The one thing I manage to consume everywhere on my travels, regardless of timezone or climate, is the FT. These days it is full of desperate tales of economic decline, of course. Along with every other quality publication, every television channel and every outpost of communication from Beijing to Bognor. Thank goodness they managed to find a picture of some European leaders smiling this week.

There is no hiding from it. The message is clear. We are all doomed. Allegedly. One of the best commentaries I have read is in today's Times.

The most ironic conversation with the financial services sector for me this week has to be with a fine representative from one of the largest, wealthiest (once) Swiss investment banking institutions who, in the throes of our discussion about partnership on start-ups and Entrepreneurship, seemed terribly distracted and asked me if we had any jobs going. Back in London on Thursday, my meetings with Sir Stephen Wright from IFSL and with HSBC were a little more rewarding. Neither of them asked me for a job.

With a good coffee and a little sunshine to accompany it, I read through the San Francisco Chronicle last week, learning more about the Obama and McCain campaigns. Our VC Summit in Silicon Valley went well. We hosted visitors from US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Sweden, China, Russia and Ukraine. SteveB was in fine form. He has incredible energy. Mine was eroded somewhat with all the plane hopping so I was not able to run across the Golden Gate bridge with my German colleague. Hit the shoe dept at Barney's instead.

The week before, on an incredibly brief pitstop, I managed to soak up a little of the atmosphere while in Beirut and sample the festivities one evening around Iftar - the breaking of the fast at sunset, during Ramadan. Those guys sure know how to party. And eat. I love the vibe in Beirut. A wonderful city. Munich was not so exciting for me as I was perpetually tired and the hotel had a rubbish gym (one treadmill in a room the size of a stamp - do not stay at the Sheraton Munich Airport if you need the treadmill). I also had to decline the beer during Oktoberfest. Its hard being virtuous sometimes. But I reckon it suits me.

From San Fran to Oslo for a team meeting and, again, not much sleep or running. Back in the UK before taking off to Brussels tomorrow, I escaped into updates on the cabinet reshuffle and Mande's return. Hidden gem from Janice Turner. I also managed to run 16.5 miles. Not sure I am really ready to do 26.2, but will give it a go. Still fundraising by the way!

Thankfully everyone I work with is buzzing with the sense of potential and building up to the launch of some very exciting programs in a months time. Credit crunch? What credit crunch.