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
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Events
Treading the light fantastic
I’ve just finished my first training run for The Moodie Multi-National Marathon*, due to take place in early March. The marathon will be run in travel retail industry teams of six. Each team member will run/walk one-sixth of a marathon (7.03km), anywhere in the world. As training sessions go, mine wasn’t very impressive. But it
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Miscellaneous
Bringing to life A History of Desire
At this week’s Airport Food & Beverage Awards in Manchester, I chatted on stage with Caviar House & Prunier Chairman Peter Rebeiz in a candid, often humourous and always compelling interview. It was a very special moment for me. Not only did it represent a return to the ‘day job’ after my prolonged absence, but
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Miscellaneous
Blanket coverage of frozen food conference
As industry ‘comebacks’ go, mine certainly did not get off to the most promising start… After seven months out of the industry spotlight due to my illness, I made it to The Moodie Report’s inaugural Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards on 23-25 January. It was a close-run thing. I only finished my
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Miscellaneous
MAC recruits Wonder Woman
Prepare for a stampede at certain make-up counters in March. MAC has created a Wonder Woman make-up collection and, like the lady herself (in her invisible plane, no less) this writer predicts it is going to fly off the shelves. MAC is no stranger to quirky collaborations. Past partners have included Barbie, Hello Kitty, Dame
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Miscellaneous
Back on the road again
Some seven months since I last travelled outside London, I am finally back on the road again. It’s a gentle easing back – just the two-hour train ride to Manchester – but it feels both strange and wonderful to step tentatively back into my old life after my illness. I’m back in a hotel room
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Miscellaneous
Give Me Five
Week two of training, and this writer’s mission to transform herself from Couch Potato to Running Mann continues, with a bid to nail a never-before-achieved 5K. And we’re not even talking pay rises. This running lark is certainly a learning curve. The latest thing I’ve learned is that attempting to run whilst a) mildy hungover
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Miscellaneous
The Eye of Soul
A poem perhaps for the wonderful travel retail community. Thank you to Martin Waldron, ex-Aer Rianta International, for the source. The Eye of Soul (Abridged Edition) I judge you not by what you wear, Whether your garment is of rag or riches, Or your skin is of a color white or black, Whether you
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People
Reaching the Journey’s End
‘I ain’t saying I beat the devil. But I drank his beer for nothing and then I stole his song’ – Kris Kristofferson, To Beat the Devil I’m not saying I beat the devil either. But for now I have at least successfully confronted the brute of a disease they call the ‘Big C’ and gotten through
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