The Boy and The Coconut Tree

This is my rant about the horrible events in Paris this weekend I love Paris, always have, since my first visit when I was 11 to my multiple visits since. I think I've been to Paris over 15 times including 3 times for work and it never fails to impress me and now my French has improved from the school learnt "Je voudrais un kilo de pommes" I am comfortable going there alone and not needing to speak  English.  Paris is huge but feels less crowded than London, Parisians are reputed to be rude yet I've never experienced the level of rudeness I experience in London on a daily basis.  Stereotypes abound but taken on face value Paris is wonderful and I hope to return to her soon, I've promised that my first weekend abroad in 2016 will be Paris to revisit my favourites and hopefully discover something new. Musee D'Orsay So I turn to the bullying, the terrorists, bullies, hate filled and armed.  That is what they are, yes they are angry but do I r...

As the end of October approaches and the stores already have their Christmas displays up, my mind has turned to Christmas and Christmas gifts. When I was a kid, and relied on my pocket money, it was easier to buy gifts for my parents, sisters and grandparents, now that I have a bigger budget and access to bigger and better stores (online and high-street), I am stumped .  Feeling festive yet?  As an uncle to 2 nieces and 2 nephews I always want to be the cool uncle, buying good gifts but not being too lavish as not to spoil them or push noses out of joint. It is bloody hard!  This year I am going to Paris for a Christmas shopping trip in the hope that French style, French prices and the rudeness of French shop assistants will inspire me?  If anyone has a good idea what to buy for a Dad then please comment. He is the hardest individual to buy for, especially as he doesn't drink or smoke.