Dateline Monday 20th May 2024

Happy Monday, good morning, I hope you are well and that you enjoyed the on and off sunny bits of the weekend I made the most of it as it seems we are going to have the type of weather my lovely Mum would call “och and vey” not one thing or the other.

Here is something to remember don’t go to work next Monday it is Spring bank Holiday a four day week next week although it does kind of mess up the work opportunities but hey a day off it a day off not going to complain, just hope we have decent weather.

IMEX Frankfurt was again a great three days spent in the company of Eva of Cornerstone Meetings DMC our DMC based in Frankfurt, however they successfully operate all over Germany. IMEX gives me the opportunity to meet up with lots of DMCs we represent and recommend from all over the world.

Did you know that today is World Bee Day 2024 We all know that bees are essential to the existence of the world’s eco-system and, as humanity relies on the buzzing insects for survival, it is only natural that an entire day has now been dedicated to them. It is clear we have to prioritise efforts to protect bees and other pollinators, thereby mitigating threats posed to food security and agricultural livelihoods and defending against biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.” “World Bee Day is also an occasion to raise awareness of how everyone can make a difference to support, restore and enhance the role of pollinators.” If the number of bees continues to decline in the way they are at present, it would have a significant impact on our day-to-day living. We all would be stuffed that is a David scientific term. Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival of the world’s ecosystems. The UN says: “Nearly 90 per cent of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend, entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75 per cent of the world’s food crops and 35 per cent of global agricultural land. Not only do pollinators contribute directly to food security, but they are key to conserving biodiversity.”

Today is also the start of The Chelsea Flower Show, a visit to the show is on my bucket list although quite low down 😊   

It’s soap box time

Today is the 227th day of the war in Gaza and the 227th day that Israeli babies, toddles, children, teens, women, men and seniors have been held hostage in the Hamas terror tunnels in Gaza. Netanyahu has nor had much success bringing the hostages home so far, they have recovered and repatriated bodies of four of the hostages, I do wonder how many are still alive. 

Sadly, Israel is losing so many young military men and women ages ranging from 19 - 35 years old,  OK Hamas are losing many, many more but they started it and they wanted war, however that’s not the point Israel doesn’t want the war but it simply can’t let this viper’s nest of barbaric savages live a few miles down the road

What is the world coming to a 71-year-old bloke shot the Prime Minister of Slovakia four times because he didn’t like his policies, that’s what the ballot box is for, I do hope the Prime Minister recovers although I doubt he can fully recover from four bullets to the stomach, bless him.

I watched the news at 9PM on Sunday and for the full half hour they reported on absolutely nothing, the BBC managed to take a full 30 minutes to say the President of Iran has been involved in a helicopter crash, could have happened to a better bloke. No doubt Iran will blame the crash on the Israelis, I wonder if the pilot worked for Mossad. I wrote this last night now Radio Four Today program have told us the President has died, OK move on, ta ta     

Off the soap box now 

Congratulations yet again to Manchester City who are Premier League champions yet again, fourth time/year in a row, I have to feel sorry for Arsenal its groundhog year for them as they are again runners up. Congratulations once again goes to Max Verstappen as he does it again this time in Italy at Imola Circuit well done to him.  

That dear reader that is about it from a David point of view for this week at least.

MM and Company news update

Athens

Domes has announced the upcoming opening of 91 Athens Riviera, The Resort opens on 15th June 2024 it will also offer a luxury cabana beach club experience

This lifestyle venue is located a short distance from Athens’ city centre on the Athenian Riviera. There are 28 furnished luxury tents, each spanning 463 square feet, most with a private plunge pool. With either garden or lagoon views, all accommodations are appointed with modern features, including bath amenities, a mini bar, coffee machine, 50-inch TV & speaker, super-king bed and more.

Guests can dive into a variety of activities and well-being with eight tennis courts, beachfront training, sunrise yoga and sunset Pilates. Other facilities include a heated outdoor pool, fully equipped fitness centre, signature Domes Soma Spa and fine-dining restaurant Barbarossa that serves Mediterranean-inspired fare. Additionally, a state-of-the-art clubhouse features a Domes Neema boutique, changing facilities and outdoor spaces.

You are now totally up to date; you know as much as I do, wishing you an outstanding week ahead.