Olympian Effort to bring torch to Northern Ireland

So, as the Paralympic Flame leaves the shores of NI, on its way to Stoke Mandeville, and then on to the (soon to be renamed) Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the Paralympics Opening Ceremony, the end of 7 years hard work helping bring the Games to NI is drawing to a close.   There were and are many aspects to this work, frustration and challenges, from setting out the strategy for NI to benefit, getting the team together to make it happen here (and keeping it together), and the money to fund our activity, and then the oversight, liaison and coordination of the work involved with a huge range of partners.  It has been interesting!

The highlight was definitely the Olympic Torch Relay, in early June.  So here is a video capturing those great moments.

Then there are the photos (including the Paralympic Flame events in Belfast on 25 August). And a visit to the Olympic Park, in August. Not to mention all the Cultural Olympiad events here in NI,

such as the "Peace One Day" concert in Derry

and the "Land of Giants" - spectacular show on the Titanic Slipways

and numerous other arts and cultural events, such as the Peace Camp - tents and poetry on the beach in the NW.

More info Here about all the things we've been doing.  Of course there was the Games themselves and the Opening / Closing ceremonies as well!

We still have a reception in the Park later this week to do, then it is over, all the bar the shouting (that is the review of our work, and inevitable questions as to was it worth it.  To which the answer is YES!)

Belfast Lough on a Sunny Day

This is the view out front of the house on the best day of the year so far.  Hard to believe it, but yes, it is Northern Ireland, which, when the sun shines, is very beautiful!  

Irish Sea and Internet

In the middle of the North Channel, on the ferry Belfast to Cairnryan, sitting at an Apple Mac computer filling in a blog.  That is nearly as good as getting emails at work from somewhere off the Falklands from a north coast salmon fishermen who works there off season.  Anji and I are on the way to the Lake District for a couple of days - the sky is clear, and the weather fresh - a classic early May spring day.  Looking back at N Ireland, we can see Bangor and the Mourne Mountains behind it, in the distance.  Looking forward we can see Ailsa Crag, and Portpatrick (where we will walk today) and to the left the Mull of Kintyre.  On the ferry we have all the technology, and at 5 past 9, the bar is full of Rangers supporters, heading for a match - they are already drinking!  But it is a good day.....

No Corkscrew? No Problem! (2)

Forgotten you corkscrew?  Or have you a holiday home in which the corkscrew is BROKEN?  Well no problem.  Follow this easy to follow video clip guide.  Beat your bottle against a stone wall, until the cork pops out!  Really.  Dare you .......

Asturias 2012

Playa Silencio

(Bay of Silence)

Beautiful bay of ultramarine sea, with rocky islets, battered by strong seas, and a darkening sky.  Drama and beauty in Asturias.  One of those secret places known to a few hardy soles willing to walk down there when the weather is right.  Perfect for a Black and White photograph.

Madre de Vino

Cabo Vidio, Asturias, March 2012.

Returned from a wonderful day out visiting beaches and stunning headlands.  Supper that evening was Gamonedo Cheese, Manchego , chorizo and Asturian Cider.  Our neighbour is from Zamoro near Salamanca, and calls in giving us his home made wine.  And a very good wine it is too.  He then produces with a flourish Aguardente, (literally 'fiery water') - a home made spirit, made from the left over grape from the wine making - or as he calls it the mother of the wine.  Powerfulstuff! 

Madrid Weekend 2012

Our Madrid weekend captured on video; enjoy it (particularly the Flamenco!).