tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150782952024-02-20T10:17:43.809-08:00esta viajandoesta viajando - loosely translated as 'he travels' here I shall relay my joys (and frustrations) as I tour this tiny yet vast planet of oursmamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-26820651512005640752010-05-10T09:00:00.000-07:002010-05-10T09:04:15.879-07:004 days to go!That's it, training is over, I can do no more.<br /><br />Saturday saw the final group ride - 60 miles in the wind and rain, can't be many days in May when you can see your own breath!<br />Now, a few days rest before my biggest challenge yet starts on Friday (that's about 90 hours from now!)<br /><br />Training over the past 3 months has been good, whether it's been enough only the weekend will tell.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gjxdtErywYY/S-guSw2lAvI/AAAAAAAAAHc/kWKJkkre6Kw/s1600/Training+Graph.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gjxdtErywYY/S-guSw2lAvI/AAAAAAAAAHc/kWKJkkre6Kw/s200/Training+Graph.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469672647327810290" />The last 11 weeks!</a><br /><br />Will update again before I leave then look out for photos on my return...mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-56994651363058211312010-05-03T14:50:00.000-07:002010-05-03T15:00:57.047-07:00Not Long Now!Been having some computer problems recently preventing me from updating things. <br /><br />Anyway training has been going pretty well for the last week or so. A few big group rides which have worked out ok and plenty of other stuff inbetween - been ytackling the hills between home and Royston a couple of times last week on a commute. Tough day today tho' with a hefty headwind for a good 15 miles home really took it out of me. Sore back and neck rather curiously however this evening!?<br /><br />On the plus side, now fully kitted out. New shoes have arrived in the correct size and have been tested out. Only a couple of minor accidents so far, one on day 1 after 10 miles without stopping then forgetting to unclip at a junction, cue comedy sideways fall, at least no-one saw me! Second one was less inconspicuous - during a stop on thr group ride on Saturday - in front of everyone!<br /><br />So, into the final full week of training. Plan is gym on Tuesday then ride to and from Cambridge on Wednesday, Royston commute on Thursday and gym again on Friday. Hoping to have a final group ride again next Saturday before the bike goes into Newdales for a final check over.<br /><br />Ready?mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-91160848569947149522010-04-22T12:37:00.001-07:002010-04-22T12:44:44.690-07:00Two punctures and a sore backsideTough week or so on the bike.<br /><br />Some good riding last week with a 34 mile trip back from Wicken Fen followed by some work at the gym and a commute home from Stevenage (32 miles). Then a 50mile round trip at the weekend with 3 of the group which was rather drawn out due to some differing riding speeds (glorious weather was a a treat though). Plan for this week had been to transfer bike into work on Monday then cycle home and back in following morning. Monday evening commute took a hit when I picked up a rapid puncture halfway in Buntingford - no problem, fixed in 15 minutes but meant a rush home to see the kids before bed.<br />Following morning with sore legs (bad sign) struggled as far as Brent Pelham (14 miles) before another puncture (same tyre) put paid to the trip - no more spare inner tubes. A call home to the wife (on a borrowed phone having forgotten my mobile and the telephone box being out of order) and arrival at work 90 minutes late rather dampened my spirits. <br />On the plus side, new tyres arrived (and have been fitted) which should provide better protection on the roads. Unfortunately, new shoes were too small so have been returned and next size up are on the way. <br />Will try and get out to test the tyres tomorrow evening before a group ride on Saturday afternoon. Only 3 weeks to go now...cripes.mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-42446861658092523482010-04-12T15:26:00.001-07:002010-04-12T15:43:38.751-07:00Uping the milesHmm, so, training plan didn't last too long. <br /><br />The planned 12 mile time trial route I worked out almost killed me on a cold morning last week. Saturday was to plan with the biggest ride so far (62.5miles) taking in a route from Chesterford out to Meldreth, Bassingbourn, Nuthampstead, Clavering, Wimbish and back to Chesterford. Glorious weather and a slight sunburn, all in a great 4 hours in the saddle with two of the group.