The Friary at Southsea

Visiting these few days with Mike, Jane and Katey (of course Puzzle, too!) at the Southsea Friary. Mike has been a good friend and colleague for 20 years. Check out his blog at: http://friarmike.typepad.com/

I was in the area the weekend of the England FA Cup Finals, played between Cardiff and Portsmouth. A big screen was put up on the shore and nearly 50,000 people were there to celebrate and enjoy the game -- including yours truly -- with Mike and Jane. Mike lives within walking distance of the sea and the party went well into the night because of a 1-0 win by Portsmouth.

Meetings in England this week on the Middle East (I know, it appears that I am never home!). We are planning a major conference on the region next year. Fairly usual for me to be the only American (and caucasian!) in a international planning group. These folks are from Egypt, Jordan and Malta.