After what can only be described as one of the worst summers in living memory and with the Met Office confirming it has been the coolest summer in some 20 years, it is with a sense of depression that I, like many others, feel cheated into having missed the summer of 2011.
We read of forest fires and record heat in other countries, but somehow it skips up entirely, all thanks to the Jet Stream. The same Jet Stream that seems to keep us warmer in the winter months seems to have moved somewhat of late with colder winters (Coldest Winter in decades last year), plus cooler weather than usual this summer.
But the same Jet Stream seems to have moved south, albeit temporary, which has caused the nice warm weather from Europe to head northbound. Meaning that today will be 24 and sunny once the cloud lifts and then a high of 27 for the rest of the week.
People are heralding the begining of an Indian Summer, which historically meant a period of fairly warm weather, (Above 21 Deg Celcius) after a period of cold where there has been a frost.
I'll admit it was sharp on mornings last week, but there has far from been a killer frost. Infact, I have only reached for my coat on one occasions so far as been worried that I will be too hot later.
So while it may not officially be an Indian Summer, it will be recieved with much joy following a period that felt more grey than John Major's Spitting Image Puppet.
Grab your sunhat, don't forget the sunscreen and most of all enjoy the bright golden glow. Who knows when we will see it again?
Ps - Happy Birthday Richard! Have a really fabulous day!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Economic Meltdown?
Last week during an unusual visit to a different supermarket, my first trip in about a year, I was shocked at the prices of some of the goods. Things that had once been around £1 were £1.40 or £1.50. Some prices, no doubt, differ between the different supermarkets, but when you see up to a 50% increase it can’t help by shock somewhat.
Meanwhile my local corner shop that has always charged £8.99 for two bottles of wine, increased it to £4.99 each and now £5.49. That’s a 20% increase this year alone. Now a 2.5% increase in VAT should not lead to a 20% increase in products, but its not just the wine that’s increased. Petrol, Gas & Electricity and real inflation rates at around 5% tied in with low interest rates and stagnant wages one can’t but begin to worry that the bad times are far from over and the economy could be about to take a further turn for the worst.
Moodys and Standard and Poor ratings agencies all lowering the credit ratings for sovereign states and a worsening Euro crisis in the Eurozone at a time when all the Indicies around the globe are seeing a return to Bear Markets and the FTSE 100 has dropped below the 5000 mark for the first time since the Credit Crunch began.
Meanwhile are Governments beginning to stockpile food in anticipation of something around the corner? http://hawaiinewsdaily.com/2011/09/is-the-u-s-government-stockpiling-food-in-anticipation-of-a-major-economic-crisis/
With the UK National Deficit at around the Trillion Pound Mark and the Governments of the world having implemented their austerity measures, is it all enough to starve off a double dip recession and will growth return once more?
I have never understood how this constant growth model was to become sustainable? Surely if you increase turnover by 10% every year it is impossible to sustain indefinitely. Surely as the sun sets every evening and rises every morning, economies will go through times of prosperity and times of hardship. Perhaps the hardship cycle has been long overdue.
Meanwhile, as the western economies find themselves buried neck deep in debt, merging markets are ready with their growing economies to take over what was once the western powerbase. Is the West ready to give it up? What will this mean for the future? Can our coalition Government actually return our land, Great Britian, to a place of prosperity once more? Or, instead, will the austerity measures lead to economic woes?
They tell us that One in Seven shops in some parts of the land are about to close as the public hold on to their pennies and avoid any unnecessary expenditures. Can the current cuts and austerity and tax increases be enough to save our bacon? It would appear that far from the deficit shrinking it seems that they borrowed even more money last month as benefit payments to the growing number of unemployed rises. My friend Neil and I often have to say think P.O.O. Positiive, Optomistic, Outlook. Think positive and have positive vibes in all you do. I will confess, it has does feel like we have been squeezed and that things have been gloomy for so long now that the pre credit crunch days of growth and having money feel so far long gone.
