Sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City

Had some spare time after my workshop was over on Friday and spent a really interesting day sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City. The most interesting place to visit was the Vietnam War Museum, which explained in graphic detail the story of the War from the Vietnamese perspective. Lots of military hardware and harrowing photos were on display. It all felt very vivid. Not America’s finest hour.

Apart from that, it was a case of wandering around the hot and humid streets and getting a feel for the place. It’s not particularly vibrant, but compared to other Asian cities I’ve visited It’s very friendly and relaxed. What’s distinctive is the number of motorcycles and the constant noise of revving engines. You soon get used to zig-zagging through the traffic when you cross the road.

Would like to see more of Vietnam. A few pics below.

In Vietnam

Just flew into Ho Chi Min City today (formerly Siagon) where I'll be working for the next few days. Am staying in a lovely hotel - the Caravelle in the city centre. Changed at Doha in Qatar - never been before, which was surrounded by desert. Saw Quantum of Solace on the in - flight entertainment, which I rather enjoyed.

Not slept much so need to get some kip. Nice views from my bedroom window.

Pester Power

You read a lot about pester power when you're doing consumer research ie the power of children in influencing purchase decisions. It happens most commonly in supermarkets, where children ask for stuff they like or simply drop things in the trolley without you noticing.

However, at the moment all conversations with my 11 year old daughter revolve around her wanting a mobile phone. I see this as a completely irrational request - who would she phone? Hardly any of her friends have one and she never goes anywhere on her own. However, she constantly points out the 3 or 4 friends who do have phones as evidence that I'm being unfair.

It goes beyond conversations. I get print outs of competing phones left by my bed from websites. I get pages torn out of newspapers. She even asks me how my work is going as she knows I happen to working with a mobile phone operator at the moment.

When she goes to senior school in September and she has to walk to school on her own, then I can see the argument for a mobile phone. Before then, its just simply a desire to impress her friends.

Being a marketing consultant I can hardly complain about pester power...but it is annoying and I guess is how our economy works. The desire to impress others - as well as satisfy your own personal craving - lasts a lifetime.

Red Nose Day

Red Nose Day was a big deal in our household, with the kids dressing up for school and the teachers doing lots of funny stuff at.

Yesterday I went to Dublin. The Aerlingus flight back to London was due to take off at 530pm but was delayed by an hour. On the front row I saw Ronan Keating. (It was definitely him - I overheard an air hostess)

By the time I got home I saw him live on telly doing the Red Nose show. How did he do that?

Life Drawing Class

On Sunday I went to my first ever Life Drawing class, run by a friend of mine Trevor Flynn who runs a company called Drawing at Work . Drawing, for many people – including myself - is a scary subject. It’s something we don’t do regularly and as a result we feel we can’t draw. I had no idea what to expect or what I would produce.

However, in the hands of a fabulous teacher like Trevor it becomes less scary and genuinely enjoyable. A lot of it is down to learning the ability to look, learning basic technique and lots and lots of practice. Staring at a naked body for several hours is not something I do very often.

Now, after one day I’m not going to pretend that I’ve got any real talent for drawing, but I do feel that I could improve and develop. However, as with most things in life there are no short cuts and to produce work of genuine merit is a lifetime’s journey.

If you’ve not done any drawing for a long time I can recommend you attend a drawing class – particularly one of Trevor’s.

Day Trip to Venice

This morning I caught the 650am flight to Venice and have spent all day at the airport in a meeting. Am about to fly home and have seen absolutely nothing. Next time maybe. Wasn't there a film about a bloke who lived in an airport?

In New Jersey

I arrived on Monday morning after a nice, but rather empty BA flight. Highlight was watching Vicky Christina Barcelona, Woody Allan's latest. Escapist nonsense with some very sexy actors. I loved it. Managed to glimpse the New York skyline in the distance on the way to a large conference centre where I've been based for the last couple of days.

