Feb 2009
It's Good To Be Back!
11/02/2009 07:23
Well, J and I are back in Sal and the weather yesterday was gorgeous. As I may have said, the only English channels on TV are news so the pair of us chuckled quietly as Eamon on Sky banged on about the UK weather of continued snow and rain.
We were up at the crack of dawn so we could get to the stadium for 07.30 where apparently there was training. Problem was however, this was not so as K was on another island yesterday. Nonetheless, J and the boys had a kick around for a couple of hours before we returned home to sweep and mop.
When we arrived back at the apartment, L was outside coincidently and he advised that the new balcony was complete, but the aircon guys need to come back and re-gas. To be quite frank, we didn’t want the new balcony and now we have to be back at 10.00 this morning for them to make another friggin’ mess. So J and I decided that we would sweep and mop outside, leaving the internal floors until later when the aircon guys have gone.
Back to yesterday and post chores, J wanted to go to the pier. Beforehand we phoned G as we had bought the kit for this weekend’s football tournament which is being billed as a big event. G was over the moon and advised there was some important people coming to the event. He said that the dates and times had been changed and that the event will now be held over both Saturday and Sunday in the mornings only. He said he was trying to see of a local hotel would be able to let the team stay overnight as some team building and if so, maybe we can present the kit to the boys.
We then went down to the pier and J brought his ball. To the east of the pier is a small caravan/shack thing that sells drinks and snacks. I like this little place as I can sit and watch the world go by while sipping on a Super Bock. J will go and kick around and within a few minutes, there will be someone who will accompany him. When we arrived at the shack, we were welcomed by the young lady who works there with a most pleasant smile and a kiss on both cheeks. What seems so funny is that we were only here 5 weeks before and it only seemed like yesterday. It’s good to be back!
As the sun started to go down, J and I started to walk home. Problem was I had my suitcase in tow as we used it to transport the football kit to G earlier that afternoon. It was easy to grab a cab, but the disappointment on the taxi driver’s face was memorable as the fare was a couple of Euro to our apartment rather than the 10 Euro fair to the airport. Sorry mate!
A quick shower and shave was in order as I had already phoned S and were meeting at Tam Tams for a beer.
While walking from our apartment, we could see lights from a vehicle behind and thinking it was a taxi, we flagged it down. To our surprise it was G’s cousin who welcomed us on board and drove us down to Tam Tams. What I like about this place is that our Creol is as good as the local’s English, so gestures of thank you are as much physical as verbal. What sank in for me was his words of “my friend” and “good man” and “football kids” as he was aware of the kit I had delivered to G earlier.
J and I parted company as the lights were on in the stadium. Popping his head around the corner, J met P and I was marched off to Tam Tams so they could have a kick around.
I met S and B and introduced to M and F. Beer in hand, S admitted he went to the airport on Monday to collect us as a surprise, but as we cleared Passport Control quickly and our bags were one of the first off, we missed each other. I thought that was a nice sentiment.
As you’ll guess we chewed the fat about what’s been happening locally. We talked about the football tournament this weekend and both S and B will come to Espargos for some support. Indeed, I think there maybe a little contingent as the word has got around. Funny thing is though, this weekend from the 14th is the beginning of the surfboard championships, which I think may get a little more coverage. Also and let’s not forget, England are playing Wales in the 6 Nations and Everton are playing Aston Villa (I think) in a FA Cup game on Sunday. Problem is, Tam Tams won’t be showing these games, though the rumour is that the 6 Nations game will be shown in the Chill Out Bar. Let’s see!
J came back with P and another boy, P. As J was hungry, I was happy for him to buy his mates a beer and some cheesy chips which he and the boys demolished without too much fuss.
Alas, eight or so Super Bocks later (they’re only 25cl) J and I went home followed not far behind by S and B. Great news was that a taxi was right outside so we were home in a matter of minutes.
Keywords: Fancy Dress Costume, Halloween Costumes, Fancy Dress Costumes, Halloween Costume
We were up at the crack of dawn so we could get to the stadium for 07.30 where apparently there was training. Problem was however, this was not so as K was on another island yesterday. Nonetheless, J and the boys had a kick around for a couple of hours before we returned home to sweep and mop.
When we arrived back at the apartment, L was outside coincidently and he advised that the new balcony was complete, but the aircon guys need to come back and re-gas. To be quite frank, we didn’t want the new balcony and now we have to be back at 10.00 this morning for them to make another friggin’ mess. So J and I decided that we would sweep and mop outside, leaving the internal floors until later when the aircon guys have gone.
