For me, the last few weeks have been delivered quite a few unexpected or unwelcome events; and a few nice surprises. The weather for one. Snow forced Heathrow (and CDG) to close down, leading to transport chaos across the UK and disruption for thousands. I arrived back from the US two days after I set out and got to Brussels a week later than planned. 

When I did make it to Brussels on Tuesday, I ended up at an impromptu late dinner with two gents (one from Cisco) and the triumvirate went on to come up with the new Lisbon Strategy (a simple ten-point plan to get Europe out of the financial crisis) over Sancerre and carpaccio. Fuel for the soul. We are now starting a movement that is reminiscent of student activism. Watch this space.

Given the news of record decline in the Eurozone I guess something radical is required. Today’s Telegraph also had an interesting analysis.

Being fiscally responsible myself, I flew to Brussels again today [Sunday – missing the rugby] as the flights on Monday were extortionate (same fare would get me to San Fran).

On Monday we meet EBAN folks, Tuesday morning an early session with MEPs at the European Parliament (with SME Union) followed by a meeting with EVCA and on Wednesday a workshop with some cool [Web 3.0] start-ups seeking investment, organised by Europe Unlimited. Should be fun. If I can understand all that semantic web stuff.

My colleague heads off to Minsk to launch BizSpark in Belarus. I send him to all the best places. Others are busy planning the next Innovation Day here in a few weeks.

Last Saturday, I watched Ireland beat France in the Six Nations championship. Who would have forecast that after six years humiliating defeat? Well, not me for one. I heard the French team were kept on the plane on the tarmac for hours at Dublin airport before they could disembark for training at Croke Park. Perhaps this aided our victory.

I have learned to hope but not expect where our national side is concerned (and the male of the species). Ireland went on to notch up a great score against Italy today (after what must have been a telling off in the dressing room at half time).….my uncle keeping me up to date by text from Rome.

Allez les vertes! While there no certainties in this life (and this week has certainly proved the notion) there are also some pleasant surprises and – despite the widespread doom and gloom - we continue to make great headway. Professionally and on the rugby pitch at least. Let’s hope the forecast is for more sunshine and temperate days as we approach Spring. Forever the optimist. I’m off for more Sancerre and carpaccio. Salut.