I’m writing this on the plane on the wayo Vancouver after spending a wonderful 4 days in Edmonton spending time with family, some of whom I haven’t seen in 10 years.

The flight from Manchester was long. 18 hours travelling and back through various time zones does take it out of you so I pretty much went straight to bed when I arrived at my aunts. I did watch some good films on the plane and my new iPad mini is a fantastic travelling companion.

Edmonton is a city in the state of Alberta. I didn’t see much of the city itself other than through a car window, as I was ferried about trying to make sure I saw all my cousins who are spread across if.

I’ve got 2 aunts and uncles and 4 cousins in total. But there’s now the addition of partners, 4 children (with one on the way), 4...

There’s so many unnecessary things in an airport. Why are you trying to do me a deal on 3 bottles of gin. Why is there a space for gamblers. Why is a Kit Kat £2.50.

Out of office on. Bags packed. Holiday is within touching distance. One sleep and the airport awaits. 🇨🇦

🎵Now Playing: Villagers - Becoming a Jackal (2010)

I’m stressing at work trying to cram everything in before the big trip. And Villagers can whisk me away into an indie-folk ethereal world while I deal with data. A stunning, lyrical album full of emotion and pictures.

Favourite Tracks:

• I Saw the Dead
• Becoming a Jackal
• The Meaning of the Ritual
• Home
• Twenty Seven Strangers

Another 5km. Another new PB. Now agonisingly close to the under 30 minute goal. Next time! (I am so sorry for who I have become.)

It’s going to be a long long season. 🔴⚫️⚪️⚽️😭

Not had a proper holiday for myself in years. So counting down the days left in work to next Friday 🇨🇦

I’m at a gig.

🎵Now Playing: Maximo Park - A Certain Trigger (2005)

6music had them on today to celebrate 20 (TWENTY) years since it’s release. With that and seeing The Maccabees tonight I’m absolutely delighted to be reliving my youth.

Favourite Tracks:

• Apply Some Pressure
• Graffiti
• Picture of a Painting
• Going Missing
• Limassol

🎵Now Playing: Muse - Black Holes and Revelations (2007)

I haven’t listened to Muse for ages, and normally I wouldn’t stray far from Origin of Symmetry or Absolution but they headlined my first ever festival (Benicassim, 2007) on this tour so I have a soft spot for it. Opening the set with Knights of Cydonia blew my teenage head clean off.

Favourite Tracks:

• Starlight
• Supermassive Black Holes
• Assassin
• Knights of Cydonia