The Return

I have decided to blog again on a regular basis now that I've binned Facebook. (Story to follow soon)
I have come into some money, so I'm letting everyone know... I recieved the following email to tell me the great news.

ST.JUDE CATHOLIC CHURCH

DEAR FRIEND, GOOD DAY,I' M REVEREND SISTER MARY JOSEPH FROM ST.JUDE CATHOLIC CHURCH LONDON ENGLAND. IT'S VERY PATHETIC THAT WE LOST REV.FATHER JOE-BONO OF ST.JUDE CATHOLIC CHURCH LONDON ENGLAND.LATE REV.FATHER JOE-BONO IS AN AMERICAN AND ALSO AN ORPHAN BUT NATIONALISED HERE IN ST.JUDE CATHOLIC CHURCH LONDON ENGLAND. LATE REV.FATHER JOE-BONO DIED ON 5TH December 2009 AND BEFORE HE DIED,HE MADE A WILL. I' M GLAD TO INFORM YOU THAT LATE REV.FATHER JOE-BONO MADE YOU THE BENEFICIARY OF HIS WILL A SUM OF {300,000.00 three hundred thousand pounds} THROUGH YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS. YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING HOW LATE REV.FATHER JOE-BONO MADE YOU THE BENEFICIARY OF HIS WILL. LATE REV.FATHER JOE-BONO MADE A RANDOM SAMPLING OF THREE PEOPLE E-MAIL ADDRESSES BY THE HELP OF MICROSOFT INTERNATIONAL FIRM AND AMONG THE THREE PEOPLE E-MAIL ADDRESSES,YOURS CAME OUT AS A DRAW AND THIS IS HOW LATE REV.FATHER JOE-BONO MADE YOU THE BENEFICIARY OF HIS WILL. FORWARD THE DETAILS BELOW TO ME SO THAT I CAN FORWARD IT TO THE BARCLAYS BANK PLC LONDON UK FOR THE RELEASE OF YOUR FUNDS.
1,FULL NAME.
2,CONTACT ADDRESS.
3,COUNTRY.
4,AGE AND OCCUPATION.
5,PRIVATE PHONE NUMBER.

I AWAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU TODAY.
BEST REGARDS GOD BLESS YOU.

REV.SISTER MARY JOSEPH.

HOME

Heading Home

Last day in Cyprus. Coach picked us up this afternoon then off to Larnaca International Airport. Had hotel breakfast, then sat poolside until pick up... Weather overcast and stormy looking, but hopefully no problems and flight will be on time. (Went online and according to flight stats the flight is indeed on time)

I'll relax and believe it when I've my seat belt on looking out the Eurocyria 737 - 800 window en route home ......

Paralimni

Took it easy with a trip to the local village of Paralimni. TAXI !!! costs 12€ plus tip (My tip was, stop using your mobile phone while driving well over the speed limit) anyway, took the taxi as the bus service this time of year is a hit and miss. Taxi dropped us off outside a jewelers near the main square, the driver told us that the owner of the shop was his cousin and he would give us discount and when we wanted a taxi back just to ask his cousin to give him a call and he would come back and collect us . Very nice of him I thought but one white knuckle ride a day is all I can take thank you.
There are two large modern churches in Paralimni and a small 13th – century church which now stands in the centre of a traffic roundabout. There are some lovely coffee shops by the square to sit and people watch, or should I say traffic watch….
My little swamp duck loved the thought that there was a Marks and Spencers at the square (20th – century) I love it too as it was closed and moved to another place where I’d no intention of going to.
Got some local knowledge about the bus service and it was running on the hour every hour. Caught the bus 1.5€, what did totally piss me off that when the bus stopped tourists came from everywhere and surrounded the door way pushing and shoving to get on first. What I could make out of the accents they were mostly Germans followed by Italians (Nothing new there then) I did voice my opinion on their ignorance and I’m sure most understood but none was willing to reply to my comments. (I did see the driver smile)
What’s a holiday without a visit to a local supermarket (My LSD thinks) while finding out where the bus stop was she had also ascertained the location of a supermarket on the bus route back. A shopping we did go…..
Back to Pernera and into Mojitos for dinner and a few glasses of bubbly. Back to the hotel a little rest and then a stroll along the seafront pathway for an evening coffee before heading back to be well and truly beaten at jack change it………

