susanhickey.com

In Ireland we have a saying: “cead mile failte”. Its basic meaning is “Welcome” but the literal translation is a “hundred thousand welcomes” - the Irish are a very poetic lot!  So instead of coming up with endless excuses why I have been sooo bad at updating my blog I just want to say a hundred thousand apologies/ “sorries” – if that makes any grammatical sense? Hopefully discerning readers, you understand exactly what I mean.

The last nine months have been filled gadgets, dolphins, numbers (yes, I was in the running for Carole Vorderman’s Countdown job!),  and several other projects which I shall elaborate on as and when the time is right. Translation = hopefully  VERY soon.

Here’s a link to the new gadget show Boxed which I co present with Absolute Radio's Adrian Hieatt. Boxed “is an online entertainment gadget show that takes a quirky, irreverent and informative look at all the newest and coolest gadgets out there”

 We’re not sure at the moment what’s going to happen with it. There are a couple of companies interested in sponsoring it and also a pretty huge UK production company that may take over the production. I’ll keep you all posted!

In the meantime here are photos from some of the highlights of the last few months:

Monaco Grand Prix:

For those of you who have never been to a GP before - I'd suggest Monaco as a great starting point! 

However be warned! Prepare yourself for an UNBELIEVABLE amount of noise - and crowds aplenty! This is a picture from the walk from Monaco train station to the apartment where I watched the race.

Forget driving into Monaco - naturally most of the roads are closed and so many race fans besiege the principality that it is pretty much impossible to move by any form of wheeled transport.

That said, you can almost taste the excitement and despite not being a confirmed race fan I was equally revved up by the time the race began!

Here's a couple more photos for you:

This is Louis Hamilton's team going mad just as he's just won the race! We were situated just over the start/finishing line - so had fantastic views!

I watched the race at Stelios' (Mr Easy Jet) apartment - then went on to party through the evening as he'd laid on food, drink and a great DJ!

NBC Universal Party

I was hosting the NBC Universal Party at 67 La Croisette during MipCom and managed to get hold of some photos thanks to Mr Photographer extraordinaire Pat Denton. This is one of the most amazing penthouse apartments in Cannes so I wanted to share a taster of what it’s like and the views from it. It even has its own swimming pool running between the floors!!

This is the terrace!

Here are some shots of the Croisette from the terrace. 

A fire works display was going on at the other end of the Croisette. 

Just as a side note, for six weeks every summer starting Bastille Day (July 14^th)  there is the most incredible fireworks display over the bay of Cannes.

It’s a pyrotechnic competition with six countries from Europe competing. The whole display is like a work of art, all synced to music and lasts around 15 mins. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area but be sure to get to Cannes early as huge crowds turn up to watch. Better still if you have a boat you can watch it from there!!

Here I was being held at gunpoint by a chick from the sci fi channel!

There were some great costumes on show - I felt pretty under-dressed, even the feather boa was given to me by the feline lady to liven up this shot!

Damanhur

One of the most fascinating places I visited last year was Damanhur. Based in Italy, just north of Turin this must be one of the most incredible places on the planet. I couldn’t believe I had never heard of the place before. Nestled in the side of a mountain, the brain child of man named Oberto Airaudi (aka Falco), are some of the most extraordinary temples I’ve ever seen. It was like taking a trip back in time to ancient Egypt!

 

They are now known as the Temples of Humankind.

Airaudi claims he be began having visions of the temples when he was only 10 years old. With help from a few volunteers he spent 16 years secretly digging in to the side of a mountain.

 

Excavation was done in  complete secrecy as Airaudi had not obtained planning permission, apparently it would have been almost impossible to get.  

So in the late 1970’s Airaudi and some followers started carving in to the side of the mountain with basic tools like hammers and picks. What was created is astonishing! Take a look at the pictures.

 

 

When the police did turn up at his door in the early 90’s they were amazed to find the largest underground temple on Earth.

We had an amazing tour of the temples and everybody in the group was left with an overwhelming sense of reverence.

Irrelevant of religious or spiritual beliefs, I really recommend a visit to the temples. 

They are now considered to be the 8th wonder of the world - a view I entirely concur with!