Cape Verde - Boa Vista 2008

Getting Back to Christmas being Warm!

Monday December 1

Steady day with a lot of activity and confusion. World AIDS day as a theme line although evident one boss is better than several!

Crash on return from work and, as a result, end up staying up too long.

Tuesday December 2

Suffering a little for the previous night, but suspect will be susceptible on return from work, which is almost the case. The evening was spent finalising G11 exams.

Wednesday December 3

Another steady day at school. Nip out to bank and get some money. Also check in with Aku and finalise details there.

G11 exams forwarded to Zawid.

Thursday December 4

A little late getting up, but still ahead of the crowd even though my usual parking spot has already gone. Took the one next to it, which is actually better!

Nevine is in early, so set up DivX DVD for completion of the 2Es.

First up to the lab to check e.mail, then to assembly, back to the lab to pick up the group for the video. Goes OK and finishes around end of period.

Period two covers a ‘Test’ and has a less than positive reaction, but we all get through it.

Rest of Day on Group 4. Although G12 focus is heavily on Chemistry, they generally make a good go of it. Getting moving on Physics is easy as regards making the car go, but not as regards taking data. Several runs made with car, but very few recorded.

Final assembly goes well even though I am late for it. Early get away lost to e.mail and copying for Ali. When I do get away, end up dropping car off with Aku who brings me back to Villa.

Then arrange for Audio Books with Simon and Celine. Should have centralised files as it was took time looking and missed a few even though a goodly stack were passed on. Rest can catch in January.

Meal goes by the board what with one knock on after another.

Log in on Messenger and connect with Alison. End up talking quite a while.

Friday December 5

About one am try to, finally, get some sleep. The original idea had been to get some shut eye after getting back from school. Best laid plans and all that.

Woke by call at 0245. AAA car connecting and given directions. Although they needed relaying again via central, he arrived in good time and we are on the way by three. On the perimeter of town 20 min later and 25 after that at the airport, which is quiet.

Wait for desk to open only to eventually find can use any desk. Check in is easy and Passport Control is also quiet. Then the sky fell in!

The exit visa expired in October. Myself blithely unaware of the fact that the two year visa was a separate issue to the exit paperwork. Not holding any numbers and aware of the day and the time, tried Frez, Chris and QLA. No response. Go out to info desk, with queues building, and get an office number for QF. Obviously no response. Finally connect with Frez, but he is already in the States with no access to numbers either.

No access to internet, so try Alison and, thankfully, make a connection. While she accesses my work e.mail, I accept I will miss the flight and go back to check in to inform them of my error. Passed to Ali (I found out later) who sorts matters.

Get back in touch with Alison and get a "Procurement" number, 510 2120, which I ring in hopes of getting a QF Immigration number. Khalid is obviously roused, but very helpful and patient. Gives me two numbers: 691 9285 and 587 4062. No reply on either, but Khalid was very helpful. Another incoming number was 555 7456 (possibly Adel's second number).

Try the numbers again and connect with Adel on the second number. He will get back to me so in the interim I go to arrivals to collect bag. Adel calls me and tells me to see Sultan Al Suwaidi in the police section of departures.

Leave Arrivals immediately and hit a long, long queue for entry to Departures. Finally get in and, after a few blank stares which is not at all surprising, am put through to passport Control. Sultan asks for my boarding card and now I look even more stupid as I explain that in view of the short time for the problem I had told check in I would not be able to make the flight. Sultan simply says to get another boarding card which is achieved with Ali's and several others help in what seemed like a very short time. SO saying it did require a lot of effort on several people's parts. Luggage is also intercepted again and put back on track.

Back at passport control and the way is smoothed by Sultan whose efficiency is marked by his cool composure. I go with the flow in a state of total disbelief in that I am actually going to make the flight despite not one serious mistake on my part, but a series of blunders on top, like not having contact numbers, leaving the departure area etc. An angel was surely overseeing matters.

Now, through to the Duty Free with no time to shop and go straight through to the departure lounge where boarding is well on the way.

Full plane, but boarding is swift and I am soon out to the world. Wake to half watch 'Space Chimps' although end up having to redo the middle section since I fell sleep again for that. Then start with 'The Hulk'.

I was right to not bother with this film on P2P, however, it whiled away the time on the flight. System crash stopped seeing the end and by the time the system rectified we were on final approach.

