the end of the noughties....

Do you remember the start of this decade? The threat of the "millenium bug" where all the computers were going to burst into flames and the world would end.

What's are your memories of the decade just ending?

I started the decade, which has become known as the noughties, approaching age 30...ten years on I am heading to 40. Its not the best feeling in the world to type those words.

What are my favourite moments of the last ten years?

I had always wanted to visit each of the worlds continents before I reached 30. I made it. I arrived in Australia a few days before my 30th Birthday. It was a dream come true. I got to meet my relatives who are amongst the most genuine, warm friendly people anyone would love to call family.

On my 30th Birthday I did the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb.

I have some wonderful memories on the past decade, both personal and professional. Travelling is and will always be my main passion.

I have visited as many places as is humanly possible (well for me on my salary) and have enjoyed the various cultures and climates.

My travel list (in no particular order)...

• Australia
• Chile
• Argentina
• Uruguay
• Brazil
• New York
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Finland
• Denmark
• Austria
• Estonia
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Poland (incl Auschwitz)
• Bosnia Herzegovina
• Croatia
• Hungary
• Malaysia
• Hong Kong
• Spain
• and Peru (where I joined a Whizz-Kidz team, who became wonderful friends)

Some of these countries I visited more than once, France in particular is my favourite European destination. I simply love everything about the place.

My moments to remember include:

• travelling in 2003 with Adam and Jonny to Australia.
• becoming good friends with Scott Jamrozy, Cara Murchan, Rosanna Clarke, Marie Vaughan and Judith Coyle.
• meeting Paddy Ryan in Australia and having many, many laughs in Tipperary.
• befriending a young care lever.
• attending my brother's wedding as Best Man.
• becoming a Trade Union activist and then later an Official
• becoming good friends and travelling with Danoman
• working in the Alliance and Leicester (with some great people) on Saturday mornings.
• trying (and failing) to Snowboard.
• travelling to Peru with Whizz-Kidz and making some wonderful new friends.

I wish everyone a Happy New Year and best wishes for the next year, and the new decade.

I'm starting it as I mean to go on...with a weeks holiday in January to France, skiing and laughing.