Escaped for dinner in Princeton tonight with my work colleagues. Its a very posh and quaint little town, famous for its Ivy League university. There's certainly a lot of smart shops and we had a lovely dinner in an Italian restaurant.

One more day of the conference and I'm off home tomorrow. I love coming to America, although this time its been short and sweet.

Klosters Pics

Karen, Posing

The Girls Skiing

Look, There's Snow on My Board

Snowboarding Lesson

Yesterday it snowed non-stop. Tons and tons of white powdery stuff covered the slopes. Perfect conditions for my snowboarding lesson. Dominic, my 19 year old teacher took me up on the nursery slope behind our apartment and taught me the basics of how to stand up, balance, turn and stop. I fell down lots of times, but there was always a soft landing.

Meanwhile loads of little kids from the ski school kept whizzing by trying to avoid me. Mae and Lia are loving it and making fantastic progress. Karen – after some coaching from Sally - looked cool and relaxed coming down the slopes. Klosters is a lovely place and can understand why it’s so popular with the rich and famous.

I managed to get down the gentle slope a few times. Today I’m on my own. Hope I can remember all the things Dominic taught me.

In Klosters

This is the first time we've ever been on a family skiing holiday, thanks to the generosity of our friends Sally and Roger who have lent us their apartment in Klosters. This really is a pretty place and apparently the skiing is amazing. Its just a shame I can't ski. It's snowing at the moment so conditions are really good. Behind us there are some nursery slopes where kids go whizzing by. I imagine I'll be spending quite a lot of time on them too. Think I'll have a crack at snowboarding. Must book some lessons.

Not seen Prince Charles yet, but will keep my eyes open. If I see him. you'll be the first to hear.

In Monza

Arrived about 2 hours ago, but still managed to squeeze in a pizza and a beer whilst watching Brazil v Italy at the local restaurant. Feel immersed in the local culture already. Here until Thursday evening. Hope the flight leaves OK. Off skiing the following morning.

Forest 2 Derby 3

There's nothing more satisfying for a footie fan to see your team come back to win. Derby were 2 nil down within 14 minutes, yet still managed to score 3.

Also, it was even more satisfying that we beat our local rivals and have got a home game against Man U in the next round. We've beaten them once. Can we do it again??

View From My Bedroom Window Overlooking Lake Geneva This Morning

Not that much snow here. Hope I manage to get back to London tomorrow.

Roman Holiday

Just back from a lovely weekend in Rome. It really is the most fantastic city. Although its a capital it feels small and intimate with narrow streets and quiet neighbourhoods. It's so easy to get around and you can see so much in a short space of time.

Stayed in a lovely area called Trastevere in a very friendly hotel called Hotel Santa Maria. Managed to eat al fresco on a couple of occasions.

I feel a bit overwhelmed by its beauty and feel I've only just scratched the surface of the city. The kind of place you want to return to again and again

A Few Rome Photos

The Curse of the Ex Player

Derby lost again last night. This time to Birmingham. Once again an ex- Derby player, Lee Carsley scored against us. (My sister bought his old house - he had very dodgy curtains)

I remember Tom Huddleston played over a 100 times for Derby and never scored a goal. He then went on loan to Wolves and in the game against us, guess what? He scored his first ever goal.

The club's cursed, I'm convinced of it. When Derby moved to the Baseball ground the club allegedly moved some gypsies off the site, who cast a curse on the club and said that they would never win a major trophy. I'm sure they're responsible for the ex-players' goals.

My First 10K Run of the Year

On Sunday I completed my first 10K run of the year in Epsom. Because of the heavy rain, parts of the run were completely waterlogged. However, managed to complete it and the rain kept off during the race itself. My time - as ever - was really slow, but I didn't finish last which was the main goal.

Am keen to do some more this year. Once again my New Year resolution is trying to get fit. For about the 20th year in a row.

