Well, where to start. It’s been nearly a week since all the fun and games. I miss looking forward to it. The excitement has been building for so long now that it feels weird that we are all done and it is back to “normality”.
Last weekend became so much more that I had expected. It continues to do so. Over this week as the pics have been posted and the multitude of memories has been shared I have been struck by exactly what we have here…………..friends……real friends.
I have been humbled (ha ha I hear you cry……bastids) by the things shared and the mutuality of the bond we all have. I loved every moment of it…….even the attempted face sitting, failed, I would point out. I enjoyed this so much that I will make every effort to haul my ass all over this world to meet as many of you crazy mofo’s as I can.

In the meantime I will just write a little to each of you:

Petra; What can I say, we have spent so much time talking that it felt like meeting an old friend at the airport, however the hug you gave me……… It was great to spend those 2 hrs waiting in the wrong terminal with you….time to talk, share, and everything else. It was an honour and a gift to spend time with you and without getting slushy…..you know how I feel about you. We will meet soon my sweet. I promise.

Herman; My bunk mate It’s been a long road. When I came here you were one of the first to reach out to me, and from there we have shared many times of happiness and sadness along the way to Terminal 3 Heathrow Airport. I remember thinking on the way over……handshake or hug? No need……… as soon as I saw your lanky ass from the door I knew. We have grown. I feel like you and I have been close forever but after meeting you and sharing time……I know that the bond is stronger than I could have wished. I love you mate. See you in May.

Miguel; When Petra said to me “Can we wait for Miguel” I thought hmmmmm I don’t really know him that well. So I built an image of you in my head. I thought about 6’1” skinny assed Mexican. Well I was wrong but what a guy. Your laugh, your positive attitude and your ability to sit and talk with anyone, anytime. You always had time for me and were at the heart of everything. I will miss you and I promise one day, we will ride together. Hope to see you again soon.

Toni; It’s been too long. We have only met once before but you and I seemed to be able to talk and talk and talk …….as is usual it was no different this time. I said it to you over the weekend and I will say it here too……” I am sooooo happy for you” That boy is besotted……..that makes me happy as hell. Good luck with the little one, keep me informed and my love to you as always.

Simon; The fact that you love Toni gave you a head start mate, not that you needed it. You know enough about me to know that the happiness of my friends is really important to me……….having talked to you I know that the happiness of your family is the most important thing in your world….that makes you a great guy in my book. I wish you every happiness in the future and all the best with the new addition as well as the prospective change in career. If you and Toni need ANYTHING you know where I am.

Karen; From the moment I set eyes on you it became clear that you were gonna be the life and soul ……and you were. Despite the jet lag and late nights you powered on through and it was a real pleasure to share some time with you…..the ass rubbing I particularly enjoyed You are another that despite the fact that we have spoken only a handful of time and some of those under pressure, it felt like we had know each other for ever. I look forward to seeing you again soon, and make sure the kids get their money!!!!!

Steve; God man what are you ….mad! You did a hell of a job organising the outings and as always it was a pleasure to chat and laugh……and god did we laugh. I am looking forward to a beer and a dive with you soon. It would be remiss of me to not ask you to thank Paola for letting you hang with the reprobates too.

Nicole; Oh Nicole…..thank you for the surprise I really thought after our chats that you wouldn’t be there. I am so glad you were. As always it was a riot and the “Name that tune” moment was spectacular. Thank you for being my friend and sharing with me. Let’s grab a beer soon.

Carrie; Dear sweet Carrie, that smile omg that smile. It gives a naughty glimpse of the you inside. What time we spent I loved every minute of and I hope that next time we meet we will be able to talk more and more ……. I get the feeling that we will go from strength to strength. Glad you are home safe and I really hope that we meet again soon.

Natisse; As always it is a pleasure……. I love you and your cheeky smile and I love the fact that the naughty Tisse showed up this weekend. Flipping people off was fun. We NEED to get together soon and I will keep an eye out for another spare ticket for the Lane. Don’t be a stranger.

Paddy; Mate it was a flying visit so next time lets chat……..good to finally meet you at last but pleeeasseeee let me know next time you are in town, we can do the whole …….this time I know who you are, thing.

Alun; Mate, I loved chatting with you….in fact I think Tisse got jealous you are a great guy and we will be meeting again. My offer stands…..anytime you need a place to crash………you got my number. I will also be kicking your ass on the golf course soon.

Paul; Manchester is gonna be a blast. Haircut or no haircut. We gotta meet up and get on it……… We had a lot of laughs and I know it we be picked up where we left off next time we meet. Take care mate.

JD; Just as I thought……..nutter. We were gonna meet a few years ago and now I wished we had. I get the impression there would be some more missing bits in my memory if we had. If you wanna ticket for the crunch match let me know early I will see what I can do.

AndreC; We didn’t get much time but you impressed me not only with your dress sense but your sense of humour and ability to keep the ladies (and fellas) enthralled. Maybe you can recommend some places near your home town to me……… hope to see you soon.

John; Walking up to me after a fair few Corona’s and saying “are you Mdiver?” left an impression and looking after Karfen left a bigger one. You are a gentleman and a true party animal. Next time the “babysit Karfen” job is already assigned.

Luc and Monica; Great to meet you guys and I heard so many good things about you from the Dutchies……we need to talk more next time……it should be May…….I hope to see you on your home turf then.

MarySharon; This girl can look good no matter what!!! And those boots…..girl wear those anytime. It was a real pleasure and I hope as you are not far away we can hook up sometime soon.

Hendrick; A true pleasure to meet you and I will be hooking up with you when you are in the UK. I hope the tour goes well mate and I am glad you enjoyed the Guinness.!

And last but by no means least

Aksel; You fulfilled every expectation and more my friend. It was a riot from start to finish and I know we will party again. There were so many moment of genius even down to you being desperate for a piss in the car and me driving over every bump on the embankment. Take care my friend and give Mikki my love. That girl is a riot.


To one and all thank you for making last week end one that will stay with me forever and thank you for making the org what it is.
[Edited 3/2/06 11:33am]

You big softie, you.


[Edited 3/2/06 12:00pm]

CarrieMpls said:

I thought you knew that!

mdiver said:

Oh, indeed. I just wanted to tease.

CarrieMpls said:

Hehehehehehe feel free anytime

Thanks a lot for everything, Phil.

As I've already mentioned to Herman, I was literally shitting my pants when I met you on Saturday morning.

But you have been so nice and friendly and you also bought me a capuccino!!
You made me feel welcomed and I really appreciate that.

looking forward to seeing you soon, matey



****violins in the background****

AndreC said:

why?

Phil, I love but you already knew that

AndGodCreatedMe said:

You know, I didn't know anyone apart from Herman...
I was feeling very nervous!

AndreC said:

M



M

What is up with all this skinny Mexican stuff. Hhahahaaaa!!!!!

I promise next time I will be skinny and tall. I'm going to the dungeon where they have that machine that can stretch me out a bit before I leave. I think that they have one here in the hotel...


M

mdiver said:

back atcha hon always... we'll see each other soon I'm sure

mdiver said:

you had to mention it, didn't you???

mdiver said:

let me know when and I'll come as well to kick both of your asses!!!!!

abierman said:

It was soooo funny in fact it was the only time you were quiet all weekend

Awwww

n

purrrr

Just make sure you are in Manchester in September. I promise everyone will have a great time!

Savage said:

Even me?

HamsterHuey said:

Even you!

abierman said:

You think huh?????

Wanna trade handicaps?

I hate all of you.

Teacher said:

CarrieMpls said:

It passed