Smooth landing. Quick pickup of bag and off to the bus station where, as expected, I could not make the bus, but do get ticket and wait for the one at two which is on time.

Now the shock sets in, or is it just the cold British weather? Violent shaking and light nausea. Clears reasonably quickly and settle down for the two hour ride with a young blonde haired girl driver thanking all and everyone who was involved/helped with turning around the situation.

Left wondering, “if this is the start of the holiday break. . .”

Arrive Bournemouth at just after quarter past four. Good going. Alison caught off guard since she saw, but did not see the bus.

Back to the house and quick sort out before picking up Caroline from school.

Meal was a nice gammon and Rose Orsolo Pignot Noir. Better than I had last time, although it was in a hotter country!

Then time to transfer films and then 'Bolt' into a rather cool dining room.

2 am for me and eleven for the rest when it is final lights out!

Saturday December 6

Late rise (‘real’ time eleven for me although eight for rest) and set to the dining room light. Two hours later after numerous misses manage to catch, first the worst and then the easiest, location points in the wood being used. Finished within half an hour after two hours of playing about.

Next task: first floor landing light. Taken down with a degree of trepidation since no electrical screwdriver, however gloves etc employed, as well as best guess for power off! Turns out it was isolated, but, once checked and reassembled, still care when put back and tested.

Then transfer of files to Alison’s HDD DVD. Not without some fun and misadventure, but finally settle on using DVD-RW which occasionally needed two or three rounds, but after several hours and past the evening meal, a very nice chicken with a Californian red, before most, but not, all files are relocated. Residuals are left for another day.

"Quantum" takes the high ground followed by "Panda Secrets" and attempts to catch up the diary fail with sleep sweeping the board.

Sunday December 7

Even later start (twelve my time, nine UK). Slight concern in not finding passport, but it was in full view all the time.

Shower and check for water egress - cannot see immediately how, short of leaving door open! Then coffee!

Quiet day with a little more file transferring as well as a scout round to find a charger for Pen's phone, but to no avail. However, do pick up a flash stick (4 GB) for Caroline and an 'S' Video lead. Talk of over engineering! Such is as it goes.

Greatest chaos of the day noted by trying to focus Caroline on some Chemistry work. Her mind bend does not go that way naturally, but then does it need to?

Rest of day passes quietly leading to an exotic, considering the food style of cooking for myself, meal with a very pleasant sparkling white.

Film was 'Mummy', II or III depends on your interpretation! Getting so late had a hard time keeping awake and, in fact, did not manage to.

Monday December 8

Struggle up for nine (twelve my time!) and spend a lot of time looking for the comb No success. Did find it a lot later where it was obvious!

Then after sorting out SGA e17 ready to head into Bournemouth. Charger for phone continues to be elusive despite substantial help from the shop, but end up with a car charger which works well and will tie us over, hopefully to the summer. We will see.

Next on to station where after much discussion, Alison agrees to leave me. Turns out there is a train quite soon and after a little unnecessary concern on my part, end up on the move towards Southampton Airport, Parkway which is three stops away.

Arrive at the airport in very good time and get checked in. Camera case is no problem although bag was weighed. One hour wait, but enough to do to occupy myself. Text to Irene gives no response, but play that as the cards fall. For now need to get up North and then find an ATM. Time to get some funds in the pocket so I can maneuver if the need arises.

1315 boarding. 1345 Flight. 1440 Arrival in Leeds.

Irene close by for collection. Phone worked - enough credit? Had arrived at about one thirty! Straight to Mark's. First time for Irene there, as for me. Nice place. Irene stays for little while then heads off. Mark takes me to the new premises and on return sets to dinner. Jen, Ranjit and Joe arrive with Anne soon after.

Very nice Ratatoille followed by mince pies and loudspeaker call to Richard (Sweet!). Transfer of files and attempt to put onto disc not successful, despite three tries.

By ten group splits with Mark off to bed - early morning work. John tries to find problem with disc burn. CD works fine when file is sized OK, but DVD burn still a puzzle. Activate code Thought Sequence In T Grate?

Watch e17 of Atlantis and 'Eagle Eye'. Slow start, but quickly comes together in fast moving well coordinated sequencing, then bed too for John.

