Thank You Bloggers

This will be my last post for two weeks due to my holiday.

Since I started my blog in February I have built up a ever growing group of readers who post comments on a regular basis. I myself in turn try to post positive comments on other blogs.
If anyone had asked me if I would become a blog writer a few months ago I would have probably said no chance.

However since I started I have actually enjoyed joining a blog community and I would advise anyone to take up blogging. Writing has never been a strong point of mine although I do enjoy trying my best. I know a lot of my fellow bloggers are much more clever with their words than me (better education to blame).

I find when other people comment on my posts it makes me feel good and I'm sure others feel the same. I also feel it is a great way of making new friends albeit online friends, it appears to me that all the people that communicate with me are real nice people.

Anyway what I am trying to say is THANK YOU for reading my blog. I'll look forward to blogging again after my holiday.

Holiday Mood - Coney Island New York

On my visit to New York I visited Coney Island. This is the place where working Class New Yorkers have gone on a weekend since early last century. The place is a little run down nowadays but I reckon it is still a great place to take kids to have some fun.
These are a few of the photos I took.

Holiday Mood-Things I plan to see & do on vacation

Ok my plans are never cast in stone and quite often change.

First up I should arrive in Chicago early afternoon on Thursday 27th April. By the time I have got through security and caught the subway to my hotel, found my room, unpacked it will be about 4pm (12 midnight English time). I will try get 2 or 3 hours sleep before taking a shower and checking out any bars close to the Hotel, grab a meal, returning to my hotel when tired.

During my time in the city I intend to visit the Shed Aquarium, it is one of the few tourist attractions that I have yet to visit in Chicago. Last time a couple in my hotel that I made friends with said it was very good so I will see for myself.
I also intend to spend a day (probably Saturday weather permitting) walking the length of Lincoln Park from North to South. I will get the subway to the North.
Another thing I will do is spend at least an afternoon at the Navy Pier, they quite often have a lot going on.

Night time - One night probably Friday I intend visiting "Andy's Jazz Club" I will probably dine here and watch the live music. I have been in this club on previous visits and have found it very friendly.
Another night I will visit "Buddy Guys Legends", I have not been here before but have always intended to try it. This club is close to my Hotel this time.
I will also visit "Fado Irish Pub" at some stage it is quite often full of Brits, sells English Beer, and traditional British pub grub.I will tie this in with a visit to "Blue Chicago" which is next door.
http://www.andysjazzclub.com/
http://www.buddyguys.com/
http://www.bluechicago.com/
http://www.fadoirishpub.com/fado_pub_main.php?city=chicago

Of course there is a night put to one side for my meeting with fellow Blogger "Regina". I am really looking forward to it, I'm sure we will have a great chat.


Tuesday 2nd I move on to Nashville, I have not been here before so my plans are a little sketchy.
Reading up there are a number of things to see during the day, Grand ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, The Partheon, Ryman Auditorium, etc.

Night Time the area to be seems to be Broadway & 2nd Ave, I plan to check out a few Clubs and listen to plenty of live music. My Hotel has live music on 6 nights per week so I may break one of my rules on at least one night to check it out.

I can't wait to blog about this trip.

Tonight Pool Singles

Tonight I will be playing my 1st round match in the Selby Pool Singles knock out competition.
There are 121 players in the competition and I have an hard match against a very good player. I have not had any good results this season the balls don't seem to be running for me, thats my excuse anyway.

Tonight is a welcome break from the team league and I have one advantage in that I am drawn at home so should be used to the table. The match is best of 3 frames so with a bit of luck I may get through, we will see.

http://www.selbypoolleague.co.uk/Competitions/Open%20Singles.htm

Today's tournament

Today I've been playing in one of our clubs invitation Table Tennis Tournaments. These are quite low key events but the standard is quite good. It is held in a small venue with only four/five courts. There were eighteen players in the competition and you play eleven or twelve matches and everyone gets a final ranking position.
All the players pay £10 to enter with the winner winning a cash prize. All the other players get a prize which can be anything from beer, wine, chocolates, DVD's, etc. The higher up the final positions you finish you get choice of a better prize.

