Mark Dalton

Well I eventually got to the hotel and checked in by about 13:30 this morning. The hotel is fairly new and I lucked out with a free upgrade to one of the executive suites. It was a bit dark last night to take any pictures but I will take some at the weekend (It’s too messy first thing in the morning) Anyway by the time I had unpacked and grabbed a shower it was nearer 02:00.

I didn’t sleep very well, just a strange bed I think, but the sound of horns didn’t help to much. I think I woke up every hour on the hour until 06:15 when I got up. Of course the wake up alarm came just as I was about to get in the shower.

After breakfast in the hotels new business lounge I headed for the travel desk to book my car to the office. As I walked out the building the heat really hit me, and apparently today is quite a mild day. A pretty uneventful and short jorney later saw me arrive at the office where I had to tackle the obvious language barrier and 324 secuirty guards who were all looking for something to do.

Well I am not sure what happened in the next twelve and a half hours but all I know now is it 20:00 local time and I am on my second cold beer writting this. Well hopefully things will start to sort themselves out from here but for now I will say good bye, no I will say until later.

Okay so it was an early start. I had the taxi booked for 05:30 but was awake at 04:00 and just couldn’t get back to sleep about 04:40 I got up,

jumped in the shower, packed my final bits and pieces, and did one final check, making sure I hadn’t left the Iron on.

The journey to Heathrow was quick and there was hardly any traffic on the roads, which is something you can rarely say about the Heatrow run. Arriving at Heathrow the cab driver dropped me off right outside the British Airways check in desk. I walked in and the checkin desk was open and empty, so I checked in using the self service terminals and then just checked by bag.

Once through security I had the required walk around the shops but was bored by the 3rd so grabbed a coffee and watched the planes come in and out. Once again you can only watch this for so long before you start going crazy.

I met up with a collegue who as also flying out and we boarded without problems. We had the customary drink (soft) well it was 10:00 in the morning then the brunch, before kicking back and watching a film (300 – quite good, not really much of a story, but lots of blood).

We then did some work before kicking back and well I’m writting my blog……I’ll update again later, once I reach the hotel.

Well today Katrina, Rob, William, Mum, & Dad, came over for Sunday dinner. It was planned a while ago, to give Katrina a rest after the work up to Williams Birthday but it got redefined as a leaving meal after I made my India announcement.

So I cooked roast beef with all the trimmings and laughed as I watched William devour the black forest gateau I had brought. I am going to miss everyone but I think most people would understand if I said I am going to miss him the most. I have been a regular part of the first two years of his life, and have watched him change from a helpless infant to a determined 2 year old with his own character.

So now I have about 12 hours before I leave for the airport and I intend on spending as many of them as I can in bed. I haven’t slept well or for very long all week, but have no reached the point where I have adopted the if it aint done, it aint getting done!

Well William (My nephew) turned two on the 12th July which of course meant a birthday party, which we had

yesterday. As usual he was totally spoilt and didn’t know what to play with first. Generally anything with Bob the Builder on it resulted in a look of total surprise and a dance with added monkey impression. I got a few pictures which I will put up in the gallery. Anyone who got any others please can you email them to me.

Okay so I haven’t reported anything this week, but for a very good reason. How long would it take you to pack up your life and move nearly 4000 miles? 7 days?

Well that is exactly what I am doing. I have accepted a job that takes me to Gurgaon in India and to say things have been a little hectic would be an understatement. Add to that the fact I hadn’t told my immediate family until today, and you (I hope) will understand.

Now the most important people in my life know I feel that I can openly talk about it, which is another hugh relief.

I am as you would imagine both excited and scared, but to be honest I can’t explain why right now. All I can say is watch this space and I will explain as I start to understand and as things fall into place.

//I have removed the gallery and the other pages because I am in the process of updating them based on these events. They will be back online soon.