Don’t really know what to do next with myself :(

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So I’ve been thinking long and hard what should be my next carear step, and I honestly have no Idea 😦

This looka like a simple question – “What to do next with my life?” – but answer is very far from simple……

I’ve been working in hospitality for nearly 15 years now lately every day when I wake up I’m just not excited to go to work anymore. Somehow routine and boredom got into me. It could be as well that the whole industry have changed (not only during covid). People got more and more mean, they think of themselves more and more entitled to things. and that reflects restaurant and whole hospitality industry. It is Incredibly difcult to host someone who thinks they are entitled to everything, they want everything, and servers are more of a slaves rather than “servers”. It could be only in my part of the world but I strongly doubt that it is.

At least now I’ve managed to secure myself a job where I work roughly 40hrs a week which gives me quite a lot of free time. So far I was filling that free time with resting, motorcycle ride and looking for my inner peace and mindfulness 🙂

In the meantime I started learning a bit of YouTube creation and looking into website development – so far through WordPress only but I’m seariously thinking of starting HTML5 & JSS Courses. I dodn’t know.

From one side it feels boring – sitting in front of a computer, clicking away all day, mostly without contact with people …… (sometimes this feels like a huge plus :)) I’m not used to this at all, always working beetwen people, meeting new characters every day.

But on the other side it feels exciting as I will be “creating” new things. Even if it is a simple web page, full site or you tube channel it feels pretty good knowing that it will be out there for people to enjoy (or not) and it will be my creation.

I actually think that 15 years experiance from hospitality can be usefull as I’ve seen A Lot of people behaviours and different patterns. collected lots of opinions on a lot of useless staff so optimizing any kind of user interface might be easier now 🙂

And Biggest plus of it all is that it feels like this is sort of future proof skill at least for next decade.

Any how. WIll see in few months If I manage to stick to those goals. For now plan is to start learning and maybe secure part time internship somehwere by mid summer – It will be weird to be intern at nearly 40 years old but who cares 🙂

Till next time……….

Finaly got a new Bike :D

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It finally happened. I got a new bike :D. It has been couple of months since I sold my Suzuki GS500 and even that it is winter and not the best riding weather the I missed riding a lot.  

Exactly why I sold the Suzuki I’ll share soon in separate review post. 

But let’s get to it. My new bike is…..

2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan (EURO 5) 

When I first saw it 🙂
Out in the wild
Beutiful Rock Red Himi 😀

Initially I couldn’t decide on exactly which bike I want. And I know I wanted somethign different at first.

In the end I started looking on the bikes from Light/Mid range of Adventure bikes and choice was tough. Between the established brands of Kawasaki and BMW there was a new one of VOGE. Initially I wasn’t even considering the Royal Enfield. Not sure why… I think mainly as I never came across one in real life. Wasn’t even aware that they have something in the Adventure bike category. I actually went to see the Benelli bikes and as it turned out same dealer was selling Royal Enfield bikes too. And there it was. Rock Red 2021 Himalayan EURO 5. I immediately loved how it looked, and when I got on it, it just felt right. It felt like my bike. And the price was amazing. Only 6,000.00 euro for almost fully equipped bike. Navigation display, center stand, bash plate, bag holders. 3 years or 30,000 km warranty. It sounded almost perfect.  

Trying not to rush things and avoiding impulse buying I left the dealer to do some research. I compared it with BMW GS310, Kawasaki Versys 300 and Honda 500X. 

All the bikes had pluses and minuses. I actually test rode the Honda and BMW and don’t get me wrong. They felt like good bikes actually with more power and more modern looks they just didn’t feel like “my” bikes. Somehow I preferred the “tractor” like engine and the old looks. 

Online reviews were mixed with some build quality issues, relay problems and occasional suspension getting stuck. But number of positive reviews was astonishing. People just love this bike. Not only in India but it already has cult following in Europe with owner clubs and groups popping in everywhere. 

So I did went and bought it. It’s been only couple of weeks and 300km so far and the bike feels amazing. No major issues (apart of occasional stalling during first 100km) and I am extremely happy with my choice. 

For now You can see couple of my videos on the bike below. I will try to post full review soon. 

See You all next time 🙂

Something Different today – a review :)

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So since I haven’t been writing for a while I thought I will start my comeback with something new. Something which I have not done before – a review 🙂

My First bike in Malta – Yamaha YBR 125 2016

I bought this bike from local dealer new and owned it for about a year making it my proper first bike in Malta (story of Hyosung Aquila will be told another time :).

As a first bike it was perfect in my opinion. Very easy to handle in Maltese traffic (almost constant city like traffic). Light, agile and small made it very easy to gain confidence in lane filtering and squeezing in between cars. No ABS could have been an issue and it did put me in trouble couple of times including a small accident which was ny fault. But in the end without it I gained better habits when it comes to breaking, now on bigger bike (with ABS) I still instinctively use progressive breaking and pulse breaking techniques.