A Life On The Ocean Wave

Got to stay in bed a little longer today. Up at 8am to head for our day out on a catamaran. I was really looking forward to it, snorkeling, kayaking, drinking, oh yes, it was the VIP cruise I’d booked for my little swamp duck and I.
Picked up by coach and taken to our departure point. Only around 30 people onboard so loads of space… Had a few beer before going onto the cocktails. First to view Famagusta Bay. It was starting to heat up so the catamaran anchored at Green bay for a 20 minute swim stop. I hung back to see the expression on peoples faces as they jumped into the water….glad I did, it confirmed my suspicions that the water was cold. I’ll wait until we stop at Konnos bay. On the way there the captain let me have ago at the helm (Steering wheel) It was great fun, but there was nothing much I could have hit out there any way.
Dropped anchor again now it’s time for kayaking, only one person so far going for it so here goes…. Wee buns, had a great time but back to the cat to let someone else go. (Nobody was interested in doing it until they saw I could do it, then there was a queue for the two kayaks onboard…
Got my snorkel gear on and into the water, equipped with my camera and water tight camera pouch. Wow… underwater there was sand and more sand to photograph, but then again there beer back at the cat. Back on for a lovely lunch, followed by cocktails. Time to kayak again…. Going well and I spots a speed boat coming around the bay so I went to side of the cat away from the wake…. Safe my arse, in I went (Think the sea term is capped sized) Grab the oar, the kayak, my camera, hope my sun glasses don’t fall off or my contacts come out and swim back to the cat… (Did I feel cat with everyone watching)
A fantastic day had by all…….

Coach Trip

Up very early (Daft O’Clock) watched the sunrise before walking to a nearby pick up point for our coach trip to the Troodos Mountains and Nicosia. A fantastic trip which visits quaint villages and a look at the worlds only divided capital of Nicosia.
Aircon all the way, we were the first pick up (Along with eight holiday reps on their training course (MSBs)
Then after pick ups in Protaras, Agia Napa and Larnaka we headed for Lefkosia (Nicosia) for a brief stop before making our way to the hills.
The photo was taken out of a window on the sixth floor of Debenhams in Nicosia…. Honest. If you look closely at the photo you can see the Turkish flag embedded into the hillside (Long story)
So many tourists in the divided capital, a walking tour was in progress as we walked through and I heard a guide say something about Venatians while pointing to some structure. I just had to say it “If it wasn’t for the Venatians it would be curtains for everyone” (I know, old but gold)
Up the mountain for lunch and few stops on the way down, what a fantastic day. Saw a big part of the island and learnt a lot about the history. On a scale of one to ten it has to be a ten.

Holiday First Aid Kit

A perfect holiday essential, don't you just love it.

Roll on more nights

What a Place

Woke up this morning and decided to head out and get my little swamp duck something nice from the local bakery for breakfast. (Closed, it’s Sunday) walked for ages and had to return empty handed. She forgave me… Down to the hotel pool for a swim and make a buck eijit of myself getting onto a lylo, (Who gives a friar tuck. I’m on hol)
Missed the welcome meeting yesterday so thought we’d catch it today. (Only because we saw the rep when we were in the bar) Booked a trip for tomorrow to the Troodas Mountains and Nicosia, also booked a Catamaran Leisure Cruise for Tuesday (Fun in the sun).
Had a pint in the hotel bar then booked a taxi to take us into Pataras. Had a dander around Fig Tree bay, a few pints and then dinner. Taxi back to hotel (Up at daft O Clock in the morning for the tour) had a coffee in the bar before heading to the room to update the blog, oh yes and open a bottle of the sparkly stuff.
My little swamp duck suggested we have a game of scrabble on our balcony . I had the smart ass feeling I can’t lose so I said yeah… great idea. I’ve never beaten her before but just had this feeling tonight’s the night. Was I wrong or was I wrong…. I was in front with a good few points, early in the game I’d put LATE which was a double score word. My LSD added the letters TRANS which took the word score to 60 (Two double word scores) GAME OVER
Another thing that has caused me concern is a sign I saw in the hotel elevator… my family will know why…lol

First Full Day

Day one for real. On an island we’ve never been to before so lets test the water. Water, that’s the thing, let get bottled water, drink fec all out of a tap (Unless it’s beer of course). Had a lovely stroll into Protaras along the coastal path to buy odds and ends (Water, Cava and Red Wine) had a few pints in various bars there then back to the hotel. (By taxi, thanks George €7) then siesta time.
Was awakened by birds singing the afternoon chorus, and some youngsters playing by the pool below.
Up showered and out for dinner. Had researched online places to eat before traveling. One of the top places for our area was Mojito bar and grill. It did what it said on the tin. Great food and a fantastic atmosphere. Booked again for later in the week.
Tomorrow who knows what’s instore for us. One thing that is freaking me out is that used toilet paper (YES, USED) has not to be flushed down the normal route. It goes into a special pedal bin beside the loo (SPECIAL, WHAT A LOAD OF DUNG)

