The Golden Triangle - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur

Well what a week that was. We were warned that India was an onslaught on your senses and it didn't disappoint. 

I was lucky enough to be invited on the Phil Hoffmann Travel top achievers trip for the first time along with 12 others from the office including CEO Pete Williams. With flights provided by our good friends at Malaysia Airline, we were on a specially arranged Insight Vacations trip which was to take in the golden tourism triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Right from the off we were treated to a ride on the back of the cycle taxi and were bustled and jostled through the streets of Old Delhi. Our man was certainly working hard moving our heavy butts around the busy streets. Amazing sights and sounds with all sorts of cables and potentially live wires hanging from every doorway and alley.

We were taken to a Sikh temple and saw the many volunteers preparing and helping to serve some 15,000 free meals a day to people of any class or creed, no matter as long as they needed feeding.

On other days we saw the stunning Tajmahal and the Red Fort at Agra both built by the Shah Jahan.

I think the groups favourite city was however Jaipur which entranced us by it's architecture, history and people. Everywhere you go in India people are happy. They just go about their everyday tasks and routines and just get on with it, no matter what the weather or situation facing them.  We were travelling during Monsoon season so had some humid and wet days, but the Indians don't seem to notice any of that. Nor are they concerned by the dirt and pollution all around them. They know no different anyhow.

In Jaipur we visited the Amber Fort and at night returned to the City Palace where we were treated to a magnificent show and parade of customer guards Elephants, Camels and traditional dancers. Following this stunning show we were escorted into the private quarters of the Palace normally reserved for dignitaries. The Rajastan Royal family still live here today and in the private room we dined in, were pictures of Charlie boy and Princess Diana in the very same room. Very probably during the same trip as the famous shot of Lady Di at the Tajmahal all those years ago. We were honoured to have been given the chance to experience such a rare and special treat.

Of course our trip was very much a taste of India. We stayed in a range of top 4 &5 star hotels and were treated to magnificent fine Indian dining be it breakfast lunch or dinner. The curries Dal's and Thals did not disappoint. I just wish one of these restaurants was just around the corner at home. No doubt my brothers and other friends who have had longer periods in India and have backpacked their way across this wondrous place, will have experienced a vastly different India. But for a taste of India in just one week I can highly recommend an escorted tour. Insight Vacations were fantastic at every step and their guide Manjit very knowledgeable and humorous.

Operation Flinders - a taste of the outback

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to spend a weekend in what was effectively my first taste of the real Aussie outback, up in the Flinders Ranges to the far North of the state of South Australia. I was invited through my contacts at the Operation Flinders to see at first hand how they run their charitable foundation and support children at risk (more later). I have taken part for the last 3 years in the excellent Trailblazer challenge and that is my fundraising for this venture. In 2008 my first year here we entered a team of 4 and did the 34 k walk. We have now progressed to the 50k challenge, and I have now roped in 28 walkers for this year and hope to be the largest company fund raiser for the event and therefore Operation Flinders.

Anyhow we left Sat morning in a 12 seater Cessna from Adelaide and arrived at Leigh Creek about 75 mins later. We were given a quick tour of the camp and operational HQ and told all about the operation, introduced to the staff and volunteers and how they organize the program and go about challenging the kids aged 13-17 to 8 days and nights out in the Aussie Outback.

We were taken out into the outback in 4 wheel drive cars into quite rough terrain and marveled at the endeavor of these guys to have bought 1000's of acres of land for just $650000 odd (the price of a decent house in Adelaide). Imagine a plot of land the size of Hertfordshire and running outward bound campaigns in it during the year.

On the first night we were escorted out by 4 wheel drive thankfully to a camp where we met some the youngsters and their team leaders around their camp for the night. We were entertained by an Aboriginal leader who spoke about their culture, told some stories and sang some traditional songs to us around the campfire. 

I invited my good friend Andrew Tatlock to share with me in this experience, as he has walked the Trailblazer with me these last 3 years and know he shares my commitment to help change some of these youngsters lives and help get them back on the straight and narrow.

One of my most treasured memories from my short time here in Oz. 

