France, Lille - Day 3

Playing chess with Maxime-um power

Today was a double rounder, meaning I'm totally knackered. Woke up and grabbed some breakfast, then went to do battle with the 2510 GM Maxime Legarde. He'd obviously done his homework and opened with c4, which is an instant win against me. (Or maybe he just got lucky.) The game was interesting I guess, he just played good logical moves and squeezed me. I tried to complicate it but he saw through the trickiness and took the full point. 

For lunch I found a nice little sandwich shop, again with the woman speaking no English. We had a bit of fun trying to work out what was on the sandwiches - Ham is pretty self explanatory, but I had to confirm "Egg" by flapping my arms and doing my best constipated face. She was really cheery and the whole experience and sandwich was pleasing. As I walked out she said "Adieu missour", and I thought it was a lovely way of saying goodbye to someone. (She was probably saying "Don't come back, sir!")

I dodged the decrepit begging scum and made it back to the playing hall for the afternoon's game - Board thirty six against a 1600 Frenchman. He went a little astray early and I managed to get a sizeable advantage quite quickly. I won the game to put me on three points out of a possible four. Tomorrow I play against a 2289 guy as black, should be a bit of fun!

For tea the pizza shop had buy one get one free on medium pizza's. Took a wee while for us both to confirm that it was free, and that the deal wasn't on small pizza's, but we got there. Time for some much needed sleep now. Preparation for tomorrow can wait until the morning.

London Classic Day 1

It was all goin' fine, till ma bishop got Hembden.

Didn't feel so good this morning - mixture of nerves, lack of sleep, insert another excuse here. Was playing against GM Mark Hebden. I think I played ok - no ridiculously stupid errors, he just ground me down slowly and pressured each mistake more and more. 

The venue is totally awesome - All participants get an ID badge which entitles you to three free beers and a trip backstage to meet the bands. (That's made up - there's no alcohol or music, but you feel like a total legend walking about with an ID badge around your neck.)

Headed back to the hostel immediately after the game, had some food, and am now just lounging about trying to wind up Malaysian Jvnyi. ("That's a really cool name, but could I just call you Craig? Or Scott?" "Hmmm... No.")

Finnish Jason was talking in his sleep last night in Finnish. Or it could have been Irish Niall. Either way I thought it was kinda cool.

Tomorrow I've got an 1850 Isreali, hopefully ill play better and write a funny / more upbeat post tomorrow.

Last 2 Days of Iceland

Golden Circle Tour

Yesterday I went on the Golden Circle tour. I woke up and got ready at half 7 (8) and was picked up at half past. First stop was the bus station, to make sure everyone was on the right buses. I wasnt. I wasnt even going with that company! After some confusion and a few phone calls I was picked up again, and blamed the whole mishap on the previous driver.

The tour bus was small, with nine other people going on the trip. We started off and the guide introduced himself. I'm not going to name him because he was a bit shit, his tone and lack of enthusiasm would have been more suited for a bingo hall, however he did make a few jokes. ("As we pass a mountain with rocks falling down, you will see house. Would you build house there?")

Our first stop was a small nameless town, that used to be quite popular until an earthquake in 2008 split the place in half! Instead of filling in the crack they've put a big glass floor over it, so you can walk over it and look down - Exactly like the scene on demolition man.

Next we stopped at a huge crater, which was nice.

Then a small waterfall. It was quite lovely, the weather was holding out and we had some Jamaicans with the group that cracked me up. Their accent and the way they laugh is just brilliant. 

Then Gullfoss! The mightiest waterfall in the world! It's massive, and you can walk right alongside it. You can actually feel the power of the water as the spray soaks you, it was really quite amazing. The bus driver was quite witty, we got along well, he told the group that the vikings used to take slaves from Scotland. I wanted to jest about the irony of him driving me around for the day, but didn't feel comfortable at all with the slave chat in front of the Jamaicans.

Onto the Geyser Geysir, which was actually really cool. Took a little video, Im going to edit it when I get home and then post it on here. One of the geysers erupted every four minutes. 

Finally we went to the National Park. originally I thought this would be the lamest part of the trip, but the place is absolutely spectacular. The driver walked us through it, telling us of the history as we went. It was incredible. The midge's and mosquitoes really enjoyed it too, as thousands of them followed our group biting us.

Then we drove home. The tour lasted about eight hours, and I'd highly recommend it to all four of you that read my blog ("Hi mum!").

Pictures will be uploaded when I get home - the internet is chucking at the moment.

Final Day

So that brings us to today. I'll hand you over to Jerry for his final thought. The chess was amazing, I could have played better but the experience, especially beating a GM, is truly what will make me a better player. Iceland itself is a beautiful country with a bunch of lovely inhabitants. Ill end this exciting adventure with a quote from the German bible. 

"Und als sie ihn sahen, fielen sie vor ihm nieder; einige aber zweifelten."

"Become a Grandmaster, or die trying."

Tag Eins und Drei (Days one and two.)

Competition Day 1:

Woke up about 8 o'clock to a random old man storming into our room demanding the window needed a curtain. He wasnt wearing a viking hat. Fell back asleep.

Woke up around 12 o'clock. Jested with the Germans about how terrible my German is, and how I'll need to get better by the time they leave. Walked around the city for a few hours, gettting my bearings and groceries. Went to find the playing hall, found it, and played against a 1387 Junior. I'd put the game here, but i dont know how to do that yet.

Who doesn't like Smjorvi on their sandwhiches?!

Asked the friendly German's im kipping with if they liked Rammstein. "Nein."

Asked them if they liked David Hasselhoff "JA! HES A LEGEND! Even though hes about 100 years old he is still best looking man around!". Rolled over and went to sleep.

Competition Day 2:

I was paired against GM Hedinn Steingrimsson (2558). I'll get the game here once i work out how to do it. Was an awesome game, I completely messed up the opening, yet managed to flag him in a time scramble!

With each tournament, my dream of becoming Mael Goe draws nearer!

Was far too excited to play the game in the afternoon. Lost to IM Gudmundur Kjartansson in 2 moves. Once i work out how to post games... I wont post it. 

Iceland is awesome, the people are really lovely, and its got a special feel to it, kinda like Hogsmeade.