these beautiful mountains, covered in verdant forest, truly beautiful. Matsumoto makes a lovely break from Tokyo with its fresh mountain air. Great for hiking.
Beer: Thriving craft beer scene in most towns. If you can’t find a bar there are plenty of well stocked off licences for take aways.
Rail: Shinkansen Trains are straight out of the 22nd Century. Covering the tracks at over 200mph they cover the country in no time. However there a significant number of small branch lines to explore. Japan loves its railways.
Tipping: Dosn’t exist, if short of change they round down. No embarrassments at dinner.
Not so sure
Food: Wagyu Beef (Specific breeds of Japanese Cattle) is viciously expensive. One restaurant had a sign up saying if you cannot afford our prices don’t complain. Just don’t come in. And as for Yakitori, Gizzards Yum?
Bar Life: Izakayas. Japanese bars. Couldn’t crack these. The few efforts we made to enter behind the curtain were addressed with, Full, Closed, or a firmly dismissive waving of hands.
Language: Impossible to break down the menus in Japanese script. One for future study.
Tokyo: Is so far away.
Hotel Check in: From 3pm and strictly enforced. Thus a big queue at 3PM to check in as everyone arrives at once.
Maid Cafe: How old were these girls? Fresh crawling attention.
Green tea: Its nettles and tastes of it. Yuk!
Octopus: Tenticles for dinner, No!
Turning Japanese
Oddly this story starts not in Japan but in Brighton. The arrival of the Rugby World Cup at the, renamed for the weekend, Brighton Community Stadium created 250,000 requests for tickets for both games. This in an area with no connection to the game.
Albion fans turned into two camps, those who welcomed the tournament, and those who felt the concept a blasphemy of our hallowed turf. I did have an interest at school, and indeed went to a couple of Worthing games in the early 70's. My interest was soon annihilated by playing the game at school
and ultimately into pure hatred of the sport and all it stood for.
Now rolling forward 40 years, and drinking in a rugby pub, interest has got to the stage of enquiring how Worthing RFC got on each week and a liking for some of their kit being worn around the town during Worthing RFC's recent ascendency through the regional Leagues. Thus I joined the lottery for tickets, and the excitement when Brighton became a host city for two games, and persistence finally paid off and a ticket to the Springbok game attained. They were playing Japan, really they play rugby? Not much of a Game but good for atmosphere none the less.
As with most Saturday's this summer a glorious Sussex day dawned (shame about Sunday to Friday). The atmosphere around the station was buzzing, though more muted down on the beach where hundreds of South Africans gathered to enjoy the preamble. There was a lot of colour, but unlike Soccer it was quite and restrained. At the stadium warm enthusiasm, but not as much noise or colour of soccer. Beer was allowed in the seats, and every one settled down to wonder when the plucky Japanese would run out of steam after an encouraging start. It soon became evident that was not going to happen And they would run the Springbok close.
In fact as Japan upped their game the locals began to take a keen interest and encouragement poured forth from three sides of the ground. The middle of the South African zone where I sat was shocked into silence, bar one fan who made his opinion very clear, to be shouted down by his own.
Finally as Japan ran home the winning try, by neglecting to take the easier penalty kick to secure a draw, the ground erupted. The Japanese were visibly emotional and in tears as we locals ran around hugging them, and cheering them back through the station. I had already been texted by one friend whose wife was indeed South African requesting I go easy on her. A lively night was had by all, With The Bell being taken by the Springbok, The Grand Central turning Japanese.
A wonderful day, and with talk of potential European cup games in the future rugby can come back soon.
A couple of afterthoughts. Could the Rugby World Cup become an alternative to the Soccer one now it has lost total credibility, especially for the travelling fan? Is it possible a future rugby franchise could be looking At the Amex as a base. It is currently limited to the amount of events it holds. Is that negotiable?
Albion fans turned into two camps, those who welcomed the tournament, and those who felt the concept a blasphemy of our hallowed turf. I did have an interest at school, and indeed went to a couple of Worthing games in the early 70's. My interest was soon annihilated by playing the game at school
and ultimately into pure hatred of the sport and all it stood for.
Now rolling forward 40 years, and drinking in a rugby pub, interest has got to the stage of enquiring how Worthing RFC got on each week and a liking for some of their kit being worn around the town during Worthing RFC's recent ascendency through the regional Leagues. Thus I joined the lottery for tickets, and the excitement when Brighton became a host city for two games, and persistence finally paid off and a ticket to the Springbok game attained. They were playing Japan, really they play rugby? Not much of a Game but good for atmosphere none the less.
As with most Saturday's this summer a glorious Sussex day dawned (shame about Sunday to Friday). The atmosphere around the station was buzzing, though more muted down on the beach where hundreds of South Africans gathered to enjoy the preamble. There was a lot of colour, but unlike Soccer it was quite and restrained. At the stadium warm enthusiasm, but not as much noise or colour of soccer. Beer was allowed in the seats, and every one settled down to wonder when the plucky Japanese would run out of steam after an encouraging start. It soon became evident that was not going to happen And they would run the Springbok close.
In fact as Japan upped their game the locals began to take a keen interest and encouragement poured forth from three sides of the ground. The middle of the South African zone where I sat was shocked into silence, bar one fan who made his opinion very clear, to be shouted down by his own.
Finally as Japan ran home the winning try, by neglecting to take the easier penalty kick to secure a draw, the ground erupted. The Japanese were visibly emotional and in tears as we locals ran around hugging them, and cheering them back through the station. I had already been texted by one friend whose wife was indeed South African requesting I go easy on her. A lively night was had by all, With The Bell being taken by the Springbok, The Grand Central turning Japanese.
