Hey my 100th blog post! Party!! … and what a wonderful week …

Skopje Image via Wikipedia

Some people are lucky, others very lucky, and a few, so lucky it’s practically indecent. This week I happily place myself in this last group.

I have a day-off tomorrow sight-seeing in Skopje, and I’m just about to attend yet another gala dinner … it’s a hard life. So I’m taking the chance to write this 100th entry.

I love my job, this week I’ve:

1) Visited 4 different countries
2) Spoke at 3 conferences
3) Ran 3 workshops
4) Delivered 1 keynote presentation
5) and 4 conference presentations
6) Moderated a conference closing panel
7) Learnt a lot from engaging with and listening to many excellent presentations, panels and participant opinions
9) Attended 2 gala dinners and one Mexican restaurant
10) Watched Swan Lake in Russia (although the company was much better than the performance)
11) Been to 3 clubs in 3 countries
12) Met many old friends who I only see through the years at various international events
13) Made new friends, who I’ll no doubt miss
14) Lost and then found my passport! 😉

I’ve also missed 2 parties. I haven’t been to the gym, done any yoga or revised for my looming English examination. But as I type this entry I can hear the call to prayer which always makes me feel calm and happy, even though I’m not a Muslim, I like the sound and the intent.

I’ll write later this week about all the events I’ve attended. But what I’d really like to do is to thank the organisers for inviting me, the audiences for their indulgence, the sponsors, and, of course, the interpreters – who I frequently, to my shame, forget to thank.

We start later tomorrow so I’m going to have a lie in. I’ve had 3 nights with only 3 hours sleep and the rest no more than 5, but i wouldn’t have it any other way. But it takes its toll and I’m starting to look my age, even if I am a real man that drinks milk!

Best wishes from Skopje
Doug