The NWA "solution"

Northwest's "solution" to terrorism - declare about 90 minutes out - still somewhere close to Calgary - that we expect severe turbulence on descent into Seattle and that as a result the crew will secure the cabin - no service items - no more movie - no toilets - no more access to carryon baggage - yes of course that would deter any terrorist - what a lame attempt to bolt a barn door - and of course there wasn't any actual turbulence at all.  A more reassuring factor was the intensity of the searches (yes two) at Schipol - of course they still have large egg stains on their faces after Christmas Day - carryons were meticulously searched - every item being handled - and the body search (for everyone not just if you beeped the metal detector) was very hands on - yes even Mr Happy got a pat down.  So be assured that the past threats are being addressed - of course the future threats will be different I am sure so security will always be reactive - but I still prefer travel to the alternative.

Thai condo completed

Murphy's Law of course dictated that the day I got back to the US was the day on which I received the email saying my condo will be ready for handover on January 25th - 3 months early - so I guess I will have to start planning my next trip - Oh the hardship - probably just a short trip in early April just to handle the condo matter - I think I have sufficient miles accumulated to make that a "free" trip/

ahhh jetlag

Ah the wonders of time zone changes - its 4am and wide awake in Pacific timezone - gotta love the confusion - and of course all the snow went away immediately when I left Hull so all those things we were going to do could have been done - Mother Nature I renounce you.

Bugger me - Minus 18 Centigrade

Brrr

Had a great 3 days in the south.  Highlights included some of the best Indian food I have ever had, a visit to the Tate Gallery of Modern Art - now possibly one of my ten favorite places in the world - a half day was about 5 days too short to see it all but I will be back.  Took a great walk along the Regents Canal for about 6 miles on a cold crisp morning - in part retracing the walk that my Dad took the week before he died ten years ago - somewhat poignant.  Some great Chinese food for lunch in Camden by the canal locks.  Just being in London is a great experience - a truly fun city just people watching - in my top 3 cities - once I win that big lottery my apartment there will join the ones I will have in Bangkok and San Fran.  Just a few more days here in the frozen UK - experiencing the coldest prolonged period in 30 years - snowing and more forecast - those 34 degree temperatures back in Southeast Asia sound really good right about now - but i guess for a while Seattle will have to suffice.

Go South Young Man

Zipping along on the train to London for 3 days of culture - a few gallery visits maybe a museum and a walk along the canal through London.  Headed to Winchester (an hour west-ish) to stay with childhood friend Paul and his wife Sara.  Will commute into the city for a couple of days of walking around time.  Getting up at 630 wasnt easy and of course it had snowed again but as we head south at 100+ I see the snow has gone from here so all should be well.