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://js.mapmyfitness.com/embed/blogview.html?r=59c0ce9a9ebf3902f7d8f074f7536faa&u=e&t=ride" height="700px" width="100%" frameborder="0"><a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/saffron-walden/536127065534275832">Route for Sat 10th Apr</a><br/><a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/united-kingdom/saffron-walden">Find more Bike Rides in Saffron Walden, United Kingdom</a></iframe><!-- MMF PARTNER TOOL --><br /><br />Now taken a couple of rest days but have a day off work on Tuesday so planning a ride back from Wicken Fen (about 32miles). Will follow this up with some miles on Wednesday and then plans for first ride back from work in Stevenage (27miles) on Thursday. Will report back then!mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-15764984998972991302010-04-05T13:22:00.000-07:002010-04-05T13:29:09.762-07:00New training plan!After a discussion with the fitness instructor at work and a re-evaluation of my current training regime i've put together a more structured plan for the next 5 weeks. I'm trying to mix it between distance/endurance and speed training so a week now consists of:<br /><br />Monday - 12mile speed training route<br />Tuesday - 20mile+ distance ride<br />Wednesday - 1hour hill training (gym)<br />Thursday - rest day<br />Friday - 12mile speed training route<br />Saturday - 50mile+ long distance ride<br />Sunday - rest day<br /><br />We'll see how it goes!<br /><br />On another note, I've decided after Saturdays ride that I'm going to take the plunge and purchase of some proper cycling shoes, clip in peddles and cleats. Looking at the dhb R1 road shoe - not exactly top of the range but very reasonably priced entry level and highly recommended. Will order asap.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gjxdtErywYY/S7pH_ZL3MjI/AAAAAAAAAHU/qDOOUm28Im0/s1600/dhb-r1-09-zoom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gjxdtErywYY/S7pH_ZL3MjI/AAAAAAAAAHU/qDOOUm28Im0/s200/dhb-r1-09-zoom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456753052930748978" /></a>mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-35522272679038609002010-04-03T14:03:00.000-07:002010-04-03T14:13:42.043-07:00The south(westerly) wind doth blowBeen putting in some tough training over the last few days. A couple of 20mile runs around the nearby villages with some winds to contend with. Today was a whole different matter. An early morning start in light drizzle and a pleasant enough ride up to north Cambridge via Shelfords and Cherry Hinton (20miles in just over an hour). Stopped off for a warming cup of tea at the Lunchbox cafe on Milton Road then paid a visit to our rental property. <br />Set off for home back along Newmarket Road then turned into the wind through Teversham and Fulborn. Then the hills kicked in. Rolling terrain and a headwind all the way to Balsham then even more full on through to Linton, Hadstock and on to Saffron Walden. Final stretch back to Gt Chesterford had the wind behind and 45 miles ticked over as I turned into the High St with the clock ticking over 3hrs 10mins.<br />The legs are feeling it now but giving myself a day off tomorrow to recover. Won't have that luxury in 5 weeks time!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/cambridge/680126973309080530">The Route</a>mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-25845364804625799302010-03-30T15:07:00.000-07:002010-03-30T15:11:29.918-07:00First the train now the bed!5 weeks to go and our accommodation is booked!<br /><br />Friday night will be spent at The Black Swan in Gainsborough<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gjxdtErywYY/S7J2Q06a85I/AAAAAAAAAHM/lbL14yrHmag/s1600/safe_imag2.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 90px; height: 71px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gjxdtErywYY/S7J2Q06a85I/AAAAAAAAAHM/lbL14yrHmag/s200/safe_imag2.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454552130152756114" /></a><br /><br />followed by Saturday night at The Red Lion in Spalding<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gjxdtErywYY/S7J2QoJIEBI/AAAAAAAAAHE/bC5rCoXAnuo/s1600/safe_image.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 90px; height: 69px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gjxdtErywYY/S7J2QoJIEBI/AAAAAAAAAHE/bC5rCoXAnuo/s200/safe_image.