Anyway I was quite pleased with my performance (I lost two matches) finishing 4th. This was my first time playing since injuring my ankle and I was worried that I may have a problem but I came through all the games fine. I selected some cans of Beer for my prize (12 cans of John Smiths Yorkshire Bitter) so I can now drown my sorrows for not winning.

The tournament was won by one of our British league 1st team members Simon N whom I beat 11-8 in the deciding set . My two defeats came against the players finishing 2nd & 3rd Richard whom also plays for our first team and only lost to the winner Simon N and also to Simon D (11-9 in the decider) who plays for Darlington and finished above me on count back.

To put my performance into perspective you have got to remember I am a 48 year old overweight hasbeen and the 3 players who finished above me are in their prime at 18 or 19 year old. Actually they are all smashing lads, Richard I have coached on a regular basis from been a total beginer at 11 year old and I have also done a quite a bit of coaching with Simon N so I have got to be proud of their achievements.

The Photo is Richard and Simon N taken at a British league match about 18 months ago.

Important Football matches while I'm away

My Football club "Leeds United" have some important Football matches while I'm away.
First our Ladies team play "Arsenal" in the womens cup final on Monday May 1st (kick off 1pm) while I'm in Chicago.
That is 1pm in England which is 7am in Chicago so if anyone knows anywhere this will be showing at this time let me know.

More importantly our proper team have qualified for the promotion play offs. We have two league matches to play before we know who it is against (either Watford, Preston or Crystal Palace) and the exact dates. The first leg will be on Friday 5th or Saturday 6th May while I am in Nashville. I have posted on Trip Advisor forum asking if they show English soccer matches anywhere but as yet no one as replied. I don't know if anyone reading this can help.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g55229-i154-Nashville_Tennessee.html

The 2nd leg will be either Monday 8th or Tuesday 9th May. The Monday I will be on my way home between flights at Chicago O'Hare airport. Last time I was there I found a sports bar with loads of televisions so maybe. If its Tuesday it will not be a problem as I will be back in England (if its the home leg I will possibly go).


Any help or suggestions welcome

England and USA

Ok I have said in previous posts I love the US and its people. This is from personel experience from my visits so far.
As a lot of my blog readers are American in this Post I have decided to compare the differences between the two countries.

Ok this post is in fun but I can't wait for the response retaliation (Ha Ha).

1. In England we drive on the left hand side of the road while in America you drive on the wrong side. This is proven by the fact that people riding shotgun always sit to the drivers left so can defend against bandits coming out of the trees. (England 1-0)

2. Sports - England have invented all their main sports and given them to the world (they usually come back and beat us). America have invented all their main sports kept them to themselves play each other and call it the "World Series" (England 2-0)

3. Football - In England we have a sport called Football where you use your feet. In America you have a sport called Football where you use your hands, please explain ? (England 3-0)

4. Armed Forces - America have what they claim are the best Navy and Air Force in the world. In England we have a Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Now when I play cards a Royal Flush always beats a Flush. (England 4-0)

5. In England we have had two Civil Wars America has only had one. (England 5-0)

6. English is the native language of England, English is the language of America. (England 6-0)

7. England has a Queen and a Prime Minister America has GWB. (England 7-0)

Moral Decision or Cowardice

Ok here is a story what do you think ?
I am unsure which way to look at it.

A serving British soldier has just been jailed for refusing to go to Iraq. In his defence he claimed he would not go because he considered the war illegal.

Other Key Points -
1. The British forces is totally voluntary.
2. He voluntered knowing he could be called into active service.
3. He has already done one tour of duty in Iraq.

I know a lot of people are against our troops been in Iraq, the point is they are there so how would you judge this individual ?

