welcome to what is the last edition of my blog. I'll explain why later on..........
Those English amongst the readers will know that my Blog title refers to perhaps the most famous sporting words ever said on English TV; the 1966 World Cup Final as England scored their 4th goal against West Germany. A topical title being used for my last blog. And to make another topical link, those outside the UK may know that in September there is a vote in Scotland to decide whether Scotland will leave the UK. Tying those strands together and providing some context, here is a famous story about the 1966 World Cup final. In his autobiography , Denis Law , the most iconic Scottish Footballer of his day revealed that he played golf , rather than watch the game,on the afternoon of the Final , so uninterested was he as to whether England would succeed. An amusing, but pertinent insight about the relationship between the Scots and the English.
A few weeks ago I made a major acheivement in Vietnam. I became a Platinum Member of Vietnam Airlines. I've breezed through the Titanium, Silver and Gold levels, and now I can wallow in the comfort of the highest standards that Vietnam Airlines can offer. At Check In, Security, and Boarding I look out for the VIP Channel and stride purposefully through. In reality perhaps there should be two additional channels; 'Genuine VIPS's' and 'Pretend VIP's, Imposters and Hangers On'. You know which one I'll be in.
Here's 3 photos that make me chuckle.......and they say everything about Vietnam. Firstly here are a pair of tennis shoes I bought and have worn about a dozen times. I am sure that they are not actually genuine Mitre and whilst the top of the shoes look pretty new, the sole has completely worn out and gone rotten. But what did I expect for 10 Dollars !
The next is an Ice Lolly I bought. You can see from this that you are not wise to rely on the photo on the packaging. Clearly that photo is of somebody elses Ice Lolly, or perhaps an other brand altogether. I suppose that I should be grateful that it was an Ice Lolly at all so I'm not complaining.
So to my news. I am retiring......well maybe semi-retiring. As you know, Karen's health has been an issue in the Hanoi climate, so we are going to live in our house in Spain. Mazars have been good enough to tell me that they will try to use me as a Training Consultant in Europe. And to be fair, my job is pretty much complete in Hanoi. The office has recovered , the workforce is stable and the business is progressing. So it's been a wonderful 2 and a half years. New places, new cultures, new people, new food, ............new everything. Anybody who has not been to Vietnam should put it high on their list of locations to visit. I have learned so much and I'm sure it's changed me for the better.
Our house in Spain is on the Costa De La Luz, near Cadiz and after a few months in UK we'll be moving there in the new year. For anybody on this distribution list who wants to stay in touch , or come to see us, our emails are kps1958@live.co.uk and karen@resources4.co.uk . Our front terrace will always have a cold beer waiting for anyone who wants one.
So onto the next chapter.........
Thank you so much to everyone who has read and responded to this blog.........you have no idea how much staying connected to you has meant to me.
Very best to all
Kevin
Oh, and by the way, I have a pony tail now........