Tuesday December 9

Up, if that is the right description, for around eight. First order of business is coffee and some bread once it has thawed. Not into forcing the situation.

Then schoolwork is tackled; mark a little and look at a lot.

Next a foray into Armley for bits and pieces and cash. Black ice, ice and cold all make the short distance journey interesting.

Get the money, CDs, DVDs, keys cut and lens solution, but miss out on washing up liquid.

Then into disc burning with very mixed and strange results. Suspect the DVD RW in Mark's machine, but in the absence of further information it is just a suspicion.

Mark back between two and three and we watch 'Eagle Eye'. He is impressed and, even though it is my second viewing, still missed lots of details.

Evening sets in and Michaela drops by briefly. One busy young lady.

Next a very nice sausage dinner followed by two games of chess, a chat with Richard and then 'Madagascar, Escape 2 Africa'. ‘Bolt’ is better, but cannot keep watching it, unlike 'Mulan'! Both fold sometime after ten.

Wednesday December 10

Mark off in the dark and John lives the life of Reilly easing out of bed very slowly about half eight to do battle with the bitter cold. With a shower as an unwilling ally, John finally manages to muster enough heat to get dressed before turning into a block of ice, so survive for another day!

First order of business is to keep warm so fire on, hot water for dish washing and, most important, coffee.

Next a look at Mark's computer to find all but 2 GB used up, so search is on. Does not take long, he has films, so they are transferred to his ‘new’ 400 GB. He can sort them out from there.

Service Pack three would not take, perhaps the space issue was the block. This will be seen later.

School work comes next with interrupts for further attempts at disc burning.

1130 and time to head along the canal for points unknown other than a very big balcony. This sounds like fun despite the cold and especially since it is not raining. See if we can get lost, or, even better, have some fun en route!

Set off later than intended and met up with Anne on pathway about ten minutes out. Warm up with a coffee then head off for a lunch.

First place is being renovated, but there is a nice place a little further on. Have a leisurely lunch then head back to sort out a few films before Mark rings.

Set up and leave VoIP with Anne overnight in case she wants to give Nicola a call.

About six set to getting back to Mark's and get there with Irene waiting. Next head off for Irene's.

Nice meal at Irene's: Ryvadatches, nockle soup and schnitzel for main course meat. Meringues for sweet. Transfer again, but different, then a quick look at Yahoo problem Irene is experiencing. Now getting rather late, so need to get back since Mark is up early.

Once back Mark heads for bed and John follows through on problem of trying to find a connection route.

Also transfer some funds to Irene. Then he bales out too.

Thursday December 11

Manage to surface about 0830, but did not hear Mark go. He must have crept out the front door on tiptoe!

Coffee is the first order of business, with some bread. Day old, but apart from being crunchy, still tasty.

Then try the CD-RW from Anne. Burns fine, but no joy reading on the computer and stops on the DivX after five min. This is weird. Feeling is stronger that the CD unit is faulty, but cannot tie it down totally.

Then Armley for the ‘S’-video and audio leads. Make the hop about eleven.

VoIP returns to Base! John at Jen's for tonight and Fri. Anne takes us to Jen and nips off with Mark to get Eric's car since Mark is taking hers.

Tea is very nice and followed by play with computers and yet more file transfers. Talk of a working holiday.

Problem of the day is Jen's computer not connecting to the internet. Firewall like restriction suspected by John, but cannot find where or how it is being run. Would help if had ‘Administrator’ access!

Anne leaves before nine and leaves the rest to disperse. Jen, Ranjit and John stay with the TV while Joe heads off for privacy.

Another attempt on the computer problem results in another failed attempt and with that the day is brought to a close.

Friday December 12

Up to a very wobbly start at half nine. Coffee and stabilisation as well as some semblance of life follow with a slow wind up to going to the Post Office. That visit is aborted when the queue that stretches well out of the office is hardly moving.

Next to Tong garden centre for a tree followed by a couple of other stops before the return and sort of the stuff.

Ranjit arrives in time to set up the tree, which needs barking first. Fire brought on line and time for dinner to start with Mark and Anne due to arrive with laptops for connecting. Laptops connect no problem. Need to now turn attention to Mark's set up and why only B&W.

Michaela joins the crew about sweet time and a relaxed time follows.

