South of the Equator

For the first time I'm south of the Equator. Leaving behind the snow and travel disruption in London, I arrived after a first class meal, a couple of films and a good nights sleep at the front of a 747 in the brand new airport in Johannesburg. It appears that it is a requirement of airport design to ensure you allow people to walk off the calories they've consumed on board their flights with a long walk through the airport.

After quickly clearing immigration, and being meet at arrivals it is onto a mini-bus for the transfer to Kruger park. Quite a contrast to the space in First Class on a 747, but a great way to see a little of the real South Africa. The country has clearly made giant leaps forward, but there are still great differences in quality of life for some. Somehow the vast amounts being spend on new football stadiums (and airports) doesn't still quite right with the conditions some of population still endure.

Then I transfer from the minibus to an open top Safari vehicle and we leave behind the populated townships for an area reserved for wildlife alone - as far as the eye can see is open space - and somewhere in there are the animals I've come to see. The wettest weather in recent years means more undergrowth than normal. There could be dozens of wild animals with yards - but the grass is great camouflage!

Escape to the Southern Hemisphere

On a cold and snowy evening I packed my bags for an escape to the southern hemisphere. It is remarkable how much you can squeeze into a large rucksack when you are restricted to one piece of hold luggage for one leg of your journey.

Was travelling on Friday the 13th a good idea? It is if you have first class tickets to a warmer part of the world that cost an arm and leg in air miles, but only taxes and fuel surcharges in cash! So starts my first trip south of the equator, adding two more countries to my list of places visited, and if you count Africa as an Island, two islands to my list of Island's visited. Australasia and South America remain as populated continents to visit, and I'd love to add Antarctic - that may be something for my sabbatical.

The physical pain from the required injections in my arm had worn off, if not the financial one left by the bill, so I could sit back an enjoy the legendary first class service from BA. And they didn't disappoint. What was most amazing was the lack of noise in the first class Cabin. Although it was a little disconcerting being so close to the front of the plane.

End of Jinks

From England v Italy 2009

Having managed to attend Twickenham four times, only to watch England loose on each occasion, if there was an unlikely defeat by Italy to kick off the Six Nations in 2009, then I'd have to draw the conclusion that it was my presence that was the cause of the run of defeats. Luckily, it proved not to be the case. England managed to defeat a lacklustre Italy. The concerning thing is that I have tickets to the two remaining home games - and if the same England shows up to those matches - surely France will defeat England and Scotland might stand a chance....

PCD at O2

From Pussy Cat Dolls 2009

Kicking of my year of events at the O2, the Pussycat Dolls. A very entertaining evening - even if I did feel a little old! I'm sure Cliff Richard and Tina Turner audiences will correct the balance. There was, however something a little disturbing about the number of young girls emulating the dress of their heroines on stage - possibly in a few cases a little inappropriately.

Fireworks at the Wheel

From New Year's Eve 2008

Having lived in the centre of London since just after the Millennium, I choose the coldest New Years eve in years to join the crowds watching the London fireworks. It was amazing the number of people that braved the freezing cold, many of them clearly being warmed by festive spirits - I needed two jumpers and a coat to keep warm, not cloths for clubbing!