Lets hope that we have a mild winter which will keep energy costs down and that as fast as the Christmas season will be here and then gone, a new spring will dawn and a new year will bring with it prosperity and finally the economy will turn around. Will Greece get the next cash injection? Will the Euro stay instact? Will we ever pay of the Soverign debts? Time will tell, but as we pass each day, lets remain positive and in words of the pre war posters “Keep Calm and Carry On”.
Meanwhile my local corner shop that has always charged £8.99 for two bottles of wine, increased it to £4.99 each and now £5.49. That’s a 20% increase this year alone. Now a 2.5% increase in VAT should not lead to a 20% increase in products, but its not just the wine that’s increased. Petrol, Gas & Electricity and real inflation rates at around 5% tied in with low interest rates and stagnant wages one can’t but begin to worry that the bad times are far from over and the economy could be about to take a further turn for the worst.
Moodys and Standard and Poor ratings agencies all lowering the credit ratings for sovereign states and a worsening Euro crisis in the Eurozone at a time when all the Indicies around the globe are seeing a return to Bear Markets and the FTSE 100 has dropped below the 5000 mark for the first time since the Credit Crunch began.
Meanwhile are Governments beginning to stockpile food in anticipation of something around the corner? http://hawaiinewsdaily.com/2011/09/is-the-u-s-government-stockpiling-food-in-anticipation-of-a-major-economic-crisis/
With the UK National Deficit at around the Trillion Pound Mark and the Governments of the world having implemented their austerity measures, is it all enough to starve off a double dip recession and will growth return once more?
I have never understood how this constant growth model was to become sustainable? Surely if you increase turnover by 10% every year it is impossible to sustain indefinitely. Surely as the sun sets every evening and rises every morning, economies will go through times of prosperity and times of hardship. Perhaps the hardship cycle has been long overdue.
Meanwhile, as the western economies find themselves buried neck deep in debt, merging markets are ready with their growing economies to take over what was once the western powerbase. Is the West ready to give it up? What will this mean for the future? Can our coalition Government actually return our land, Great Britian, to a place of prosperity once more? Or, instead, will the austerity measures lead to economic woes?
They tell us that One in Seven shops in some parts of the land are about to close as the public hold on to their pennies and avoid any unnecessary expenditures. Can the current cuts and austerity and tax increases be enough to save our bacon? It would appear that far from the deficit shrinking it seems that they borrowed even more money last month as benefit payments to the growing number of unemployed rises. My friend Neil and I often have to say think P.O.O. Positiive, Optomistic, Outlook. Think positive and have positive vibes in all you do. I will confess, it has does feel like we have been squeezed and that things have been gloomy for so long now that the pre credit crunch days of growth and having money feel so far long gone.
Lets hope that we have a mild winter which will keep energy costs down and that as fast as the Christmas season will be here and then gone, a new spring will dawn and a new year will bring with it prosperity and finally the economy will turn around. Will Greece get the next cash injection? Will the Euro stay instact? Will we ever pay of the Soverign debts? Time will tell, but as we pass each day, lets remain positive and in words of the pre war posters “Keep Calm and Carry On”.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Cheese & Wine Party
Has it been a year since the Leather Queens last annual, cheese and Wine Party? Emily and I were invited and arranged to meet after both going the gym. I hooked up with Emily at London Bridge and then we took the tube to Canada Water and then walked the short distance to their lovely house. Ringing the bell, we were met by the gorgeouse Florien, from Butlers in the Buff. The boys had hired two butlers that were wearing nothing but an Apron,Bow Tie and Cuff's and they were waiting on every guests need. Charming, gorgeous and attractive, what else could one ask for?
It was lovely to run into some old friends as well as making some new ones along the way. There was a delightful couple, Rose & Caroline whom we are hoping will join us on our annual hommage to Gay Mens Chorus annual Christmas Concert.