For more pictures click here Operation Flinders weekend trip

Wirrena Golf & Resort

Just spent a lovely weekend at the Wirrena Resort and Golf club just one hour to the south of Adelaide. We went with good friends Paul & Lesley Dunning and Gerald & Liz Morris. It was a scoupon special deal bought by Debi as my birthday treat and was fantastic value. Leaving work a touch early on Friday we enjoyed drinks and nibbles on the terrace overlooking the pretty golf course and rolling hills. As we enjoyed a few glasses of Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz we were entertained by a leaping cascade of Kangaroos passing as dusk fell. We joined them on the nearby 10th hole at dusk with a spot of wine inspired pitch and putt.

Dinner followed at the excellent Leonards Mill, a real surprise package out in the middle of nowhere. 3 superb courses and great hospitality from the husband and wife owners, just 10 minutes from our resort.  A few customary swallies at the hotel bar before retiring for the night.

A nice brekky was followed at midday by 18 holes on the surprisingly good Wirrina Golf Course. Paul, Gerald and I out first, followed by Debi, Lesley and Liz in a 4 seated electric buggy. They had all the sparkly and wine as the incessant laughter and pandemonium behind us evidenced. The Royal & Ancient at St Andrews will be writing to them I'm sure! Long and difficult course with excellent country, hill and sea views in abundance. Also enjoyed playing to a gallery of 15 or 20 Kangaroos out in the wild in the winter sun. I'm sure our antics spoiled their weekend...

Saturday night and we went off by taxi to nearby Normanville, a favorite haunt of lucky enough to own a beach shack down South. For beach shack read bungalow or holiday home by the sea. We dined at the Courtroom where a previous GM of Blackwood Golf Club was the chef and manager. Another good find although we did question the attitude of the front of house staff.

 A proper cooked breakfast on Sunday morning and then off via Normanville Beach, a coffee on the seafront and a beautiful coastal drive along the coast back to join the main south road home. More pics from the trip here Wirrena Resort weekend

Picked up the kids at friends Ashley and Andrew's house and then Charlie from the kennels and home for the rest of Sunday. Debi must have enjoyed her time as she spent most of the arvo "relaxing in bed". I took Charlie out for a quick 3pm run/walk and the weekend was done, other than taking in some of the last round of the British Open from Lytham St Annes. Ah the best of Blackpool...

SA Rugby Grand Finals

As one of the main sponsors of SA Rugby for the last two years, I have been lucky to be the main contact on behalf of Phil Hoffmann Travel, to manage the relationship. This Friday we hosted a table of 10 at the Grand finals eve lunch at the Entertainment Centre. It was actually Phil Hoffmann's 65th birthday, so a special day for him. Various speakers including a famous All Black over from NZ. So famous ~I can't even remember his name!! The lunch finished at 4 so we headed over the road to a great pub called the Gov for several more swallies. Needless to say, one for the road ended up as several, as I watched tram after tram arrive and disappear. In the end I had to get a taxi, having left it too late. No brownie points this time!!

The following day Saturday was the finals day itself. I was picked up at 1.30pm by a lovely South African guy I'm getting to know called Anthony Morley, a top ear nose and throat Cancer Surgeon from the nearby Flinders Hospital. Anyhow, he likes Rugby too, so came as my guest to enjoy some hospitality in the Sponsors Tent and watch some high quality Rugby Union. Finals started at 9am with the ladies final, through to the under 18, B grade and A Grade finals. It was at a recent Rugby game that I got to hold the Webb Ellis Trophy. The actual one won by Australia in 2003 for the 2nd time, so they got to keep it. Maybe England can win in October and keep the latest version of the Trophy. Sadly we didn't get to sell enough spaces on our Rugby Cruise, otherwise I might have been off to the Rugby World Cup in NZ. As it is, having to save some pennies for a family holiday.

Having been set up for the evening, Debi and I went off to Gerald & Liz Morris's house for a dinner party with several other new friends. Having got there at 7pm, we got home at 1am, which meant a fairly hefty bill to pay our baby sitter. No family support here so every time we venture out in the evening, we have to arrange a sitter. The dinner party was great fun, Gerald and Liz being fantastic hosts and great characters. They hail from Glasgow, so more ex pats. Now no more alcohol for me for several days. Serious training for the trailblazer challenge has now started. 