A wonderful day, and with talk of potential European cup games in the future rugby can come back soon.
A couple of afterthoughts. Could the Rugby World Cup become an alternative to the Soccer one now it has lost total credibility, especially for the travelling fan? Is it possible a future rugby franchise could be looking At the Amex as a base. It is currently limited to the amount of events it holds. Is that negotiable?
The Many Deaths of Kirsten Dunst
Dear Kirsten,
As a fan I am becoming extremely concerned for your wellbeing. The first movie I saw you in you ended up being propelled from the top of a very tall building, mercifully, though improbably, you were rescued at the last moment by a superhero. Wow! What were the chances.
The last four movies I have watched you have been hung, beheaded, incinerated and flung off the top of a flight of stairs. Missed those then superhero? Now each time your face pops up I start a book on how you are going to get slabbed this time. Is this co incidence or does your agent have it in for you and is working out his/her secret fantasy.
May I tactfully suggest you get a new agent, and consider changing your locks or moving somewhere safer. I hear Svalblad is nice this time of year. Oh! Hang on a minute.
As a fan I am becoming extremely concerned for your wellbeing. The first movie I saw you in you ended up being propelled from the top of a very tall building, mercifully, though improbably, you were rescued at the last moment by a superhero. Wow! What were the chances.
The last four movies I have watched you have been hung, beheaded, incinerated and flung off the top of a flight of stairs. Missed those then superhero? Now each time your face pops up I start a book on how you are going to get slabbed this time. Is this co incidence or does your agent have it in for you and is working out his/her secret fantasy.
May I tactfully suggest you get a new agent, and consider changing your locks or moving somewhere safer. I hear Svalblad is nice this time of year. Oh! Hang on a minute.
Sussex Macmillan Cancer Support Center to open in February
Last week I was invited to a preview of the brand new Cancer Support Facility, which will open next door to the Royal Sussex Hospital in Brighton.
It is not often the word cancer can be associated with good news but the Sussex Macmillan Cancer Support Centre will open its doors after a decade in the planning. The 6 million pound facility is a state of the art building, which will concentrate on care and support for cancer patients away from the very clinical and potentially upsetting atmosphere of a regular hospital.
The centre offers support to patients, family, friends and carers. As well as administrative space for cancer support and research staff it will offer:
-Specialist advice and resources
-Benefits advice
-Counselling services
-Hair and skincare advice
-A coffee lounge
-Dietary advice
-Meeting space for support groups
-Complimentary therapies
It is in effect a drop-in centre for those seeking support, and will be open to the general public. The design has concentrated on an environmentally friendly approach, with even the roof being laid to lawn.
This will offer great support to patients and will be far better than the rather cold information pack I was sent post diagnosis, at the start of my journey eight years ago.
It is not often the word cancer can be associated with good news but the Sussex Macmillan Cancer Support Centre will open its doors after a decade in the planning. The 6 million pound facility is a state of the art building, which will concentrate on care and support for cancer patients away from the very clinical and potentially upsetting atmosphere of a regular hospital.
The centre offers support to patients, family, friends and carers. As well as administrative space for cancer support and research staff it will offer:
-Specialist advice and resources
-Benefits advice
-Counselling services
-Hair and skincare advice
-A coffee lounge
-Dietary advice
-Meeting space for support groups
-Complimentary therapies
It is in effect a drop-in centre for those seeking support, and will be open to the general public. The design has concentrated on an environmentally friendly approach, with even the roof being laid to lawn.
This will offer great support to patients and will be far better than the rather cold information pack I was sent post diagnosis, at the start of my journey eight years ago.
Is Colombia safe for tourists?
I have been out in Colombia courtesy of their tourist board, ProColombia. I visited Cartagena, Bogota and the Zona Cafetera. Full details are in the Travel section. Colombia does have a fearsome reutation for security. Is that justified? Well I certainly did not encounter any problems, though the site of heavily armed troops in most towns can be unsettling. Little English is spoken, so some basic Spanish is all but essential. It is very good value, meals are cheap and heavy on meat. Beer, Club Colombia, is cheap and passable. Expect to pay £1.50 for a beer in a restaurant, or bar.
As well as the destinations I covered travellers can also consider Santa Marta and the Tayrona National Park, (serious hikers could consider the five to six day hike to the ruins of Ciudad Perdida, from here) or the Pacific coast, or the Islands of San Andres and Provincia. Had I had more time I would have headed onto Panama with Copa Air and visited the Canal and finished on the San Blas Islands.
Avianca now fly direct from London on a 10 hour flight into Bogota, arriving at 4am allowing a wealth of connection opportunities for those not so keen on tackling Bogota. Flights are vey good value, usually on Airbus A330 planes and comfortable enough in economy. Eat before boarding and bring a good book. In flight servicing is poor. ProColombia advise there were 35,000 UK visitors last year, up 10,000 on the previous year. It is a growing destination and a very exciting one. roColumbia advise there were 35,000 UK visitors last year, up 10,000 on the previous year. It is a growing destination and a very exciting one. ProColumbia advise there were 35,000 UK visitors last year, up 10,000 on the previous year. It is a growing destination and a very exciting one.
As well as the destinations I covered travellers can also consider Santa Marta and the Tayrona National Park, (serious hikers could consider the five to six day hike to the ruins of Ciudad Perdida, from here) or the Pacific coast, or the Islands of San Andres and Provincia. Had I had more time I would have headed onto Panama with Copa Air and visited the Canal and finished on the San Blas Islands.
