This is getting scary

This global banking crisis sounds like something you'd read in a Grisham or Clancy novel. In these stories there is normally some hidden fiendish plot run by some bad guys that are behind all the troubles. So the prime minister/president will send in the SAS or whoever, kill the bad guys and the world returns to normal.

But what is happening today is not a story, it is real, and was caused by each of us by choosing to spend when we want, on what we want, no matter what the cost. It's no good just blaming the bank bosses, becuase I'm sure if we were in their positions we'd have gambled in the same way.

So what do we do, change our lifestyles and pray for forgiveness.

London at midnight

Last Wednesday I was standing in Piccadily Circus at midnight with hoards of people around me. The bars/coffee shops & restaurants were all open and buzzing. The pavements were full of people moving with purpose....

Now I live in Cumbria where you struggle to find a restaurant open after 8pm.

So I began reflecting on how different the world of London is to Carlisle.

So here's what I love about Cumbria.....

1. No background noise of M25, A3, A406, A1 etc etc
2. Walking around without an aeroplane droning overhead
3. The views from my village of the back of Skiddaw, or Criffel in Scotland
4. The gentler pace of life
5. The way Cumbrians laugh at anything that happens further south than Kendal
6. Carlisle Utd... the only team to support within 50 miles
7. Farms
8. The fact that Cumbrians don't care what happens in London
9. Being in the Fells in 20 mins
10. Jennings Brewery

Here's what I love about London

1. Vibrancy
2. Progressive culture
3. The vast number of people
4. Resources
5. Life after 8pm
6. Friends
7. Church
8. The culture of optimism
9. Money/Influence
10. Foyles Bookshop
    

So where would I really like to live.....

Tues/Wed/Thurs - London
Fri - Mon - Cumbria

One day!

B&B rant

so why can't us Brits run B&B's ( bed & breakfasts) properly

Yep sorry but this is a rant.....

I stayed in a B&B last night in Bath, great city but what a rubbish B&B. The website made the place look great, but talk about over promise and under deliver! The room was tiny, the shower nonexistent, the walls paper-thin, the owner preferred not to take credit cards... the list of disappointments goes on and on.

I stay in a lot of hotels with work, not expensive ones, the regular budget chains, so not luxurious, but consistant, clean and good for business travellers. So when I had to go to Bath on a last minute visit, I couldn't get into one of these hotels, so I booked for the same sort of price, a B&B. It was like going back 20 years, I half expected Basil Fawlty to walk out...( OK that was a hotel but you can see where I'm going).

So why can't we do excellence as standard. When I travel to the US, they have a completely different view. Their start point is excellence as standard (which more often than not they are) rather than making you feel like you've an unwanted interruption .

Sorry rant over...am home now. with family who do make me feel wanted.