Wednesday 30 July 2014

Summertime



The last two weeks have been filled with so many happy times I could write for hours.

My girlfriend Victoria flew in from Latvia on the 17th, and we were kept busy with preparations for my Mum's wedding blessing on the 19th. I had a one key responsibility, to play the ORGAN for one of the hymns! I used to do loads of this kind of thing when I was 14-18ish, but haven't played for years, and although I still play the piano a lot, the organ is a completely different instrument really. So I was pretty nervous and made sure I prepared thoroughly and thankfully it went well.

The day was just so magical. The weather had been forecast for thunder during the whole day, which was obviously pretty disastrous, but miraculously it was beaming sunshine all day. Bobby did a very moving performance of Let It Be, drawing plenty of tears! And his a capella group from Oxford "Out Of The Blue" did a set during the reception.



It was just one of those perfect days where everything goes so well and everyone was so happy throughout. Many Congratulations guys! 

Two days later Victoria, Mark, Bobby and I flew to Italy to join my Dad and his partner in Tuscany, in a villa we've rented for 2 weeks every year for the last 6 years. 

We always have a great time there, it's so peaceful and relaxing. Time is just spent by the pool, enjoying the amazing Italian food, playing family games, table tennis, perudo, cards etc. Never an argument, never a stress. Bliss. 



We spent 5 days there and then Victoria and I travelled up north to Lake Como, somewhere I've wanted to go for ages. It involved 3 trains, 3 car journeys and a bus, but we got there, and had a car hired to travel about there. 

We only had one full day there, so the weather being good was crucial. The weather had been very on/off all week, there had been a thunderstorm the day before, and just like the wedding day - thunder was forecast. And just like the wedding day, against the forecast, the weather was absolutely perfect. 

At the risk of repeating myself, and running out of superlatives, we had the most incredible day there. It's probably the most beautiful place in the world I've ever been. My words can't do it justice, I'll post a few of the hundreds of pictures we took! 




Italy is such an awesome country, could be my number 1 actually...

Anyway, back in England now for a week or so, Probably should play some form of poker soon! 

One last bit of news, the aforementioned a capella group, which Bobby is musical director of, have released a video of their song "Hips Don't Lie" (Bobby's arrangement of three Shakira songs) which has been tweeted by Shakira herself, got in the Guardian, Times, and numerous big papers, and online news pages - and in 7 days, received 1.4 million views on youtube! Here's the link.


See you all at the UKPC at DTD I hope! 


Tuesday 15 July 2014

Vegas!!!

Just returned from one of the best trips ever. I bloody love Las Vegas. Definitely gonna go for longer next year, maybe even the whole series. I just love the whole life there. Amazing tournaments every day - you bust early, you get to enjoy the awesome heat by the pool, or shop in the huge great value malls. You bust late, you go to an world class restaurant, you go out to a sick club. You don't bust - you win loads of money! It's so good. Everyone is there. Friends from the online world, friends from the EPT circuit, UK circuit, the biggest names in poker, the biggest stages, the biggest prizes. Numerous opportunities to win huge sums of money, and even more opportunities to spunk it all!

My trip involved lots of deep runs in tournaments! Yay! No big result alas, but got 5 cashes out of 10 decent events ($1100-$2500 buyins), all finishing in the top 2-5% of the field, which doesn't pay much, and I had nasty busts in most of them, but made it a winning trip on a personal level. However my big "score" came from swapping 10% with Deadman who won the Hollywood Poker Open. Thank you Simon!



I think this montage sums up the trip far better than any words could.



Some highlights then...

Best Day

Deadman wins the HPO. I also made the final day of this, but bust in 21st or something, very early on. I then spent a lovely day by the pool in the gorgeous M Resort, while Deadman navigated his way to the final. By this time there was a squad gathered on the rail and we all had dinner together and then got to the rail and the drinks were flowing thick and fast. Group morale when someone wins something is just always absolutely incredible - it's what we live for, and having a financial sweat just makes it even more sweeter. Awesome day.

Best Night

I really can't decide between Calvin Harris at Hakassan or Deadman's celebration night at Drais. For the latter, I had a day two the next day so wasn't drinking, and went home at 230, so the fact it's even close is a testament to how good that night was. Calvin Harris was predictably incredible, and I love Hakkasan - I have amazing memories from that night last year with Laidback Luke which will probably never be topped. Nights out in Vegas this year were all really sick.



Awkward moment

Crippling stato getting the AJ vs AQ in the money of a Venentian comp with $180k ftw! It was horrible! He had 7 antes left then had to go on break, and then he sat there and stalled for a $300 payjump by tank folding the next 4 hands, then I finished the job with AJ again > 52! He didn't even make the payjump! Ouch...

Funny moment

Did a big river bluff on day two of the HPO. Whilst tanking the guy got out a $100 bill and said "I'll literally pay you $100 if you can show me a bluff" He folded, I showed, scooped the pot and the $100!

Sickest spot  

Getting raised from 3k to 11k in the main event, having lead into 2 players, holding the Ace of hearts on a Q95J all heart board. Who bluffs there? But who folds there?!

Worst moments

Missing EDC which I flew out for especially, because of Tonsillitis and general fever etc.

Taken from our Palms Place suite after a nightout

I'm gutted it's all over, it was so so so good. Can't wait for next year. 

Back in England for a week, my Mum is getting married in 5 days! I'm playing the organ for a hymn in the service! And singing in the choir for an item too! Then I'm off to Tuscany for a week with Victoria and my Dad & brothers. Always an awesome holiday, such a beautiful part of the world. 

Until next time, see ya...