Enroute

So, arrived at Belfast Intertrashional Airport for our Eurocypria flight to Larnaca. Could not wait to reach the airport. Left home really early (Now there’s a surprise) and was first to check in,. then security (Belts off, Jackets off, cheesed off etc where the staff were very pleasant unlike George Best Belfast Shity Airport, where the staff could do with training in how to smile and be civil) departures here I come. Fancied a look in Currys at the duty free. NO Currys. In fact the place was nearly in the close down mode @ 21.00 (9 o’clock for those who don’t know) made it to the bar which I can only describe as: It made JD’s look like the Merchant.
After a couple of top of the range Magners on through to Duty Free we went. Better value in Tescos believe me.
Gate 21 I’ll head there with my little swamp duck. (Seeing that’s where the plane is boarding from.) More cider but this time served by a very pleasant young barman. Started to people watch and had clocked this middle aged blonde earlier in the first bar boring the dung out of this young guy sitting at the next table to her. Oops, she's on our flight and she has now captured a young couple and giving them her thoughts on the Volcanic Ash subject. I could see the young lady was not impressed and the guy more or less told blonde to shut it as his girl is not a great flyer.
Boarding onto our Eurocyprot 737 – 800 was fast. Brill, in our seats 2a & 2b and no one beside us. Time to relax.. ANNONCEMENT “For your in-flight entertainment you can purchase headphones at €4, please do not use your own headphones as they may interfere with the planes system” (Interfere with profits more likely)
Anyway at this time of typing we are well and truly airborne, the seatbelt light has been turned off, those who forgot to go to the loo before boarding, are now queuing, some with their legs well crossed., and the trolley dolly is on her way up the aisle, (I suppose you could say I’m sad, as I do have my Advent netbook with me, and other travelers (Passengers) are looking at me as if I’ve two heads. But I do want to blog about my holiday)
We’ve just popped our first bottle of Lanson Champaign, (I live a champagne lifestyle on a diet coke wage) I just love holidays….
The flight has been airborne now for over an hour and I can see land below covered with many lights, not a cloud in the sky I recon we are somewhere over England (Smart ass me)
Dinner is served. Be right back.
4 am now (Local time) wherever that is, we had our meal ages ago (Chicken, veg and potato wedges (Nice). After a couple of episodes of Still Game on my ipod (so funny) I thought I’d continue the blog as I can’t sleep. Listening to the Priests now, would love to put it on the loud speaker to freak the rest of the passengers out… they really are a sour bunch, well the ones I can see when I look back.
Quote of the flight goes to my LSD, I got up from my seat and she asked “Are you going to the loo” I had to reply “No, I’m nipping outside for a smoke” The guy in front of me started to laugh which didn’t go down to well with you know who. I’d love to have a sleep but I’m too excited.
Unless there are any developments from now till we land (Touchdown) I’ll not type anymore… don’t want to bore you too much, not yet anyway………633 words will do for now….

New Weapon

The latest non-lethal weapon to be developed is a hand grenade for crowd control. I read this article on the website ananova. The grenade is loaded with ground seeds from the Bhut Jolokia, which is officially recognised as the worlds hottest chilli by Guinness World Records.

I have tried those chilli seeds in a curry, believe me when I say "it became a weapon of ASS destruction" ......

Walking with the Wounded

The first unaided trek to the North Pole by disabled servicemen are to be announced by Prince Harry. This is to raise funds for the charity that help servicemen who have been disabled while serving their Queen and Country.
Two Questions:

WHY is a charity needed?
WHY are MY taxes not going to help them instead.

The answer to both these questions: The Government

They would rather spend MY taxes on the drug dealing scum and the like in our prisons, giving them three square meals a day, educating them, entertaining them and giving them a roof over their head. (It must be hard for them)

They would rather spend my taxes on the scum that assault old people and the like who have never worked a day in their life (Or are likely to) by giving them legal aid so they can either be set free to offend again or better still, give them three square meals a day, educate them, entertain them and give them a roof over their head.

A fine is a tax for being bad
A tax is a fine for being good

I wish the guys all the very best for their trek...........

