Away make a very good case for the money https://www.awaytravel.com/

Also check out Costco, they often have some great deals on Samsonite.
https://www.costco.co.uk/Sports-Spas-Leisure/Luggage/Travel-Luggage/Samsonite-Endure-2-Piece-Hardside-Luggage-Set-in-2-Colours/p/361672

Try these guys
https://hatstore.co.uk/

I use an alpha 7c – full frame with the Zeiss 35mm making a very small fx camera (same as size as a6xxx) amazing camera for the size, game changer moving from Nikon DX DSLR.

My 6yr old (now 7) is on a Trek Wahoo 24, rigid, lightweight and a very decent all rounder. I especially like the weight, circa 21lb so not intimating at all.

Can only recommend it. Will get a second for my 5yr old when he grows a little bit more (currently on a trek precalibure 20)

I chose Irish over British when I renounced by US citizenship/passport, it is much more flexible than the British passport and CTA in place, there are really no restriction in UK either.

When I return to the UK, I would probably apply for a British passport too – in case of any changes in legislation.

Balut in the Philippines, was rank but I don’t like cold eggs anyways. In reality like a chicken omelet.

That doesn’t sound correct. While I am not a BREXIT expert, I live in Singapore and often get items from UK and EU and always get the local VAT knocked off and pay Singapore VAT upon import.

Expensive, but fit for purpose and free repairs for life.

Made in Wales!

https://hiutdenim.co.uk/collections/mens/products/the-v-fit-1

I have only had curries too or fresh – I guess you could do some sort of pulled pork style concoction with it but you def need sauce to break it down I’d think.

Didn’t even know they come tinned! They grow outside my house in Singapore – bloody huge great things.

@jonesboy

I do not frequent here that often, but have just read this whole tread with great interest, emotions started from don’t worry through to what a shitty situation.

You need to be really proud how you have handled the whole situation, some really tough decisions and looks like you are slowly slowly getting there.

Regardless of others comments, drug and even excessive alcohol use isn’t to be taken lightly. I have seen everything from heroin deaths in the family, good school friend now with mental health issues through to the stoner at uni now earning 500k as a company CEO. It effects every person in a different ways. Your son definitely seems like he is at the start of a downhill cycle, you are doing very well to be actively tacking this – keep it up and keep encouraging him to make the good decisions and more importantly seeing the positive life outcomes of these.

BTW I have 2 young sons and this tread is one of my worst nightmares, I think I will try and stay in Singapore til they are 18! The death sentence here is a deterrent.

Naim Nait 5si would be my first choice – but obvs needs a phono stage.

https://www.audiot.co.uk/products/naim-nait-5si-amp-black-14442.aspx

Thats a good price too….

Corona beer sales

I use a Ruark R1 in my office. https://www.ruarkaudio.com/products/r1-deluxe-bluetooth-radio

Like this but no mic?

Some good options thank you! TBH I’d but the Naim Muso tomorrow if it had a mic for calls!

But seems I have done my research well – the Cambridge Audio Yo-yo is probably the best option for my requirements!

I know these speakers, they are good. But def looking for something a little more upscale.

Thanks guys – actually some great advice. Basically going to wait and see the package and make an informed decision from there.

And Auckland isn’t the bit of NZ most people reckon it is

Auckland as a city is definitely pretty crap and some of the neighborhoods are terrible. But trust me if you live in the right place it is pretty hard to beat.

As nice as Singapore is, I wouldn’t want to live there. NZ on the other hand…

Fair point – forgot to consider this is a mountain biking forum!!!

Hmmm for me unless the life changing role enabled me to take lots of long and extended holidays in fun places not sure I would.
The but part of it would be if it is a time-limited role. If it was something you could do for 1-2 years and then head back to NZ at a much better level then it might appeal.

Long term it would probably provide a much better retirement $$$. Short term prob not a huge difference, we as a family make the absolute most of where ever we are, be that London or Auckland and enjoy every day of it. My drive for leaving London was to do something different.