Avianca now fly direct from London on a 10 hour flight into Bogota, arriving at 4am allowing a wealth of connection opportunities for those not so keen on tackling Bogota. Flights are vey good value, usually on Airbus A330 planes and comfortable enough in economy. Eat before boarding and bring a good book. In flight servicing is poor. ProColombia advise there were 35,000 UK visitors last year, up 10,000 on the previous year. It is a growing destination and a very exciting one. roColumbia advise there were 35,000 UK visitors last year, up 10,000 on the previous year. It is a growing destination and a very exciting one. ProColumbia advise there were 35,000 UK visitors last year, up 10,000 on the previous year. It is a growing destination and a very exciting one.
My Istanbul blog
Now published in the agent page section.
Ros and I do Dubrovnik
See my report on the Agent page
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Channel 4 Does Cancer
Channel 4 this week bought us the good, bad, and the ugly of the media portrait of cancer. Wednesday bought us a warm, well researched, cutting edge documentary ‘Curing Cancer’. Four patients were followed through their journey, we met them and their doctors, and were led through their treatments.
Using the latest graphics all was explained as the treatments progressed; it was clear, uplifting, and illustrated some of the new cutting edge therapies now being rolled out across the UK. The programme lifted the dark veil behind diagnosis and gave a positive message not only of hope, but of the practical solutions out there now.
Friday night’s ‘Stand Up to Cancer’ was of course well meaning, but buried its messages in tacky voyeurism. Instead of taking the opportunity to address the issue of increasing knowledge of the many forms and aspects of the disease, it played mercilessly on fear and misery. Ill rehearsed and poorly thought out, too much time was devoted to entertainment that could and should have been given to science. People are listening, but they are still scared.
I do believe the get your boobs and balls checked message is now out there. What we need to do is take away the mystery.
Oh and Noel, stop hiding behind the sofa, phone up that feckless brother of yours, put the band back together. Now there is a good fundraiser.
Using the latest graphics all was explained as the treatments progressed; it was clear, uplifting, and illustrated some of the new cutting edge therapies now being rolled out across the UK. The programme lifted the dark veil behind diagnosis and gave a positive message not only of hope, but of the practical solutions out there now.
Friday night’s ‘Stand Up to Cancer’ was of course well meaning, but buried its messages in tacky voyeurism. Instead of taking the opportunity to address the issue of increasing knowledge of the many forms and aspects of the disease, it played mercilessly on fear and misery. Ill rehearsed and poorly thought out, too much time was devoted to entertainment that could and should have been given to science. People are listening, but they are still scared.
I do believe the get your boobs and balls checked message is now out there. What we need to do is take away the mystery.
Oh and Noel, stop hiding behind the sofa, phone up that feckless brother of yours, put the band back together. Now there is a good fundraiser.
The Great Brighton Pub Quest
Since Matt and Karen moved to Bristol The Evening Star has lost a bit of its magic, especially as some of the staff have moved on as well. So I am thinking maybe its time to try out some of the other pubs in and around the station area. After one pint too many one evening I thought it might be fun to visit them all in a form of a knockout challenge. Just a bit of fun, but visiting two a night, deciding on which is the best on the night, and repeating the process I might also make a discovery or two. I judge on quality of beer, does it give a warm welcome, am i probed and profiled, would I recommend it to a friend. So here is the draw for
Round One
Brighton Dispensory v The Cyclist
Queens Head v The Caxton
West Hill v The Battle
Great Eastern v Foundry
Quadrent v Jolly Butchers
Pond v Basketmakers
Evening Star v Standard
Shakespears Head v Eagle
Albert v Wellington
Railway Bell v Edinburgh
Yeoman v North Laine
White Rabbit v Nelson
Dorset v Nightingale
Byes to Round Two
Craft
Hare and Hounds
Waggon and Horses
Updates to be published as I go!
Round One
Brighton Dispensory v The Cyclist
Queens Head v The Caxton
West Hill v The Battle
Great Eastern v Foundry
Quadrent v Jolly Butchers
Pond v Basketmakers
Evening Star v Standard
Shakespears Head v Eagle
Albert v Wellington
Railway Bell v Edinburgh
Yeoman v North Laine
White Rabbit v Nelson
Dorset v Nightingale
Byes to Round Two
Craft
Hare and Hounds
Waggon and Horses
Updates to be published as I go!
Corporate and Hove Albion FC
It seems a sad reflection
that as some football clubs acknowledge, or grow models of supporter ownership,
Albion are drifting in the opposite direction. Undoubtedly we are grateful for
Tony Bloom's almost unbelievable generosity in providing world class facilities,
and a state of the art training facility. It does however seem a shame that
supporters are being closed out from the goal of, all be it a very minor, ownership
of the club.
I did apply for a moderate tranch of Dick Knights shares which accompanied his recent book launch, the club have sadly deemed to block this initiative outright. Whilst I can see that having odd units of one or two shares is clearly impractical, it would be a good time to stand up and consider some form of opportunity to inviting supporters to invest in the future of the team. Surely a community stadium should host a community club? Oh sorry now it is of course the American Express Community Stadium.
Meanwhile just up the road at the ever imaginative Lewes FC such an offer has been extended. Click for details.
I did apply for a moderate tranch of Dick Knights shares which accompanied his recent book launch, the club have sadly deemed to block this initiative outright. Whilst I can see that having odd units of one or two shares is clearly impractical, it would be a good time to stand up and consider some form of opportunity to inviting supporters to invest in the future of the team. Surely a community stadium should host a community club? Oh sorry now it is of course the American Express Community Stadium.
Meanwhile just up the road at the ever imaginative Lewes FC such an offer has been extended. Click for details.
Brazil. The Music Scene
Whilst my last trip to Brazil came back with some wonderful music, including Suba, and some glorious folk music from Shakira, from the days when she was a musician and not a media Muppet.
