Good morning! ☀️
2023
Relaxing in the sun in a local beer garden with some excellent alcohol free weissbier 🍺
The sun made a guest appearance, so it would have been rude to stay in the office and miss it. Right?
Without wanting to jinx things…
I finally managed to find the right bike, at a great discount, last night. All going to plan, my new Brompton (not orange!) will arrive tomorrow evening.
I know. I changed my mind again. I’ll share a pic of the bike if/when it arrives 🚲
Aaaaaaaargh.
Despite a phone call to check everything was in order, the bike shop has just emailed to say that, in fact, now that they’ve checked, they don’t have the bike I bought from them online on Saturday.
They won’t be getting it back in stock and can only offer me an alternative which is absolutely nothing like the one I wanted. They’ve issued a refund and so now my hunt begins all over again.
Ever so slightly frustrating…
Watching “The Diplomat” on Netflix. 📺
I’m nearly at the end of episode two and can’t tell how much it’s trying to be a comedy…versus a West Wing style drama.
But frankly, I’ll watch absolutely anything featuring Rufus Sewell.
Good evening from a very sunny London.
Watching the clouds roll by as I lie out on the balcony and catch up on my podcasts.
Idly wondering why the building site down the street from us is active on a Sunday morning?
Consort Place has been enough of a source of noise and filth Monday to Saturday. Don’t their neighbours deserve a break on a Sunday?
Answer: the construction industry in the UK gives no fucks.
A new Brompton
Sunday, August 20, 2023
So after lots of to-ing and fro-ing, I eventually pressed ‘go’ on ordering a new bike last night. I visited a couple of bike shops with my better half yesterday afternoon, just to see some of the available colours ‘in the flesh’. We also needed to buy some new lights for our replacement bikes, as these were also stolen, along with the bikes. I came home without purchasing, as the service in the Brompton store was…disinterested at best.Just been for a walk around the Isle of Dogs and Greenwich with this good boy…
It’s Brompton time!
Saturday, August 19, 2023
My insurance company paid out for our stolen bikes yesterday. My other half took care of dealing with them, while I dealt with the police. It almost feels like we can draw a line under it. All in all, we’re about £250 down, each. Insurance had a capped ‘per bike’ limit. And of course the bikes themselves cost a lot more now, compared to when we originally got them. Doesn’t everything?So we’re experiencing what sounds like an absolute tropical downpour in London right now.
That’s my cue to go to bed and immerse myself into some apocalyptic fiction. Starting the second book in the ‘Silo’ trilogy tonight. 📚
Hopefully we’ll get some actual summer weather tomorrow…
My new favourite alcohol-free drink!
Crodino is an Italian aperatif, reminiscent of Aperol - but without the booze, obviously. It’s perfect over a ton of ice. A refreshing, adult option for those of use steering clear of alcohol.
Cheers! 🍹
Ooof. That YouTube edit took significantly longer than I’d planned.
But I stuck at it, as I’m trying to make each video 1% better than the previous one. Glad I persisted. Quite happy with the final product. Now to put my feet up and start enjoying the weekend!
Entering the YouTube mines, to edit my next video.
Cue a couple of hours of wincing as I have to look at, and listen to, my mistakes, stammers and screw-ups. Such fun!
Yay! My Micro.blog stickers arrived in the post.
Thanks @jean! The first one went on my bullet journal immediately. 📔
Decision, decisions.
Which flavour coffee to choose this morning? 🧐
Heading into my office for my first full day’s work since returning from Sitges.
No doom and gloom - I’m actually feeling very enthused and full of good ideas after taking time out to reflect.
In the ‘Sala VIP’ (business lounge) at Barcelona Airport. Still impressed with how they’ve improved it since I was a monthly business commuter to Barcelona.
Tucking into some tortilla and delicious salami while I wait for my flight to London. ✈️
I secured a late checkout from my hotel, so I have time for a final couple of hours by the pool.
Extracting every moment of pleasure before I have to fly back to London. ✈️
My last evening in Sitges.
So I’m treating myself to a nice meal out. I’ve already packed my suitcase, so no last minute rushing tomorrow morning.
Time to soak up the evening rays and relaxing atmosphere before returning to…London. 🤪
Another few hours of reading in the sun. I’m nothing if not consistent!
On my way out for some food and some all-important people-watching!
It’s finally cooling down. A little.
The view from here as I work through my task list…
A boy could get used to this!
Enjoyed a lovely walk around Sitges this morning after breakfast.
Then went for a cold drink in the shade and did some people watching. It was lovely to relax with my own thoughts, my notebook and some caffeine. Did a lot of planning, journalling and reflecting. Which is exactly why I’m here.
Really enjoying the breeze coming in off the sea this afternoon.
Just another short while out here and then it’s time for a shower and a pre-dinner nap.
I could really get used to this pace of life! ⛱️☀️
Four hours (so far) by the hotel pool today
Engrossed in books and podcasts, occasionally repositioning myself to align with the sunshine, and topping up my AF beer at the bar.
Time is both flying by (I fly home on Wednesday) but it also feels like I’ve been here for weeks.
I adore Sitges.
Back to my hotel and in bed before midnight.
In case I turn into a pumpkin! Also, reminding myself this break is supposed to be a retreat and a focus on my well-being, not a party (that was back in June, at Pride). So it’s time for sleep and tuning several shades browner overnight.
Taking myself out for dinner in Sitges.
I never mind eating alone. I know not everyone finds it comfortable, but I enjoy the space to think.
Visiting my favourite place here, Bella Ciao. It has been consistently great over the years I’ve been visiting.
Taking a break from the beach and chilling out on my hotel balcony.
Enjoying the view, reading, sipping cold drinks and feeling decidedly relaxed.