Back to yesterday and post chores, J wanted to go to the pier. Beforehand we phoned G as we had bought the kit for this weekend’s football tournament which is being billed as a big event. G was over the moon and advised there was some important people coming to the event. He said that the dates and times had been changed and that the event will now be held over both Saturday and Sunday in the mornings only. He said he was trying to see of a local hotel would be able to let the team stay overnight as some team building and if so, maybe we can present the kit to the boys.
We then went down to the pier and J brought his ball. To the east of the pier is a small caravan/shack thing that sells drinks and snacks. I like this little place as I can sit and watch the world go by while sipping on a Super Bock. J will go and kick around and within a few minutes, there will be someone who will accompany him. When we arrived at the shack, we were welcomed by the young lady who works there with a most pleasant smile and a kiss on both cheeks. What seems so funny is that we were only here 5 weeks before and it only seemed like yesterday. It’s good to be back!
As the sun started to go down, J and I started to walk home. Problem was I had my suitcase in tow as we used it to transport the football kit to G earlier that afternoon. It was easy to grab a cab, but the disappointment on the taxi driver’s face was memorable as the fare was a couple of Euro to our apartment rather than the 10 Euro fair to the airport. Sorry mate!
A quick shower and shave was in order as I had already phoned S and were meeting at Tam Tams for a beer.
While walking from our apartment, we could see lights from a vehicle behind and thinking it was a taxi, we flagged it down. To our surprise it was G’s cousin who welcomed us on board and drove us down to Tam Tams. What I like about this place is that our Creol is as good as the local’s English, so gestures of thank you are as much physical as verbal. What sank in for me was his words of “my friend” and “good man” and “football kids” as he was aware of the kit I had delivered to G earlier.
J and I parted company as the lights were on in the stadium. Popping his head around the corner, J met P and I was marched off to Tam Tams so they could have a kick around.
I met S and B and introduced to M and F. Beer in hand, S admitted he went to the airport on Monday to collect us as a surprise, but as we cleared Passport Control quickly and our bags were one of the first off, we missed each other. I thought that was a nice sentiment.
As you’ll guess we chewed the fat about what’s been happening locally. We talked about the football tournament this weekend and both S and B will come to Espargos for some support. Indeed, I think there maybe a little contingent as the word has got around. Funny thing is though, this weekend from the 14th is the beginning of the surfboard championships, which I think may get a little more coverage. Also and let’s not forget, England are playing Wales in the 6 Nations and Everton are playing Aston Villa (I think) in a FA Cup game on Sunday. Problem is, Tam Tams won’t be showing these games, though the rumour is that the 6 Nations game will be shown in the Chill Out Bar. Let’s see!
J came back with P and another boy, P. As J was hungry, I was happy for him to buy his mates a beer and some cheesy chips which he and the boys demolished without too much fuss.
Alas, eight or so Super Bocks later (they’re only 25cl) J and I went home followed not far behind by S and B. Great news was that a taxi was right outside so we were home in a matter of minutes.
Keywords: Fancy Dress Costume, Halloween Costumes, Fancy Dress Costumes, Halloween Costume
Gone Fishing
10/02/2009 19:04
As L was not on the island, A came to collect J and I. This was unexpected though again a nice sentiment.
Within 15 minutes we were at our apartment. Exchanging jeans for shorts and cooler T shirts, we were off down to the beach. The sun was brilliant and not a single cloud to spoil the blue sky.
No soon as we hit the pier, there was N. This time he was not taunting the tourists for fishing trips but looked genuinely pleased to see us. I don’t think I have said before, but I kind of kicked off at him last September while I was here with I. I won’t go into detail, only let’s say he has cunning ways of befriending tourists and then ends up blagging a few Euro here and there stating that he has not earned much commission as there are no tourists. He had already had about 20 Euro from me and one night we bumped into him. He offered to get some drinks and thinking he was buying, I said yes. Problem was he took the money I had laying on the table and then kept the change! Since that time, I have not given him a single Cent though each time I see him, I am worried how I can tell him to bog off if he starts asking for money. I guess the thing is, be polite and simply say no.
Alas, I had promised J that we would go fishing next time we were in Sal. So we have done it, we have booked a trip via N for this Thursday.
This evening commenced with Happy Hour at the Morabeza and then cheesy chips on the way home via Tam Tams.
