I thought of my friends and the troubles they’ve had To keep me from thinking of mine – Warren Zevon, Don’t let us get sick I am about to depart from Bangkok for London, having been cleared medically to fly. But my joy at being able to return home has been tempered by the tragedy
Miscellaneous
The carnival is over
A week after The Trinity Forum ended, I’m back at the Pullman Bangkok King Power. The delegates have long gone home, the carnival is over. It is a strange, disorientating feeling. I was welcomed back by the wonderful Pullman and King Power teams like a long lost son. I will never forget their kindness. Since
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Miscellaneous
Of ice and Ibuprofen
I write this week’s training update with a packet of frozen peas stuffed down my trousers. No, you haven’t stumbled on the Belle de Jour Blog by mistake. I have sustained an injury and frozen peas are apparently an ideal way to ‘ice’ it. Either that or my physio is really having a laugh at
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Miscellaneous
Marshall marches to victory at VR Club
This year’s Trinity Forum not only gathered together a powerful elite of the world’s leading airports, travel retailers and brand owners in Bangkok – it also played host to the most vibrant and varied set of social events in the conference’s history. The Vimanmek Mansion visit organised by King Power International Group attracted over 70
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Miscellaneous
Bouncing back in Bangkok
Fall seven times, stand up eight. – Japanese Proverb The Bumrungrad International Hospital bureau of The Moodie Report here in Bangkok is now running at full capacity. I’ve got over the blues of being dispatched to hospital early on in The Trinity Forum and looking forward with a little luck to being discharged later this
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Events
Bedded down in Bumrungrad
The facilities are magnificent and the standards of service and care great. But my post-Trinity Forum destination is not turning out to be quite the Thailand leisure break I had hoped for. Instead of spending a few days as planned relaxing in a Phuket beach hotel I am holed up at the five-star Bumrungrad International
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Events
Back in business
I’ve arrived in Bangkok, where the 2011 Trinity Forum begins on Wednesday. My first flight in eight months behind me, I was met on arrival by the ultra-efficient Airports of Thailand and King Power teams. Last time I was here at Suvarnabhumi Airport was when the facility opened in September 2006. It’s great to be
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Events
Bound for Bangkok on the comeback trail
Never has the security queue at Heathrow Airport looked so attractive. Never have I cared less about the threadbare carpet under my feet while I queue up. I’m about to take my first flight in eight months, my debut international trip after my illness. It feels good. I am so, so happy to be back
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People
Bronte’s tale
You give the strength to me A strength I never had I was a mess you see I’d lost the plot so bad You drag me up and out Of the darkest place There’s not a single doubt When I can see your face – Give me Strength, Snow Patrol Let me tell you the
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People
Leaving the spiritual home
“A breath of fresh air… he made it a spectacular business. He’s one of the true talents of the industry and has added real value to travel retail.” The words of former BAA Group Retail Director (and now McArthurGlen Luxury Retail Chairman) Brian Collie (below) summed up the feelings of all present last night as
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Miscellaneous
Not a common plaice concession
Now here’s an intriguing way to get over all that stress built up in getting to the airport and through security. UK company Silky Soles is introducing three ‘fish therapy’ stations, where Garra Rufa fish gently remove dry and hard skin from passengers’ hands and feet, “leaving them feeling silky soft and rejuvenated”. During a