Most over-rated job in the world?

My story on travel writing was published in the NZ Herald last week (click here to read).

Today's visual is, what else, but the Hound. Because everyone needs something beautiful to rest their eyes upon.

 
   

Almost time

Colleague to me today: "Are you getting excited? You're so lucky to have an all-expenses paid trip to Europe."

Me to colleague: "Yes, I'm really grateful and can't wait to leave winter behind but holy mother of god, I'm going to miss the Hound."

Colleague to me: "Oh don't worry, he won't miss you. As long as dogs are fed and warm and in their own environment, they don't really care whether you're there or not."

Needless to say, my colleague is a moron (and if she's reading this, I mean that in the nicest possible way!)

In other news, the Vienna/cruise/Budapest/UK itineraries are being finalised. As I am one of the first of our group of 12 journos to arrive in Vienna and have a day or so to kill until the rest get there, I asked the PRs to help sort me with a visit to the Sigmund Freud Museum. I'm not sure if they're trying to mess with my head or if Astrid is just a really common name in Austria, but THREE of the women I'm currently dealing with are called Astrid. Which isn't confusing in the slightest.

And finally, as I gird my loins for the stupidly long and painful 30+ hour flight tomorrow, here's my two favourite boys who I shall miss like crazy (whether they miss me or not).

See you on the other side...

      

Friday

A morning spent trying to force the words from mind to keyboard was, thankfully, interrupted by lunch with an old school friend.

Anyone would think we were involved in solving the Syrian crisis, so long has it taken to find a mutually agreeable date. But it was worth it and we laughed, ate overpriced food and drank coffee (there was talk of vino but she is currently on antibiotics and I had to work this arvo).

Later, on our PM walk in the town belt, I met a woman and her gorgeous rescue greyhound. The number of times she complimented the Hound on his beauty was almost embarrassing. The fact that I'm inordinately proud of his beauty? So much so you'd think I was in some way responsible for his genetic makeup.

It is now almost time to down tools and pour a ridiculously large glass of red wine. This is, without a doubt, my favourite time of the week.

Here's something beautiful to kick-start your weekends...

(Pic credit: Tumblr)