Go to gate 50

The very early taxi ride was most acceptable in a Mercedes driven by a Romanian ex-footballer who played against 1978 World Cup and Golden Boot winner, Mario Kempes in the UEFA Cup in the late 1970’s. Heathrow was heaving -…

The very early taxi ride was most acceptable in a Mercedes driven by a Romanian ex-footballer who played against 1978 World Cup and Golden Boot winner, Mario Kempes in the UEFA Cup in the late 1970’s. Heathrow was heaving -…

The very early taxi ride was most acceptable in a Mercedes driven by a Romanian ex-footballer who played against 1978 World Cup and Golden Boot winner, Mario Kempes in the UEFA Cup in the late 1970’s. Heathrow was heaving -…

It didn’t start well. Two days before I was due to fly, British Airways cancelled the flight. They gave me an alternative via Madrid which would take twice as long, but left a lot earlier. First leg was fine and…

The following day I left the ship and headed for the capital of Spain, Madrid. Rather embarrassingly, I’d never been to Madrid before despite over a dozen visits to España. Inhabitants of Madrid are called Madrilenos and Madridistas are supporters…

Friday - Naples The weather wasn’t as clement as I would have chosen for a jaunt to the romantic island of Capri, so I decided to look around Naples with Mark. Contrary to popular belief, Naples does actually have some…

I was on board a few hours before Mark. When he finally got through the enormous queue, I saw him wandering around the pool deck looking for me. He was dressed in a jacket and shirt and was easily the…

I don’t suppose anybody thought they were going to be sunbathing on the Norwegian fjord cruise. The weather has been superb throughout which has made everything better. Well, nearly everything. It has meant more tattoo exposure. I’d like a cruise…

The day started when I locked myself out of the house. I was in the park at 4:30 am and when I returned an hour later, I realised my error. Luckily mum was awake so I walked over to her…

The final three days of the trip started with a Saharan sunrise, just 40 km from the Algerian border. I was the first up and watched the predawn colour changes. I trekked off to a sand dune to watch alone.…