Holiday Mood - The next time

Ok I admit I am crazy in pursuit of travelling and meeting people.

As most of my blog readers know I will be in my favorite city Chicago (5 nights) plus Nashville (6 nights) from 27th April.

But I have just gone totally loopy and stretched my finances to the limit and booked a 2nd holiday to the States.

I will be visiting another new city for me St Louis for 7 nights from 25th June staying at the "Millenium Hotel".

And yes then fly to Chicago on 2nd July for 8 nights at the "Palmer House Hilton".
It is the Taste of Chicago, July 4th, etc. It should be a fun time.

Oh well its only money and you only live once !

So what do they use for moving Targets ?

Tips for Southerners moving to Yorkshire

I found this advice on a Yorkshire web site.

1. Save all your beef fat. You will be instructed later how to use it.
2. If you forget a Yorkshire persons name, refer to him (or her) as "Love"
3. Just because you can't drive on snow and ice does not mean we always have to give you lifts everywhere.
4. If you do run your car into a ditch, don't panic. Four men in > the cab of a four wheel drive with a 12-pack of Carly Special and a tow chain will be along shortly. Don't try to help them. Just stay out of their way. This is what they live for.
5. Don't be surprised to find video rentals and bait in the same store.
6. Do not try to buy fresh pasta. Thump in gob tends to offend..
7. If it can't be fried in lard, it ain't worth cooking.
8. Remember: "Us" is singular. "Thaa" is plural. "Thaas" is plural possessive.
9. There is nothing sillier than a Southerner imitating a Yorkshire accent, unless it is a Yorkshireman imitating a Brummie accent.
10. Get used to hearing, "Tha not from around here, are tha?"
11. People walk slower.
12. Don't be worried that you don't understand anyone. They don't understand you either.
13. The first Yorkshire expression to creep into a transplanted Southerner's vocabulary "me ducks", Eighty-five percent end their new Yorkshire influenced dialect with this expression. One hundred percent are in denial about it.
14. The proper pronunciation you learned in school is no longer proper.
15. Be advised: The "He were a southern bugger" ia a legal defence up here.
16. If attending a funeral in the north take your baseball hat off when everyone else does.
17. If you hear a Yorkshire kid exclaim, "Ayup, come and look at this!" stay out of his way. These are likely the last words he will say before the explosion.
18. Most Yorkshire Folk do not use turn signals, and they ignore those who do. In fact, if you see a signal blinking on a car with a Yorkshire licence plate, you may rest assured that it was on when the car was purchased.
19. Southerners can be identified by the spit on the inside of their car's windscreen that comes from yelling at other drivers.
20. The summer wardrobe you always brought out in April can wait til June.
21. If there is the prediction of the slightest chance of even the most minuscule accumulation of sun, your presence is required at the local chemist. It does not matter if you need anything from there, it is just something you're supposed to do.
22. Satellite dishes are very popular in the North. When you purchase one, it is to be positioned directly in front of your caravan. This is logical, bearing in mind that the dish cost considerably more than the caravan and should, therefore, be displayed.
23. Blizzards and Yorkshiremen going through a divorce have a lot in common. In either case, you know someone is going to lose a caravan.
24. Leeds does NOT have a castle, no matter how often you ask us.
25. In Yorkshire churches you will hear the hymn, "Come All Ye Faithful". You will also hear expressions such as, "Bugger me, Lord", "God knows", "Jesus wept!" and "God help the poor cow ".
26. As you are cursing the person driving 15 mph in a 55 mph zone, directly in the middle of the road, remember, many folks learned to drive on a model of vehicle known as a Reliant Robin, and this is the proper speed and lane position for the vehicle.
27. You can ask a Yorkshireman for directions, but unless you already know the positions of key piles of rubble, canals, coal mines, railway crossings, and where factories used to stand, you're better off trying to find it yourself

