MANCHESTER

We headed off to Manchester last weekend, and decided to splurge a little for some creature comforts. We got a hotel smack dab in the heart of the city. It still came with power showers, an IMAC, robes, an assortment of toiletry very friendly staff. Took a few pictures the minute I got there.

BLUE BAR

Lobby

The Room

Mini Bar

IMAC with remote & speakers that features digital radio, pc, tv and dvd player.

Window view

Bed

The complimentary breakfast that the hotel offered was one of a kind. It was really good. So on a scale of 1-10 (1 being the worst) I give the City Inn a 7.5.

Before I digress, the purpose of the trip was for Rachael's birthday. Having chilled out and all we went over to her house for a bbq/ party with friends and family. Rachy's family are very well knit and superbly pleasant. It was one of the best parties of the year and I had the time of my life. It has reminded me of my family and how close we are all knit.

We then ditched all the older folk and went on a booze up in Manchester. This was my first time in Manchester and I have to say, the whole experience was a complete surprise. It was more pleasant than I had initially anticipated. I will be back there again soon ish and recommend anyone to go there.

More pictures on : http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=177394&id=727454116&l=dae261edd6

FOOTBALL

So the world cup is nearing an end now, and I find that the excitement isn't what it used to be. This may be due to the fact that Italy and England are now out. My choices are now limited to the Dutch. Let's hope they overcome all odds and finally win the world cup.

I do find that some of the romanticism from football is lost as you get older. There are perhaps are few reasons why this is such:

1. Refereeing is shit! They need some degree of goal line and offside technology.

2. Players are cheating bastards! They go down for the slightest nudge.

3. There is too much pressure on coaches and players alike and thus making them under perform.

4. Football becomes even more corporate year after year.

5. Clubs use money rather than good management and tactics to win games and trophies.

Regardless of all this, I still have love for the game in the hope that things might change. Occasionally we are braced with the fighting spirit and drive that is football. This was not more apparent this year than in Fulham FC at the UEFA Cup and Ghana at the world cup. So, there can be teams that inspire us all and remind us of the true football spirit. Let's hope there are more of them.