FA Cup 4th Round Derby 1 Forest 1

The man in charge of the PA system at Pride Park has a sense of humour. As the crowd were leaving last Friday night after the game he was playing Joy Division's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'. Summed up the mood of the Derby fans. We should have won. We were 1 nil up and all over them in the first half. Then Robbie Earnshaw ex-Derby striker - who was rubbish when he played for us - scores a great goal to equalise. Typical. Even our ex-keeper (Mart Poom) has scored against us.Then their goalie saves them near the end.

Great atmosphere. Exciting game. We'll just after beat Forest at their ground and play...yes, Man United again at Pride Park in the next round. I bet they're feeling nervous.

January's A Big Birthday Month For Us

And Lia's 8 today! Looking forward to the cake later this afternoon

The Dream's Over

Last night Derby lost 4-2 to Man United and were knocked out of the Carling Cup semi-final. The final outcome was inevitable, but it does feel like a missed opportunity. We could / should have taken a bigger lead to Old Trafford from the first leg. We let in soft goals in the first half and left ourselves with too much to do.

Still, we avoided humiliation and its great to see Barnes back in action. On Friday I'm going to Pride Park to see Derby v Forest in the FA Cup. Should be a great atmosphere. If we win, all will be forgiven.

Slumdog Millionaire - Don't Believe the Advertising

On Sunday evening I went to see Slumdog Millionaire. It was a really good film and certainly worthy of the 4 Golden Globes that it recently picked up. However, the ads on the buses completely mis-represent what the film's about. It's called 'the feelgood movie of the decade' - which is most certainly isn't. If you were expecting a 'Mamma Mia' / 'Love Actually' style film then you'd be sorely disappointed.

There is a central love story and there is a positive message. However, the scenes in-between are really harrowing and the poverty, violence and cruelty is very explicit.

It was only after reading the reviews and talking to friends who'd seen it that I decided to see it. Brilliant acting, great soundtrack, clever storyline. Very moving but short on saccharine. Definitely worth seeing.

Mae's A Tween

Mae turned eleven on Thursday which using marketing-speak makes her a tween - that hard to reach, yet highly influential demographic between child and teenager. Next stop - mobile phone.

On Saturday morning I had the frightening experience of taking 4 children on the ice rink at Somerset House to celebrate her birthday. Managed to stay on my feet - just about. Still think this is the nicest ice rink in London. Not sure how long its going to carry on for, but still worth a visit.

Lovely Restaurant

Went to Salt Yard on Goodge Street yesterday for lunch and it was fabulous, serving the most delicious tapas. It was packed too, which shows that even in tough times the very best eating places will continue to do well.

Recommended

Just Back From Italy

Went to Italy this weekend to check out progress on the house. So far so good. think it'll be ready by Easter if all goes to plan. Usual mixture of walking in the hills, eating fab food and watching dreadful tv progs in the hotel. They've got their own versions of X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing which are truly awful. Beckham featured heavily in the news, as he's now started playing for Milan. He truly is a global phenomenon.

Unbelievable

The Return of Cloughie

Young Nigel is now boss of Derby, replacing Paul Jewell who resigned over Christmas. So...another chapter in the turbulent history of Derby County begins.

Its going to an interesting few weeks - Man U in the semi-final of the Carling Cup, followed by Forest in the FA Cup - now managed by former Derby boss and former hero, Billy Davies

Will Nigel come anywhere close to emulating the success of his father? I very much doubt it. He's only ever managed a non-League team. But you never know. Maybe he's inherited his father's magic touch. Watch this space.

What I'm Reading

Over Christmas you need a good book to dip into as a break from the non-stop eating, rubbish telly and games of Monoply. This Andrew Marr book is just the job. Its over 600 pages long and is perfect for dipping into. Its got the perfect balance of fact, observation and insightful commentary that makes it engaging and informative. Really enjoyable.