Break up later with a puzzle for John when, although there is a connection, the VoIP does not work. Firewall problem with Jen's laptop now has a partner problem in the VoIP phone so focus now swings back to the router. Need to consider its settings. Problem there is that Joe's laptop does connect as does Ranjit’s, so what gives? Possible Mac filter? Time is running out for a solution on this round.

John last out although fell asleep downstairs and woken by the choirs. Finally getting into bed about three thirty.

Saturday December 13

Meet Mark at 1000 by the Barrel. Actually he turns up about eleven, but in his place I would have been later still.

Mark intercepts me at ‘Carats’ after I had already got the main event. He helps in sorting the items. Then off for cigars, cricket top and book.

Next something to eat, after which we head for the bus back to his place.

Irene arrives about three and has a tea before we head off to her place.

Wrap the few presents, most notably a paper chase for Anne. Once done time for coffee and a chat before the Merry go round. First up to Michaela to pick up Mark's laptop and bag with an all important phone charger. Then drop by Linda and Ronnie followed by detour to Jenny's to collect Joe and finally get to Mark's. Irene shoots off to a party.

Mark makes a very tasty bolognese and we then settle to initiating Joe to 'Tripping the Rift', 'Transporter 3' is not well liked by Mark or Joe, but Mark and Joe are still taken by 'Bolt'.

In true Opera style, John spends most of his time falling asleep going for the overnighter at two am.

Sunday December 14

Ten o'clock stagger and grope for coffee.

Feeding of the five thousand projected, but attempts by Mark yesterday to book were undermined by the Carvery not taking bookings.

Anne drops by for her computer and agrees to come for the meal. She is having back problems so is finding it difficult to get comfortable. Jenny arrives, Ranjit coming separately.

Head off for the 'Eleventh Earl'. Jen takes the ring road while Anne cuts across taking a chord. While doing so drops off her computer and some presents and switch ‘S’-video leads.

At the 'Earl' all parties meet up, but we have a 45 min wait. This 'turns out to be shorter or, at least, not as bad a wait as it could have been.

Food is very nice, followed by waffles for John and very pleasant they were. Various others enjoyed the selections with Anne footing the bill. Noted that she only joined in at the last minute!  With some serious back pain, Anne, headed for home and a rest while Michaela and her grandmother head off their own way. The rest made a line for Jenny and Ranjit's where we end up watching 'The Clone Wars'.

Anne rings with a query on connecting the laptop to the TV. She has everything done right, so John is puzzled and has to admit yet another defeat. A short think later and a call back to try a last ditch attempt, despite not much hope of success. However, it does work - the laptop was rebooted! Sound still missing, but that is resolved very quickly by Anne. She also sounds a little more refreshed for the break.

All done and Ranjit gives Mark and John a lift back to Mark's where a hard fought game of chess ensues. A second game is postponed because of 'Lethal Weapon 4', entertainment first.

John does some sorting and diary upkeep before close of day at one.

Monday December 15

Return to Southampton. Airport for before 3:30 pm. Arrange with Irene for pick up about two thirty.

Surface, after a long debate, about eight thirty - rather early, but unusually bright since the rain has cleared.

First order is coffee and some bread, then look up Nicola's address on Google Earth. Find what may be the location, but need confirmation. Very wooded area not far from a sound, 5 km from Interstate number  5.

Time for a shower and an attempt on focusing on some work! First another coffee!

Work, some, got done and some cheap flight surfing also achieved before a call from Mark who gets away early. Irene arrives at quarter to three and last minute details with Mark mean departure deferred for a few minutes. However, get off smoothly and book in painlessly although the lady on the desk is not in visibly festive mood.

Going through security is something else. Talk of checking anything and everything. Only underwear gets through without a delay - as long as it is fresh on!

So saying get into the lounge with fifteen minutes before boarding at a yet to be defined gate.

Bag is tidied up after dispersal by security and through with camera case as separate. So saying, there is plenty of space in the bag on this leg.

Flight is quick and smooth with exit from the rear of the aircraft. Exit from the airport is equally swift and the arrival of a train soon after reaching the platform makes for an even swifter transfer.

Attempt to text Alison failed although get through once on Orange. Credit is down to a few Riyals so that communication mode is now out. Once in Bournemouth take a taxi. Turns out the driver hails from Israel. Makes for interest when note I am working in the Middle East.