Easter Monday in Selby

Easter Monday as always been a big day in Selby (my home town) mainly because of our market. Traders from all over Yorkshire come to Selby to sell their goods which in turn attracts thousands of visitors.
I walked up to the market this morning to see what bargains was to be had, dodging between the crowds and rain storms was real fun, I didn't stay long. The some total of the bargains I bought was a few pairs of socks.
Traditionally this afternoon many locals and visitors find the local pubs with many consuming large quantities of alcohol. Believe me you are better staying away late afternoon, the classic spot is the local bus station if you want to see local drunks fight the visiting hoards, it happens every year.
However tonight I will go out, me and my friend Lofty always do, usually most of the idiots will have gone but you always find the odd stray to laugh at.
Anyway this is the Traditional way to celibrate a religeous festival isn't it ?

Holiday Mood- Lincoln Park Chicago

A few days ago I did an article on Central Park in New York well Chicago also has its great Parks.

Lincoln Park to the North stretches a number of miles along the lake, it contains numerous attractions including Golf Course, Driving range, Free Zoo, Archery range, Three Harbours, Cycle Paths, great walks, etc.

The first photo is looking North from the Hancock tower from which you can see Lincoln Park. The second photo you can actually see the Hancock tower in the background. It is my intention (weather permitting) on my visit to get the subway to the North end of the park and spend the day walking back. I did about half that journey on my September visit last year.

Blogging friends or real friends

Its quite amazing how we make on line friends through this blogging lark. We write about anything, our lives, our thoughts, our opinions, our hobbies, our interests, our love & hates, etc.
People who like what we write then choose to comment, we find a blog we like and comment on a regular basis. We build up a vision in our minds of what the person is like and an online Friendship is born.
Q1 - I assume everyone agrees with this yes/no ?

One of my previous posts I listed my current life ambitions, I gave it some thought and said I wanted to one day meet my regular blog friends. At the time I named two people that wrote to my blog on a regular basis.
Q2 - Do you think its a good idea to meet blogging friends ?

There is actually now five of you that read my blog that I feel I would like to meet one day, I am certain others will soon be added. Ok it may never happen, may not be possible it is totally dependant on both people been in the same part of the world and both wanting to meet.

Why am I writing this post if you have not guessed ? One of my ambitions is soon to be achieved I will meet one of my blog friends on my visit to the States.
When in Chicago I will be meeting Regina over a meal, I am really looking forward to it as I have a lot of respect for this lady.
We have both said we will tell our fellow bloggers about the meeting and how it goes, our opinions of each other after the meeting may be interesting or maybe not I don't know. You will have to read both our blogs.

My thoughts on this meeting - I am actually quite nervous which is unusual for me but really excited about it.

Americans Like or Dislike

Two posts tonight

Following last nights post "But I like Americans" I carried out a survey at work of the first twenty people I met. Yes I have been to work on Good Friday before anyone asks.

I asked two Questions :-

1. Which living American person do you least like ?
George W Bush - 17 votes
Mike Tyson - 1 vote
Michael Jackson - 1 vote
Tiger Woods - 1 vote

2. Which living American person do you most like ?
Bill Clinton - 5 votes
Eddie Lewis - 5 votes
Madonna - 4 votes
Mohammad Ali - 3 votes
Tiger Woods - 2 votes
George Clooney - 1 female vote

I did not vote myself but I thought some readers may be interested in the results.

Bloggers are honest

Since I started my blog the question that intrigues me is "What are bloggers really like ?"

