I arrived in Paris late on Thursday afternoon without a moment to lose. I only had four days in the city of love, not that the theme mattered, but I had shopping to do, Rugby to watch, sites to visit and food and wine to overindulge in. These are not issues to be trifled with.Having consulted the Paris metro site I was advised to get a bus to my hotel. Yes, that’s right, a bus. With my luggage now just on 30kg I sceptically considered this option, remem...

Between Champagne and Paris I had six very enjoyable days staying with Eideann in a gite (apartment) outside a tiny village called Cussay in the Loire Valley. It was such a joy to be with her and we both appreciated the opportunity to spend time together. Janet and Stephen, the owners of the gites and the equestrian centre where Eideann is working, were generous hosts and gave us the use of a car in which Eideann zipped us from town to town and showed me the co...

Oh, champagne. Already one of the great loves of my life it now has an even deeper niche carved into my heart.The train journey from London was a breeze with a slight detour in Paris between stations thanks for some rather vague directions from the station information booth. Luckily I had enough transit time to accommodate a few extra blocks and as luck would have it, just as I was getting stressed and convinced that I would miss my next train I happened upon a...

As the Catalunya Grand Prix is to Barcelona, so is the Rugby 7s to London so off I must go.I went to London specifically, only, otherwise under sufferance (ask Marie, she’ll tell you without any hesitation) for the London 7s. I know that London lights other people’s candles, but for me it is drab, over-priced and populated by shops where the assistants pass judgement upon you and I never come up well. Admittedly I have enjoyed time here in the past...

Before you read, find Russell Watson’s version of the song “Barcelona” and play it really loudly. You remember John Sheridan – like I used to do in the office when I worked for you .Ah, Barcelona. Home of the Catalunya race track, the Picasso museum and tapas - three of my favourite things in life. I arrived at the hotel Friday afternoon and immediately settled onto the bed and “watched” the second grand prix practic...