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454552126724771858" /></a><br /><br />Just hope they know what they've let themselves in for!mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-11925011117771792532010-03-28T14:52:00.000-07:002010-03-28T14:58:53.818-07:00Five k for fun?A day away from the bike today as I was taking part in the 5km Great Westgarth Run at the Friends School in Saffron Walden. Organised in aid of Motor Neurone Disease and by Susan Westgarth, a teacher at the school and sufferer of the the terrible disease. <br />Decided to paceset for the good lady then took the children round on the 2km fun run but still we have so far raised over £700 for the charity. If anyone else would like to contribute, our site will be open for a while yet, all donations very welcome.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/HeinrichFamilyRunForMND">Justgiving Site</a><br /><br />Back on the bike in the gym tomorrowmamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-3805621164926758262010-03-27T16:25:00.000-07:002010-03-27T16:29:13.706-07:00Tired legsEventually swapped the bike for the trainers last night and did a few miles run in preparation for a 5km charity run on Sunday. However, got a good group of 6 of us out this afternoon for an enjoyable 30miles round the roads between Saffron Walden and Haverhill <br /><br /><iframe src="http://js.mapmyfitness.com/embed/blogview.html?r=acd14cd3fe0f7aaa635a9c48f02a6288&u=e&t=ride" height="700px" width="100%" frameborder="0"><a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/essex/suffolk/119126968448356304">Training Route 27/3/10</a><br/><a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/united-kingdom/essex/suffolk">Find more Bike Rides in Essex/suffolk, United Kingdom</a></iframe><!-- MMF PARTNER TOOL --><br /><br />Feeling the legs a bit just now, lets hope all is fine for the morning!mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-25760129112539799222010-03-26T08:35:00.000-07:002010-03-26T08:44:24.858-07:00Trains are booked!I've had a slightly odd week on the training front. Managed a decent 25miles on Tuesday but struggled with 13 miles in the dark on Wednesday evening. Sore legs yesterday so took the night off and now the weather looks decidely ropey so not so keen on a ride tonight either. <br /><br />Anyway, train tickets to York (from Stevenage) are booked for morning of Friday 14th May. A total of eight of us making the full 3 days. No backing out of it now.<br /><br />Looking forward to getting a couple of hours done tomorrow if possible with some of the gang, then on Sunday swapping the bike for my legs and doing the Great Westgarth run in aid of MND association - you can donate a £1 or two <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/HeinrichFamilyRunForMND">here</a> if you like :-)mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-35779914798929671142010-03-24T05:56:00.000-07:002010-03-24T05:59:51.452-07:00More about my bike:For all those nerdy enough to worry about these things - some details regarding my trusty steed: <br /><br />Ridgeback Genesis Day 00 Flat Bar Road Bike<br />Frame - 6061 Heat treated Aluminium <br />Fork - Cro Mo blades <br />Headset - Sealed Intellaset w/alloy spacer <br />Shifters - Shimano ST-R220 <br />Rear Derailleur - Shimano 2200 GS <br />Front Deraileur - Shimano FD-443A <br />Chainset - Shimano 2203 52/42/30 <br />Bottom Bracket - Cartridge Cro Mo <br />Chain - HG50 <br />Freewheel - Shimano Cassette 12-25 8sp <br />Hubs - Formula Double Sealed <br />Rims - Alex R450 32h black w/CNC sidewall <br />Spokes - Stainless steel black <br />Tyres - Continental Ultra Race 700x 25c <br />Brakes - Tektro 510 Dual Pivot Brake <br />Levers - Shimano ST-R220 <br />Handlebar - 6061 Aluminium 540mm <br />Stem - Alloy Ahead <br />Grips - Dual Density <br />Saddle - Ozone SL <br />Seatpost - Alloy Micro 27.2mm <br />Pedals - Nylon street with mini clips <br /><br />How it looks when new:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gjxdtErywYY/S6oMqmxUA5I/AAAAAAAAAG8/yq6iz-FLvhw/s1600/prod_2842.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 122px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gjxdtErywYY/S6oMqmxUA5I/AAAAAAAAAG8/yq6iz-FLvhw/s200/prod_2842.