How lucky we are to have such lovely friends to surrounds ourselves with in both times of joy or sorrow. They do say you can't choose your family but you do choose your friends and to think back at my youth growing up and how lonely I was, amazing how much has changed. Thank you all. Big love. Neil
Friday, September 23, 2011
It gets better
It's been quite a touching week in the gay news. First there was the repeal of Americas Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) meaning that for the first time gay men and woman can be in the US Military. I came accross a short video blog of a young Airforceman, who recorded the moment that he told his father he was gay, while on active duty in Germany. I love a coming out story and love Neil Sexton's story every morning on Gaydar Radio. You never quite know how it will go, but for every gay man or woman it is a right of passage that we have all been through. The young guy starts off on the video, calling his father and saying his something he needs to tell him but wants to know if he will still love him. Its such a touching video of a pinacle point in this boys life. Catch the full video at http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2011/09/20/video-us-airman-comes-out-to-his-father-and-broadcasts-the-video-on-youtube/
Then the following day there was the news that this poor 14 year old boy, Jamey Rodemeyer, had taken his own life after homophobic bullying. What a traggic loss. This poor boy had his whole life ahead of him and yet felt so isolated and bullied that he took his own life. This hit some heart strings and watching his video blog, http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2011/09/21/new-york-boy-14-kills-himself-after-anti-gay-bullying/ made me think back to my own childhood. I wasn't that different from Jamie.
Growing up in the pre internet age, I really was the only gay in the village. I felt an outcast. Like him, at the time, all of my friends were girls, I was called names and bullied. I didn't like sport and was, almost certainly in my own mind, an outcast. But it got better.
His touching video blog, days before his own death made me want to do more so I have asked the GBLT Group at work if we can create a network "It gets better", video montage. So far it's been met with keen ears but will have to wait to see what happens. But I will make my own message very soon. For the sake of people like Jamey who feel they are on their own and have nooone to turn to.
As my project begins I discovered the Pixar employees It gets better video, ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a4MR8oI_B8 ) and had for the third day running a touching moment of the old heart strings.
It does get better and I am looking forward to making the video! Until then, Happy FriGay. Big love, Neil xxx
Then the following day there was the news that this poor 14 year old boy, Jamey Rodemeyer, had taken his own life after homophobic bullying. What a traggic loss. This poor boy had his whole life ahead of him and yet felt so isolated and bullied that he took his own life. This hit some heart strings and watching his video blog, http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2011/09/21/new-york-boy-14-kills-himself-after-anti-gay-bullying/ made me think back to my own childhood. I wasn't that different from Jamie.
Growing up in the pre internet age, I really was the only gay in the village. I felt an outcast. Like him, at the time, all of my friends were girls, I was called names and bullied. I didn't like sport and was, almost certainly in my own mind, an outcast. But it got better.
His touching video blog, days before his own death made me want to do more so I have asked the GBLT Group at work if we can create a network "It gets better", video montage. So far it's been met with keen ears but will have to wait to see what happens. But I will make my own message very soon. For the sake of people like Jamey who feel they are on their own and have nooone to turn to.
As my project begins I discovered the Pixar employees It gets better video, ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a4MR8oI_B8 ) and had for the third day running a touching moment of the old heart strings.
It does get better and I am looking forward to making the video! Until then, Happy FriGay. Big love, Neil xxx
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Autumnal winds of change
After what feels like the worse summer in my living memory the autumnal winds seem to have arrived and there is a definite chill in the air at night and first thing in the morning. I have not yet been forced to wear a hat or scarf, but I am sure it's not long now. Seriously, what happened to our weather? Do you remember the long hot summers of day's gone by? The summer of 2003 is particular fondly remembered. Every day was so so hot and it was the year that Dusan and I first met. I was contracting for GSK at the time and as such was only working a few day's per week. It was fabulous. It meant that we could get up early and make our way to Tooting Broadway. It was so hot that you litterally had to get out of the house to try and find a way to cool down. I bought my first £100 Fan. An industrial strenght one like you see in stations or shopping malls. It kind of worked in that it would suck new air into the stiffling flat, but was far to loud to operate at night. Good memories.