I first came across blogging in January this year when doing a random web search on Chicago I came across Regina's blog by chance. I would normally have moved on but I noticed an article that attracted my attention, Regina had worked at a restaurant in Chicago that I had used on a number of occasions, the restaurant had closed which surprised me because everytime I had been there it seemed really busy.
I read the article and for some reason I decided to keep Regina's web address on my favorites and kept going back to read her posts. What hit me most was how somebody could be so open and honest about their life and feelings on a blog. At this time I started to read a few other blogs and this honesty impressed me.
I started to add my comments to some of the posts I read, yes my interest was building. Eventually Regina & Joel (Dcnats) suggested I started my own blog, I resisted for about a week then took the plunge, I am really pleased I did.
Since doing my blog I have read and commented to many peoples blogs, its actually great to be able to write down what you want and believe in. People can take it or leave it, agree or disagree, comment or not comment although I do admit when you have written a post it is really pleasing when you get feed back.
For all of my faults I have always considered myself an honest person and I like/expect others to be the same (a lot of people are not).
I have always worked on the theory that there are only two people in the world that will truly tell you what they think, that is "Children & Drunks".
But I think I can add a third to the list "Bloggers".

Bloggers are honest people.

But I like Americans

As the majority of people that read my blog are American I thought I would write this to see what they think.

In England from time to time people I come across who make the uneducated statement "I hate Americans". My answer is always the same "I like most of the American people I meet".
I usually follow this up with two questions "How many Americans have you met ?" and "Have you ever been to America?".
The answer to the first question is usually none or very few and the answer to the 2nd question is always no.
So ok why the ignorance ? Some people blame the wars in Iraq/Afganistan. Ok I don't normally comment on politics but isn't half our army there as well. Lets be fair no country in the world has been involved in more wars than us in our history, we can't criticise here.
Ok some newspapers slag off the American Goverment but don't the same papers slag off our Goverment.
So ok I ask about the Americans they have met and especially with some people at work it turns out the only Americans they know are through work. Now let me explain these Americans they meet are the bosses we are run by an American based group. If you ask these people they will also hate their English bosses it is a shop floor mentality.

In fact these arguments can go on for ever but the bottom line is "Don't judge people until you have met them". You cannot stereotype people.

Don't get me wrong I am not talking about the majority of English people just a ignorant minority who probably just about hate everyone that doesn't live down their street.
In fact most people I know like the real American people, I have yet to talk to anyone who as visited the States who criticises (they normally go back).
I personally believe us British have more in common with the Americans than nearer European countries (similar language, similar food, similar lifestyle, etc.).

Anyway I wrote this because I heard this statement today and it p****d me off. Back to holiday mode now and I am looking forward to making some more American friends in two weeks.

Holiday Mood - Central Park New York

Sorry to talk Holidays again but travel is in my mind.

Last June when I was in New York I spent a full day in Central Park. I caught the subway to the North end of the park and spent the day walking south zig zagging across the park.
It is an awesome place, spend a day there and see the world go by, well worth a visit.
These are a few samples of the photos I took, hope any readers like them.

Great result but I thought we were down but !

I have just looked at the final results from Sunday's Yorkshire league Table Tennis matches (see blog 7th April Relegation battle) and I can't believe it.