These days it seems the music around me was more commercial and European, especially with the pre match disco. Sadly I did not have time to chew the cud with any local music shops about what I should be listening too and came back empty handed. I regret I should have done more to investigate the local music scene. However redemption was at hand on the plane home when I found http://www.mixcloud.com/Brazil/ A collection of music from around the country, which digs deep into the routes and heritage of the nation. Worth a listen for something different. Please find attached a wonderful track from Suba taken from the Sao Paulo Confession. |
Final Thoughts (27th June)
Home finally after what was a great trip, and will have me contemplating a return to North East Brazil as soon as I can schedule. It is still a great country for tourism, and with a little extra planning and caution makes a world class destination choice.
Flew home on BA ex Sao Paulo in Premium on a surprisingly busy flight as it would appear a lot of the Media are taking two week shifts, so a lot of familiar faces, including Neil Lennon (nice guy). Service was excellent, good food and never ending bar service, really not a lot to choose between here and business, which on the 747 is in dire need of refreshment.
I will miss the atmosphere of this tournament and cannot see a repeat in Russia. Hopefully FIFA will be obliged to re award 2022, hopefully to Australia, which would easily get the party restarted.
I don't think the pre match montage has been seen over here, and I will try to find it on You Tube. Half an hour before kick off you get a medley of video of fans in previous tournaments. Then a lovely cartoon of a Brazilian lad kicking a ball through the 12 host cities.
It was sad the tournament upset so many of the Brazilian people who protested against the cost, and of course they are right. The promised infrastructure projects failed to materialise and will leave Brazil with a number of stadiums that will simply never be used again. The Finals are just too big for any country to handle alone. I would revert to 16 finalists in eight stadiums, after a series of cross continental play offs which would help spread the global excitement.
What a shame Ireland or Scotland failed to qualify, the added atmosphere was very much missed. Imagine 20,000 Irish hitting the streets of Salvador, the city would have never slept.
Meanwhile the show will continue in my absence. Will Holland continue piling on, will Neymar keep his sharp shooting going, and just when will the US roadshow stop. Much to look forward to. Enjoy!
I will continue to post snippets that come my way on Facebook, but for now over and out.
Flew home on BA ex Sao Paulo in Premium on a surprisingly busy flight as it would appear a lot of the Media are taking two week shifts, so a lot of familiar faces, including Neil Lennon (nice guy). Service was excellent, good food and never ending bar service, really not a lot to choose between here and business, which on the 747 is in dire need of refreshment.
I will miss the atmosphere of this tournament and cannot see a repeat in Russia. Hopefully FIFA will be obliged to re award 2022, hopefully to Australia, which would easily get the party restarted.
I don't think the pre match montage has been seen over here, and I will try to find it on You Tube. Half an hour before kick off you get a medley of video of fans in previous tournaments. Then a lovely cartoon of a Brazilian lad kicking a ball through the 12 host cities.
It was sad the tournament upset so many of the Brazilian people who protested against the cost, and of course they are right. The promised infrastructure projects failed to materialise and will leave Brazil with a number of stadiums that will simply never be used again. The Finals are just too big for any country to handle alone. I would revert to 16 finalists in eight stadiums, after a series of cross continental play offs which would help spread the global excitement.
What a shame Ireland or Scotland failed to qualify, the added atmosphere was very much missed. Imagine 20,000 Irish hitting the streets of Salvador, the city would have never slept.
Meanwhile the show will continue in my absence. Will Holland continue piling on, will Neymar keep his sharp shooting going, and just when will the US roadshow stop. Much to look forward to. Enjoy!
I will continue to post snippets that come my way on Facebook, but for now over and out.
Sao Paulo Confession (24th June)
Sao Paulo, despite its reputation, was a surprise on arrival. Taking just two hours from flight to hotel using the airport bus and its efficient Metro system. Yes Brazil, efficient. Thus an unexpected evening to play with. The city though is intimidating after dark, with each street seemingly possessed by its own wacko, who will appear out of nowhere chasing down some cash. These characters are almost Biblical in appearance with tattered robes, long hair, beard, the works.
The first one I met actually spoke fluent English, very unusual here, as I explained I was in no way getting my wallet out on the street, but would drop him a few notes later, as indeed I did. He was grateful, and offered to return favour some day. I did think of hiring him as a translator, but the all too obvious lack of clothing made this a little difficult.
Spending only two nights I did not research the City, planning to spend the other night in a Brewdog bar after the Brazil game finished on TV. The bar had great beer starting from £6 a pint, double that for anything strong. Tupiniquim (from Santa Caterina in the South of Brazil.) being notably good.The bar was empty on arrival, but starting to fill up later on. Really an ex pat meeting place I suspect.
The game itself (Holland v Chile) was notable for the massed ranks of Chilean support, around 30,000 I would guess, with very many more locked outside the two layers of security imposed after they broke into the last match through the press centre. A great way to make a quiet, sneaky entry. How they will cope with their next game v Brazil will be interesting. Oddly at the end of the match you had to walk through a small district of town to get back to the metro, the residents lined both sides of the street applauding the fans, boom boom boxes everywhere, and dancing in the streets to the expected samba type theme.
Finally got back to my hotel to find a group of protestors outside, demonstrating against the tournament. They were soon outnumbered 10 to 1 by the police (Lead by a dead ringer for Forrest Whitaker) and moved off into the twilight. Sao Paulo, seemed a charmless place, rather like the run down parts of LA, run down further. As I say I did not do the research, so I am sure it has some great places but I won't hurry back.