In my current organization, unlikely to be able to return to NZ. The market here cannot really support high-end positions – it’s a little country :)

I moved to Auckland from London 2 years ago and it is bloody amazing, esp with 2 young boys.

It is definitely not the place to be if you like city life. But I live 30 meters from the beach, go kayaking and fishing a few nights or mornings before/after work. Tons of outdoor stuff to do at the weekend, lots going on but a little low key compared to the UK. People are super friendly. Weather in Auckland is significantly warmer than London and many other parts of the UK – but it does know how to rain! Cost of living is on the high side.

But really are miles from anywhere, 3.5hrs is pretty much the closest international flight – AU or Fiji. I have got very used to 12hr flights to get anywhere else (SG/LA/HK).

TheRack has pretty much nailed it, get back to Hood and the cascades, over into the high desert and Mt Bachelor/Bend.

Also some epic coast lines and wind surfing on Hood river.

In Washington there is the Hoh rain forest and tons of riding on the Olympic peninsula.

https://olympicpeninsulacycling.com/riding-hurricane-ridge/

As you can tell I love this part of the work (home town is Portland)

We did the cliche honeymoon destination in the Maldives, but with a twist – no deserted island but a live aboard scuba boat planned for the Manta feeding frenzy at Hanifrau Bay.

AMAZING.

BTW you can ski a volcano in NZ but you’re better off heading to Queenstown, but I wouldn’t head to NZ in July personally.

I live in New Zealand and down here you would only consider a Land Cruiser and it is already flagged as my next car. Do they do the diesel V8 in the UK?

To put their reliability into perspective, there are loads selling for decent cash with excess of 250,000 km on the clock – some nearing 400k km

Once I had kids, doing any long haul flight in any class became a luxury (without them!).

I live in New Zealand so long haul everywhere, used to it now so the thought of 18hr is no big issue. Bring on a direct LON to AKL.

I have a pickup (L200) and would buy a van if I wanted something practical and more suited to carrying bikes.

But the truck looks great, get 40mpg and better for carrying lots of dirty crap.

My colleges bought me an instamax compatible Leica when I left my last role – it is absolutely fantastic. If you boy is keen I would go for it – I bought one for my niece a few years ago and the pictures she is taking are fantastic, such a great insight into a little persons life!

I love this story!

https://medium.com/message/playing-with-my-son-e5226ff0a7c3

Emirates have a 30kg allowance per person and will allow a bike as part of that allowance.

https://www.emirates.com/au/english/help/faq/214958/baggage-allowances-for-sports-equipment

I always use them to fly back and forth from NZ – decent planes and entertainment etc

Most languages do not have a posh accent, normally defined by a preferential regional accent (ie Shanghai in China).

Just do it.

I am currently tempted with a mint unmolested RX7 – which I know is an awful idea.

I just bought a Mitsubishi L200 4 door pickup – best car decision I have made in years (coming from BMW’s)

Boot space is good and it is doing 40mpg town commuting. Bloody love it.

Do you have a room you can airbnb? I am currently covering my whole rent at 1500 pcm by letting a spare room by the garage.

Damn I haven’t finished my 911 GT3 yet!!! I need this one too!

How can it be illegal and encouraged on a .govt site???

Anyways I highly recommend Dartmoor – some great spots near the road – happy to share them.

Sure!

My 2 year old get to see the Lions vs Barbarians tomorrow (I CANNOT WAIT!)

I am a huge fan of the aeropress (and I don’t talk about it!) – find it makes better coffee and less messy than a cafetiere, but personally I use a cone and filter over a cafetiere.

Try it!

Do it, I just moved to New Zealand on a similar offer (though my company rather than family) decided if I didn’t like it I would just move back.

Oh and it was days after my 40th….its a sign!

(btw loving it here and so are the wife and kids)

With Bacon

Slave 1 is all kinds of awesome.

KLF Chillout or Max Richters Sleep albums always work on me!