Speed Dating

Nope, not the sort where you have a 5 minute chat with a bunch of desperate women (not that I've tried it, I've been *told* that it's actually quite fun) the type of speed-date-ing that happens when you write a blog post to cover April to October!

Well, I went on my travels, thru Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. Amazing places, lots of sites, really enjoyed the temples and countryside, Chichen Itza was impressive but touristy, some of the other sites, e.g. Tikal, are equally as impressive and you're far less likely to be stuck behind a tour group. Our group was great, myself, Lori, our tour leader Caroline and 3 other ppl. I took about 1 zillion photos, even taking my camera on an expedition to Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Caves in Belize, 45 mins hike thru the jungle, then a 2 hour caving expedition in water up to your chest (or your neck, in Lori's case) - check out the photo's here (if you make it thru all 60 pages of photos, drop me a comment, you may win a prize!)

After hols back to the daily grind, summer seemed to pass quickly, but did make it out to a bunch of stuff:
Glade Festival - an electronic dance music festival held in a field at a secret location somewhere near Newbury. Cracking weather and choons, lots of dancy and smiley happy people all dressed up to dance the night, and day, and next night... away ;-)

Wroughton Classic Car Show - was so local (and free) we thought it would be rude *not* to go. I still feel that one day I will own a Morris Minor 1000, or a Traveller.

Westonbirt Festival of the Tree - despite the new politically correct name (I'm guessing they god bored of my annual sniggering at Westonbirt Festival of Wood) this seemed to have expanded this year, with not only the amazing wood carvings, but a whole tent of Bonsai, which were fascinating. They raised a ton of money selling the sculptures by auction, and we had our customary stroll thru the Arboretum.

Come to think of it, we had a pretty decent summer weather-wise. Which was especially good for our Alton Towers trip (no photos... even I'm not stupid enough to take an SLR on nemesis... tho one day I intend to ride it with my bulletcam strapped to my wrist, so that we can re-live the 60s of being hurled about. Despite air and rita, Nemesis remains my all-time favourite coaster, I
could seriously ride it all day. Oh, and unless you're 5, don't bother with the new Charlie & The Chocolate factory ride...

Summer officially ended when my good friend Stu left Sonus and Swindon for the sunnier climes (and cosier bed) of Barcelona. The emigration to live with his gf put an end to almost 7 years at different companies where we have sat in the same cube. A proper send-off was called for, so we all dressed up in a Top-Gun theme and headed out on the town... nuff said about that ;-) Luckily he's been back a few times, and I'm heading to Barcelona for a long weekend next month. Look for more photos appearing soon in the gallery.

Visited brum for the 2nd Nokia-sponsored (thanks guys) - UK Pinball Show. It was even bigger and better than the previous year. *So* much hard work is put in to get 170 machines set up and playable for 2 days. I didn't see anyone leave without a smile on their face. (I also got very drunk and tried to take muttman the dog for a run about 1am around the hotel grounds... rather, he took me for a run... but I'm sure it was an amusing site for the onlookers.

Had a wedding and a stag weekend. No, not mine, though I am *still* moving into Lori's... Chris and Kim had a great day at Malmesbury Abbey and then later at an old haunt from my previous job, the Rosie pub down the road.

And here we are in October, planning Christmas already, how time flies. I did a bunch of other crapola, but none that anyone would be interested in (really, ice-skating, getting promoted, spamalot the musical, survived without a haircut, dressed up as a cow superhero... if you really care, comment and I'll elaborate) not that you're interested in the above really, I mean, only Jishot is gonna read it (or he damned well better after nagging me to update!). On the update front, I've fixed/added some links over there ===> be sure and visit them. Mr mcawilliams.com has a new camera, his creative powers are now unbounded by technology, who knows what he'll create. Inside the mind of an idiot needs a new tea-cosy... I'm pimping this one, if you can knit, get to it! Oh, and props to Cutielis for discovering the Cuddle Party - sounds not unlike the morning after the night before at the Glade festival...


Listen to: Shpongle / Younger Brother
Watch: Clerks II, A Scanner Darkly
Do: Something different.

Until next year ;-)

malc. xx