Monday, January 15, 2007

Man flu...and the long way round...

Been a bit sick last week. It started last weekend with a bit of a sore throat and by Tuesday night (after a full days work) i was dying with thumping head and breathing difficulties! So i decided to take Wednesday off cos i was fit fer nahin! Thought i could take the opportunity to read a bit but alas i just wasn't up to concentrating on the page so i took into to watching the 'Long Way Round' DVD (thanks wiggy, i didn't ask you but i knew you wouldn't mind - what's mine is yours!)

If you haven't seen it - you should cos it's fascinating. It is a 7 part series (previously shown on TV) documenting the adventure of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman (best mates) as they travel around the world on 2 motorbikes. Their journey takes them across Europe, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Siberia, Alaska, Canada and the USA in just over 3 months. The highlight for me has to be in
Ukraine when they meet this bloke in the street who invites them to stay in his home for the night. So they follow this guy, supposedly a coal minor, to his home which turns out to be considerably larger than the other homes in the locality. So he puts on a massive feast and invites many friends around for a party and the Vodka is on tap! Later in the evening, the host comes down the stairs with a guitar in one hane and a Kalashnikov rifle in the other! It's hilarious as Ewan and Charlie just take their mafia experience in their stride! Another highlight has to be the interesting array of nuts they get to sample in mongolia i believe - watch it! I guess this is not unlike the movie 'Motorcycle Diaries' if you have seen it but this is a documentary that focuses in more detail on the logistics and struggles of the trip.

Anyway, it was a great way to spend a sick day - i definitely felt that it was not a day wasted as i was inspired to follow dreams and travel more on a motorbike of course!

7 comments:

The Wee Italian Chick said...

Reading this post a couple of things spring to mind:you and Stefan on bikes in Thailand..mmmm...no comment.Secondly what is that with men and flu?!Guess I have already expressed my view in a previous blog (http://weeitalianchick.blogspot.com/2006/11/man-flu-or-bird-flu.html)Anyway,since I am nice,hope you are better now-keep up the adventure!

Unknown said...

I've wanted to watch that DVD for ages... good to hear another endorse ment of it!

roast honey said...

This has to be one of my favourite mini series on dvd-i watched it after last xmas. Aside from the fact Ewan Mc Gregor is fanciable and they're both hilarious, it's so cool to see how they respond to the challenges they face. Quality entertainment.

The Wee Italian Chick said...

hey neil,i've finally had a chance to check out them Duke Special you all keep on going on about -- awesome! got tickets to see them next week,can't wait!thank you for the reccomandation!

dave wiggins said...

it's pish, you can keep it

The Wee Italian Chick said...

Hey,long time no blog!Just wanted to say that YOU HAVE BEEN TAGGED!(for more info,see my blog)Ivonne xx

Anonymous said...

big lad

sort this blog out. i used to rate you as one of the best bloggers around, however, beginning to think its a bit pish. i want regular updates, news, gossip etc.

sort your life out

COTB