I'm up to 1970 where Heath has just been elected. What strikes me so far is how many of the issues we debate today stretch back many generations: our relationship with America and mainland Europe, the decline of our manufacturing base, how to handle immigration, Rhodesia / Zimbabwe, our education system, etc. Its clear that all the post war governments - all the way back to Attlee and Churchill - have tried and ultimately failed to resolve them.

Its also obvious that although we're in the midst of a recession today, Britain always seems to be teetering on the brink of disaster. Rationing continued for many years after the war and in so-called Golden Era of the 60s our economy was a disaster we had to devalue the pound. We always seem to come through it.

It may be viewed as a little superficial for hard-core historians but I'm loving 'A History of Modern Britain'. Highly recommended.

The Cornish Coastline

We're just back from a week away in Cornwall and was struck by how beautiful the coastline was. Here's a few pics.

Feeling Chrismassy Now

Yesterday we managed to visit Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, have tea at Harrod's, go to Trafalgar Square and see Hansel and Gretel at the Barbican. If you're still looking to kick-start your Christmas spirit, a wander round central London will do the trick.

More Milan Pics

I Looked For David Beckham in Milan Today

But I didn't see him. Thought he might have been hanging around the Prada shop in La Galleria but he was nowhere to be seen. There were lots of other people instead, sheltering from the rain. It really is a miserable day. Did a little bit of sightseeing eg Il Duoma but was getting so wet I decided to give up and catch the no 19 tram back to my lovely hotel. Plus, there are only so many designer shops one can absorb in one day. Am here until Thursday evening. Hope the weather improves.

Nice Restaurant

Went to Orso in Covent Garden for lunch today which was lovely. Its in a basement location and has been around for a long time. It specialises in really delicious rustic Italian food, served in hand painted tableware. It had a nice buzzy atmosphere. The staff were really friendly and helpful too.

Recommended.

Derby vs Man United

Miraculously Derby find themselves in the semi final of the Carling Cup, where in January they will play Man U over 2 legs. Of course, there will be only one winner and Derby's aim will be to get through it without being totally humiliated.

Those will long memories will recall that it wasn't always like this. Check out this fabulous film footage of Derby playing Man U at the Baseball ground in 1970, featuring some of the best players in the history of either club, playing sublime football on one of the worst pitches ever. Happy days.

My Favourite Christmas Ads

Tesco Featuring Des O'Connor
Reminds me a lot of the old Morecombe and Wise Christmas Specials, where Des was the butt of all their jokes. Funny - but with a strong value message.

Argos Garage
Very insightful depiction of the risks of last minute Christmas shopping. Its happened to us all, I'm sure. Slightly incongrous Stephen Fry voiceover, but adds to the humour.

Marks and Spencer
This is where I'd like to be on Christmas day - at Twiggy's lovely house with lots of good looking women and having a sing a long with Take That.

Waitrose
Beautiful production values, great soundtrack. Lovely images of people travelling home for Christmas.

Click on the titles to view them

Monday Morning

View from my office window.

A Star is Born

Lia was the Wonderful Wizard of Oz at yesterday's Stagecoach performance at Honeywell School.

She was fantastic. The star of the show.

What I'm Reading

I've just finished Murakami's latest book, 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' and really enjoyed it.

Its a very slim book, more of a diary than a novel / autobiography that reflects on his pre-occupation with running and how it influences his life and his writing.

I happen to be a big fan of his and a regular-ish runner so I guess that's what appeals to me about it. As well getting to understand the author and his life, Its helped me understand the love/hate relationship I have with running and has inspired me to go out more often.

Recommended for all the runners and Murakami fans out there.

We're Gonna Win the Cup

Tonight Derby beat Stoke 1-0 and are now in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup. The first time for 40 years, thanks to an injury time penalty.

Could be another trip to Wembley. Remember the last time we were there?

Karen's Birthday Party

Hurray - made it back in time for Karen's BIG party which was fab. Thanks to Richard and Grant for the live performance, Andy the DJ for the classic tunes, the caterers and all the helpers..and most of all to the friends who made it such a memorable event.

