Trip to the highlands 2013 - 2: Great Glen, Scotland

Updated 22/8/2013 with more pictures

Some more pictures from our trip to the Scottish highlands during the Easter break.

This was a short trekking trip from the Great Glen Water Park, where we were staying, to The Eagle Barge, a floating restaurant at the South Laggan Locks. The weather was great and the distance (about 1.5 miles) was just right for the kids. It was my son's first trekking trip as well.

The path was really nicely maintained with some great views of the Caledonian canal.














Moss on the ground






Boats passing by

Visit to Cardiff 2013

Just came back from Cardiff. I had gone there to attend the Academy of Marketing annual conference which was hosted by the University of South Wales this year.

I stayed at the Park Plaza Cardiff, which was about 5 minutes walk from the conference venue. It is the only 4 star hotel in the city but I was not really impressed. No free water bottles, no free newspapers, tiny holes in the bath tub, tear on the bed sheet, limited channels on the TV and room facing the main road and NIGHTCLUBS. I could not sleep till late because of the noise. I think they should take the manager for a tour of some 4 star hotels in Malaysia or Singapore to see how it is done over there. Next time I will stay in Premier Inn - at least I will get free water bottles. Positives: the lady at the reception was warm and friendly, hairdryer, ironing board and iron in room. They apparently have a great restaurant, spa and swimming pool but did not get the chance to use them.


An interesting sculpture in my room

Here are some pictures from my short trip:




Cardiff Castle. Unfortunately it was closed by the time I freshened up and went for a bit of sightseeing.













The best part of the conference was the reception at the National Museum Wales. They have an amazing collection of artwork by some of the greatest masters including, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Cezanne, etc.









Will definitely be visiting again.

Note: The pics here were taken by either my Samsung Galazy SII or my Nokia Lumia 900 and hence the quality which is actually not that bad. Definitely need to get my hands on a Nokia Lumia 1020.

Travelling in London - the Dynamo way

Really cool Pepsi ad. Magician Dynamo goes for a ride on a London double decker bus - only thing is that he is outside the bus, stuck to the side.



Cool ad from Pepsi.

Video clip link via Spreaditfast.com.

Throckmorton airshow 2013

The air show is an annual event held at the Throckmorton airfield in the village of the same name about an hours drive from our house.  Had to pay £25 for all of us. We could have got it much cheaper via Groupon (only £10) or £20 online but we found out too late.

Here are some pics from the event:

It was a bright and sunny day and I actually fell asleep even with all the noise.




New police recruit


Someone is going to the police station








Flying the air rescue helicopter.










Apache helicopter




The RAF Typhoon flown by Flt Lt Jamie Norris - flying past at supersonic speed. It's amazing my camera phone was able to capture it.


Aerostars in their Yak-50s going through the paces






My wife and daughter going for a helicopter ride over the surrounding countryside - only £35 each.









This was an amazing fun day for the whole family.

See their website for more details