The first one I met actually spoke fluent English, very unusual here, as I explained I was in no way getting my wallet out on the street, but would drop him a few notes later, as indeed I did. He was grateful, and offered to return favour some day. I did think of hiring him as a translator, but the all too obvious lack of clothing made this a little difficult.
Spending only two nights I did not research the City, planning to spend the other night in a Brewdog bar after the Brazil game finished on TV. The bar had great beer starting from £6 a pint, double that for anything strong. Tupiniquim (from Santa Caterina in the South of Brazil.) being notably good.The bar was empty on arrival, but starting to fill up later on. Really an ex pat meeting place I suspect.
The game itself (Holland v Chile) was notable for the massed ranks of Chilean support, around 30,000 I would guess, with very many more locked outside the two layers of security imposed after they broke into the last match through the press centre. A great way to make a quiet, sneaky entry. How they will cope with their next game v Brazil will be interesting. Oddly at the end of the match you had to walk through a small district of town to get back to the metro, the residents lined both sides of the street applauding the fans, boom boom boxes everywhere, and dancing in the streets to the expected samba type theme.
Finally got back to my hotel to find a group of protestors outside, demonstrating against the tournament. They were soon outnumbered 10 to 1 by the police (Lead by a dead ringer for Forrest Whitaker) and moved off into the twilight. Sao Paulo, seemed a charmless place, rather like the run down parts of LA, run down further. As I say I did not do the research, so I am sure it has some great places but I won't hurry back.
North East Brazil (23rd June)
Natal is big city surrounded by sand dunes in the North East of Brazil, although far away in our imagination it is in fact just a seven hour flight from Lisbon, which acts a useful hub for this remote and extremely beautiful part of the World.
The City has a beach though seedy and run down, with all the problems a big city brings. However just 90 minutes drive away lies the funky little resort town of Pipa. I stayed at Oka Da Mata a mere 20 minutes walk from the main part of the village. Outside the hotel door is the entrance to a National park of preserved rainforest, which has several footpaths running through, one of which runs along the top of a cliff then drops to a staircase onto Modero beach, one of the most beautiful in Brazil. The beach itself is surrounded by sand dunes and although it does have a few beach bars with brollies, they make it possible to stay there during the midday heat.
Dolphins appear in the late mornings to view the tourists, and have a great time splashing up and town and general teasing. Oddly they disappeared around one PM just as the football started. Clearly more important. It is a great surfing spot and several schools give tuition. (Portuguese speaking only)
The town itself has numerous bars and restaurants many with a music scene, though this is bland and predictable. I did find a more traditional sound oddly in a Pizza house with lovely Camila Misiso performing with her guitarist, this to me is the more traditional sound of Brazil.
Of course during World Cup almost every nation seems to be out and about with Uruguay by far the most popular, they had a game in Natal in a few days. Polite and quiet seemingly in groups of four or five young lads, with very few females. On trying a little Spanish with them I found out a group in my hotel had just returned from the UK and not only had they been in Brighton, they had been at the play off game. The Gus effect I guess.
My Natal game was Greece (very few fans) v Japan (many, with a large number of vociferous female fans) with some amazing costumes as you might expect. Sadly they all seemed to be staying downtown so didn't see much of the post show party. The ground is near Ponte Negra the main beach area, and has cover on just two sides, but seemed to have a more intimate feel.
I got in late afternoon to track down a Comida a Kilo Joint. A great Brazilian tradition. A buffet but you fill your plate, take it to the counter to be weighed, and you pay by weight. A fairer system. A good range of choice of meats, rice, seafood, versions of pasta, and chicken pie. Brazil you will be pleased to know enjoys its pies. My favourite meal here is Carne do Sol, a kind of dried beef best served with beans.
The City has a beach though seedy and run down, with all the problems a big city brings. However just 90 minutes drive away lies the funky little resort town of Pipa. I stayed at Oka Da Mata a mere 20 minutes walk from the main part of the village. Outside the hotel door is the entrance to a National park of preserved rainforest, which has several footpaths running through, one of which runs along the top of a cliff then drops to a staircase onto Modero beach, one of the most beautiful in Brazil. The beach itself is surrounded by sand dunes and although it does have a few beach bars with brollies, they make it possible to stay there during the midday heat.
Dolphins appear in the late mornings to view the tourists, and have a great time splashing up and town and general teasing. Oddly they disappeared around one PM just as the football started. Clearly more important. It is a great surfing spot and several schools give tuition. (Portuguese speaking only)
The town itself has numerous bars and restaurants many with a music scene, though this is bland and predictable. I did find a more traditional sound oddly in a Pizza house with lovely Camila Misiso performing with her guitarist, this to me is the more traditional sound of Brazil.
Of course during World Cup almost every nation seems to be out and about with Uruguay by far the most popular, they had a game in Natal in a few days. Polite and quiet seemingly in groups of four or five young lads, with very few females. On trying a little Spanish with them I found out a group in my hotel had just returned from the UK and not only had they been in Brighton, they had been at the play off game. The Gus effect I guess.
My Natal game was Greece (very few fans) v Japan (many, with a large number of vociferous female fans) with some amazing costumes as you might expect. Sadly they all seemed to be staying downtown so didn't see much of the post show party. The ground is near Ponte Negra the main beach area, and has cover on just two sides, but seemed to have a more intimate feel.
I got in late afternoon to track down a Comida a Kilo Joint. A great Brazilian tradition. A buffet but you fill your plate, take it to the counter to be weighed, and you pay by weight. A fairer system. A good range of choice of meats, rice, seafood, versions of pasta, and chicken pie. Brazil you will be pleased to know enjoys its pies. My favourite meal here is Carne do Sol, a kind of dried beef best served with beans.
