Let me be very frank. I don’t like predictions. A French humorist once said Predictions are difficult especially the ones about future !! But my very good friend Tobias teased me and passed me the stick to write 5 predictions for 2010. So I have to meet the challenge.

1. My cigarettes consumption will be inversely proportional to the growth of interest rates.
2. The apple tablet will not be as a big hit as predicted. I don’t believe in the argument that “the tablet will be the same to netbooks as the iPhone was to mobiles”. In fact this is the first time in Apple history that they will have to create a market. Mp3 players were there before they introduced the iPod. Smart phones were there before they introduced the iPhone.
3. Bankers didn’t learned the lessons and any strong regulations haven’t been put in place. “New golden Financial products” will emerge.
4. Main investments from VC’s will concern companies involve in Geolocalisation and Aggregators.
5. Susan Boyle isn’t nominated for the Brit awards but she will participate to the ceremony, and maybe she will win something.

Well I told you that predictions are difficult !

For the one interested, it was in the Los Andes Golf club situated in Carretera Central Km. 23. The venue is actually pretty nice even though it’s only a 9 holes course. The driving range is ok and the putting green is actually in front of the club house (no surprise).

The course itself is pretty narrow with most of the green protected by either Trees, Bunker or Water. It makes it more difficult and enjoyable. Par 3 holes are pretty long with one just under the 200 yards.  The greens are much faster than in Europe, due to weather condition as well as the grass in use. I spend a really great day out there, and lots of memories of Golf in London came up. This course is a good value for money given the possibility to golf in Peru. Expect to spend +/- 400 Soles (130$) all inclusive i.e. Green Fee, Caddy, Renting a set of clubs, Driving range, and obviously the drinks after the games !

Gosh time is flying and  2009 was very reach in new things I learned both professionally and personally. I moved last year from London to Lima in Peru and without surprise it was also a big change.

So what I learned in 2009 :

1. Not having to wear socks all year is very enjoyable, as much as getting tanned in December..and spending new year eve in the beach
2. The Peruvian food is so rich that it get you fatter unless you exercise well, which is one of my 2010 plan
3. I can leave without phone for 6 months. But when I came back to use a Blackberry with a proper 3G connection I just love it again.
4. It’s weird, sometimes revolting to live in a country where there’s no middle class
5. Corruption and lack of education are the main ingredient of 3rd world countries
6. 3rd world country or emerging country are full of opportunities
7. But you cannot go into it until you fully understand the way it’s work , the culture etc..
8. SEO is very very boring but necessary.
9. I really can’t live without  Internet but I can survive with a tiny 1Mb connection speed. Well I try
10. although it’s hard to work 15 000km from your main market.

I wish you all a very happy new year. Look after yourself and be happy !!