S*T*U*F*F* Reloaded

We’re climbing into the heavens on an Iberia Airlines jet. In the name of passenger comfort, some airline exec has asked his wife to put together a collection of her favourite easy-listening cover versions so that the poor folk travelling with Iberia get subjected to this musical drivel to the point of insanity. I mean, a COVER VERSION of James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful” - does it actually get any worse than that? As if the original wasn’t razorblade-worthy enough, some Spanish chantreuse has deemed it necessary to record an over-breathy, over-emotive version. Sigh.

Anyway, that’s the tiny pimple on the smooth and beautiful embodiment of the tour. Its been great fun - hanging in Barcelona with my family… swimming with Luka, dinner with Diane in a great little restaurant tucked away in the alleys of El Born. Naturally the sun was intense, the heat a bit much at times for my pale blue northern skin. Evenings were delicioso however, with that magical Mediterranean balminess that I’ve always loved. Not to mention finding Viño Tondonia for €13 a bottle in the supermarket across from the hotel. Total result.

Postscript: On arrival, Iberia lost my suitcase. The thought of the day in Athens in ludicrous heat with no T-shirts and only a pair of jeans is stifling to say the least.