I was playing for York and we started the day on 3 points along with Dewsbury, Keighley and Halifax with Hull "2" just one point better off. It was always going to be difficult to avoid relegation as we only had 2 matches when all the teams level had 3 to play. We had top of the table Bradford first up and they had won all their matches. Things got worse when our other opponents Dewsbury (the one we expected to win) turned up with two new top quality players. We thought shit we are in trouble.
We lost the toss against Bradford so had to nominate our team first, Bradford decided to go man for man in the first 3 games their No1 against ours No2 versus No2 etc. The aim of this was to break our resistance early, however the plan backfired. Remember I am our top ranked player and the Bradford No3 is ranked higher than me.
First game on our number two Brian played brilliant winning in 5 sets.
I was on next against there top player a man who I have not beaten for years but I got off to a flyer taking the first two sets, he fought back to two apiece but I manged to scrape home in the decider. Two nil York soon became three nil when our third player Richard played brilliantly to win in straight sets. People at the venue couldn't believe what they were seeing.
I was on next and beat their number 2 easily (4-0), then it was the doubles me and Brian always fancy our chances, yes 5-0.
Brian sealed the match and 2 points at 6-0 beating there No3 before bradford pulled one back when Richard lost to their top player. I scored a personel maximum beating their no3 before Bradford won the remaining games. 7-3 win we were happy they were not.
In this round of matches the newly strengthend Dewsbury won 10-0 against Hull"2" and Halifax beat Keighley 6-4. Situation at bottom York, Dewsbury & Halifax 5 points, Hull"2" 4 points and Keighley 3 points.
Now after lunch my injured ankle had swelled up and was painfull, this didn't help as Dewsbury raced to a 4-0 lead, I lost my opening two matches one I had no chance he was too good but the other was dissapointing against a player I normally beat.
We were in trouble again but a great doubles pulled us a set back before Dewsbury sealed the match at 6-1 with the next two singles.
Things were looking desperate we needed sets to have the slightest chance of survival and rallied well with myself and Brian taking our remaining games, Richard was unlucky losing in 5 sets.
It was now out of our hands although none of the other relegation candidates got any points. The last round of matches, Dewsbury were safe, Keighley and Hull "2" played each other and a result for either team would see them overtake us (a draw would relegate both). Halifax were also below us needing a draw as they faced Doncaster who had a weakend team (we couldn't see Doncaster winning this) .
Anyway we didn't stay to watch despite a magnificent performance against Bradford we were resigned to relegation totally dissapointed.

Today I have just built up the nerve to look on the Yorkshire web site to confirm my fears and I am Gobsmacked.

Keighley 6 - 4 Hull"2"

Doncaster 6-4 Halifax

Hull and Halifax Relegated.

http://www.ytta.co.uk/Yorkshire%20Files/Weekly%20Results%202005-2006%20Div%201%20Vets.pdf

Holiday Mood - Why Chicago again ?

Ok I want to talk about Holiday's as I'm getting close to my first of the year.

People keep asking me why I am going back to Chicago as I went there 3 times last year.

Well the answers are simple:-

1. I have found the people I have met in this city really easy to get on with. This is important when traveling on your own.

2. I consider the City really clean for its size, not much litter or graffiti. It puts English Cities to shame.

3. I always feel safe in Chicago (again important in a strange city).

4. There is a decent live music scene. I love going to small live music venues to see local acts.

5. Plenty to see and do during the day. I have now seen most of the tourist attractions so I may change my opinion here. I like walking so the lake shore Parks and paths are always good.

6. The Public transport system is good and cheap. I usually get a 7 day pass at the airport and use it on trains and buses.

7. Easy to get to. My nearest International airport (Manchester) that does cross Atlantic flights as 4 per day to Chicago so you can usually find a decent deal.

8. Chicago is a busy airport so is easy to double up my holiday with another city, usually one I've never been to. (always looking for suggestions of new cities to visit). I have had 3 suggestions through this blog so far, Thanks Joel (Washington), Jenny (Savanah) & Rachel (Birmingham), I will be reading up and will consider adding these to my list.

Ok I may soon get bored with Chicago and go elsewhere but not yet it is a great place. The one down side is the Hotels can be expensive but if you are flexible with your dates you can normally get a deal.