At Alison's by six thirty to find she has been having some fun! The AGA stopped working Saturday and was only put right today. Saturday saw the car battery flattened. Not noted till Sunday and left today for tomorrow.

While Alison goes to Fish and Chip Shop I go to see if the local Petrol station has a battery charger, Another failed mission noted, to go with the numerous others of the past week.

Fish and chips followed by a film. Takes some choosing, but Madagascar is settled on. John closes the day well after the rest at about two am.

Tuesday December 16

Slow and very lazy start accelerated marginally by coffee. Once up arrange to get battery charger. Alison and Caroline head off and John goes soon after. Variety of chargers, but only slightly above base model taken. Wait till AA check car before using.

AA guy interesting and helpful. Set up charger. After two hours enough stored charge to start the car. Left on rest of day and overnight. Need to check electrolyte level in morning.

As for rest of day, try to connect Caroline's computer, without success. Did start the fire - some success.

Late evening and Mike and Diane come for dinner. Lots talked about and discussed ranging from UK to Japan and America. Even Google Earth got a look in.

Both working to head off after half ten, which is quite late considering the journey they have back.

Gentle wind down. Caroline watches 'Open Season' again, this time without falling asleep. Compared to other nights, an early night!

Wednesday December 17

John surfaces about nine. Necessary coffee before tidying up Alison's car which is noted as fully charged. Starts on first turn and left running to 'warm up'. Turns out to be no trouble for Alison on her visit to the hospital.

While Alison is out John watches 'Day' although it takes two stages to watch it all. 'Bolt' still ranks better.

Fire set up and started. Lunch and general prep for the coming seasonal activities. Pen' track suit bottoms misplaced and need to 'track' down!

Early dinner followed by a trip to Bournemouth to watch 'Peter Pan'. Show stolen by 'the Hook'.

Back at base and it is time to relax and ready for the day after tomorrow'. Carolyn's computer finally connected to the TV, but as up in Leeds, only in black and white.

Thursday December 18

Lull before the four am storm tomorrow! Up shower and a staggering grope for the requisite eye opener - coffee.

Alison is changing money and doing a bit of last minute run around. Bits and pieces get sorted. Day progresses and in due course fire is sorted, some work done and food eaten. Dinner sees a competition over packing with the wedge closing on Gordon's arrival at nine thirty and departure at four in the morning. Rough night ahead with the unknown and anticipated now coming up fast.

Friday December 19

Taxi arrives and all pile in although baggage was all but a squeeze. Into Gatwick via Reigate and queues building. Even so get in quite readily with only some waiting. Took longer and more wandering to find the lounge. Once found it was quiet with drinks and nibbles. John asks and Alison notes the facility is fifteen quid each.

About nine and it is time to move. First a wander to the gate then the usual to the seating. Five and a half hour flight lost mainly to sleep. Mama Mia one of the films. Now definitely glad I did not go for it. Managed ten minutes before I got sick of it.

Arrival and further queues although immigration was quite efficient as was the hotel check in. Hotel was only five minutes from the airport. Not the site expected, but close.

Time to settle in, unpack, shower and eat. Buffet meal with hyper efficient staff. A lot of holiday makers about, but the place is BIG and, as such, soaked everybody up.

After the meal time for coffee, the disaster of the evening and 'drinks'. Case of finding an available substitute since no Baileys. Banana is too sweet and thin, but it has been tried.

Once we return to the room the consensus is to recover. John tries to connect the computer and after little success happens on the reason - poor connection. However, still B&W, so look stuck with that. He then struggles through ‘Changeling Pl’. Need action!

Rest of the night taken up with the Lone Mosquito. Repeatedly woken up by fly bys. Eventually driven under the sheet, but still strafed.

Saturday December 20

Start with a late rise, now an hour behind the UK so four hours behind Qatar. Once showered and cleaned up nipped out to see if others up. Mosquitoes galore in the corridor which storm into the both rooms. However, in an attempt to stop their ingress, end up locking myself out of the room. Great start to day 1.

Check with a cleaner, but strike out. Head off for breakfast, but while the rest go for food John gets a backup key and gets back into the room and recovers a small measure of his lost dignity!

Backup key is returned and John joins the breakfast crew. Coffee strength is still a problem, but not as out of control as the machine stuff.

