10 days off Part One

A great feeling it is indeed to activate an out-of-office and leave a voicemail announcing 10 days off. All loose-ends were tied up, my cover was briefed (cheers Dave) and all systems shut-down - so began the longest period we've had off work since our honeymoon. The first port of call was Bloomsbury Lanes for Maria's 30th birthday party. Great night and a wicked place - a sort of American stylee youth club, but for 20-30 somethings. Bowling lanes, bands, lardy food and cheap beer. Maria had hired a karaoke booth for the occasion which was a right laugh - not least because it had a library of over 10,000 songs...never thought I'd be dueting Depeche Mode or Stone Roses at a karaoke bar! Did my classic version of Ace of Spades as usual - helps when the 'audience' are as plastered as you are! Missed the last tube, waited ages for a bus, but top night and a very Happy Birthday da Maria.

Saturday I felt a bit wobbly, but not too bad. We drove to East Dulwich to see Sam and Lizzie who are very soon to become parents. Had a much needed hangover killing lunch, then headed off to the train station to travel to London Bridge. I was very fortunate to be bought a wine tasting course for my birthday. It was at Vinopolis which I can only describe as Disneyland for wine (and gin, whiskey and absinthe) lovers. The first part was a personal tasting course with Matt Skinner who happens to be Jamie Oliver's sommelier - fascinating and highly entertaining. Matt is a very laid back Aussie who knows all there is to know about wine, but has a very modern, forward thinking attitude to it. His 'core message' is that wine should be for everyone - I agree. We tasted 2 whites, 2 reds, a fortified and a champagne - all great and very different. I've long enjoyed wine, but now know what to look for and why I enjoy the different characteristics. Apparently I learn towards heavy, big finish, new world reds (already knew that) The second part was entry to the museum and 5 tastings - Great fun and hair of the dog as well. Malbec from Argentina is still my current favourite grape.

We got up very early the next day for the early train to Gatwick. Our Christmas present to each other this year was a city break somewhere we'd never been before. Rome was top of the list so off we went. We fell in love with this city from the moment we got off the coach from the airport. Such incredible architecture, art, food, wine, people, culture, attitudes to live - loved it. We were in a great spot as well, right near the Spanish Steps. We had a good balanced 3 days of tourist stuff and relaxing. Obvious highlights were The Colosseum and Vatican - the thought of such spectacular ancient structures being built so long ago is quite mind blowing (and I've been to Maccu Pichu so that's saying something), especially the former. The engineering and thought to detail/function reinforces why Rome lead such a powerful empire and advanced culture. Rome is one of those great 'walky' cities like Paris, Prague, London and Amsterdam where it isn't always necessary to take public transport, but much more rewarding to amble around and see what you find. Then there's the food and wine...we were in heaven. I could quite easily live there! The Coffee's not bad either and the Romans are great  - very passionate, humorous and colourfully expressive. Loved it, loved it, loved it.

Back at mothership now, catching up on chores, sweating over a poorly bank account and getting ready for Part 2. It's going to be a very happy and celebratory weekend. Watching Champion's League - don't really care who wins, as I don't like either team. Was meant to be going to see MGMT in town tonight with C and her girly mates, but the old noodle isn't feeling very well flavoured today - needed some me time to sort it out. Check back on Monday for more of my self-centred dribblings if you're interested or check out my Flickr from Rome pictures...or you could just surrender yet more precious seconds of your life to the latest Web 2.0 social networking phenomenon.

Ciao ciao.

Winds of change

A busy but funny old week - damn cold and windy weather too. Change is in the air at work. Lots of sudden departures, firmly closing of purse strings and an air of uncertainty. A bit weird as I'm still the new boy and finding my feet, and it appears I will suddenly have to take on a lot more responsibility very soon. Change is always good though - there's nothing worse than stagnation. I'm trying to keep an open mind to it all and relish the challenge, but I can't help but feel at little apprehension. Did a photo-shoot of sorts on Monday night, for the graduates on the training scheme - free wine and nibbles so couldn't complain. They were given a rather gloomy lecture by the CEO about budget cuts and to expect no training or perks in the coming year due to exhausted budgets - not the way to motivate your so called 'brightest minds and most promising colleagues'. I have to say that I am sick of repeatedly being told there is no reward for all our hard work, and then see an exiting CEO get a £20m golden goodbye when he didn't do a particularly good job...no wonder there is a 'them and us' culture. Hmm. Anyway, rant over.

Tuesday night was Dinner Club. A small group of friends (Caroline and I included) who are eating our way round the world's cuisine in London. It was the turn of Colombia this week, so we headed down to Amazonica in Brixton. Having travelled through South America I pretty much knew what to expect - Chorizos, Calamares, Empandas, Plantain, Rice, Beans etc. It didn't disappoint. A no frills little place but welcoming, cheap and true to itself. We watched people learning to Salsa whilst we ate too. 7/10. French next, then Brazilian after that. Yum! Went for a few beers after work on Wednesday with my new colleagues and predecessor - good fun. Put the world to rights. Nice drop of Spitfire! 

Friday I heaved a sigh of relief at the end of a tough week, then went to meet my old mucker Mark. After a fine nosh-up at Yo Sushi we headed to the flicks to see No Country for Old Men. Plenty of friends have already recommended this film to me. The Coen Bros. have crafted a triumph - a very bleak and desolate tone with an almost slow motion pace compliments brilliant cinematography, characters and dialogue. Javier Bardem plays a cold and seemingly indestructible psychopath - not someone you want as an enemy (or in your life at all for that matter)! Equally excellent supports from Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones. Woody Harrelson and Kelly MacDonald. I wouldn't be suprised if this cleans up at the various award ceremonies judging by the nominations.

Then on to a chilled weekend. Drove to visit some friends in Mickleham, Surrey for an early joint birthday bash. Lots of quality time in a great country pub, a few slices of good old Dominos and some drunken games of Buzz on PS2 (A fine wedding present from DragonDrop). For my birthday I was given a days wine appreciation course at Vinopolis with Matt Skinner (Jamie Oliver's sommelier) - can't wait. Cleared the cobwebs with a walk on the South Downs before driving home to watch Scotland get whipped in the rugby. Now getting my head in gear for what is sure to be a revealing week.

Fav. listens this week: Radiohead - In Rainbows; Kraftwerk - Live at Tribal Gathering; Miles Davis - A kind of blue; The View - Hats off to the buskers; Ricky Gervais - Desert island disks podcast.