So today Chief and SJ entered their first CaniX race in Bracknell. This is where you and your dog take part in a timed race. Each competitor starts at 10 second intervals and there was around 130 people in total. Well, he was brilliant! Ran all the way round and wasn't at all distracted by the other dogs. I think taking Indi would have been a different story but perhaps next time...
This week, I flew to Syracuse for a presentation to our senior management. Syracuse is in New York State and involved Heathrow - Washington, Washington to Syracuse...basically a days travelling. This was the first time to our head office and it was quite nerve-racking. I didn't do as well as I would have hoped, however I think it was OK. Syracuse itself is a bit boring...there's not a lot going on. I was only there for a couple of nights and so I ate at the hotel (Doubletree) the first night and then went for an Italian on the second night. I have to say that Washington airport is THE most confusing place in the world...they really need to sort out the layout and signage!
The second part of my Silverstone birthday present was a tour round the facilities. We booked this in for Sunday 18th. It was a beautiful day and we arrived around 14:00. The tour itself was excellent and you got to see round all the areas that you wouldn't normally see.
Today SJ and I completed the Herts 10K Challenge. I walked it and SJ ran it. It was for Grove House charity and was really enjoyable. SJ went round in an hour and I managed it in an hour and a half. I've tracked it using (the best) iPhone application - Runkeeper. This really is a fabulous app - go here to have a look.
SJ bought me a driving experience at Silverstone for my birthday and today was the day it was booked in for. I had the choice of a Ferrari, Aston Martin, Single seater or Lotus Elise...of course, I chose the Ferrari and it was absolutely fantastic! I had four laps in a 360. Should have been only 3 but the guy forgot to turn on the in-car DVD! The car itself was incredibly fast...you could really feel the power! It had the paddle gearshifts which were amazing...the instructor gave me a 91% rating which to be honest I don't know if this was good or bad. SJ had a go round in a Caterham as a passenger and the guy driving really flew round!
On Saturday night we went to see Coldplay in concert at Wembley...what can I say, they were absolutely fantastic! One of the best, if not the best concert I've ever been to! The photos don't really do them justice...I urge you to go and see them if you get chance!
This week, I had to travel to Vienna to present at a show in Czech Republic. It still amazes me how you can travel round the Eastern European countries. Basically, I flew to Vienna, got picked up and then drove through Slovenia (I think) and then on to Czech Republic. The hotel we stayed in was OK but nothing special...however...it was in a village called Vrbice. Now this village has been named a National Heritage site for its winemaking and I must admit, this side of the trip was excellent! All of the wine cellars were sort of cut into the ground, making it look a little liks something from Lord of the Rings. After I had given my presentation we were invited out for a meak and some wine-tasting. What I wasn't prepared for though was the drinking of the wine (pre-clearing). Was sweet and quite nice to taste, however it was extremely strong. I only stayed the one night and then flew home (again via Club class which was really, really nice!)
For the last 10 days, SJ has been in Bali with her friends from Sydney...of course, I was not invited...anyway, it gave me the time to go up to Staffs and catch up with some friends and potter ar ound the house. On the Wednesday I drove up to Blackpool to sell some old coins. Hadn't been to Blackpool in ages! Hasn't changed much either! I caught up with Adam and Mark and also went over the Chase on my bike. On Friday I finally took the plunge and went to the Apple store and bought an iPhone and all I can say is...wow! Here are some of the pics that SJ took whilst in Bali.
On Tuesday I went up to Aberdeen for the day to visit Offshore Europe. This is held every year but alternates between Stavanger and Aberdeen. I think it was a little quieter than previous years and the rise of the Chinese is clear to see. Still, was a very busy exhibition all the same. I also managed to fly business class on the return flight...very nice!