Keywords: Fancy Dress Costume, Halloween Costumes, Fancy Dress Costumes, Halloween Costume
Within 15 minutes we were at our apartment. Exchanging jeans for shorts and cooler T shirts, we were off down to the beach. The sun was brilliant and not a single cloud to spoil the blue sky.
No soon as we hit the pier, there was N. This time he was not taunting the tourists for fishing trips but looked genuinely pleased to see us. I don’t think I have said before, but I kind of kicked off at him last September while I was here with I. I won’t go into detail, only let’s say he has cunning ways of befriending tourists and then ends up blagging a few Euro here and there stating that he has not earned much commission as there are no tourists. He had already had about 20 Euro from me and one night we bumped into him. He offered to get some drinks and thinking he was buying, I said yes. Problem was he took the money I had laying on the table and then kept the change! Since that time, I have not given him a single Cent though each time I see him, I am worried how I can tell him to bog off if he starts asking for money. I guess the thing is, be polite and simply say no.
Alas, I had promised J that we would go fishing next time we were in Sal. So we have done it, we have booked a trip via N for this Thursday.
This evening commenced with Happy Hour at the Morabeza and then cheesy chips on the way home via Tam Tams.
Keywords: Fancy Dress Costume, Halloween Costumes, Fancy Dress Costumes, Halloween Costume
It's Been A Long While
09/02/2009 05:07
It’s been a long while since I posted anything here. Why? Well there’s been a lot going on and simply I have not had the time.
Since my last post, I’ve been to Houston for the Halloween Costumes convention and exhibition and then exhibited at the NEC with our own Fancy Dress stand. I’ve celebrated my birthday with H and as I type, have awoke too early while staying at the Gatwick Sofitel as J and I fly back to Cape Verde for a week in the sun.
Houston
I have never been to Houston before and from what I recall and comparing to the US Border Patrol of other US airports such as JFK, LAX, MIA and ATL, Houston Border Patrol was a most pleasant experience. Indeed, throughout the stay, we found the Texans to be a most polite and hospitable bunch.
The funny thing is that the taxi drivers do not know where the hell they are going. I bought a Garmin Satnav for the R500, which stated it has maps for the UK, Europe and the USA, so what a better idea than to test it in Houston. Cutting a long story short, I sparked up the Satnav when we got in the taxi and the guy was misrouting us all over the place. I had to tell him time again that we were going the wrong way and as soon as we entered the city, he grabbed my Satnav so he could guide himself to our hotel.
This story was replicated from many other people we spoke to at the Halloween Costumes show, visitor and exhibitor alike and even when we when to dinner with B, the taxi driver (Oscar was his name) couldn’t find the restaurant just some 6 to 8 blocks away even though he said he grew up in Houston!
Downtown is pretty deserted and the liveliest place to be is the Hilton bar. Nothing special only that it is the nearest hotel to the Convention Centre which seemed to attract most exhibitors and visitors. Although we did not stay at the Hilton, maybe next year.
So in summary, downtown Houston is a graveyard, especially at night. The Texans are a great bunch of people and we like the Border Patrol.
NEC
Nothing much to say here only that I work for a Fancy Dress company here in the UK and we ended up exhibiting fancy dress costumes at the NEC. The big talk of the week was the weather system that dumped snow pretty much over the whole of the country throughout the week. Monday was particularly bad and there was not a lot of visitors. All in all the exhibition was a success and we will be back again next year.
Castle Combe Cancelled
I was pretty pissed off on Thursday this week when another dump of snow dictated an email from J was received Friday to say that the track day at Castle Combe was cancelled this Saturday. I had been looking forward to this day since I had the R500. Alas, I concur the safety reasons why and look forward to the Oulton Park and Anglesey days with L later this month. Nonetheless and as I needed to add around 100 miles before the R500’s first service, I decided to take a few hours on the road. I had a good drive down through Hungerford, Marlbourough and onward to Devizes, turning south signposted Salisbury to Stonehenge and then back along the A303 home. The only think I would say is, I am glad I had my helmet on as there was a lot of spray of surface water from melting snow and also the salt/gtrit particles were flying all over the place.
I need to get some words in here, hold on. Fancy Dress Costume UK and Halloween Costumes. Sorry about that, I will tell you all later what I am up to.