World Cup Dispatches (Review 18th June)
So I am now in Natal having moved overnight from Salvador and clinging on to my sanity after an 03.30 arrival after Gol cancelled my flight as it clashed with the Brazil game. Yup Ok I suppose it makes sense.
Salvador has been a great host city, if you can work around its 22 hour life style. It goes to bed around 2 am and gets up at 4 am. Not sure if these are the same people, but I would not be surprised.
The centre of the City has been party central for the fans, pickpockets, musicians, ladies of a professional nature, beer and souvenir sellers, etc. The one frustrating thing is if you are trying to actually buy a meal in the area, with the bars swamped with people watching the game and drinking. A request food service will be met by a sympathetic shrug of shoulders and more beer as the server retreats to continue watching the game. The town is still effectively still under marshall law and the military are everywhere.
The general trend towards travelling to a tournament and enjoying the party atmosphere rather than actually go to the game is increasing. More comfortable to watch a game in a bar with your buddies with the rival fans, than actually cross the continent on the night flights which seem to hold the majority of the football traffic and are stupidly costly.
Also of course we have the ticket situation. Most games are running 10 to 15 thousand short of capacity but any market in tickets seems to be being taken out quickly and ruthlessly. Any tickets available are in the region of 1000 euros. (The corporate tickets may still trade) FIFA again promoting football to its family.
No sign now of any protests. Certainly where I have been things have been business as usual, and everyone decked out in the national colours. Local bars heaving. I watched yesterday as an indignant three year old boy in full colours shoved his chair well away from his parents to get a better view of the screen.
So as the fans themselves, The Americans are here in vast numbers and they are impressing us with their new found knowledge of the game, loud, and vocal they cling together in big groups and struggle understand the concept of a shared party. The Australians are completely different, wandering around each town in full colours and enjoying the party thoroughly with their good humour. (One returning a meal today with the phrase. Knife, call that a knife.) The Dutch are here in huge numbers and seem to be anticipating a long campaign. Also Chile and Columbia are well represented.
Salvador has been a great host city, if you can work around its 22 hour life style. It goes to bed around 2 am and gets up at 4 am. Not sure if these are the same people, but I would not be surprised.
The centre of the City has been party central for the fans, pickpockets, musicians, ladies of a professional nature, beer and souvenir sellers, etc. The one frustrating thing is if you are trying to actually buy a meal in the area, with the bars swamped with people watching the game and drinking. A request food service will be met by a sympathetic shrug of shoulders and more beer as the server retreats to continue watching the game. The town is still effectively still under marshall law and the military are everywhere.
The general trend towards travelling to a tournament and enjoying the party atmosphere rather than actually go to the game is increasing. More comfortable to watch a game in a bar with your buddies with the rival fans, than actually cross the continent on the night flights which seem to hold the majority of the football traffic and are stupidly costly.
Also of course we have the ticket situation. Most games are running 10 to 15 thousand short of capacity but any market in tickets seems to be being taken out quickly and ruthlessly. Any tickets available are in the region of 1000 euros. (The corporate tickets may still trade) FIFA again promoting football to its family.
No sign now of any protests. Certainly where I have been things have been business as usual, and everyone decked out in the national colours. Local bars heaving. I watched yesterday as an indignant three year old boy in full colours shoved his chair well away from his parents to get a better view of the screen.
So as the fans themselves, The Americans are here in vast numbers and they are impressing us with their new found knowledge of the game, loud, and vocal they cling together in big groups and struggle understand the concept of a shared party. The Australians are completely different, wandering around each town in full colours and enjoying the party thoroughly with their good humour. (One returning a meal today with the phrase. Knife, call that a knife.) The Dutch are here in huge numbers and seem to be anticipating a long campaign. Also Chile and Columbia are well represented.
Salvador
Greetings from Salvador! Managed to get here more or less on schedule, largely due to allowing five hours in Sao Paulo to change flights, which was prudent considering I hit a three hour queue at immigration.
I have holed up in a lovely little Pousada in the Pelourinho distict, which is in effect the unspoilt old town (UNESCO listed). It has been described as the Liverpool of Brazil, a hard, port city with its history being African rather than Irish. It is in fact the largest African population outside of the continent, due to its connections to the slave trade. The old African religions are still followed, oddly though most celebrations are open to the public at an appropriate price.
The police presence throughout the city is constant and being as I am near the Sapateiros (Shoe making district) area even more intense. The area has a high reputation for robbery, and the police chopper spends a good part of the day overflying my patio/hammock.
Whilst the Sao Paulo opening celebration was bland and predictable in Pelourinho it was anything but. The old square in the centre has a large Diamondvision screen and people gathered long before kick off. An area in front of the screen was roped off and with one hour before kick off the Olodum drummers, who did the legendary Paul Simon track appeared and gave it the works. Globo (Brazilian TV) cut to it live despite being 30 minutes from the big kick off. Jumping doesn't cover it.
Come kick off it really did. As soon as the national anthem was started 'The Hunters' the army of local street thieves attacked in union. Swimming through the massed crowds, hotly pursued by the para military police knocking everyone over in their wake. I got out quickly and effectively, and retreated to a local bar to watch the game.
Post match I used the local bars outside my digs, watching the crowds coming home from old town. I Found some lovely places and some very intimidated lads on their first Brazil trip who were struggling. 'There are four of us and we are shitting ourselves, how can you sit out here wearing a Brighton shirt looking so relaxed.' I assured them that they were in a tropical Liverpool and it gets a whole lot better.
The tournament kicks off here today and the Dutch are hear in their uniforms in vast numbers playing spot the Spaniard, who are notable by their absence.
