Horizondave

Used a few companies previously to send money but, since using Wise, I have been happy with their service. Always get an excellent rate and, for me, the transfer has been without incident. Yesterday, I ordered the Wise card, so I can load money as a back up should I need to withdraw local currency on my trip to the Philippines and Thailand in July/August. I noticed that you can preload a local currency, but I will probably only load the card in £s and get the local mid market rate. That way, if I don't use the card, I may transfer the £s back to my Nationwide bank account. I just see the card as another option for financial support when overseas.

The guy has a lot of stories to tell, I know many of them. Never a dull moment when in his company. The early 90's were a great time to meet all the characters that made Barrio Barretto their home. The poster of the Football Factory behind him reminds me that he played a part in that film. Last saw him about 3 years ago, he still hangs out at Harley Bar most nights, always a good craic when he is in the bar., especially when the footie is on.

I didn't realise that St Georges Day is celebrated in many other countries and regions. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_George's_Day

Probably the same as in the Dogs Bollocks, I bet my Gian Franco Zola cartoon character pic is no longer on the wall. Haven't been in either bar for a while so could have been replaced/acquired. The pennant in the frame is the same as the one I would have given, I went to the last FA Cup Final at the old Wembley, but I did not put the pennant in a frame.

In the Dogs Bollocks, it's a Gianfranco Zola picture graphic. In Harley's it could be a pennant that was on the seat, for every spectator at the Chelsea v Aston Villa game, which was the last final at the old Wembley. Can't remember if I left the pennant at Harley's or another bar. It is just that I knew Hickey (the general), who hangs out at the Harley bar, and I might have passed it via him. I gave too much away in the past, I have stuff up in Khon Kaen that would be worth something to collectors but probably gone to shreds now after all these years. If you see Hickey, say hi from David. I first met him in Manila in about 1990/91 when he was about to go and live in Barrio. He stopped me on the street and asked me where the bars were, he was going the wrong way. I ended up with him hitting the bars and we traveled to Barrio the next day. Hickey runs the fish and chip shop. I like a trip to Barrio for a change from Angeles, I lived there for 3 years in the old Marmont Hotel and then at 118 The Highway. Great times, especially when the base was still going..

Possibility there is a pennant on the wall from me, not 100% sure although there is definitely one from me in the Dog's Bollocks in Pattaya. Met Mickey, the main owner in 1990 in Sabang, a lovely lad.

Harley Bar, Barrio Barretto, a great place to watch the footie. I have known the owners for over 35 years.

That bar was always hit and miss for me. Some crackers in there with some tasty and friendly mamasans...unfortunately will not be going in there in 90 days time as with my 10 year old daughter. Probably do the new Margarita Station location and Kokomos only.

Just applied for compensation for the second time, on a train service, in the past week. Saturday, it was for a 43 min delay on Transport For Wales. Almost didn't do it as it was for £2.07, but so easy to fill in the form, so why not. Yesterday it was Great Western Railway (GWR), for a 29 minute delay for a service Cardiff to Neath, expecting a £3.27 refund. I got my monies worth yesterday as I decided to pay for First Class for myself and Kataleya. It was £18.25 economy return or £25.75 First. I chose First as I know they serve snacks for free on the train. I have paid for tea and snacks before and the cost isn't cheap. On the way to Cardiff, Kataleya had 2 packs of Crisps, stem ginger biscuits and a can of lemonade. I had a BLT sandwich, a packet of crisps, stem ginger biscuits and a cup of tea. All those items would have been about £14 or more. On the way back, I had biscuits, a cup of tea and a packet of crisps, Kataleya had, a can of lemonade, crisps and 2 packets of biscuits, again about £10. So a ticket that cost us both £25.75 and food almost coming to the same value as the ticket. I normally pop into Wetherspoon, on arrival into Cardiff, for a meal but this time, I was happy with the snacks on board, certainly proved worth paying for First. The compensation will only be £3.27 for the 29 minute delay but all in all we both got great value yesterday.

I watched it to see if I am doing things right. To be honest, everything he says is what I am doing. The number one thing for me, that has always put on visceral fat, is booze. I find, I can walk, exercise, eat a good diet, but if I indulge in copious amounts of booze I will see belly fat, whatever else I do. I find, that cutting out the booze (beer) for a period of time and the belly fat just reduces. Having been ill with a Chest Infection for the last 10 days has seen me drink no beer. I have been drinking plenty of water and the stomach is starting to look good. I am at a weight which I haven't been since I had my heart operation in 2019, so I am happy presently. Trying to get a beach bod ready for my summer trip and less beer is key for me.

Check back in 10 days, I will see what I can do lol

90 days

Small World in lieu of @Stillearly post above, I became a grandad for the first time today. My daughter in the Philippines has given birth to a baby boy, very happy indeed. The baby was born by IVF as she lives with her girlfriend. I will be seeing them all in the middle of July. Exciting day.

I admit they are all shapes and sizes. It's great for the youngsters to get some discipline in their lives, but you will see many older students who are larger builds and they move pretty well.

Just paid my subscription to my HDPrime so I could watch Chelsea beat Ipswich, can I get a refund. The Tractor Boys don't even have to be on the pitch, Chelsea are incapable of putting the ball in the net. When you watch Liverpool, Man City or Arsenal they create so many chances and usually put them away, my sad Chelsea look like the season needs to end soon. Of course it could all change in the second half but at 0 v 2 down, I can't see a decent result out of this one. Can't see a result for Ipswich keeping them up but at least they are trying, something I can't say about the Chelsea performance presently.