Next stop the induction meeting. Although we are twenty minutes late we have not missed much although they could both drop the caffeine levels in their coffee!

End up taking up on the mini-cruise on the ‘Sal Princess’. Alison books it for Tuesday pm. Payment this afternoon.

Some time spent soaking up the ambiance as well as fluids.

John goes for a walk along the beach going left (south) down the coast a ways past a one time pottery(?) and two complexes that seem Very quiet, certainly as regards beach activity. One seems well established and the other in some stage of construction. Both are built more harmoniously into the landscape than 'Riu' which does seem to shout out its presence.

John waters and has a chip 'butty' before leaving the pool.

Back at base and all the 'boys' fade from exhaustion until dinner time at about seven: Cape Verdian Restaurant

Much smaller and quieter affair, but still buffet with same wines and slightly different selection of food based on local dishes. Nice, with Gordon and Alison liking it more than Caroline and John.

Once done stagger up for coffee and licquors before the 'Grease' performance.

Performance certainly moves. Gordon heads back to base while the three musketeers go on.

'Grease' is followed by Karioke where Caroline joins up with two other girls. First is confusion as they are given 'Money, Money' when they wanted 'Honey, Honey'. Once sorted they do well and go on to another, before the midnight call closes brings a run down to activities.

Sunday Dee 21

Very late start, very late. Alarm set from now on at nine otherwise there will be more than jet lag to contend with on return!

Coffee, breakfast and sunshine are the order of requirement in the same order. These have to be obtained from the, as yet not fully opened poolside restaurant since the main one is already closed.

More loafing around in the sun followed by a short walk right along the beach as far as the town. Quaint place suffering the problems of pollution brought about by people. Fair amount of development going on and also signs of a modest degree of tourism, albeit small scale.

Trip back seemed longer, although not really. Leftward is prettier. A second trip right will require money to avail oneself of food and drink, just to see what it is like.

Back by the pool and food and drink are needed. Chip 'butty' and shandy followed by coffee - decaffeinated with hot water. Problem is milk. End up with hot unfortunately.

Back to the room for a shower and recovery. By six darkness falls quickly. Asian Restaurant for seven. Another buffet, but nice for all that. Followed by coffee and licquors. Now getting coffee sorted so able to achieve viable consistency. Still searching for working licquor mix though. Alison seems to have settled on Brandy and Creme de Cafe.

Karioke for Caroline with John on point from eleven till midnight when a midnight search for a cocktail for Caroline turns up empty. Forward thinking required.

Monday December 22

Early start with a nine o'clock alarm ignored by John, but not by rest. Breakfast escape velocity attained with a return to regroup in preparation for the pool/beach. High thin clouds make for a cool start.

John has caught the sun on his face, with notable area still white because of the sunglasses. Going to be a bright day for him if he wants to avoid 'panda-isation'.

Poolside Restaurant with an African theme. Service notably more friendly than elsewhere, however that does not mean the others were poor since they were all good in their own right.

Caroline Karioke with Alison on this occasion.

Tuesday December 23

Gordon's Birthday

Overcast day with rain overnight. Quite cold for the region. Cruise pm.

Bus collects and takes the group to the rather busy port. Two small launch trips to the yacht and then three hours of interesting, if cool and windswept, conditions. When we finally get back the greatest concern is warming up! This was achieved by a variety of coffees, brandies and hot showers.

Meal at the Asian Restaurant after which we have coffee and drinks, but unlike previous days an early night. Everyone is exhausted, ie energy drained by the day. 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' watched before all collapse into bed.

Wednesday December 24

Brighter day but all late up, later still because of watching a Christmas Film, 'Eloise'.

Have breakfast at the poolside restaurant before lounging in the gradually clouding sky. Alison and Caroline head off first. Gordon later and John last at about five thirty.

Ate at with the usual in the evening with coffee and drinks to follow with Caroline picking up Karioke after now recovering a little on the cruise!

Thursday December 25

Rather overcast day punctuated by presents.

Special meal at Santiago. A more than outstanding meal. Everyone fully stuffed.

Friday December 26

Bright, but cool day spent mainly on the beach which seemed about the warmest place.

Ate at Asian Restaurant.

Scare with MP3 in that it seems to have gone west.

Saturday December 27

MP3 found to be back in action. Left to charge.