A day at the Races

Last Wednesday I was lucky enough to get invited to the Balaklava Cup, a race meeting about an hour and a half drive to the north of Adelaide. We were hosted by our good friends at Malaysia Airlines, arriving by coach at about 11am. Sparkling wine (not allowed to call it Champagne) followed by several beers and a continous stream of food meant we were well looked after. People had certainly made an effort to dress up for the day, which made for some entertaining people watching.

It was also funny to watch the change in people as the drink took hold. Don't ask about my tipping, absolutely useless as per normal. Manuela from our office had offered to drive us back to the city so that actually meant we got back 90 minutes before the coaches. Supposedly I was quite amusing in the car on the way home. I'll bet it had nothing to do with the copious amounts of the amber nectar consumed during the day. Did miss out on a few more bevvies after the last race and on the way home,  but got home pretty early really and earnt loads of brownie points. Certainly beats a day at the office.

It's been a while

As December was the last post, it's kind of hard to know how to fill in the gaps, with life here in the last few months. I guess a few paragraphs might pull it all together.

Georgia & Jamie
Both getting on very well at Westminster School. Georgia is in year 7 which effectively means the last year of junior school. Had she stayed in the UK she would now be in her first year at secondary school (Chancellors). She has grown in confidence for sure and has even played in the school netball team. She is not so keen on PE so to even contemplate playing in a school team is a real step forwards. She loves Art and attends choir, dance and gym. Her grades were excellent last year. She is 13 next birthday so we are definitely starting to experience the start of the terrible teens.

Jamie spends far too much time on the play station and the laptop. Even when his mates come round, first thing they do is fire up the PS3. I guess boys are boys the world over. This term he's been playing cricket, with pads, helmet and gloves. He also featured in the 400m even among a few others on the school sports day recently. Can't wait 'til next term when he starts playing football again, not the Aussie rules version. Surprisingly applies himself well to his homework. Gets it done as quickly as he can so he can get on and play.

Georgia has returned to scouts, which is excellent and I feel is really good in building her confidence and people skills. Jamie sadly currently refusing to go to scouts saying he was bullied there before. I was a helper there last year and didn't see any evidence of that. I think it's more that he doesn't have a close friend to go there with him. Still misses Hadley and Archie from BP.

Sensaslim solution - the business investment
I mentioned the launch of this we attended in the gold coast last November. It's out there now and we have got it stocked in around 20 stores in our area. we are meant to have established 50 by the launch, but that would have been with the help of an ad campaign and a lot of launch publicity. Neither of these have happened, which has of course affected retailer confidence in the product. We have made sales but anxiously await the full TV and Press campaigns starting in April.

The good news is that Debi and I have been appointed State Managers for SA. In the future this may mean greater opportunities and income if we can help develop all the sales here in SA with all the other areas. It's tough however, as I have to work on Sensaslim as soon as I get home in the evenings and Debi has to try and sell the product into stores between her activities. I won't go into all the challenges we have faced so far. Let's just say it's a new product launching for the first time worldwide and it has not been a smooth process. There have been many teething problems. We are however excited at the months ahead as it does seem like we have now turned a corner.

Phil Hoffmann Travel
Work for me there continues to go well. Its a great firm with many nice people in the team. I am involved with the Marketing team, Sponsorship, our website maintenance and development, our online booking capability and also many ongoing projects both large and small. its keeping me very busy, but I still manage to put my hand up to attend those networking events and functions. I still enjoy a bit of banter and a few bevvies. Some things will never change.

The Ashes come to Adelaide

Wow what a weekend that was. Friday had to work at the office, but made sure of lots of cups of tea as the kitchen is right by the Telly.

Saturday was the steaming hot day over 37c so watched the game on Telly and jumped in the pool at the breaks. Sunday I took Jamie to the Oval and we had a great time. He bumped into one of his school friends Arthur and I hung out with his English parents Bruce and Michele right in front of the historic scoreboard. We were also right in amongst the barmy army as you can see from the attached pics. Of course we missed the final session as the sky opened and the rain came.

Monday I was invited through work and we saw the England team grab 3 wickets in the day and field superbly all day. Then to get a wicket with Pietersen's last ball of the day was magnificent. Of course we hung around for the hour of lost play to rain. You could sense some history was in the making. By the way the new stand is really fantastic. Really tempting me to invest in one of the members season tickets, although I hear there is a wait list of several years.