Just got back from a cracking week in Gibraltar. I have been three times for work but this was the first time with Gina, and also the first time in the summer. I found the place quite boring previously but I saw and experienced so much more of it this time around, and had a fantastic time. Gina loved it even more and she is keen to accompany me on my work trips more often.
| Click to see full-size image. |
To give you an idea of what a mecca Gib is for the gambling industry, here is the building PokerStrategy is in:
| Click to see full-size image. |
Very unusual at the PS offices. As you all probably know, PokerStrategy was bought by Playtech recently and split off from the parent group Etruvian. As a result, the normally 250 strong offices across three floors was now more of a 60 person start up on one floor. Lots of familiar faces (including Pads) were no longer there and the whole place is a lot less German. The atmosphere was very good though and there was a real feeling that this was a new venture instead of the same old same old.
The biggest joy I think poker has given me is travelling and meeting new people from different walks of life. Whenever I can take Gina somewhere other than a casino and meet people who are not all English, we have a good time. We had an amazing night out with the most mixed group of people you could encounter:
| Click to see full-size image. |
In order you have a Catalan, a German, us two Brits, two Dutchies, Czech Republic and Poland (missing from the pic was another German and a Russian girl). How lucky we Brits are most people can, and are prepared, to talk to us in our native tongue (Funny aside, you would not believe how many people asked me if I could understand Pleno1s accent because they could not).
We went out clubbing and drinking champagne, the club was full of hot women. I remember at one point seeing this sliightly overweight middle aged guy dancing and thinking he looked really out of place. You could imagine how gutted I was when I realised it was me in a mirror.
Gib is such a strange place. It is basicaly Britain, how it should be. Warm, relaxed, friendly - but with our TV.
To give an idea, here is my view from the apartment - nice right?
| Click to see full-size image. |
Same view from a different angle:
| Click to see full-size image. |
We did a guided tour up to the top of the rock, highly recommended. Especially because of these guys:
| Click to see full-size image. |
Back to normal now. I have another work trip in September, but my next pokering will be in two weeks. I'm treating myself with a couple of APAT events for my 34th birthday - anyone else going?
Author