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452184224986825618" /></a>mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-27819604805599566142010-03-23T15:21:00.000-07:002010-03-23T15:32:45.515-07:00Lonesome trainingTook 90 minutes out of my day to put in some miles today before the bad weather hits for the rest of the week. Set off from home in blustery but dry conditions and headed along B1383 to Audley End. Turn right and pass through Littlebury Green. Cross B1039 and head through Duddenhoe End and onto Langley Upper Green. Head towards Great Chishall then on through Heydon and Elmdon before turning back to Littlebury then final sprint home to Gt Chesterford. Total 25.2miles (40.5km)<br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Cambridge,+CB10+1NW&daddr=Littlebury+to:langley+upper+green+to:Great+Chishill,+Royston,+Hertfordshire,+UK+to:Elmdon,+Saffron+Walden,+Essex,+UK+to:Littlebury+to:Saffron+Walden,+Essex+CB10+1NW,+UK&geocode=FXdrGgMdjgcDACkH9C4M1mLYRzEGON-vKjGkUw%3BFcz3GQMdzTwDACHljNOQRGpxDg%3BFaxkGQMdHJEBACkPX6HizIDYRzHmtz6wGsa8Gg%3BFcfoGQMdTRkBACm94nCKF37YRzGCfluQzaNNmA%3BFXYAGgMdK_kBACkl7myRgH3YRzEAY8K7qBwOBQ%3BCY68gqsqPf3yFcz3GQMdzTwDACHljNOQRGpxDg%3BFXdrGgMdjgcDACkH9C4M1mLYRzEGON-vKjGkUw&hl=en&mra=pe&mrcr=4,5&dirflg=w&sll=52.034119,0.162048&sspn=0.101803,0.307961&ie=UTF8&ll=52.034119,0.162048&spn=0.101803,0.307961&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Cambridge,+CB10+1NW&daddr=Littlebury+to:langley+upper+green+to:Great+Chishill,+Royston,+Hertfordshire,+UK+to:Elmdon,+Saffron+Walden,+Essex,+UK+to:Littlebury+to:Saffron+Walden,+Essex+CB10+1NW,+UK&geocode=FXdrGgMdjgcDACkH9C4M1mLYRzEGON-vKjGkUw%3BFcz3GQMdzTwDACHljNOQRGpxDg%3BFaxkGQMdHJEBACkPX6HizIDYRzHmtz6wGsa8Gg%3BFcfoGQMdTRkBACm94nCKF37YRzGCfluQzaNNmA%3BFXYAGgMdK_kBACkl7myRgH3YRzEAY8K7qBwOBQ%3BCY68gqsqPf3yFcz3GQMdzTwDACHljNOQRGpxDg%3BFXdrGgMdjgcDACkH9C4M1mLYRzEGON-vKjGkUw&hl=en&mra=pe&mrcr=4,5&dirflg=w&sll=52.034119,0.162048&sspn=0.101803,0.307961&ie=UTF8&ll=52.034119,0.162048&spn=0.101803,0.307961" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Map</a></small>mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-61577153313178525942010-03-23T06:08:00.000-07:002010-03-23T06:18:28.927-07:00A New Challenge!It's been quite some time since my last musings on this blog. However, the time is right to revive it and share with the world my thoughts as I train for the next adventure in my travelling life.<br /><br />On Friday 14th May an intrepid group of cyclists will set out (via train first of all) to complete the ~200miles from York back home to Saffron Walden. Why? We are raising funds for a group of young people to travel to Brazil in the August 2010 with the charity Youth with a Mission. <br /><br />So far, the training has been going well. I am up around 80miles per week but still have some way to go before we set out in just over 6 weeks time!<br /><br />Favourite routes so far tend to lead out over the (relative) hills around Elmdon and Chrishall near to home. A typical ride being 15 - 20 miles with another 10 or so on top at the weekends.<br /><br />My trusty steed will be my Genesis hybrid currently fitted out with ultra thin Continental road tyres but in need of something a little hardier for the trip itself.<br /><br />As for my fellow riders? Well so far signed up alongside myself we have Simon Mattholie, Chris Winfield, Nick Jones, Peter Wilson, Barry Morton and Paul Cubitt. With hopefully more to follow. <br /><br />You can also follow our progress on our facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=720900794#!/group.php?gid=107402925952145&ref=mf"></a><br /><br />More news soon!mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-1154350316944800312006-07-31T05:50:00.000-07:002006-07-31T05:51:56.956-07:00New HorizonsI have now set up a new blog to support my (hopefully) forthcoming sponsored charity expedition, to mark my 30th Birthday.<br />Please follow the link and add your support<br /><br /><a href="http://explorenewhorizons.blogspot.com/">http://explorenewhorizons.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />Many thanksmamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-1151324976749977512006-06-26T05:16:00.000-07:002006-06-26T05:32:09.010-07:00The Beautiful Game???Apologies<br /><br />I am a bad person - I promise one thing and then do not deliver (much like the England football team).<br />I said I would complete a report of my travels to Chicago on my return. I have been back over 2 months.<br /><br />So, what of Chicago? Well for the first few days of my trip I was staying in 'the 'burbs' - commuter town of Evanston to the north of the city. This was a fairly affluent area of Chicago and notable for it's complete absence of tourists.