Being it so light made it easy to pick up after a drop – and I had few 🙂 – and to learn how to handle the bike while stationary. 

Another huge plus of the bike that it was dirt cheap. Not only to buy but to run, maintain and to fix what I broke when I drop it. After my small accident when I had to fix from break lever and windshield the bill came less than 120euro. If you add to it that it used barely any petrol, needed service every 10000km, never used any oil and never gave me any issue it is in my opinion perfect daily runner. Especially that at the time when I bought it It was possible to buy it for equivalent of 2.5 monthly minimum wage salaries. – affordable to anyone really. 

So why did I sold it?? As long as the bike is great as a commuter its lack of power, slim tires, and not most comfortable seat make it horrible on longer rides. I felt like I was ready for a bigger bike, wanted to go further, longer and to places where YBR couldn’t or didn’t feel comfortable going….. and I laid my eyes on my next bike …. The BMW G650GS…..:) 

Still It was a real pleasure to own it, ride it and most important to gain rider confidence thanks to it.

We can finish with some quick specs:

  • This is a relatively small bike. Bit under 2m (1985cm) in length and a bit over 1m (1080cm) in height. Fully loaded with petrol it weights only 126kg which makes it very easy to handle for pretty much anyone. 
  • It is powered by 124ccm Single cylinder fuel injected petrol engine which manages whole 10.1 HP (7.3kW), There is no real point talking about torque or any in depth details of such small engine.
  • It has electric starter without any kickstart option and basic analogue instrument panel with RPM meter and fuel indicator (not very accurate I might add) 
  • Engine delivers its power through 5 speed gearbox and chain drive. 
  • When it comes to suspensions it is again very simple construction with telescopic forks up front with 120mm travel (4.7inch) and single swing arm with 105cm travel (4.1 inch) 
  • Breaks are small but adequate to the size and the power of the bike. Front uses single 245mm disc and back 130mm drum. 2017 model I owned did not had ABS however from what I remember that was an option for an additional cost. 
  • To finish the specs it is worth mentioning that bike has relatively comfortable dual seat with a small luggage rack and passenger grab rails. 

Below you can find few of my riding videos including small accident 😦

Hope you like the content enough to give it thoumbs up 🙂

Do I really need a purpose in life?????

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So I got think today. Do I really need a purpose in life???

I mean what that really mean. Do I need this for my daily existance?? Will I be less of a human without a purpose??

I can still go through every day without one. So far I managed 37 years of my life without beeing passionate about anything. Without any clear purpose in life. And I think I am pretty happy. I guess.

What does i really mean – purpose. I do not serve any greater higher power. So as long as I’m happy with myself I’m ok right?

I don’t need anyones approval that I am happy.

I am happy….. I think……

I go through my life day by day…… I wake up, I asses my previous day and I try for this day to be better than yesterday. Not for anybody else, not for society. I do it for me and for me only.

I know it sounds selfish but who gives a rat’s ass. I do live my own life and I do everything to make myself happy. Isn’t that the main goal of our lives. To be and to be happy – whatever makes us happy??

But if I had to have a purpose ?? What would it be…………….

Yamaha YBR125 2016 – Owners Review

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Since I’m still not sure what Mr. Brain Echo should be all about I though I’ll do a small review on one of the bikes I owned previously.

Let me introduce 2016 Yamaha YBR125 🙂

Yamaha YBR125 2016

I bought this bike as my second bike right after passing my bike license (Story of first bike will follow soon…) in August 2016.
Brand bew from the dealer at this time costed me €2100 euro including all registration fees.
It was an amazing feeling getting a brand new bike for this price. Any way. Let’s start with the Review:

General Description and Specs:

  • Singe cilinder 124cc, fuel injected four stroke engine producing approx 10Hp.
  • Bike had no ABS with single disc break at the front and drum break at the back
  • For suspension two telescopic forks in the front and swing arm at the back
  • 13L tank with Fuel level indicator on the dash
  • Simple Dash with classic Analog Speed Indicator and Rev Counter. No Gear indicator or any additional functiones.

User Review:

This is was an amazing “first” bike to own. I need to admit that thanks to owning it now I prefer motorcycles ower any form of transportation.

Ride quality and ride feel is decent. Clutch is super light, engine rev’s easy and general feel to the bike is “easy to use”. Another thing is that this was increadibly forgiwing bike. With such a small engine and simple features there wasn’t much I could have done to put myself in danger “unless it was reckless from my side”. It is impossible almost to loose control by over revving or wrong downshit. On the other hand this did helped me develop better rider skills. Controlling the throtlle, correct breaking habbits, manouvering in tight spaces. All came easy with it as you CANNOT over do it. and even when you crash – as I did – see video below 🙂 it haoends mostly on low speads and it carries much less consequences.

