I have just had the most wonderful weekend at the International Magic Convention. I spent time just talking to loads and loads of people and having fun. The only thing I saw was the Saturday night gala show and it was sad that Jade's act was marred by sound problems although I'm told she gave a great performance the following night:



but the highlight, for me, was Voronin.

Although I took photos I just love the one he has given me of himself and Svetlana - yes, they are both there:



I had a nice natter with Derren Brown who told me he is very busy indeed - he and Guy Hollingworth were happy to pose for me:



















Another act I enjoyed was that of Francis Menotti whose thinking is so offbeat, using theatre to enhance his magic:

















II also discovered Switzerland's secret - award-winning magician Roland Meister whose charm and humour were gaining him admirers even though he didn't perform at the convention this year:



Sadly the only photo I got was obliterated by the Pizza Express menu!

This year's close up competition was won by Satori from Japan but Francis got a merit award as did Troy von Scheibner, an ex-member and former star of YMC.



So what did YOU do over the weekend?

Hadn't read Brian's blog since Amsterdam but now I've started again I found the link to finding out my daemon.

I knew before I even began it that I'd end up a monkey! And I did - well, a gibbon if we are to be precise. Now I need to know if you agree so do try and see what you think:



Are you all going to make a monkey out of me?

AMSTERDAM - REVISITED

For Rob's 60th Birthday present we went back to Amsterdam with our good friends Brian and David. We left England...













and arrived in the land of bicycles...

















We had leisurely breakfasts and visited somewhere different every day... sometimes travelling on canal boats:













Sometimes by tram:



















We only had one day when it rained a little:





















We spent an afternoon of fun and photos at Madame Tussauds...












































We had a very new and arty bedroom...





And had some great meals with great company:





























I was just so delighted when Rob told me 'This was the best Birthday present I've ever ever had!'

We can't wait to go back there - hopefully with the same good company too?