When I was younger I can remember I often had a Swimming Pool Party in my parents garden for my birthday in April. The pool was often open by then. Now its late may or early June. Is this really global warming for the UK? Cooler wetter summers, dryer colder winters? So much for long hot summers and a more Mediteranian climate.
I live in hope that the good weather will return, but for now, alas, I have the prospect of darker nights, colder wetter weather and the chance of wearing shorts again in the UK is probably as far away as April or May! Best make sure I get a sunshine break in before then to make it through the long bleak winter!
When I was younger I can remember I often had a Swimming Pool Party in my parents garden for my birthday in April. The pool was often open by then. Now its late may or early June. Is this really global warming for the UK? Cooler wetter summers, dryer colder winters? So much for long hot summers and a more Mediteranian climate.
I live in hope that the good weather will return, but for now, alas, I have the prospect of darker nights, colder wetter weather and the chance of wearing shorts again in the UK is probably as far away as April or May! Best make sure I get a sunshine break in before then to make it through the long bleak winter!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Remembering 9/11 – 10 years on
Much like people talked about Elvis’s death or the shooting of JFK, the day Princess Diana died, for my generation the big date that people remember forever is the day the world changed. September 11th, 2001.
I had been working for G.S.K at the time and had just spent a lovely three days a Whore Cross Hall, a stately home hotel where we had been training Pharma reps. Finished early and being in the midlands I decided to enjoy a half day at the Wellman Spa, and happened to wander into one of the television lounges just after the first plane had hit the North Tower. The reporters were saying that a small plane had hit the tower and we were watching the billowing smoke and gaping hole in horror. Wondering how bad the fire was, what would happen to the people above the crash floor?
You couldn’t leave the screen, we were glued to it as the reporters continued to show the firefighters making their way to the disaster site. I can remember the noise of their distinctive US Fire Trucks roaring in the background.
While they were reporting, the second plane hit the South Tower. Surreal that it happened live on Television. Immediately my stomach churned. A plane accidentally crashing into a Skyscraper possible, yes. But two planes accidentally crashing into both towers. Impossible. You suddenly realised that you were watching an attack on America.
The South Tower Plane hit far lower than the first, and immediately our thoughts were with the poor people in the tower, above the fire floors. The hole in the building still pouring out smoke was enormous. Were any of the fire stars passable? As the events unfolded I made my way down to my locker and grabbed my mobile phone, calling my friend Mark whom I roomed with in Orlando telling him to turn on the Television quickly.
Having been to the World Trade Centre on a couple of occasions I had fond memories of visiting the 107th floor and then going up to the Roof at 110. In my heart of hearts I imagined a small fire caused by the crash and wondered if they would ever be able to restore the towers? Somehow these twin towers were iconic beacons representing achievement and considering that they were built in 1973 still didn’t fail to amaze In their wonder.
As the reporters continued to coming and time after time they reshowed the actual moment that the second plane hit like everyone I felt sick to the bone, saddened for those poor souls in the building and shocked by the events unfolding on the television.
As the first tower fell, we were uncertain as to what had happened? You couldn’t really see much for the dust & smoke. Surely the tower had not just collapsed? It must simply be hidden by the smoke? As more reports came in and you saw people running for their lives from the cloud of ash and dust that was bellowing from where the tower had once stood it really felt like you were watching a Hollywood Blockbuster and not an afternoon new report. I remember the faces of those poor people caught in the dust cloud, completely covered in toxic debris. Alarms sounded on cars and buildings and the dust settled yet still the disaster went on.
When the second tower fell you knew that the world was no longer the place it once was. The coordinated attacks on the World Trade Centre and the additional flights that hit the Pentagon and the United 93 that crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after the brave efforts of the passengers onboard. Looking back it felt like before then we were actually at peace. The Cold War was over, the Berlin Wall had fallen and for a short while, we all felt at peace.