Suspenssion proved ok. Nothing out of this world but good enough to keep tires attached to the road most times. Adjustable preload at the back was helpfull since I was a bit heavier at that time. Setting it on harder setting helped soak the potholls in Maltese roads a bit better.

Maintenance costs over the year of ownership were minimal. It costed me nothing to be honest. First and second service were covered with the warranty and purchase cost so no worries there. First oil change came after 1000km with second bigger service done at 7000km witch checks on the breakes, chain, suspension and general view.

Using it in the city was a blast as well. Bike is very nimble and easy to manouver almost like driving a scooter. As long as you pay attention to your surrounding and remember you have no ABS you’re fine. Lack of ABS was my main issue with the bike. Especially as new rider without much experiance emergency breaking is always challange. It takes time and practice to develop proper breaking habits. On the bright side after a year of driving without ABS and paying attention how I break now I feel much safer on the road even with current ABS equipped bike.

Fuel consumption from what I remember was minimal as well. I used to put €10 every 2 weeks which was giving me If i rememebr well about 300 – 320 km on a full tank which is decent result.

To summary – bike is a great starter and much better than a scooter. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who want’s to go on a long trips or even highway trips for that matter. But in the city Enviroment – it does the job.

Hope you enjoyed this short review. …..

Getting a new Motorcycle

Mr. Brain Echo 1 Comment

I think it’s time. Time to say by to my current bike and change it for something newer.

My beloved Suzuki GS550 – 2004 will look now for a new owner. We had a lot of amazing adventures over the past 2 years but it’s time to say bye 😦

It started to require a bit of extra work, supsension needs a rebuid, carborator could use a tune and some extra work here and there will be needed.

The issue is that without a garage it doesn’t really make sense for me to do it. I cannot do it myself and Suzuki Garage here in Malta is just a dissaster. I was trying ot make an appointemnt to take care of those things twice but so far – appointment is made – and than nothing happends, no parts, no technician. just crappy service.

So I think it’s better if she finds a new home…… and I’m thinking of ……

Choice went to VOGE 300DS or 300AC – 2021 models – They’re cheap and I like how they look.

I’m going to test drive it on Wednesday and maybe do a part exchange on the suzuki with a dealer.

The thing is that if all goes well with goverment grants I can have this one for less than 2000 euro which is a bargain.

I know it is a new brand, Chinease motorcycle and so on. However Loncin brand has good history and experiance making quality engines. In the end they produced BMW Motorcycle engines for few decades.

It might lack power with only 28Hp but do I reallly need more here in Malta. I don’t really think so.

All other bits and pieces looks relativelly impresive to. WIth NISIN Breakes, BOSH Electronics KBY susspension, LED Lights, LCD screen, USB Port and few more. Could it really be a Bargain I’m looking for?

I’m really tempted to switch to on of those bikes. Leaning more over 300DS than AC but will see after test drive.
I’m just hoping the 28Hp will not feeel underpowered. Especially in the long trip. I know this won’t fly in the highway but as long as It’s relativelly comfortable I should be fine. Could be a good start.

Let’s see what happends and I will keep you all posted.

P.S. – quick follow up – I went with something different 🙂

You can check it out here

Hospitality has changed…. and kids restaurants are the worst right now.

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Ohhhh boy. Where do I even begin. I have so much anger and dissapointment inside of me at the moement that I’m affraid I will simply explode one day. Right in front of all the restaurant guests. I don’t remember when I was so stress at work.

People used to be nice you know.

When they were coming to eat to the restaurant – it was like – “I am a guest in somebodys place. So I will behave like I’m a guest. I will respect the rules of the establishment and beheave my best.” And Now……. “I’ making you a favour that I choose your restaurant over hundreds of others. So you better be extra nice, take the abuse and ideally gie me staff for free… If not I’m gonna make up a fake story or unload my frustration on some review website where other people will see me like a hero.

That’s pretty mch summarizes all the current guests attitude. You cannot talk to people any more. It’s near impossible. Almost everyone seems to be so self centred and “entitled” that normal treatmant of service staff does not exist anymore. Everyone wants everything now and in the way they want it. Doesn’t matter what’s on offer. Change it. Modify. Do everything to please me and keep me happy or I’m gonna unload ALL my frustrations on you. In the end you are in a service. so you’re here to serve – (BTW – that’s what I was recently told by one nasty 16th year old”) – just amazing

Yes. I do work in the restaurant. And lately it seems in the worst kind of a restaurant. CHILD ORIENTED restaurant.
Whoever works in the kids restaurants knows what I’m talking about. But it has been a nightmare. People just come over, bring their kids and expect that we will take care of them while they drink their Pinot Grigios and epensive cocktails. The thing is that we do not even have a play ground. so kids cannot safely play anywhere or be supervised by a at least semiproffesional for that matter.
So what happens? Kids end up runnig and screaming all over the restaurant for most of the days with parents not giving even half a f**k. Which is ridiculous. We are not a olay ground!!. We are a restaurant which just happends to be themed for children. We still carry trays full of hot food and hot beverages. I’m geniuinly surprised that no kid got hurt yet. I know this is only thanks to my staff who is extra vigilant.

