Rio De Janiero 14-17 October 2010

The flight itself can only be described as pure hell, lots of people crammed into a boeing aircraft and all want things at the same time, i almost needed my shoes re-healed with all the running about it did.

The hotel itself is situated 18 kilometres from Rio itself so although it is on the beach there is little to do, nothing to see and as i have not got much in common with my colleagues and no intention of socialising i find myself in my room after a stroll along the beach, it is only 2pm here , had lunch in the hotel coffee shop which was buffet style, lovely selection for us Diabetics and even fresh fruit on the dessert section. 

 The hotel rooms are all suites, large bed, lounge area, desk and a small kitchen with sink and coffee maker, the flat screen tv is in a central unit so can be spun to face the bed or the lounge/desk area. Not too many English speaking channels but there has been some good movies on the ones i have found.

All room have sea view balconies albeit with a side view, the weather was not great, over cast, cloudy but still warm and no deterrant for Brasilian locals enjoying the beach and the surf.

Here are some weird and wonderful people i discovered on my morning walk along Barra beach.

Now would you .....really!!!!!

Yes....it's a man!!

And the winner is...........well there had to be one nice picture!!!
or maybe two!!!

The beach was quite busy in areas and obviously very popular with surfers as the surf was pretty incredible from the Atlantic.

 That's all from me from Rio, i will post again from another faraway destination.

I think i have become very professional at taking my own photograph with an outstretched left arm!!

BA's got Talent

The evening got off to a bad start when the 35 minute journey to the venue took us 2hours30 mins....the M25 was a car park and 4 our of 5 lanes closed due to an accident, we bypassed it thanks to a regular map book as the satnav wanted to take us back to M25 so i ignored it.

I had my sound check and then prepared for the show, Lots of friends were there to support me, well 16, not like the 80+ that showed up to support the winner, not sure anyone had a chance of winning with the army of supporters for another contestant but i met some lovely people, and great friends, the backstage atmosphere was good in our little corner, there were some only there to win and did not speak to us as it seemed beneath them and when they did not win i could have not been happier!

Here is the link of my performance, i look small as the zoom was not used on the video camera but a professional team of people are producing a dvd with the entire show so i will wait for that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp_HBZDAHzg

Maggie came from Wolverhampton, i had not seen her since we worked together at Pontins in 1984, how incredible is that, it was as if we had said goodbye yesterday and then hello today with 26 years missed out in between.

Steve and i worked together in Caledonian from 1988-1991 and he has been in touch ever since, i was so touched by his enthusiasm to come and see me in the show.

Carole was the only other cabin crew member in the show, the other 7 were from different departments, we had a great laugh and calmed each other down when nervous, we also loathed the same person which was funny!!!

Paula is the daughter of Derek and Daphne who we met on a cruise in 2004, we recently added each other on Facebook but this was our first personal one to one meeting, we have so much in common as far as animals are concerned and both owners of elderly doggies that we love with all our hearts!

When we met Derek and Daphne ( Derek in pink tie, Daphne ill at home) on the cruise they were travelling with Bob ( left) and Sylvie (right) who also showed up to show their support, it was really nice to see them!

Chico was one of the judges and posed with me for a photograph after the show, what a nice guy he is, very warm and friendly, another celebrity (ish) snap for the collection.

Lucy and me, another picket line, flag waving striker, and of course Team Gary supporter, and if you look in the background you will see the lead singer from Rose Royce who came to do a short cabaret after the show, a surprise to us all but we had a great boogie to Car wash etc !!

I though Lee who organised  the event did a great job, i just wish he had more recognition at the end, i could not even see his name in the programme, well i think he reads this blog so Lee....Thank you from me!!