I have holed up in a lovely little Pousada in the Pelourinho distict, which is in effect the unspoilt old town (UNESCO listed). It has been described as the Liverpool of Brazil, a hard, port city with its history being African rather than Irish. It is in fact the largest African population outside of the continent, due to its connections to the slave trade. The old African religions are still followed, oddly though most celebrations are open to the public at an appropriate price.
The police presence throughout the city is constant and being as I am near the Sapateiros (Shoe making district) area even more intense. The area has a high reputation for robbery, and the police chopper spends a good part of the day overflying my patio/hammock.
Whilst the Sao Paulo opening celebration was bland and predictable in Pelourinho it was anything but. The old square in the centre has a large Diamondvision screen and people gathered long before kick off. An area in front of the screen was roped off and with one hour before kick off the Olodum drummers, who did the legendary Paul Simon track appeared and gave it the works. Globo (Brazilian TV) cut to it live despite being 30 minutes from the big kick off. Jumping doesn't cover it.
Come kick off it really did. As soon as the national anthem was started 'The Hunters' the army of local street thieves attacked in union. Swimming through the massed crowds, hotly pursued by the para military police knocking everyone over in their wake. I got out quickly and effectively, and retreated to a local bar to watch the game.
Post match I used the local bars outside my digs, watching the crowds coming home from old town. I Found some lovely places and some very intimidated lads on their first Brazil trip who were struggling. 'There are four of us and we are shitting ourselves, how can you sit out here wearing a Brighton shirt looking so relaxed.' I assured them that they were in a tropical Liverpool and it gets a whole lot better.
The tournament kicks off here today and the Dutch are hear in their uniforms in vast numbers playing spot the Spaniard, who are notable by their absence.
Reaching back to Cambodia
I am now supporting a project in Siem Reap. Details here, more news in the Philanthropy section.
Derby Days
Ever wondered what it is like to go to one of Europes biggest derbies?
The internet channel Copa 90 are currently filming the biggest and the best.
They dropped into the Dortmund v Schalke game on the way. You can watch it here.
The internet channel Copa 90 are currently filming the biggest and the best.
They dropped into the Dortmund v Schalke game on the way. You can watch it here.
Albion in the Community
I am a volunteer with the Albion's Be Cancer Aware Campaign
Last Friday I was in the studio of RadioReverb recording The Albion Roar, a show for transmission on community radio the following day. I was joined by Ady, Al, Ed Bassford and Sue Brown to discuss the importance of early detection of cancer, all things Albion, and of course Joey Barton's haircut.
Download 00:0000:00
Last Friday I was in the studio of RadioReverb recording The Albion Roar, a show for transmission on community radio the following day. I was joined by Ady, Al, Ed Bassford and Sue Brown to discuss the importance of early detection of cancer, all things Albion, and of course Joey Barton's haircut.
Download 00:0000:00
More thoughts on Volunteering.
Another worthwhile commentry from the BBC bringing to light some of the problems I faced in Cambodia, and what I learnt.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22294205 or click here for a link.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22294205 or click here for a link.
Rediscovering the Past
An old album from family travels has come to light after 45 years. Click here to view.
(If viewing on Facebook, click the Palfreystuff link above to view.)
(If viewing on Facebook, click the Palfreystuff link above to view.)
Zollverein
Sitting just outside Essen lies the site of what was once Europe's deepest and biggest coal mine. Now a UNESCO protected site, which has over the years become an exhibition centre, arts and performance venue. I take a wander with the camera.
(For an enhanced experience play the music bite to accompany the slideshow, Images will change automatically every eight seconds to accompany the track.)
(For an enhanced experience play the music bite to accompany the slideshow, Images will change automatically every eight seconds to accompany the track.)
Rügen: A trip to the Baltic Coast.
Its a holiday camp but not as we know it. My adventures on the Baltic Coast are now in the Travel Section.
A very sad loss
Hot on the heels of my last article I lost my best friend and great rock in my life Roy Chuter a few weeks ago. I print below my speech at the funeral and attach Albion's tribute to him in the Derby match programme.
Finally his fabled assult on Eversheds solictors.
Fancy a pint Vicar? Good for me, where are you proposing, I said following his heels. In fact following his heels lead directly into a pub stuffed to the gunnels with Leeds United fans. Not so clever when you are wearing a Brighton Shirt.
Its alright Vicar, we are not playing them today so it does't matter. Well let me assure you it mattered to Leeds. More so when Roy was questioned on arrival and told the bemused Yorkshire lads of our connection with Doncaster Rovers (who Untied were about to face in the play off final.)
Twenty minutes later we were beating a hasty retreat across the road as fast as we could manage.
You see that was Roy to a tee. Supporting a cause he loved. Namely liberating football clubs from money grabbing owners and returning them to the people. Roy fought passionately to free The Albion from their ludicrous management that had reduced the club to its knees. Once our problem was sorted it was clear he felt a sense of anticlimax. We had won the fight and the, tide was turning, and soon The Albion were on their way back to Brighton from the exile in Gillingham, and plans were laid for our fantastic new stadium in Falmer.
Roy needed more, and soon found it in the guise of Doncaster Rovers who were also being asset stripped and being driven out of business. Fortunately for The Rovers their nemesis was far more incompetent than ours. Roy fought alongside Rovers, watching them in their non league period when Albion had a spare Saturday. He stood with Wrexham, with Chester, all teams driven to the wall by asset stripping owners.
If that wasn't enough he organised a collection for a Hartlepool fan who had been seriously injured in a road smash.
Roy fought for many causes, and would always put other people first rather than himself. Unless of cause you were a failed politician from Bath. We were involved in the delightful Gentlemans legendary eviction from a train at Bridgend. Only Roy could possibly have thought to get off the train at the next stop and wait an hour just to pile into him again once we had left.
