Wednesday 7th September 2016

I really wanted to be up and about early, but having failed to set my alarm, it came as a surprise to wake up at quarter past seven with just enough time to get dressed and make my way to the office. I was going to have breakfast, but the restaurant looked full, so I went straight to the car, rubbed my eyes and made my way down onto the road past the waterfront before taking the main road up the the office. I saw that the single track railway was being lifted, and the new tram line being extended to the main railway station instead.

The tram line itself runs up from the harbour, up the main road to the ring road when it turns to the new hospital and then out towards the airport. It should be very nice when its finished, but then they've been building if for 5 years, and thus far have now laid most of the tracks, stations installed, supports for overhead power lines installed, but still looks a good year from being ready. Still, good to drive up beside it, imaging trams running, heck I might even use it to get to the office.

When I get into the office, I meet my boss who asked if I had had a heavy night! No, just up late and the fact with my shoulder I am sleeping crap. Must drink more in future so to have an excuse for looking like crap!

There is time for a few fact to face meeting before the main event of the day, another meeting. And for this we go to a conference centre before the serious stuff begins.

Four hours later, we were done, and with a detour back to the offices to update folks, and then to the hotel for more socialising.

I was to meet my old mate Shaggy for drinks and dinner, but due to the over run, I had yet to have a shower when I got a text that he was waiting in reception. Wait a cotton-picking-minute I replied.

We had a drink in the bar of the hotel before walking to the Smokehouse for some good bbq. I had the sliced brisket, which was great, but Shags had the lamb, which kicked like a mule. Needless to say, from there we walked along the canal to the Highlander for a nightcap.

There was some student rag week and I swapped 20p for a playing card, the 8 of hearts Not sure what that meant. Anyway, other came in the bar and swapped cards for beer mats.

And that was the day. It was dusk as we left the bar, walking up the the museum of art, then to the hotel where he had his car parked. I was shattered again, and after calling Jools I go to bed, ready for my trip back home the next day.