![\"\"](\"\/serendipity\/uploads\/estonian_beer.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSo, where was I?<\/p>\n
Oh, yes, I was starting to worry about my second presentation – Have we forgotten OFA? Although there was a bit of a mix-up with a room change, which meant a bunch of people arrived just before the start, I think it went well. I originally thought that it might be shorter than one hour and I could release everyone early at the end of a long day to be at the front of the queue for free drinks. However, the conversations were so interesting and it was a small enough group to allow it, that I think we almost used up the whole time. I think it went ok anyway.<\/p>\n
Then it was on to an unusual affair – Tuomas Pystynen discussing the behaviour of Oracle V5 from the stage of the night-club, whilst the attendees had plentiful free drinks to ease the passage of the information. All great fun and I *definitely* learned some interesting things in that presentation but I’m not sure I’ll be able to use them much 😉 Then we moved on to dinner (and at least a buffet lets me choose something nice and basic – pork and potatoes) before adjourning to the pub to watch the Champion’s League Final with Mark Rittman. Almost needless to say, our thoughts were with Andy C. I was worried about watching the final in a pub from the start, because I have a fearsome reputation for intending to watch the football but talking incessantly instead. Well, I was true to form but so was Mark. In the event, we had a rough idea of what was going on, but no more, so we missed a bit of a classic. Fortunately we managed to buck our ideas up a bit when the penalty shoot-out arrived. In the interim, one of my Estonian chums approached our table, pointed out that the beer wasn’t great and asked if we’d like to try some decent Estonian beer. I don’t think ‘No’ was the answer he had in mind. Minutes later, a can each appeared on the table. A few more minutes and a bar-maid pointed out that we would *not* be drinking that in the pub! No problem, it was stowed away for later consumption in celebration of Celtic winning the league at the last gasp 😉<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Very nice, too. More flavour than I’m used to in a lager and thoroughly recommended.<\/p>\n
Mark and I being such lightweights, we only made it to 1am and with judiscious application of crossing a timezone, we convinced ourselves it was midnight really.<\/p>\n
Waking up the next morning was a bit disappointing because it was time to go home but I had time to attend one more presentation, have a chat with Carel-Jan and Dan Fink which perked me up and say goodbye to Patrik Norlander, who’d been instrumental in arranging my attendance. He, along with Carel-Jan and others had been up until 6am drinking! I have no idea how these people can do it, really. Particularly not after a full day at a conference. The trip back was uneventful if a little long but the arrival home was possibly as big an event as I’ll face this year. When I landed, it was half-time and both scores were 0-0. I was worried. Aberdeen scored in the taxi home (a bit less worried) and Celtic scored within minutes of me sitting down in the living room (becoming delirious). So I was able to sit back and watch celebrations from Tannadice for over an hour. Well done, bhoys. (If all of that meant nothing to you, I don’t think the longer version would be any more interesting.)<\/p>\n
The conference was one of the most enjoyable I’ve attended and combined the best of User Group events with some of the Miracle events I’ve attended. I liked the idea of having it on a ship which added to the informal atmosphere and friendly and knowledgeable attendees. The speakers were taken care of very well and any conference that has *too many* drinks vouchers is off to a great start 😉 I met some new friends that I hope to see at UKOUG in Birmingham after my usual sales pitch and was able to let the sea breeze blow through my hair instead of having to stand in the rain when I’m smoking!<\/p>\n
Many thanks to Patrik for organising it and for inviting me.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"