Manage to struggle up for breakfast and then time by the pool.

Signs of big breakers on the beach with red flag also on show. Sun breaks through about one and holds ground for most of the rest of the day.

Ate at Santiago. Caroline hangs about for a long time for the Karioke, but the wait results in reward. However she manages to fall down some steps and injures her foot. Gordon doubts a break as John does, but both know one needs an X ray to be anything like sure. One thing is for sure, Caroline foot is very sensitive.

Sunday December 28

Struggle up for a very late breakfast with very, very few sunbed spaces left. Squeeze two after 'borrowing' a chair from an English lady, with her husband, using the chair as a windbreak. Overcast most of day with very occasional breaks.

Ate at Cape Verde. Charades over hot chocolate before heading back. Caroline's foot is less painful and she is making headway on her own, albeit slowly.

Monday December 29

Another slow start. Brighter today. Broken cup lead to a small incident with Rena who managed to catch her foot. Medic took about five minutes to come through, but once he did Rena was whisked off quickly.

Then finish breakfast and on to a crowded poolside, although the beach was still ready to take more.

Day spent listening to the end of 'Water Inc' and the start of 'Hero in the Dark'.

Ate at Santiago.

Drinks after followed by various parlour games while time is whiled away.

On way to room Caroline drops into the Karioke bar to sing one song then a detour to beach to try get away from the lights to see the 'Milky Way'. Partial success, but still too much light from complex to get a good view.

Tuesday December 30

An overcast start to the day with the, now usual, slow start and late if not missed breakfast in Santiago. Brighter about midday till about five. During the day Burgundy break, intrigue with style.

Short exploration to see if can get above 3001 brought to immediate stop  no way past room, but signs one can go up from the room. Only one way to be sure!

'Knights of the Round' table film in German.

Santiago again tonight.

Two songs for Caroline then back to watch 'Panda' and 'Zohan',

Wednesday December 31

Usual late start. Poolside cafeteria for starting coffee. Two sunbeds found and two more gathered.

Windy and unsettled through till three when start with cards. Four thirty return to rooms.

Another spectacular meal. John too stuffed to manage drinks after the meal. Caroline Kariokes a little then all down to flooded beach for bioluminescence exercise. Back at 2003, watch Bolt while 2008 closes and 2009 comes in.

Thursday December 1

1030 Departure Information Meeting Last day lounge although very windy.

Ate at Santiago one last time. No Karioke, watch 'Mad Money', which all find entertaining. Late retreat with an early start to come.

Friday December 2

Up for nine-ish. John heads off to breakfast before rest and has time for a couple of coffees before rest arrive.

Then down to poolside for an hour before going up to foyer about 1230 in prep for coach at 1315.

Over one hour delay in getting away from hotel. Reasons being 1) no check in staff at airport and 2) computers down, which also slows check in to near snail speed.

Security requires most jewelry removed as well as sunglasses!

Plane arrives from UK about 1600, just after we finally get into the departure area.

1545 TOM1354 Cape Verde Departure 2225 Arrive LGA. Actually arrive 1130, so no go on catching bus before midnight. Did get bus ticket after a few tries for 2 am and time passed talking with Rami who was trying to get to Heathrow T5 for a meeting after flying in from Athens. Hard working man - flying back to Athens same day from Luton!

Saturday Dee 3

0215 Transfer to LHR, one hour goes quickly in conversation then a long, from 0330, wait for check in to open up at about five. Coffee got in Gatwick does not settle very well!

Queue, wait, queue and wait. First Check in then security, then lounge while shops open and finally boarding lounge. Shoes off, belt off, hands out of pockets - back to Primary School.

0755 QRO18 Flight to Qatar Three films watched: 'Igor'- so so, 'Bangkok Dangerous'- well I watched it,

'Babylon AD'- still wondering what it was supposed to be about. Also got some sleep in as well!

AAA was waiting and efficiently got me out of Doha and back to base. Tidying up after the holiday and journey started.

Car waiting, but very dusty. Phone needs crediting and lots of others things to get done.

Atlantis 19 and 20 picked up, but slow. Christmas Doctor hardly moving.

Preliminary of pebbles give density of 6000. By 10 fading fast and in need of a shower. Lights out by eleven ready for 6 am start.

Sunday December 4

QLA Start

Back to the PICTURES          More WORDS