Welcome!

Launch of Rice 'n' Beans website

2009-10-23T09:02:00.003-02:00

The Rice 'n' Beans website was launched this week - www.ricenbeans.info - with tracks from the CD, videos, news, guestbook etc. Please visit and take a look - and let me know if you want a copy of the CD

Off to play in the world cup

2009-09-21T21:29:00.004-03:00

I’m off tomorrow evening to go to the USA for the first time in my life, to play darts for Brazil at the World Cup in Charlotte, North Carolina. The tournament is from Thursday 24th to Saturday 26th Sep.

If anyone wants to see my pic in the team, the draw for the different categories (team event, doubles, individual,..) or keep track of the results etc, here is the website www.worldcupdarts2009.com/participants/brazil

We’ve had a tough draw in the Mens team category, in our group is Holland (current world champions), Canada (also strong) and Belgium. Only 2 teams will go though the next stage. Oh well, we have nothing to lose and who knows we can pull off some surprise legs..

CD Now Out!

2009-09-10T08:35:00.003-03:00

New Rice 'n' Beans song(s)...

2009-08-08T18:46:00.001-03:00

The Latest Rice 'n' Beans song has just gone up on YouTube: Borderline Hope you enjoy it.. if you do, please post a comment there!

If you want to see more of our new songs, visit our YouTube Channel at www.ricenbeans.info The Rice ‘n’ Beans CD is at the factory and the CDs should be arriving in Rio in about 15 days time…. It’s a limited edition, so if you want to reserve one, let me know

(sorry for no news updates since January) - will try to post some news and pics up soon..

Bruges - city break

2009-01-23T19:44:00.003-02:00

We had a lovely mini-break in Bruges...

click here or on the photo to see the snaps

Quantock winter ramble

2009-01-04T12:31:00.007-02:00

Join me and Andrew on this beautiful, cold but sunny, 17-mile ramble across the Quantock Hills - following the McMillan Way and the Samaritan Way.

Click here or any of the photos above to see all the photos

It's all gone crazy!

2009-01-02T14:07:00.006-02:00

Happy new year to all friends & family. We're currently enjoying a 'summer' break in the UK before returning to Rio at the end of January. I'll be at the BETT exhibition in London from 14-17th January, helping out on the EPICT stand. So if you are visiting the exhibition, do drop in and say hi.

Watch out for the Rice 'n' Beans CD which we finished recording in November and should be available sometime in March - watch out for the launch gigs in Rio. For YouTube previews of the songs visit us on ricenbeans.info

In the meantime, best wishes for 2009,sit back and enjoy my latest musical number (watch out for the acoustsic feedback at the end) ...

Darts, music & cooking!

2008-10-19T01:20:00.004-02:00

The last 6 months have flown by since my last post. So here's a brief recap on our news: In July, I went to Trinidad & Tobago to play darts for Brazil in the Caribbean Cup. The team didn't do too well, but it was a great experience. Now I'm practicing more than ever at home, in the hope of qualifying for the team in next year's World Cup. Dina's nearing the end of her culinary and gastronomy degree. I've been the principal beneficiary as I have taken on the chief taster role. I've just spent all afternoons last week in the recording studio, as Mark & I have been recording Rice 'n' Beans music for a CD. We managed 9 tracks. 5 to go. If you haven't yet heard our music, check out www.youtube.com/ricenbeansrio

More Rice 'n' Beans

2008-04-28T19:55:00.004-03:00

We're now up to 12 new songs on YouTube as Rice 'n' Beans. Enough for a CD and we plan to record this year. Hoping for a recording contract, but if not we'll go independent.

Either look for us at on YouTube under Rice 'n' Beans at ricenbeansrio or click on the following player.

Lots happened since the last posting, but I think the music written in the last few months says it all. I'd prefer you listen to that than be distracted by news and photos. Will put some up soon.

