Livin la VISA

Ok so I have saved you from the drivel for a while, at least until anything of any remote interest in regards to my Shanghai trip cropped up. To which it did, on "Good" Friday thanks to my good friend James. Now I'd be the first to admit that my Parish Walk training schedule hasn't been as measured as I'd have liked since January although I'm still praying for my car to break down, but on this particularly glorious and sunny Good Friday, James and myself set off for a few miles walk. Coming back into the smog of Douglas town, James casually raised in conversation how my chinese visa application had gone. Cue blood drain from face and high pitched "what the...?" It was obvious my lack of physical exursions of late was having some effect on my mental abilities too. Visa? What? I had done NOTHING. With 4 days to stew this over, I got on the case immediately and did what any other right minded person would do. I hit the beer. Big time. When I woke up Tuesday morning, my organisational skills kicked into overdrive, I compiled the necessary and sent them all off to the agency to the Chinese Embassy. Then came a snag. I required a letter from the IOM Court (due to a slight misdemeanor with the law a few years back) - so this was duly forwarded to the agency. Communications with said people is a bit like trying to contact Elvis at a Fast Food Restaraunt -You know they're there but they just won't friggin answer. Then joy! I spoke to someone who vagually sounded like they worked there and wasn't just a cleaner passing a phone deciding to have a laugh. I was informed that "my visa would be sent on 28th April and I will receive it the next day" - Hmm. I am still a bit suspicious. Though with time marching on, I have to hold out hope. Watch this space.....

Shanghai or bust

Well hello there happy campers it's Nick back with more interesting jargon for you to chew over at a big table. Shanghai. My latest adventure set for the middle of May and if the picture on your left (right if you favour pc usage hanging down from the ceiling) is anything to go by, then I'm gonna need a coat full of spikes to get through the throng (I said "throng" you dirty scoundrels, you know who you are!) - But enough about pants, I mean crowds. I've never been east before so for all those who wish to give me useful tips on how to eat and things, please feel free to post some advice. A good friend of mine has already very kindly pointed out not to venture into a KFC. They have a different outlook on best parts of chicken. And that's even after explaining to me that choosing from a local menu is like Russian Roulette. Only deadlier. That being said I am excited by this new adventure, testing unknown waters east side. It will certainly be the furthest east I've been since that trip to Croydon. So as I sit in the chilly January breeze my mind can wander to the soaring heat (May isn't flood season is it?) of Shanghia. I do intent on loosing a bit of belly fat before I head over there - I'm sure it would be noticable even in a sea of thousands you could probably spot the tubby manx lad waltzing through the crowd whistling "slow boat to china" - obviously realising prior-take off that another airline has bitten the dust and gone to meet it's maker in the......sky? The attempt at a healthier lifestyle is all targeted around this years Parish Walk in June (more on that to follow later I'm sure) - this time the aim is to carry on being healthier "after" the walk. Last year post-parish goodness lasted about half an hour. I was crumpled in a chair, my crippled body reaching out for pizza and beer. The good life? I'll tell you what it's like in July.....Stay tuned for more interesting drivel...