Off To Cape Verde
The weather is again the topic here as the forecast in the week suggested another cold front was on it’s way. I have therefore decided to drive down to LGW last night to stay here at the Sofitel. I think this was the right plan as the news last night suggested there was a cold front coming in from the south bringing more snow and sleet this morning. The hotel is only some 10 minutes walk to the check-in desk and speaking to S last night, we may well stay here each time there is an early morning flight. The hotel itself is nice and a two single bed room is circa £110.00 (room only). The hotel is pleasant enough though noisy while trying to sleep. This is not helped by the fact that a Boeing 747 is only some 200 yards from our window and other noises from the airport. So, J and I are now awake and will take a quick shit, shower and shave to check in early and we think we will have breakfast in the airline lounge. No doubt I will find a few moments to write again when we are in the sunny islands of Cape Verde rather than cold and bleary Gatwick!
Keywords: Fancy Dress Costume, Halloween Costumes, Fancy Dress Costumes, Halloween Costume
Since my last post, I’ve been to Houston for the Halloween Costumes convention and exhibition and then exhibited at the NEC with our own Fancy Dress stand. I’ve celebrated my birthday with H and as I type, have awoke too early while staying at the Gatwick Sofitel as J and I fly back to Cape Verde for a week in the sun.
Houston
I have never been to Houston before and from what I recall and comparing to the US Border Patrol of other US airports such as JFK, LAX, MIA and ATL, Houston Border Patrol was a most pleasant experience. Indeed, throughout the stay, we found the Texans to be a most polite and hospitable bunch.
The funny thing is that the taxi drivers do not know where the hell they are going. I bought a Garmin Satnav for the R500, which stated it has maps for the UK, Europe and the USA, so what a better idea than to test it in Houston. Cutting a long story short, I sparked up the Satnav when we got in the taxi and the guy was misrouting us all over the place. I had to tell him time again that we were going the wrong way and as soon as we entered the city, he grabbed my Satnav so he could guide himself to our hotel.
This story was replicated from many other people we spoke to at the Halloween Costumes show, visitor and exhibitor alike and even when we when to dinner with B, the taxi driver (Oscar was his name) couldn’t find the restaurant just some 6 to 8 blocks away even though he said he grew up in Houston!
Downtown is pretty deserted and the liveliest place to be is the Hilton bar. Nothing special only that it is the nearest hotel to the Convention Centre which seemed to attract most exhibitors and visitors. Although we did not stay at the Hilton, maybe next year.
So in summary, downtown Houston is a graveyard, especially at night. The Texans are a great bunch of people and we like the Border Patrol.
NEC
Nothing much to say here only that I work for a Fancy Dress company here in the UK and we ended up exhibiting fancy dress costumes at the NEC. The big talk of the week was the weather system that dumped snow pretty much over the whole of the country throughout the week. Monday was particularly bad and there was not a lot of visitors. All in all the exhibition was a success and we will be back again next year.
Castle Combe Cancelled
I was pretty pissed off on Thursday this week when another dump of snow dictated an email from J was received Friday to say that the track day at Castle Combe was cancelled this Saturday. I had been looking forward to this day since I had the R500. Alas, I concur the safety reasons why and look forward to the Oulton Park and Anglesey days with L later this month. Nonetheless and as I needed to add around 100 miles before the R500’s first service, I decided to take a few hours on the road. I had a good drive down through Hungerford, Marlbourough and onward to Devizes, turning south signposted Salisbury to Stonehenge and then back along the A303 home. The only think I would say is, I am glad I had my helmet on as there was a lot of spray of surface water from melting snow and also the salt/gtrit particles were flying all over the place.
I need to get some words in here, hold on. Fancy Dress Costume UK and Halloween Costumes. Sorry about that, I will tell you all later what I am up to.
Off To Cape Verde
The weather is again the topic here as the forecast in the week suggested another cold front was on it’s way. I have therefore decided to drive down to LGW last night to stay here at the Sofitel. I think this was the right plan as the news last night suggested there was a cold front coming in from the south bringing more snow and sleet this morning. The hotel is only some 10 minutes walk to the check-in desk and speaking to S last night, we may well stay here each time there is an early morning flight. The hotel itself is nice and a two single bed room is circa £110.00 (room only). The hotel is pleasant enough though noisy while trying to sleep. This is not helped by the fact that a Boeing 747 is only some 200 yards from our window and other noises from the airport. So, J and I are now awake and will take a quick shit, shower and shave to check in early and we think we will have breakfast in the airline lounge. No doubt I will find a few moments to write again when we are in the sunny islands of Cape Verde rather than cold and bleary Gatwick!
Keywords: Fancy Dress Costume, Halloween Costumes, Fancy Dress Costumes, Halloween Costume