And parents……. Where do I start on those……. Honestly I do not know why most of them even have kids. If they look after them at home in the same way as they do after them in the restaurant we are into horrible future. We will end up with spoiled brats who just scream for attention as all the parrents are to busy begging for attention themselves, constantly posting on Facebook, Instagram or even making “cute, short Tik Tok Videos” how great parents they are for taking their kids to this amazing restaurant.
Honestly it makes me vomit how fake and pretencius this is,

I’ll better stop as this short post will turn into a long rant about how sociaety is going down the drain.

P.S – Big kudos to the girls from Starbucks who posted her rant about all of this on Tik Tok 🙂 – keep strong girl.

Brain Explodes – Let’s Continue

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I had been away from here for soooooo long that I’ve nearly forgotten about existance of my own blog.
It was supposed to be easy way to release overspill of my thoughts.
Lately I’ve been so busy that I was coming up with constant excuses not to write. I wanted to during the day and than after work….. puff. All energy gone….. couldn’t get myself to write.

Don’t get me wrong – I am not a writer. My profesion is so far from writiting anything (as you can probably see through my grammar :)) Writing is not essential to my day to day existance. Maybe that’s why it is so difficult to write.. 🤔 Who knows.

I think that in the end writing does help me release mental preasure so I will try to continiue.

So what had been bothering me lately???? …… In short – A LOT….. especially carrear wise.

I just managed to open succesfully huge restaurant project. We’ve been operating for over 6 weeks now. reviews are coming in – they not perfect but overall experiance is very positive. Considering the situation I managed to gather very good team of service staff. They all hard working and eager to learn. All procedures in the restaurant are falling slowly in to place, and yet……….. I’m extramely unhappy with the result…… or with the job itself. Hard to say.

It could be as well that I’mm tired of people. Oh and I’m so tired of people. All the guests coming in seem so spoiled. Thinking that they its their god given right to treat service staff like servants and the place like they own it.
Every second complaint it’s so baseless that this would have been unthinkable 20 years ago. On top of that all the threats of – “I will post bed review on all platforms” it’s been ridicolous. And owners all they care about is Facebook image, google reviews, tripadvisor……. that gives people to much power.
And to add to this I hate when Bosses interfere with bookings and seatings. Just learn to say bloody NO to the owners. grow some balls – if I’m telling you I don’t have tables it means – I do not have physical tables. I cannot just magically make another room with 20 more tables. I don’t care that those are the owner friends. No tables means – NO TABLES…. simple is that – telling me “make your mirracles you always manage” is not encuraging – rather opposite – it is very disrespectfull and to me it seems that you don’t believe and don’t trust me in running the business. It shows that “I know better even that I haven’t even been here for one shift during service.

All this brings me again to one HUGE Question – what should I do. – work wise I mean.
On this tiny dot of an Island there is so few opportunities that changing a carrear might be difficult. and anything I’m passionate bout it simply cannot work here or I don’t have enough money to start on it.

Will see. I’ve order digital note pad hoping that it will help me organize my life – I know – wishfull thinking – notepad will not organize my life- I need to do it myself. Maybe if I write it on the bottom of each of my daily note I will not forget…………


I’m so lost I don’t care for any of this

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It’s been horrible 3 weekss. I did spend most of my days at work. About 14hours a day. When I honestly don’t even care for this job.

This is really crazy that we have to do this. Having not much savings I cannot really afford to requalify myself so I’m stuck in this job which I don’t enjoy anymore. Worst is that I’m out of ideas how to deal with this and getting more and more frustrated each day at work.

Work ethics in Malta are non existent and It feels like I’m gonna work either until I quit or until I drop sick from exhaustion. That’s not right. I really need to find a way how to deal with that.

From next week I’m reducing my work hours. I have to otherwise I’m not gonna manage my life anymore. I’m behind with private projects to the extreme. I haven’t been riding my bike at all. No YouTube creations. Nothing.

Maybe I should learn basic animation and story telling 🤔 that could be fun.

I got lost in work again

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I don’t know why I keep doing this to myself.

I had such a good plans to keep my sanity and private life in order didn’t work out really.

Now with pre-opening of my latest project I barely sleep, don’t see my girlfriend at all. And motorcycle was abandoned long time ago.

Will see how it goes. If I won’t manage to sort myself out with this project by end of next week – reevaluation of priorities will be a must.