I cam across this aerial photograph of Port Vauban in Antibes, via this post on the Fenderkicker blog.
If you click on the image it'll enlarge. Note the jetty on the right with all the "Superyachts" on it [this is the permanent home of the International Yacht Club, where many of the world's biggest yachts are moored.]. The boat in the left-hand corner of the jetty with the big sailing masts is The Maltese Falcon, which has her own website here.
I'm having frequent conversations these days about spending more time down there. I find the place extremely agreeable. And besides my professional interest in the Fenderkicker blog, Sigurd and Thingamy are based down there as well. Thomas also likes it there- every summer he rents an apartment in nearby Nice for a week or two. So I don't feel a stranger there.
And yes, Stormhoek fits into all this. I reckon I'll spend a lot of money on air fares, flying from Nice to London, where the main European Stormhoek offices are based. That's actually not that big a deal- the flight costs about the same from Nice as a train fare from Cumbria, an expense I'm already well used to.
So I guess that's how I could possibly see life mutating before me. Less of the big-city action, more quiet, small-town Southern French stuff, hopefully. Lots of cheese and wine. Lots of writing marketing stuff, and drawing cartons.
This is not the only idea I have for the future. But it's one I'm currently very fond of. It certainly would require some extreme business modelling. Wish me luck.
Posted by hugh macleod at August 2, 2006 6:11 PM | TrackBackThomas has the right idea. Right next door to Villefranche! Attaboy!
Posted by: Robert at August 2, 2006 7:33 PMNope, I've tried but I can find no flaw in your argument.
Posted by: John Dodds at August 2, 2006 7:58 PMHi Hugh !
I've been working for five years in Antibes, maybe we met ?
I hijacked one of your cartoons: is that ok?
they are great! If you'd like to see mines they are in the "crash-test" category; only the words are from me (do you speak french?)
Have a nice summertime, see you soon
Great.
Hugh, the website for the SY Maltese Falcon just doesn't do it for me. Nor does it do the boat justice. ...Anyone else agree?
Try this on for size, I'd be very interested to hear your feedback: http://www.indocruises.com
cheers
Posted by: Jswa at August 3, 2006 7:54 AMHugh - it doesn't take extreme business modelling. It takes a simple decision. Up sticks and off. When you get smacked in the face by that one, you'll know. Hint: happened to me 10 years ago, never regretted it.
Posted by: Dennis Howlett at August 3, 2006 4:20 PM