Rice 'n' Beans

2007-11-18T12:24:00.000-02:00

Here's my latest song - Blinking of an Eye - in fact its the joint creation by the recently-formed Rice 'n' Beans. Hope you like it. If you want to see more songs from us, click on Music - or visit our YouTube channel directly: www.youtube.com/ricenbeansrio

World Cup Darts & Amsterdam

2007-11-15T09:16:00.000-02:00

Well, it was a great experience! despite disapointments regarding transport & accomodation, the tournament was well organised and it was good to play against players from all over the world. Unfortunately we lost all our team matches and nearly all went out in the first round of the singles. Enzo (the hair) got to the quarter finals of the junior singles, losing to the eventual champion from Hungary. Here we are...

In the team phase we lost to Italy, South Africa, Malaysia & Canada - though we did manage to win some legs. Here is one of the 4 or5 legs I managed to win, this was in the opening leg against the Canada no 2 - (we went on to lose 9-2!)...

Dina & I had a great few days in Amsterdam before the tournament, and again a couple afterwards. Will put some more photos in the photo section soon.

And here is our video from our boat trip round the canals. Enjoy!

Off to Holland to play darts for Brazil

2007-09-15T17:04:00.001-03:00

I have been called up to play darts for Brazil in the World Cup in Holland, Oct 11-14. I was first reserve after coming 5th in the Brazilian cup in April, and one of the team pulled out last week through injury, so I'm now in! You can check out the draw on http://dartswdf.com/aa_darts/index.html Looks like I've avoided meeting World Champion Martin Adams in the early rounds! Phew!

A July to remember

2007-08-04T17:38:00.000-03:00

Life has quickly returned back to normal after a packed July holiday that was 3 trips in one. Firstly there was a short trip to Somerset including my graduation of MEd in ICT in Education (with Distinction) at Exeter University.

It was really great to meet Penni (my tutor), Leah (Colleague, also graduating) and the others graduating who I had only studied with 'virtually'. It was also great to have Dina, mum, dad and Mike there with me to share the day.
The next day we flew back to Rio to meet Carol, Graham & Jonny, and within a couple of days we were on the beautiful island of Fernando de Noronha, off the NE coast. A preserved island, that limits the number of visitor and so it is easy to find a beach with nobody else on it.
Then, after a couple of days back in Rio, we were off again, this time spend time with the alligators and Toucans in the Pantanal in Eastern Brazil and on to some adventure sports in Bonito.

So, after lots of trips, book reading, games of cards (Jonny, I think the final points tally at switch, was: Dina 22, Carol 12, Graham 14, Peter 15 and Jonny 9.5).

Now its back to the normal school routine, but a lot of happy memories remain - and photos too. You can see more photos of these trips in the Photos section

Horseriding and walking

2006-12-03T19:38:00.000-02:00

Despite a busy few months for both of us with our studies, we have managed 2 short weekends away to the countriside for horseriding and walking. Well, Dina learning to ride and me exploring the countrised on foot. Beautiful surroundings and great to get away from everything. Take a look at all the photos!

Now back to the end of term stress for us both. Since Dina stopped working for Varig because of the July crisis, she has started a culinary course at University. And I'm in the final throes of my Masters course. And only 3 weeks to go till Chrismas!

July Trip to UK and Czech Republic

2006-08-03T13:50:00.000-03:00

Dina and I had a great trip in July to England and the Czech Republic, spending time with many family and friends. I won't bore you with all the details, but if you want to see the photos and therefore get the jist of what we did, go to the photos section. Strangely, all the time we were away from Rio we were in 30deg heat. It was nice to get back to the cool 20s of the Rio winter!

Pantanal trip

2006-06-04T16:56:00.000-03:00

Sorry I've been inactive on the news front lately. Busy with school and conferences in Rio and Colombia, darts torunaments and Masters study. Just been to the Pantanal again on a school trip with 71 students.

Check out the trip blog... www.pantanal06.blogspot.com

You will see great photos and stories from the trip.