Relegation Battle

This Sunday I will be representing York Veterans (over 40's) in the County League Premier division (at Hull) and we are in danger of getting relegated. The bottom of the table is really tight with one point separating the bottom five teams.
Ourselves, Dewsbury, Halifax and Keighley all have 3 points while Hull have 4 points. We have the best sets ratio of all 5 teams in the shake up (two go down).
We have two matches on Sunday the first against Dewsbury in a must win game (lose this and we will be down), a draw will se us relying on other results too much I think.
Our 2nd match is against Bradford who are top of the division and we will be struggling to get anything out of that match, thats why the Dewsbury match is so important.
Some of the teams actually have 3 matches as we have played a game more, these are the last matches.
Teams consist of 3 players per side all play all plus one doubles match. I am our top player with 14 wins from 18 games and our captain has told me he is expecting 3 from me against Dewsbury. Our number 2 player Brian as done really well this season with 7 wins from 18 in his first season at this level.
The number 3 position is up for grabs our other players Doug and Richard have identical records with only one win from nine games. I think Richard will get picked as he has played against harder teams and as been playing well in training. Whoever plays we will be looking for one win from them.
Selection is not straight forward because I am carrying an ankle injury. I played a Veterans rating tournament in Cheshire last weekend (came 5th out of 40) against players from all over the north of England. The competition ended with 3 players level on two defeats (I lost 4) which really irritated me because I beat two of the winners. I actually lost (all close) my first 3 matches of the day against players I should beat. In fact I was so cheesed off with my performance I didn't blog about it at the time.
Anyway to make matters worse this is when I twisted my ankle, no not playing but after the tournament when I stood in a Pot hole walking to my car and went over on my ankle.
It swelled up a lot on Monday but eased Tuesday so I decided to train on Wednesday night but that was a mistake. The ankle was quite bad yesterday but is easing, it will be getting plenty of rest (and ice packs) tommorrow. I will probably have some pain killers to play on Sunday.

http://www.ytta.co.uk/Yorkshire%20Files/Weekly%20Results%202005-2006%20Div%201%20Vets.pdf

Holiday mood

Its just over three weeks to my first vacation of the year to Chicago (5 nights) & Nashville (6 nights). I fly from Manchester leaving England at 11.05am on Thursday 27th April arriving in Chicago at 1.20pm (8hr 15min flight).

When visiting new cities these are my ten golden rules to get the most out of your holiday :-

1. Read up on the place you are visiting and plan what you want to see and do. This saves valuable time while you are there.
2. Be prepared to change your plans. Always play it by ear, you never know what or who you will meet. If you are having fun do it for longer or stay longer than planned.
3. Walk. Best way of seeing a city is by walking to the various sites (obviously avoid dodgy areas).
4. Socialise. Get out and meet people (locals and tourists) there are a lot of nice people out there. One tip is if going in a restaurant sit at the bar people mix better there. Also if in a foreign country speak loud in your local accent this usually starts conversation (where are you from ?).
5. Don't Eat and Drink in the Hotel. I usually find hotel bars and restaurants full of boring people.
6. Buy what you want. Spending money on what you want, food, drink, gifts, etc. If you have to count your money on holiday you may as well not be there. Who wants to be the richest man in Boot Hill.
7. Local Food and Drink. Eat and drink the same as the locals, you don't know if you like it until you try it.
8. Contacts. Leave you phone/laptop turned off, you are on vacation to forget about home/work.
9. Public Transport. Use public transport, this can be an adventure in itself.
10. Laugh. Have fun/enjoy yourself that is why you are there.

I'm sure people can add to this list ?

Goodbye Nickie

For the 2nd week running a group of us went out in York to say goodbye to a young lady. This time it was for a girl called Nickie who had been working in our accounts department.
Nickie is a 21 year old very attractive lady always good for a laugh.

14 of us met up in the Last Drop Inn before going for a meal at a Chinese restaurant. Following the meal that was excellent we moved on to a club and had a great laugh.

I have posted some pictures :-
1. Nickie and myself (no she isn't taller than me she had high heels on, I didn't).
2. Me doing my bit for international relation with Janneke (Holland) and Abi (Mexico) .
3. Group photo in restaurant (starving at this stage but the waiter insisted on taking the photo).
4. Table 1 in the restaurant (left to right - Abi, Carlos, Janneke, Andrew, Me, Steve & Phil)
5. Table 2 in the restaurant (Sue, Mel, Sam, Diane, Nickie, Vicky & Karen).
6. Nickie again (well she is good on the eye) .
I did offer my foot massage services but she ran away screaming, I can't think why.

I would love to post some of the photo's in the night club but I would hate to embarrass anyone (especially me).