Wandsworth council officials came round early in the morning to tell us to keep the volume down, so apologies to all the neighbours.

For full, unedited photos click here.

Still in Monza

I should be home by now. Instead I'm back in my hotel room. Because of the light sprinking of snow that fell in Milan today, all flights back to London were cancelled. I'm booked on the 7.35am flight tomorrow. I hope there are no more delays as its Karen's BIG party tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

In Monza

Its been Italy all the way recently. Tuscany last week, the River Cafe on Tuesday and am now working in Monza , just outside Milan. Monza is most famous for being the home of the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix. Have not see the race track. Apparently its only a few km away. Have been teaching all day, but have not been brave enough to speak any Italian to the group. Maybe tomorrow.

Went for a walk around the town centre tonight and had something to eat at a nice restaurant by the river. Pizza and ice cream. Last night saw Inter Milan on TV, where Jose Mourinho is the manager. Pleased to see he's looking a bit older and less handsome nowadays

Its quite chilly here and snow is forecast. Hope I don't get stuck. Big day tomorrow. Karen's party.

The River Cafe

Last night was Karen's proper birthday and ends with an 0. So went to the River Cafe, which is my/our favourite restaurant in London. Whenever you go back to a favourite place you're always worried that it will let you down and tarnish the memory. However, last night it didn't.

I love it, because

- its got a youthful, energetic feel, without being fussy or unpretentious

- the food is simple, classic Italian but with really, really good seasonal ingredients: Italian food doesn't get better than this

- the setting is lovely with the long bar and the big clock at the end

- I like the whole River Cafe story - with its 2 female owners (Rose Gray / Ruth Rogers) and the classic cook books which I still use all the time (esp the blue one)

No sign of the credit crunch here. It was packed even though the bill did burn a whole in your pocket. Probably won't go again until another big occasion so will treasure the memory.

Still London's No 1 restaurant, I reckon.

Skylon is Better than the People's Palace

Skylon is the restaurant within the Royal Festival Hall, which used to called the People's Palace when it first re-opened a few years ago. We went there last with our friends Michael and Eilis as Karen's pre-birthday treat.

It's better because:

- there's a nice bar in the middle
- its warmer and friendlier
- there's a brasserie as well as a formal restaurant.

Food was good - not great - but still good. And of course the views of London are amazing.

Grappa and Ice Cream

Am just back from a couple of days in Tuscany where I've been checking out progress on our house renovation in Italy. The good news is that after a year of planning delays, work is finally underway with an army of builders hard at work. Looks like is going to be ready before Easter. Met up with my neighbour and he's picked all the olives off our land. They're going to be made into olive oil on Monday so we'll have our first batch ready for the next time we visit.

Food as ever was a highlight. Is the mushroom season here and they feature on all the local restaurant menus. Went with my mum, who likes her liqueurs. On the last night I had a grappa and she had a cynar (made from artichokes). We also had a hazelnut and chocolate ice cream. Grappa and ice cream. Great combination

Surprise Visit by Tevez's Mum

My New Blog

I've just created a new work related website. As well as showcasing what my company does, there's a blog which comments on marketing topics. If you're interested, click here

Facilitation Skills Training Course

I've got a new facilitation skills training course on the 5th December. It's an Open Programme with people from different organisations. I've got 2 places left, so if you're interested in coming along, please click here.

Perfect For a Wet Weekend

I recently went to the Museum of Childhood near Bethnal Green, which as the name suggests exhibits toys, dolls and games that date back to the 16th century. It was a really enjoyable visit and satisfied many of the criteria I look for in a museum
1. its free
2. its not too big and can be done in an hour or two
3. kids don't get bored too quickly
4. interesting building / space
5. nice coffee

Next on my list is the Museum of Brands, which looks interesting. If anyone's been, do let me know.

What to Feel Inspired?

Then watch Barack Obama's Election Night Speech here