9/11 began the War on Terror and despite several wars we are still no closer to peace than we have ever been. Almost weekly you hear of Police uncovering a potential terror threat. Somehow terrorism had changed. No longer was a bomb planted in baggage of a planes hold but instead the terrorists were using the plane itself as the weapon.
Every year on the anniversary of this awful day our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those that were affected in this awful day and wish them all a peaceful future. Crazy that we have had a space program searching for life on other planets and yet we can’t even be peaceful towards one another. Being Disney Alumni I have always believed in magic and if I could have just one wish I really would want World Peace.
I had been working for G.S.K at the time and had just spent a lovely three days a Whore Cross Hall, a stately home hotel where we had been training Pharma reps. Finished early and being in the midlands I decided to enjoy a half day at the Wellman Spa, and happened to wander into one of the television lounges just after the first plane had hit the North Tower. The reporters were saying that a small plane had hit the tower and we were watching the billowing smoke and gaping hole in horror. Wondering how bad the fire was, what would happen to the people above the crash floor?
You couldn’t leave the screen, we were glued to it as the reporters continued to show the firefighters making their way to the disaster site. I can remember the noise of their distinctive US Fire Trucks roaring in the background.
While they were reporting, the second plane hit the South Tower. Surreal that it happened live on Television. Immediately my stomach churned. A plane accidentally crashing into a Skyscraper possible, yes. But two planes accidentally crashing into both towers. Impossible. You suddenly realised that you were watching an attack on America.
The South Tower Plane hit far lower than the first, and immediately our thoughts were with the poor people in the tower, above the fire floors. The hole in the building still pouring out smoke was enormous. Were any of the fire stars passable? As the events unfolded I made my way down to my locker and grabbed my mobile phone, calling my friend Mark whom I roomed with in Orlando telling him to turn on the Television quickly.
Having been to the World Trade Centre on a couple of occasions I had fond memories of visiting the 107th floor and then going up to the Roof at 110. In my heart of hearts I imagined a small fire caused by the crash and wondered if they would ever be able to restore the towers? Somehow these twin towers were iconic beacons representing achievement and considering that they were built in 1973 still didn’t fail to amaze In their wonder.
As the reporters continued to coming and time after time they reshowed the actual moment that the second plane hit like everyone I felt sick to the bone, saddened for those poor souls in the building and shocked by the events unfolding on the television.
As the first tower fell, we were uncertain as to what had happened? You couldn’t really see much for the dust & smoke. Surely the tower had not just collapsed? It must simply be hidden by the smoke? As more reports came in and you saw people running for their lives from the cloud of ash and dust that was bellowing from where the tower had once stood it really felt like you were watching a Hollywood Blockbuster and not an afternoon new report. I remember the faces of those poor people caught in the dust cloud, completely covered in toxic debris. Alarms sounded on cars and buildings and the dust settled yet still the disaster went on.
When the second tower fell you knew that the world was no longer the place it once was. The coordinated attacks on the World Trade Centre and the additional flights that hit the Pentagon and the United 93 that crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after the brave efforts of the passengers onboard. Looking back it felt like before then we were actually at peace. The Cold War was over, the Berlin Wall had fallen and for a short while, we all felt at peace.
9/11 began the War on Terror and despite several wars we are still no closer to peace than we have ever been. Almost weekly you hear of Police uncovering a potential terror threat. Somehow terrorism had changed. No longer was a bomb planted in baggage of a planes hold but instead the terrorists were using the plane itself as the weapon.
Every year on the anniversary of this awful day our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those that were affected in this awful day and wish them all a peaceful future. Crazy that we have had a space program searching for life on other planets and yet we can’t even be peaceful towards one another. Being Disney Alumni I have always believed in magic and if I could have just one wish I really would want World Peace.
