Dateline Monday 15th April 2024

Good morning, happy Monday I hope you are well, I am happy to report that there were no accidents last week I remained upright all week long. Today is a very special day it is my twin brother Simon’s birthday I have been sworn to secrecy as to how old he is.

If you celebrated Eid Al-Fitr last week, I hope you had an amazing time.

Did you see the news coverage of the total solar eclipse last week? I was in Cornwall in 1999 when there was an eclipse in the UK it was quite a surreal experience, the next “local” eclipse is in June 2026 in Majorca I might just go there to witness this spectacular by mother nature once again.

It’s soap box time

Today is the 192nd day of the war in Gaza and the 192nd day that Israeli babies, toddles, children, teens, women, men and seniors have been held hostage in the Hamas terror tunnels in Gaza.

There is a photo circulating showing the arch terrorist Yasser Arafat of the PLO in his viper’s nest of terrorists seemingly, allegedly together with the current Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, now we know why the United Nations and the Secretary General of the UN Guterres will not condemn the massacre on 1,200 innocent Israeli seniors, men, women teenagers and babies on 7th October by barbaric savage Palestinian terrorist and I should add some Palestinian civilians. I am sure someone will say it was a fake photo I am guessing the photo was taken at least 40 years ago, fake images were not that popular back then. 

On Saturday night Iran launched in excess of 300 drones, rockets, missiles, and ballistic missiles from Iranian native soil targeting Israel, thankfully we, that is Israel, have friends and guardians in high places that watched over Israel and took care of the country and its citizens, and I am not referring to the American, British and French although they are great friends to have. Israel did their thing in Damascus scored a direct hit and neutralized several very unpleasant people. Iran has retaliated sadly hurting one seven-year-old Israeli child, thankfully most missiles did not make it over to Israel, they either failed during the flight or got shot down by air defences of various of Israel’s friend as well as the awesome Iron Dome that Israel has for its defence. Personally, if I was in charge in Israel I would say OK guys that’s it now with Iran let’s concentrate on Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.  

More senseless killing of an innocent man, women and babies this time in a shopping mall in Sydney Australia when an unstable individual ran amok with a knife stabbing six people to death and injuring several others. It was announced that he was known to Police in Australia but as he had not committed a crime he was allowed to walk the streets, not an easy balance to get right knowing someone is a danger to the public but not having committed a crime that person is allowed to roam free.    

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

MM and Company news update

Japan

Geraint, James and the crew at The J Team DMC Japan have told us that Candeo Hotels Osaka Shinsaibashi, a 15-story high-rise hotel has opened in Osaka over the historic Mitsutera Temple.

The hotel is unique as it incorporates temple on its lower floors, allowing the 215-year-old temple hall to coexist with a new commercial complex, while the upper floors house guest rooms.

The Mitsutera temple, affectionately referred to as Mittera-san by locals, had its main hall lifted and relocated in one piece to face Midosuji, Osaka’s main street. This move facilitated the construction of a tower block behind and around the temple. Shunyu Kaga, the deputy head priest of Mitsutera temple, expressed that the temple, now situated facing a main thoroughfare, has transformed into a more inviting and friendly space for visitors. Hotel guests at the Candeo Hotels Osaka Shinsaibashi have the opportunity to participate in the temple’s ceremonies, such as morning prayers, “eshakyo” (transcription of sutra and Buddha images), and meditation.

IMEX Frankfurt May 2024

The build up to IMEX in Frankfurt has started, I have booked my hotel and flight; I have asked our DMCs if they will be attending IMEX so far declare are;

Pascal and Enrica of NACARA DMC France they will be there only on the Tuesday.

Stephane of Hello Islands DMC Mauritius will be on the Euromic Stand G500

The J Team DMC Japan will be on the Tokyo City stand 

Nassos has just told us that AME DMC Greece will be at IMEX