I have not just been on location here but have undergone a full immersion in the culture and tourism highlights of Costa Rica.
Quirky
Assessing the great Olivetti vs ChatGPT showdown
Ah, even saying the word ‘Olivetti’ out loud fills me with affection and nostalgia. I learned my craft on it. I didn’t need ChatGPT then just as I have never felt the need for an automatic garage door.
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Events
Rum, food and music – a cultural tour of discovery in Jamaica
On an extraordinary evening, each food course – typically Jamaican of course – was paired with an Appleton rum.
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Quirky
Filling in time before filling time as we say ‘Hello Hong Kong’
There that didn’t hurt a bit, did it? My dentist in the 1960s, a Dr. Landsberg, used to say that after drilling through my young teeth and practically straight through to the other side of the earth (which from Christchurch would be A Coruña in Galicia, Northwest Spain, which might explain my later predilection for Ribeiro wines).
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Quirky
In search of Christmas miracles and festive rituals
‘Mistletoe Moments’ brought me a fortune balm, together with an instruction to prep, moisturise and protect my lips before applying my festive lipstick shade. I am still pondering my preferred colour though I suspect it might be New Zealand Pinot Noir red at lunchtime.
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Quirky
Celebrating 20 years as The Muffy Report is born for a day
Matilda’s name (and I’m not making this up) was taken from Australia’s beloved folk song ‘Waltzing Matilda’, a result of her penchant for stepping waltz-like from side to side.
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Travel
No points to the Four Points Sheraton, top points to Qatar Airways, and time to bring out the Brancott
To maintain the same rigid 14-day cancellation policy from the days when quarantine room demand far exceeded supply is outrageous.
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Lifestyle
A world turned upside down
With my recent luck, if I avoid COVID, I’ll get sunstroke instead.
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Events
Recalling the past and looking to the future with Penfolds
This week we’re on location in Bordeaux, the heart of French wine country, with one of the great names in Australia wine. Australian wine, you say? In Bordeaux? Well yes. I had better explain, though full details will follow in several weeks once a news embargo is lifted. I’m here in the centre of Bordeaux,
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Events
Show time… from a distance
It almost feels like déjà vu looking at my colleagues’ daily update from Florida with the usual show diet of exhibitor photos, workshop speeches and social gatherings. Almost. Some of the exhibitors are wearing masks, something we would have considered weird at the equivalent show in 2019.
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People
How Martin’s Block thrived through a pandemic
The flourishing of Martin’s Block coincides pretty much entirely with the sustained period of the pandemic. A beautiful reminder of the halcyon days that preceded this descent into a world covered by a deep black cloud.
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Lifestyle
The greening of Twickenham
I can think of no better way to kick off the week in which Irish people around the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (17 March) than with a stirring rugby victory over England in Twickenham. Being there in person on a lovely spring afternoon on Saturday made the moment all the more special. Along with
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Miscellaneous
From pea soup fog to the bleakest darkness
We must not forget the critical point that, whether you agree with the approach or not, the government here is trying to preserve the health and lives of its people