Hello all
Yes, I’m still alive and kicking. In fact, I’ve done more kicking (figuratively), in recent times than ever before. I had a fun placement at Comic Relief last autumn, then following a stint at AXA Insurance, I have spent the last seven months with the guys at the Canary Wharf Group. It was a hugely enjoyable and rewarding experience and I worked on some really exciting branding and campaign projects. I worked across the residential, retail and events teams. The work was demanding, yet fun and I’m hoping I will return there one day soon.
So I’ve barely had a day off during the last year. My only short holiday was spent in Lyon during the middle of May. The masterplan was to watch Arsenal play in the Europa Cup Final. It was a cunning plan, with me booking travel and hotel months before the match took place. I got a good deal on the Eurostar and found a really nice hotel in the center of town. I then got lucky in the UEFA ballot for tickets. All was in place for a memorable holiday.
Arsenal then drew Atletico Madrid in the semi final. This was a potential hitch in the masterplan. They were the favorites for the competition and they were the worst possible draw for us. But no problem, the Spanish helpfully got a player sent off 16 minutes into the first leg at the Emirates. We will take a comfortable lead back to Madrid and I’ll make a joyful trip to France along with 30,000 other Gooners. My dream of an Arsenal v Marseille final was going to come true.
But the plan was evidently not so cunning. The Atletico defenders played like giants in London and they suffocated our attacking play in Madrid. So I departed London in May with a heavy heart but I had the most wonderful trip. Met a good few Arsenal fans who were as misguided as I was in booking up early and I also met up with football fans from all over Europe who travelled to a festival of football. A truly memorable trip. I sold my final tickets to a group of grateful Marseille fans and watched the game with a load of Lyon supporters who celebrated wildly when Atletico strolled to a comfortable victory.
So I’ve had a couple of weeks off work following my departure from the Canary Wharf Group and now I’m looking forward to some exciting roles for some new clients. And I promise to be more active with this blog. Apparently, Arsenal have got a new manager since I last posted?? Really…??