h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

You're right, New Zealand is full of sheep (about 80 million of them apparently), but it's still the most awesome country in the world.

How's the not smoking going? I gave up about four years ago. It was very difficult at times early on but now it's not a problem thankfully.

I do get around a bit, but a lot of it (Georgia for example) is with work. I'm lucky that way. However, it does result in a lot of stress which is why my stomach recently nearly consumed itself and I'm now living on the diet of an anorexic rabbit. Not that I'm complaining - I'm one of those annoying people who loves his job.

I just planned the next big holiday actually - Cape Town for five days followed by a wedding in Namibia over three days. I'm going in December, which is the best (but also most expensive) time of year. Really looking forward to it.

Lol - I just noticed what the subject line is and it just reminded me of Bo Selecta Mel B! So very lowest common denominator yet so very funny.

Well the not smoking thing has finally bitten the dust unfortunately. Im back on them as of 3 weeks But I had other bad habits which I think were worse for me than smoking eg: at least cigarette smoke comes through a filter, and I've now given them up in a trade off til new year. Was starting a new job y'see and I get very stressed out about stuff like that. Born worrier, me. Not so much a new job though, as a promotion within my existing job, but theres a lot more responsibility etc blah de blah boring so I'll stop speaking. Hence my absence for the last 5 weeks.

Jeez I wish I was stressed enough for my stomach to consume itself (sorry thats really insensitive, I know, but I mean no disrespect!) but instead I've just been eating enough cheesecake to warrant unofficial induction as the 5th member of the Golden Girls. And reading about 80 million sheep just made me think about how many kebabs that would make - does that make me a bad person?

I really cant get my head round how many countries you've been to - you must be a very lucky/determined guy and either way, kudos to you. So where all have you been then? I think I've left the UK a grand total of thrice in my 25 years of living so I'd love to hear any tales you have to tell - vicarious travelling has to be the next best thing.

I do move around quite a bit but it's probably not as exciting as it sounds. Most frequent destination is Luxembourg because i go there with work a lot. Just came back from there last night actually. Most unusual was Riga in Latvia or Osaka in Japan. Furthest away was New Zealand. Worst airport ever was Atlanta in the US (to be avoided at all costs). Drunkest airport was Gatwick (missed three flights in one day - the first not my fault, the other two were because i was in the bar). Biggest airport was Bangkok (literally several kilometres between gates). Best trips were either San Fran and northern California or else Vegas, probably Vegas actually. Got married by Elvis there which was hilarious. Going to South Africa and Namibia in December which I'm very excited about. I'm lucky because i can manage my own time at work so I can go on holiday when it suits me rather than when it suits my boss. Also, I travel quite a bit with work in Europe and the US so I get to combine holidays with work trips which makes it a lot cheaper.

Oh, and congratulations on the promotion by the way - well done! As for the cheesecake, as long as you don't start wearing one of those billowy night gowns and talking in a soutron accent, I think the golden girls are safe for the time being!

Hey Buddy,

Long time no speak. What you up to? How's the new job going? I've been hellishly busy at work and it's not easing up either. Looking forward to my holiday just before xmas. Also in the throes of buying a new apartment (and selling the old one) which has become quite a saga. Stressorama, but should be worth it in the end. Anything exciting going on at your end?

P