Friday, September 09, 2011
White Water Rafting
Several months ago during a trip back to see the family, I happened to ask my dear mother, as she kindly dropped me back at the Station, where exactly did they build the White Water Rafting Centre? I knew it was due to be built locally. Turns out not only was it just up the road in Waltham Abbey, but also my mother had booked an entire boat as a treat for the family and unbeknown to us, my cousins, brother, sister in law, Dusan and I would all be spending two hours in the rapids in early September.
That was all about two months ago, so waking on the 3rd of September, I was both excited and apprehensive. Dusan found it hard to wake up, especially after working a series of nights but we soon found our way in the car to Essex and then made our way with Mother & Father to the Lee Valley Rafting Centre.
Parking the car, we made our way accross the rapids to the main lodge building. Finding our way inside there was a steep Aluminium staircase that led up to the largest roof terrace I have ever seen. There waiting were my Cousins, Samantha, Denham and Lee, and their cousins, Nicola & Lyndsey, plus Uncle Trevor & Janice & Colin.
At the prescribed time we made our way through the double doors and were explained the house rules, before being split into groups and sent through to the changing area where we were allocated Wet Suits and shoes and were shown how to use the lockers. Changing into Wet Suits was a bit of a new experience. My first leg slipped in with some ease, but the second one was completely stuck and I had to tug on it for a long while before I finally got my foot through. Are my arches that high? To my horror, as I tried to pull it up I realised that my left foot was fine, but my right foot I had pushed through the right arm! Several minutes later I was zipped up and Dusan and I made our way through to the centre court. With the family emerging in Red, Yellow and Blue Wet Suits I thought we looked a bit like the crew of the Starship Enterprise.
From here we were allocated our rafts and our guide and issued boyancy aids and helmets. The guide spent a while explaining rules and we naturally had to sign a waiver, before we were taken to the lagoon and explained how to manover the raft sucessfully. Pearched on the edge of an inflated boat, we had to push our feet under the row in front of us to ensure you did not tip overboard. We were shown what to do should we fall out and learned how to rescue one another. How to tip left, how to tip right. How to get down. We then practiced rowing. All forward, all back. Left side forward, Right side back, etc. Then, to our horror, those on the right were forced to jump in so the rest of us could demonstrate rescue technique. After we had all been dunked and rescued we were taken to the edge of the rapids and explained what to do in the event of capsize. Then asked to one by one, Jump in and prove we can sucessfully swim as instructed. Finally we boarded the boat and rowed to the escaltor that would take us to the top!
The first time down is like that moment when the log flume or rollercoaster goes over the top. Your stomach starts to turn butterflys and then addrenaline takes over. We were instructed how to row as we made it down the first set of rapids and then we got stuck. Stuck in a whirlpool of water with several other rafts. Row as we might we could not help but swirl around in circles, along with the other rafts. All row right, all row left, all down. Nothing got us down the next fall. Then the instructor, Arik called "All left". All ten of us shuffled to the left side of the raft and it edged downwards and over the fall.
The second time down, we were more expereienced and finally learned to row in time. Far easier than Canooeing. But suddenly the raft in front had capsized upsidedown. All ten inside were now floating downstream at which point the rafts upstream were instructed to hold where they were.
As we continued our journeys we took turns at taking the front posistion. If you were up front, you didn't need to row, and simply could enjoy the ride. I think actually you were considered ballast. The final run I was instructed to take the front posistion, each fall meant a complete dunking and the entire raft tipped 30 degrees. It was actually the best place in the boat. So much fun and so exhilerating and once you are wet in a wet suit, you stay warm.
The final ride over and our 2.25 hours up we changed and went up to see the official photos. The Lee Valley Rafting centre have 5 professional photographers and put together a CD of pictures and short videos in fabulous High Deffinition, which were such good quality we bought one each.
It was one of the most exhillerating and fun things I have ever done and even better that I enjoyed it with Dusan and the family. Its actually the only Olympic 2012 venue that is open in advance of the Olympics so I guess we had a blast and experienced our own little piece of history. I can't wait to go back and do it again. So if 8 more people would like to share a raft, let me know and we can charter one for two hours.
