Mat Harden

Yes, it’s true. I am honoured to announce that Steph accepted my proposal of marriage whilst staying at the Lawn Cottages near Napier during our holiday in New Zealand. We expect to tie the knot late 2008.

Thank you to everyone who has already given their well-wishes, especially Steph’s family.

Steph, you have made me a very happy man. I love you very much!

Barcelona Christmas party photos

I spent last weekend in Barcelona for the corporate Christmas party. Now that’s a pretty good Christmas party! Half day on the Friday (always a pleasure) and 2 nights in the fabulous Clarion Hotel Pulitzer. It’s not often hotel rooms are as nice as the website pictures would have us believe, but the Pulitzer did not disappoint. Unfortunately the Sky Bar is not open at this time of year, but the lounge bar was very comfortable (just don’t order a club sandwich unless you like your chicken clucking in the bun).

Saturday was largely walking around the city and up to Guadí’s Parc Güell, followed by Casa Batlló and Casa Milà - which is what most of my pictures are of. We followed this up by a quick shop at Vinçon for secret Santa presents. I also got myself a little pressie in the form of a Colorsplash Flash for my Lomo (time for some colourful evening shots).
After watching Dan and Stephen haggle for old soda water bottles it was time for a little sleepy back at the hotel.

The main event started in the private room at a restaurant in the square off the bottom of the Rambla, maybe called Plaça del Teatre, I dunno? So after that we popped into Bar Pippa in the same square. I like this place, it’s a great little pub hidden in the corner that feels like you’re in somebody’s apartment, but with a stage in it. Andrew and I found it when we were there for Jai’s stag weekend. We eventually ended up at a club, which my bank statement tells me is called “City Hall”. Had a fantastic (and very long, bed at 6am) day. Didn’t feel that great on Sunday, and I’m really not a fan of showering whilst still under the influence.

Last Wednesday there was a novelty story in the Metro about a metalworker in Indianapolis who built The Blue Flash rollercoaster in his own in his backyard. It might not have made it into the RCDB, but I thought it was great. There should be more of this sort of thing. Like that guy who put a fake shark through his roof.
Anyway, it reminded me of the backyard monorail I found on the web about a year ago. Maybe these guys should get together and make a backyard amusement park?

No not me, I’m here. I mean, where the hell is this Matt? A video of a guy called Matt dancing some ridiculous dance in many amazing locations around the globe. A chewing gum brand caught wind of it and sponsored him to do it all over again - nice work if you can get it. I think it’s quite well known now, thanks to YouTube. Thanks to Matt, who pointed this out to me (about 3 months ago).

Today I was given the sad news that Jackie passed away this morning, after her short battle with cancer. I first met Jackie when she was working on the reception at Tarsus, as I arrived for my interview. Her warm and genuine greeting brightened my day, as it did everyday we worked together. Jackie was generous, joyful, kind and everybody’s friend. Jackie, I will miss your laugh, your stories, your values and your outward fondness for George Clooney.