May I ask where the climate science brigade hang out here? I have questions. We, in the Bolivian Andes, are having the most bizarre Winter; daytime temps over the last few weeks have been above 30°C. I need to get a better understanding on the modelling of this new El Niño event.

Top and tail. You can fill the middle later. I really need to re-focus on my trip back to Europe.

First world problems... I am heading back to Europe, in a few months. I want to see as many friends as I can do. The whole thing is like playing four dimensional chess. Obviously, the answer is, to let the Wookie win. However, I'm not a Wookie.

I have never used a travel agent. But, there are times when I think they may be worth their weight in gold. Currently organising a complex trip back to England and Catalunya. I would pay money to be told I am being silly. (I am being silly)

There's construction going on, next to my apartment. I don't mind, as I do see building as investment and positivity. What I do mind, is their syncopation is totally off, with what I am listening to. Maybe, they don't like Louis Prima, and are doing it on purpose open.spotify.com/track/6lYeYg...

Just A Gigolo - Remastered

Louis Prima · Capitol Collectors Series · Song · 1991

open.spotify.com

I shall be taking the Eurostar in September, for the first time in a very long while. Last time, I was scruffy and unshaven (nothing new there). I was wearing a long black coat. All of a sudden, I was surrounded by armed police. (if you know the UK, we do not see guns on a regular basis).

I had forgotten how expensive, and how crap, most accommodation is in Amsterdam. Trying to find a place for my friend and I, for two nights, at the end of September, is coming in North of 800 Euros. Which is quite ridiculous.

Like many a grammar school boy, of my era... I read the Aeneid and Iliad in their original text. I am boycotting The Odyssey, to avoid PTSD.

So... a question for you all... As some of you know, I currently live in Bolivia. Bolivia is on the axis of where tomatoes originated. They are part of our daily diet. There's a ubiquitous, spicy sauce, called "llaqua", which appears at every meal.

So... I said I was going to try to write a bit about Bolivian food. I shall start off with sopa de maní; peanut soup. There seems to be a real love of soups, throughout Latin America. There's even a chain in Lima called "Siete Sopas" (seven soups); though they only seem to ever serve three.

Absolute shocker here. We are well over 30°C and windy as all hell. The mountain, that I can see from my balcony, is on fire.

Currently discussing water availability for viticulture on Santorini. I literally have no base for this. I know my theory. Totally lost on practical.

Middle of Winter here in the Southern hemisphere. 1,900m above sea level, and we have a top of 39°C forecasted. My plans are to do a couple of loads of washing; eat salad; drink rosé; close all doors, windows and blinds; and to not venture out until dusk.

Absolute scenes! I'm now an honorary Argentinian, and will be watching the final with these nutters.

I seem to be the only England supporter in this bar...

Too many projects; not enough time. Anyone fancy coming to make wine, and other drinks, with me, I'm Bolivia? Totally new project. It's going to be very hard work; and will not pay very much, initially. (yeah; I know I'm really selling it)

I realise my life is not normal. I spent my Sunday tasting and blending with a potential new client. Also played with their dogs; who were obviously played out.

So, I know I've been off here for a while. Some friends have prompted me to drop back in. Last year I ticked off one of those bucket things; a flight over the Nasca lines. Terrible photos; but it exceeded all expectations. (I'm not planning on popping my clogs anytime soon)

One of my favourite memories, is taking my mate, Alice, to see Missy Higgins on the lawn at Adelaide Uni. Ben Folds rocked up and they did a duet of "Laid" by James. open.spotify.com/track/2CdS3D... As a Manchester boy, this made my day.

Laid

open.spotify.com

You know what. I am privileged to be friends with some of the best winemakers, chefs, viticulturalists, farmers, philosophers etc My mate, Luke Payne, just got Michelined today. How proud of him I am? Very muchly. www.instagram.com/p/DSXHOl0DRX...

Who knew that there are two words in Spanish for brains. One is what you think with "cerebro". The other is what you eat "seso". (obviously you Spanish speakers do) For a language that uses the same word for so many things... Anyway, do any of you know some good Spanish language zombie movies?

Table grape harvest in Luribay, today. This is Red Globe. It is in beautiful condition; but scarily early. We have already had one, very, early harvest with 25; I do not need an earlier one with 26.

Update on this... I talked to Max, yesterday evening. He is extending his stay in Luribay from 5 days... to at least 7. He is loving doing vineyard work; and he wants to learn more about agriculture, in general. I fear he may have gone native. Shame he doesn't do social media.

Nayan Gowda (vinosity in days of yore)@vinosity.bsky.social · 9mo ago

You know how once in your life, you need to get out of your comfort zone, and do something a little bit crazy... I've done that a few times in mine. I'm about to send a young, Irish chef (ex-Arzak) to go do some vineyard work, by proxy, in Luribay. I respect his ethic and insanity.

You know how once in your life, you need to get out of your comfort zone, and do something a little bit crazy... I've done that a few times in mine. I'm about to send a young, Irish chef (ex-Arzak) to go do some vineyard work, by proxy, in Luribay. I respect his ethic and insanity.

I mean, I've always had a high opinion of myself; but this is too much.

With pizza, last night at Imilla Alzada. The 11 Lapostelle Chard, was incredible. Think it's the third time I have tasted this vintage. The Alma Oculta Cabernet was big; but also delicious. Made for a nice foil against the La Concepción; which was more elegant.

As I'm back, let's play... I am going to start doing a series of Supper Clubs in La Paz (Bolivia). A different cuisine every month. I am thinking Louisiana, as my first inspiration. Main and dessert are sorted. But, what the heck should I do as a starter; given this is Bolivia...

Looks like I will be sending a young backpacker to Luribay, next week, to do some vineyard work on my behalf. Obviously, I would rather go myself; but just do not have the time.

Luribay. Around 170km from La Paz, is a subtropical valley, at around 2,500m above sea level. Reputedly, it was the first location in Bolivia, that was planted to grapevines. Until the 1952 agrarian reform, the area was pretty much all vineyards. Now it is a lot of smallholding polycultures.

Hello all. Been a very long time since I have visited this space. As I have a new winemaking project in the wings, seems like a good time to make contact again.