Thanks a million to Mother for organising. It was simply fabulous and every one of us in the raft agreed! Thanks Mum xxx
That was all about two months ago, so waking on the 3rd of September, I was both excited and apprehensive. Dusan found it hard to wake up, especially after working a series of nights but we soon found our way in the car to Essex and then made our way with Mother & Father to the Lee Valley Rafting Centre.
Parking the car, we made our way accross the rapids to the main lodge building. Finding our way inside there was a steep Aluminium staircase that led up to the largest roof terrace I have ever seen. There waiting were my Cousins, Samantha, Denham and Lee, and their cousins, Nicola & Lyndsey, plus Uncle Trevor & Janice & Colin.
At the prescribed time we made our way through the double doors and were explained the house rules, before being split into groups and sent through to the changing area where we were allocated Wet Suits and shoes and were shown how to use the lockers. Changing into Wet Suits was a bit of a new experience. My first leg slipped in with some ease, but the second one was completely stuck and I had to tug on it for a long while before I finally got my foot through. Are my arches that high? To my horror, as I tried to pull it up I realised that my left foot was fine, but my right foot I had pushed through the right arm! Several minutes later I was zipped up and Dusan and I made our way through to the centre court. With the family emerging in Red, Yellow and Blue Wet Suits I thought we looked a bit like the crew of the Starship Enterprise.
From here we were allocated our rafts and our guide and issued boyancy aids and helmets. The guide spent a while explaining rules and we naturally had to sign a waiver, before we were taken to the lagoon and explained how to manover the raft sucessfully. Pearched on the edge of an inflated boat, we had to push our feet under the row in front of us to ensure you did not tip overboard. We were shown what to do should we fall out and learned how to rescue one another. How to tip left, how to tip right. How to get down. We then practiced rowing. All forward, all back. Left side forward, Right side back, etc. Then, to our horror, those on the right were forced to jump in so the rest of us could demonstrate rescue technique. After we had all been dunked and rescued we were taken to the edge of the rapids and explained what to do in the event of capsize. Then asked to one by one, Jump in and prove we can sucessfully swim as instructed. Finally we boarded the boat and rowed to the escaltor that would take us to the top!
The first time down is like that moment when the log flume or rollercoaster goes over the top. Your stomach starts to turn butterflys and then addrenaline takes over. We were instructed how to row as we made it down the first set of rapids and then we got stuck. Stuck in a whirlpool of water with several other rafts. Row as we might we could not help but swirl around in circles, along with the other rafts. All row right, all row left, all down. Nothing got us down the next fall. Then the instructor, Arik called "All left". All ten of us shuffled to the left side of the raft and it edged downwards and over the fall.
The second time down, we were more expereienced and finally learned to row in time. Far easier than Canooeing. But suddenly the raft in front had capsized upsidedown. All ten inside were now floating downstream at which point the rafts upstream were instructed to hold where they were.
As we continued our journeys we took turns at taking the front posistion. If you were up front, you didn't need to row, and simply could enjoy the ride. I think actually you were considered ballast. The final run I was instructed to take the front posistion, each fall meant a complete dunking and the entire raft tipped 30 degrees. It was actually the best place in the boat. So much fun and so exhilerating and once you are wet in a wet suit, you stay warm.
The final ride over and our 2.25 hours up we changed and went up to see the official photos. The Lee Valley Rafting centre have 5 professional photographers and put together a CD of pictures and short videos in fabulous High Deffinition, which were such good quality we bought one each.
It was one of the most exhillerating and fun things I have ever done and even better that I enjoyed it with Dusan and the family. Its actually the only Olympic 2012 venue that is open in advance of the Olympics so I guess we had a blast and experienced our own little piece of history. I can't wait to go back and do it again. So if 8 more people would like to share a raft, let me know and we can charter one for two hours.