Here are a few more for a taster.... (all shot by Mr. Hughes with his big telephoto lens)

2006-01-16T06:17:00.000-02:00

After a return of some back pains in December, I delayed going to the UK till after christmas, spending it with Dina and the cats. Daily exercises and swim at the Sedgemoor Splash have driven the back pains away.

To continue the good progress, I decided to spend the holiday in the uk with my parents here in Someret. It has been good to have so much time with them. I have also been practising my darts down the local bar at Combwich.

After a few days in Glasgow, where I will attend a course and visit relatives, I return to Rio at the end of January.

Photos from July trips

2005-10-23T12:25:00.000-02:00

Hi - some photos from my travels with Stephen in Argentina and NE Brazil in July are in the photos section. More news and photos to follow very soon in this blog...

Back in Rio

2005-07-14T17:30:00.000-03:00

Having a coconut water after an afternoon at the beach in Barra with Stephen. Sending this directly from my mobile phone..

--
Enviado desde mi comunicador Treo

Bariloche, Argentina

2005-07-06T20:29:00.000-03:00

Stephen (my nephew) and I are enjoying a week in Bariloche, Argentina..on the school Spanish trip. Various activities inc. a couple of days skiing.. Will put some photos in the photo section soon - but heres one to give you an idea of the place (Stephen took this from the plane as we left)...

The Importance of Being Earnest

2005-06-12T22:47:00.000-03:00

If you are in Rio on 22-24th June, then please come along and see me performing in this classic Oscar Wylde comedy. You can get tickets from me or reserve them via the info below. Hope you can come along to support me..

Back from the Pantanal

2005-06-04T18:19:00.000-03:00

Now resting this weekend after a tiring, yet action-packed week in the Pantanal. There are more photos in the photos section...

and yes, before you ask, I did take this photo...

Chelsea, Darts and a play...

2005-05-18T16:42:00.000-03:00

Thanks to all who left messages in the Guest book – I’m glad you enjoyed my site and the music!

I won’t gloat (much) about Chelsea - just wish I was in London this weekend for the parade, instead of the other side of the world. Hope it wont be another 50 years!

Dina and I just smoked a Havana cigar from Cuba - the first since my holiday there. It went well with a glass of whisky. Still 22 left in the box, which any visitors here are welcome to share. I don’t think one every 5 months represents too much of a health risk, does it?

I’ll be on my travels next week (27th May- 2nd June)- off to the Pantanal (biggest swampland in the world) - for a week with Alligators, Jaguars and senior-school children (guess which type of animal is the worst!!)

Darts has been my new hobby this year – after retiring from all impact sports due to back constraints (football, tennis, table-tennis, running,.,..). After enjoyable trips to Brasilia and São Paulo for the respective Open tournaments, I was unlucky in the Rio Darts Open last weekend - going out of the group phase despite winning 2 out of the 3 games on the Saturday. I lost on 'leg-difference' (?) and the person who beat me went on to the be the runner up. Did better on the Sunday, progressing through the group phase, but didn’t play well and lost in the next round. So I slipped to 26 in the national rankings and failed to make the cut for the Brazilian championship (top 24) - but still a chance of qualifying through the Carioca championship (3 monthly rounds left).

Dina is well and has had a few days off around the house as one flight was cancelled - our first weekend together for a few months! The cats are well and full of mischief and the fish have stopped dying and the new ones (larger, Japanese variety) are doing well. At least if they do start dying again we will economise on the cat food! (he he).

Well, back to lines-learning for the Oscar Wylde play in late-June (the Importance of being Earnest) - I'm Jack (ironic isn’t it? My father’s name is Jack - I've finally discovered the vital importance of being Jack!).

Happy 80th Birthday, Dad!

2005-04-06T10:01:00.000-03:00

Happy 80th birthday to dad. Sorry we can't be there to celebrate with you. Hope you like the digital photo album. All the 'memory lane' photos can also be seen here in the photos section of the site.