Who Could Blame Him

If you haven't already heard the story: A Royal Marine who's dad won £45.6 million on the lottery has opted out to fight the Taliban rather than live in luxury. According to the HM Forces.co.uk.

That was last November


The Sun ran a different story today according to them he is to quit
And good on the lad, that's what I say. He's been there done it, I wonder how many of those who critise his move have done what this lad has already done..... (or are likely too) .......very very few I recon.....

Our Justice System

Day and daily we hear and read about our justice system. Some days they get it right and some days (well most) they get it wrong. I read two stories in today's Daily Mirror (page 35).
The first was about the charity box thieves who used their tot as a decoy to steal poppy tins. The judge Julian Hall gave a suspended jail term and a supervision order at the court in Oxford.
A former soldier in Lemington Spa (Who served in Ulster and Iraq) snapped when two youths (The PC way to describe two little shits) confronted him with a knife outside his home. He whipped out a machete and told them " That's what you call a knife" he threatened to cut the yobs up. The terrified scum fled (Now there's a surprise) but the former solider admitted using threatening words and behaviour and possessing a knife in public. He was given a four month suspended prison sentence and a 100 hours community service.
Makes you proud of the system....

Change Coming Soon

Blog to change direction.... Instead of "In My Opinion" it will Be "News, as I see it" I will be looking at the daily news and putting my thoughts on it... What you recon..... (You know I don't care what anyones thinks...lol)

Beware Of Men In Mini Skirts

Two drunken louts in Swansea got their comeuppance when they picked on who they thought were ladies on a night out. They turned out to be cage fighters dressed for a stag do.

We All Get Old

Remember, we all get old. Hope this video is thought provoking

Belleek Weekend

Went to Belleek in County Fermanagh. The weather was fantastic, drink flowed like Lough Erne, craic was mighty, but the Hotel ???? ... how could I describe it.... I'll put it like this, it would make Faulty Towers look light a Hilton ....

Relaxing

Up early yesterday had a short walk then got the 7am bus into town. I wanted to take some photos of the City Hall first thing, before heading down to St Georges Market (And all this before work) I have to say it was so relaxing.

I was in the City Hall grounds snapping away when I was approached by a man who started randomly talking about how the Belfast wheel was built, and then progressed on to talk about how the pyramids were built. He gave me his thoughts about the death and hard labour connected with the construction of pyramids and how the labour of today can't do anything without a forklift truck and a crane. (A glimmer of truth in that) Remember, I'm there to relax and I'm trying to get use to my new camera.

He then asked me what I thought of the pyramids, I told him I disagreed with him, as the Martians built the pyramids... it done the trick... No more questions....No more man..

Hope you like the photo's.....

Yee Grand Old Opera House

My little swamp duck and I went to the GOH in Belfast last night to see Annie. A great production with Sue Pollard in the role of Miss Hannigan.
The show started at 19:45 (Quarter to eight) about 10 - 15 minutes into the show these six dames (Yes, they did look as if they were out of a panto) came waltzing in and three of them sat in the seats in the row directly in front of us. They shuffled about to make themselves comfortable, took their coats off and then.... took their mobiles out and started to text..... (I had thought they were going to turn them off).. then they starting talking .... one of the phones rang and they answered the call and started talking... All while the show was going on... That was it.....

I asked them was there any chance of me hearing the show, the one in the middle turned around to start a staring contest with me. (She abused the privilege of being ugly let me tell you) It lasted about 4 secs, I Won. They didn't open their cake hole the rest of the night, it was obvious they don't often get out.

I enjoyed the show anyway

Only In America

Is it a shaggy dog story ????

Light Trails

Don't get much time to blog at the moment so I'll just stick the odd photo up in the mean time... I tried my hand at light trails......

An Obituary Printed In The Times

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies ( don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and should you do so the burglar would sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;

I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone.

Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbeans "Jewel of the Seas" made a visit to the Port of Belfast. Met a few of the passengers (Americans) doing some shopping in our very own shopping mall (Castle Court)

A Day For Transport

What a lovely day it was, sun shinning so off to the Folk and Transport Museum for a while. Viewed loads of old modes of transport trams, trolley buses and Steam trains to name a few. Over to view yee old cottages etc at the folk part. A great day in all, but what put the icing on the cake was the fly past of the Airbus A380 over the George Best City Airport en-route to the Airport at Portrush. The plane did two low level fly pasts,.... looked awsome...