Thanks a million to Mother for organising. It was simply fabulous and every one of us in the raft agreed! Thanks Mum xxx
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Maspolomas August 2011
So it’s becoming a bit of a habit but I seem to have fallen in love with Maspolomas. Thus the number of visits in recent years. Having been several months since I had taken any time off work I was beginning to get to that stage where the weekends were not quite enough to fully recover from all the energies I demand of my body all week. I always like to try and be at my desk no later than 0800 and tend to visit the gym for my various classes, Climbing, Personal Training, Boxing Circuits, most evenings after work. Well it all takes it toll and the best route to rest is a nice week in the sun.
When Richard told me that he had taken six weeks unpaid leave from work and mentioned perhaps going away for a week I jumped at the opportunity and with hubbies permission we started to look at options of where to go and stay and what flights were available with it still being in the middle of the schools summer holidays. Richard did some research and soon found that there still flights available to Las Palmas, albeit rather on the pricey side, considering you can get to Gran Canaria for about £120 off season. So having given our credit cards a small battering we booked and had less than 14 days to wait till our departure.
It’s amazing how just knowing that you have a week in sun coming up can boost your energy and put a whole new outlook on life. The countdown had begun to the return to Gran Canaria (GC).
We would have flown on the Saturday had I not already had reservations to go on a tour of Buckingham Palace so as soon as I left the palace I came home to finish my packing and Richard came around in the car to collect me. The flight was so early on Sunday morning that we had booked a Taxi to collect us at 0315 to take us the 45 minute journey to Stansted Airport. We arrived and despite the fact that you are forced to check in online (and changed £12 each way for the privilege), we still had to queue up to drop my bag off. Richard had managed to cope with the 10 Kilo’s carry on baggage, something I have always been worried about in case my weight goes over. Plus how can you bring back a bottle of local booze, if you can’t carry on more than 100ML in your carry on luggage.
Checked in, we cleared security and made our way to the Number 1, VIP lounge at gate 49. It was handy as was close to our boarding gate in the furthest end of the Terminal that seems to have been taken over by Ryanair. This to be my first experience on the notorious low-cost airline and very possibly the last. Talk about Chav-a-rotious. There was practically a stampede to get a seat and I was mortified that there wasn’t even a compartment to put your water bottle, magazine or bottle.
Thankfully we managed to snooze through much of the journey and by 11:00 we were arriving in Las Palmas and waiting for our shuttle to Maspolomas. Even though we were one of the last to get off the shuttle we were pool side by just after noon at the fabulous Villas Blancas. The staff kindly took our bags and allowed us in the room early and we only had to wait for 20 minutes, which was just enough time to grab a Sangria each in the poolside bar.
Villas Blancas is by far the best resort I have found yet in GC. There were 30 bungalows around two pools and a fabulous new 30 man Jacuzzi that had only been opened a few weeks. All the better for us. The Jacuzzi soon became part of our daily ritual. Open from noon until 2200, it was a fab respite from the fierce daily sun. Not that either Richard or I would complain about the weather. We were truly blessed with near perfect weather. Daily temperatures of between 22 (overnight low) and up to 35 during the day. Perfect blue sky and not a cloud in sight. No wonder I have fallen in love with the place.
We spent seven days relaxing by the pool, chilling in the Jacuzzi, enjoying great food and having fun at the Yumbo centre.
I don’t think I have ever gotten so dark in just a seven day break and on the Friday, our Penultimate day, we spent the day at the Water Park which meant we got home darker than ever!
Every night we would enjoy dinner at the poolside restaurant and at 15.50 for a three course meal was great value and quality.
Sadly the week was over before we knew it and after the shuttle journey back to the airport, knew we had four hours of hell aboard what can only be described as a flying banana. (Why BA don’t fly there I don’t know as the airlines that do are always full when I go and at over £300, was not a cheap flight).
We both agreed we’d had a lovely break and totally enjoyed ourselves but was glad to be heading home to our beloved husbands. Maspolomas, we will be back soon! Richard, thanks for a great week away.
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