2018 is the year that Mrs. Monkey finally hung up her work suits and court shoes and cried, “Enough is enough”. As the sun bore down upon us during a seemingly unending summer we contemplated our futures. Now, both of us were out of work. What can we do – what do we have – what knowledge or skills can we apply – to put … Continue reading It’s the future…
Dear Diary, I have been wondering lately what role you might play in bringing things back to normal. Seems to me right now that after the craziest three months this summer replenishing my energy levels is proving elusive. I know they will come back. I’m hoping for sooner rather than later. Mrs. Monkey quit her job earlier and a lot has changed around here in … Continue reading Dear Diary, better to burn out…
Deal or no deal, if the fanatical Leavers get their way, and it looks as though they will, the UK will exit the EU soon enough. The impact will be far reaching for a generation, not just in trade, the current favourite topic, but across our society, in actuality and perception. Consider – do you think that pan-European CEOs will find ways to accommodate a … Continue reading Helicopters on the roof.
Bilbao had been a blast. I must admit, though, I was surprised by the obvious presence of the regional Euskadi language. All signs were in Spanish and Euskadi with English included sometimes. On occasion, Euskadi took preference. I’m aware of the campaign to save Euskadi as a language and if nothing else, certainly the campaign is very visible. Leaving the conurbations of the city … Continue reading Days 17 and 18 – Bilbao – Laredo – Santander
With the freedom to be entirely reckless, for now, at least, before the next adventure in our lives kicks in, Mrs. Monkey decided at 4 days notice to join me in Bilbao. So, I thought, I shall hand over the reins of the blog to my wife… for one day only. 😅 Ladies and gentlemen, Mrs. Monkey…………….. We are not, by nature nor history, city … Continue reading Rest days in Bilbao – Guest Blogger – Mrs. Monkey !
There are essentially two routes to Vitoria G from Logroño. The city is due north and after Laguardia, ringed by bodegas and vineyards, you can go around the Herrera peak, 55 miles, or over it, 45 miles. I had decided to go over it! As I dug into a constant 14% gradient I seriously did consider rolling back down the hill and going around. It … Continue reading Days 15/16 Logroño to Vitoria-Gasteiz to Bilbao
Logroño is a city that styles itself as the capital of the rioja region. As an outlet for all the various styles and wares of the bodegas around these parts there can be no challenger. There are hundreds of variations, and, supporting my long held belief that the European countries don’t export their best wine to the UK, most of them you’ll never have heard … Continue reading Day 13/14 Logroño rest days