Cuba and court case

2005-02-04T16:45:00.000-02:00

The summer holiday is drawing to a close and I am taking this last week (Carnival week) to rest and catch up with those things that always get left undone. Christmas and New Year with family in Somerset was a good time, though it was a pity that Dina couldn’t have joined us. For family snaps or countryside images, see the photos section of www.peternapthine.com.

The planned 2 weeks in Cuba was reduced to 10 days due to a 2-day delay in getting there, being stuck in Paris airport (one of the drawbacks of travelling standby– can’t have it both ways!). However the holiday and the Spanish course were very good. Radek was in good form and we managed a 3-day trip away from Havana in a jeep to the south coast.
enjoying a 'bucaneer' beer

Again, you can find snaps and images form the trip in the photos section of my website.

Some good news and bad news: the good news is that Dina has had her work-base moved back to Rio at long last, so less of the hotel stopovers in SP that were often required for early starts or late returns, and no more of the long trek to SP to start work! The bad news is that the judge threw out our case against the furniture company in the final hearing, saying that there was no evidence that the umbrella company had any involvement/responsibility regarding the contract – it took them to call the administrator in as a witness to swear that she did not offer us credit or other people furniture (like she did!) to help convince the judge. Justice here seems to lie on the side of the big companies and not the consumer (surprise, surprise!).

therapy and the favela

2004-12-04T16:48:00.000-02:00

Well, where have the last 2 months gone? I’ve been busy with schoolwork and study, Watching Chelsea victories live on Brazilian TV, and continuing almost daily physio, hydro or RPG physiotherapy sessions, … My back is ever so much better – but I am retired from any impact sports! Dina has been busy flying all over South America. We have bought a large aquarium and several tropical fish – so our family is extending all the time – now 3 cats and 7 fish!

This year I have been teaching children computer skills in a local favela day-care centre, along with other volunteers from the school. The children are lovely and it’s a caring project. If anyone is interested in knowing more about this project or our work, then get in touch – leave a message in the guestbook and I will be in touch.

I will be at home in Somerset for xmas and new year, the will be visiting Cuba for 2 weeks with Radek. We will do a week-ling intensive Spanish course (my developing 3rd language!)… Unfortunately Dina cannot join me on either trip, but we are hoping that she can next Xmas. From 25th Jan to 13th Feb I shall be in Rio. So if anyone wants a hot, Rio summer holiday including Carnival, come and join us here!

Study and a break

2004-10-04T16:49:00.000-03:00

The start of this month was busy with studying as I was trying to complete my first Master assignment. I managed to do this on time and personally deliver it to Exeter University while home for a short (but great) restful week in Somerset with Mum & Dad. Glen came down to join us for a couple of days.

Lima

2004-09-04T16:50:00.000-03:00

I was fortunate enough to have another short trip to Lima in the middle of this month, this time with 2 colleagues, visiting 3 schools to look at their use of ICT. This time we had 1 day on the Saturday to have a look round Lima – visited an ancient Inca settlement 20km south of Lima. I’ll put some photos in the photos section.

Dina in the NE Brazil, me in Lima

2004-08-04T16:51:00.000-03:00

Dina spent 10 days in the North East of Brazil with Michele and friends. She visited Porto de Galinhas and the beautiful Fernanda de Noronha. I had a week in Lima as part of a team reviewing a school there – a busy week, which left no time to see any of Lima. I continued to have physio and hydro therapy and continue to make good progress following the back operation.

Back surgery and Dina in the UK

2004-07-31T16:53:00.000-03:00

I underwent more back surgery on the 1st July, another herniated disk. Everything went well and I have recovered to good health, with lots of rest and then physiotherapy during the July break. Unfortunately, I couldn’t go to England as planned with Dina, but she still went and had a week Somerset and a week in Cornwall with Mum and Dad. Mike and Glen joined them for a few days. Dina was able to go to the 25th Wedding anniversary celebration of Philip and Colette Jordan.