<br />I made a couple of trips in to the windy city for some sightseeing - wonderful views on a clear day from the skydeck of the <a href="http://www.the-skydeck.com/homeDefault.htm">Sears tower </a>being most notable. Also a visit to the <a href="http://www.lpzoo.org/index2.html">Lincoln Park Zoo</a> with the family. This I had very mixed feelings about. Whilst some areas - partucuarly the monkey/gorilla enclosures and the polar bear pool - where well laid out and maintained, others such as the big cat house were frankly a disgrace.<br />The sight of adult leopards and tigers pacing backwards and forwards, round and round was distressing to say the least.<br /><br />On a brighter note however, the weather during my stay was condusive to outside activities and held until the wedding of the year at the <a href="http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=CHICHHH">Chicago Hilton and Towers </a>which was a resounding success. I even managed to get the groom to the service on time and avoided offending any of the American guests with my typical English sense of humour...even the bride's mother!<br /><br />Anyway, Chicago is now a distant memory and the whole of the UK if not the world has become engrossed in the World Cup...what hope have we got??mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-1143473587999913702006-03-27T07:25:00.000-08:002006-03-27T07:33:08.016-08:00Home and AwayI used to love watching the aussie soap home and away - weekdays at 6pm. far better than neighbours for sure.<br /><br />Anyway. Yesterday I returned (mostly) unscathed from my week long trip to the high alpine resort of val d'isere. I spent 6 days on a snowboard and failed to break a single bone (unlike one travelling companion).<br /><br />Val d'isere has a reputation as an expensive and rather upmarket resort. I found it to be mainly full of english holidaymakers. I was suprised I must admit by the number of children taking a skiing holiday during term time but...needs must. I can recommend 'val' as an excellent place for intermediate to advanced skiers although slightly limited for beginners.<br /><br />Next Sunday coming, I travel again - a little further afield - as I make my way across the pond to Chicago, Illinois, USA for a week of relaxing prior to performing best man duties at a wedding. I will report whence I return.mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-1142350273962475212006-03-14T07:26:00.000-08:002006-03-14T07:31:13.980-08:00In search of snowThe weather these past few weeks has been crazy. I've probably seen more snow falling since Christmas this year than for many previous. But none of it lies on the ground. As such I must travel several hundred miles to the Alpine resort of Val d'isere in search of the real stuff.<br />I will be spending next week crusing the slopes on my pre-booked snowboard and attempting to avoid serious injury. I have not been to Val d'isere previously but I imagine it to be full of many well-to-do English gentry in their designer ski-wear and gucci sunglasses, I'm going on a freebie.<br />I shall report back on my findings whence I return.mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-1139403012674096042006-02-08T04:40:00.000-08:002006-02-08T04:50:12.676-08:00Far, far awayIn December last, I travelled across many lands (11) and seas (7) to reach the far away destination of New Zealand. This was my second visit to the wonderful country known as Land of the long White Cloud. Those that have never been to New Zealand before wonder how they left it so long, those that have been, feel totally relaxed and at home where ever they are.<br />During my trip I was visiting friends in Auckland. I laso travelled North to the Bay of Islands, staying in the small historic village of Russell (the first capital of New Zealand and previously known as 'the hell-hole of the south pacific!). In addition I paid a short but enyouable visit to the Coromandel Pennisula a seemingly undiscovered forest east of Auckland.<br />My final few days were spent on the east coast of the North Island in an area known as Hawke's Bay or Wine Country. Apart from visiting the winery's I paid homage to sea and sky and visited the largest Gannet Colony in the world at Cape Kidnappers, by tractor, across the beach, in the rain.<br />My report of such an important trip is clearly to brief but I shall ensure that this is not repeated on future journeys.