Back at Wembley Rovers won the day condemning Leeds to another season at third level, and we left with a smile.
Finally his fabled assult on Eversheds solictors.
Fancy a pint Vicar? Good for me, where are you proposing, I said following his heels. In fact following his heels lead directly into a pub stuffed to the gunnels with Leeds United fans. Not so clever when you are wearing a Brighton Shirt.
Its alright Vicar, we are not playing them today so it does't matter. Well let me assure you it mattered to Leeds. More so when Roy was questioned on arrival and told the bemused Yorkshire lads of our connection with Doncaster Rovers (who Untied were about to face in the play off final.)
Twenty minutes later we were beating a hasty retreat across the road as fast as we could manage.
You see that was Roy to a tee. Supporting a cause he loved. Namely liberating football clubs from money grabbing owners and returning them to the people. Roy fought passionately to free The Albion from their ludicrous management that had reduced the club to its knees. Once our problem was sorted it was clear he felt a sense of anticlimax. We had won the fight and the, tide was turning, and soon The Albion were on their way back to Brighton from the exile in Gillingham, and plans were laid for our fantastic new stadium in Falmer.
Roy needed more, and soon found it in the guise of Doncaster Rovers who were also being asset stripped and being driven out of business. Fortunately for The Rovers their nemesis was far more incompetent than ours. Roy fought alongside Rovers, watching them in their non league period when Albion had a spare Saturday. He stood with Wrexham, with Chester, all teams driven to the wall by asset stripping owners.
If that wasn't enough he organised a collection for a Hartlepool fan who had been seriously injured in a road smash.
Roy fought for many causes, and would always put other people first rather than himself. Unless of cause you were a failed politician from Bath. We were involved in the delightful Gentlemans legendary eviction from a train at Bridgend. Only Roy could possibly have thought to get off the train at the next stop and wait an hour just to pile into him again once we had left.
Back at Wembley Rovers won the day condemning Leeds to another season at third level, and we left with a smile.
Mother passes away!
Sadly my mother passed away on the morning of Sunday 16th June, after a long struggle with Emphysema complicated by a Hernia condition. A series of falls at her home had not helped matters, and at the grand old age of 91 she finally died at Worthing hospital in a shared geriatric ward, the one thing she really feared.
Mother would have much preferred to have spent her last days at her home of some 50 years, but her condition had deteriorated so quickly she was unable to return to the bed she had retired to last September following a previous fall.
She was of the old school, which I think is the polite way of putting it. Her manners and political beliefs were more befitting of the 19th Century, and it is fair to say she struggled with the ways of the modern world. How we would argue over politics, and her unceasing devotion to Margaret Thatcher.
Her intense dislike of anything foreign remained (with the exception of Canadians), particularly the Irish who she so disliked she married one of them.
Oddly we had our best times in her last 18 months when she had taken to her bed and I quite enjoyed my Sunday visits, or was it the pub stop on the way home? By this time we had stopped arguing and she seemed to find acceptance with the way of the world. Asking me once if I knew anyone who could give her something to quicken her demise. I had to explain this was still quite illegal even in the 21st Century.
Sadly those last few days in the hospital were really quite horrible, and her suffering was difficult for her to bear. Thus I wonder why we put our elderly through this. I seriously believe, when we have reached those last few days, why we cannot allow Euthanasia to be considered if the patient has clearly expressed a wish. I do not mean at the start of palliative care, but in those last few days, hours, it should be legislated for.
The funeral was arranged through Ian Hart, an old friend, who I have known for 20 years, and Mother was given a good send off to the tunes of Glenn Miller as we remembered her earlier life. We are now engaged on clearing the old family home in preparation for sale, and are finding no end of old photos and souvenirs that we did not know existed.
Mother would have much preferred to have spent her last days at her home of some 50 years, but her condition had deteriorated so quickly she was unable to return to the bed she had retired to last September following a previous fall.
She was of the old school, which I think is the polite way of putting it. Her manners and political beliefs were more befitting of the 19th Century, and it is fair to say she struggled with the ways of the modern world. How we would argue over politics, and her unceasing devotion to Margaret Thatcher.
Her intense dislike of anything foreign remained (with the exception of Canadians), particularly the Irish who she so disliked she married one of them.
Oddly we had our best times in her last 18 months when she had taken to her bed and I quite enjoyed my Sunday visits, or was it the pub stop on the way home? By this time we had stopped arguing and she seemed to find acceptance with the way of the world. Asking me once if I knew anyone who could give her something to quicken her demise. I had to explain this was still quite illegal even in the 21st Century.
Sadly those last few days in the hospital were really quite horrible, and her suffering was difficult for her to bear. Thus I wonder why we put our elderly through this. I seriously believe, when we have reached those last few days, why we cannot allow Euthanasia to be considered if the patient has clearly expressed a wish. I do not mean at the start of palliative care, but in those last few days, hours, it should be legislated for.
The funeral was arranged through Ian Hart, an old friend, who I have known for 20 years, and Mother was given a good send off to the tunes of Glenn Miller as we remembered her earlier life. We are now engaged on clearing the old family home in preparation for sale, and are finding no end of old photos and souvenirs that we did not know existed.
Autism:- A valued commentary.
Living in a family of autists I particularly enjoyed this recent BBC programme featuring Rosie and her family. To anyone who does not understand it this is a great introduction to the challenges and rewards. Next time you facing a screaming child on a bus this may make you think twice. It also reminds me of a wonderful Mum who travels occasionally West from Brighton and carries a bucket of chocolate. Not for the kids she is blessed with, but for the passengers who give her a dirty look.