<br />In March I am spending a week on my backside when I go snowboarding in Val d'Isere, France. News shall follow<br />Adieumamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-1139402418364189282006-02-08T04:38:00.000-08:002006-02-08T04:40:18.386-08:00Travels have passedWell, it is now clearly several months since my jaunt to the Dartmoor National Park. As such my memories have been clouded and I have very little to recall. I do remember however, the beautiful weather, wonderful scenery and friendly people.mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-1124370065437353742005-08-18T14:00:00.000-07:002005-08-18T06:01:05.443-07:00Return and LeaveSo the days have now passed since I returned from the Emerald Isle and I am ready now to discuss the trip. As I predicted the stag weekend ran according to type save for one particular exception - our attendance on Saturday afternoon at Croke Park to see the All Ireland Gaelic Football Quater-Final between Dublin and Count Tyrone. This was a welcome break to the standard stag fayre and provided many talking points for the remainder of the weekend.<br />On my previous visits I have always thought of Dublin in a similar light to say Amsterdam, Barcelona and say Prague those other popular weekend break destinations. In terms that is of the relaxed and friendly atmosphere and noisy but well behaved nightlife.<br />This visit my illusions were shattered. It seems Dublin has become more an extension of Britain abroad with drunken fools around every corner. The place felt more like London or Leeds than Madrid or Munich. Ireland may be a fully paid up member of the EU but Dublin (and more specifically Temple Bar) is becoming more like UK by the day.<br />Still, tis not all bad. The abusive and thuggish bouncers that frequent every pub, club and bar in the UK have not yet found their way across the Irish Sea and the Dublin staff still maintain a pleasant and friendly demeanour (despite the abuse).<br /><br />So, we move on. This weekend I will travel to the beautiful but remote Dartmoor National Park in Devon for a week of holidaying under canvas. Many activities are in store and these will be reported on my return. Until then.mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-1123769262946479632005-08-11T06:55:00.000-07:002005-08-11T07:07:42.950-07:00Dublin approachesTomorrow morning (12th Aug) I am travelling to the fair city of Dublin - capital of the Republic of Ireland. The reason for my journey (every journey has a reason - although often this may not be apparent until the trip has been completed) anyway the reason is for a 'stag' weekend for a friend and former work colleague.<br />The stag w/e has become an affectionate part of the British way of life and in recent years I have visited such wonderous delights as Glasgow, Brigton, Sheffield, Bristol and Southend on these.<br />The normal course of action for a stag do is to arrive at destination early Friday evening and head straight to a local bar for some light ales and a 'quiet night' in anticipation of Saturday's events. Inevitably, drinks flow fast and as gentleman (many of whom have nothing in common other than being relations/friends/colleagues of 'the stag') become aquainted, so the night gets ugly and finishes far later than planned.<br />Often events will be booked for Saturday (afternoon) such as paintballing, karting, clay pigeon shooting or other manly pursuits where the stag (and often his best man) cannot possibly win. These will be followed by beers and unhealthy meat products in a public house then a rapid dash to the accomodation (for those that can be bothered) to change - for what? Not for dinner but for more beers and the obligatory niteclub (sic).<br />Sunday morning rolls up and farewells are said - for some they may not meet again but for many the next time they come face to face will be in the cramped pews of a church when, upon spotting a familiar face from the stag do they give 'the nod' and introduce each other's better halves with a knowing wink.<br />And so it goes. Dublin is a beautiful city (by day), by night I wonder what will behold.mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15078295.post-1123087110945254782005-08-03T09:36:00.000-07:002005-08-03T09:38:30.950-07:00Welcome to my NewsHello and welcome to my Blog. This is my personal (and clearly now public) journal of my travels past, present and future. I hope to share with you my experiences of the new and varied places I visit and offer some tips and ideas for anyone thinking of following in my footsteps.mamboandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845957361265580204noreply@blogger.com0