A collection of representative images that give an idea of what the Boy Wonder got up to in 2004.
St Gervais, France January 03, 2004
The BW had his first skiing experiences this year - a few days of lessons in January, then back for a little more at Easter. Kitted out in the top designer gear by the Surfer Dude, who conveniently runs a shop selling ski and surf gear, the BW took to it like a duck to water. With a bit of luck, he'll avoid the Paternal Optimist's fate - to be forever recognizable as an Englishman on skis.
"An Englishman on skis NEVER bends his knees."
Phang Nga Bay, Thailand August 12, 2004
The BW and the PO took a wonderful trip by junk to the Phang Nga Bay off the coast of Phuket, during which we visited James Bond Island (Scaramanga's hideout from The Man With the Golden Gun) and Panyee, a tiny village of 400 people built almost entirely on stilts. But perhaps the most remarkable feature of the trip was the hundreds of islands of all shapes and sizes that fill the bay, some of which can be seen behind the BW in this picture.
Phang Nga Bay, Thailand August 12, 2004
A typically relaxed Boy Wonder enjoys the sunshine and the sea air.
Phuket, Thailand August 15, 2004
Well, bodyboarder dude, if you want to split hairs. Unfortunately for the BW, the waves were quite high and he doesn't yet carry the critical mass necessary to really control the board, so he found it very difficult. Of course, the Paternal Optimist had no such problems, but you won't be seeing any photos of him here, as he has no desire to put his critical mass on display.
Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand August 16, 2004
The entire Ramayana is depicted in over 400 panels running all the way round the inside of the outer wall or the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The BW is in front of a typically stunning example.
Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand August 16, 2004
There were no real opportunities this year for the Boy Wonder to develop a relationship with a dog, or a gosling for that matter. But I think it's fair to say that the look in this dragon's eyes suggest that he would follow the BW to the end of the earth. If he weren't made of stone, that is.
Rose Garden, Bangkok, Thailand August 17, 2004
Once again, the Boy Wonder displays his remarkable affinity with animals of all shapes and sizes.
Phuket, Thailand August 19, 2004
While Japanese tourists threw up all around him, the BW still managed to look radiant as we set off on a snorkelling trip just off Phuket.
Phuket, Thailand August 19, 2004
Conditions were not ideal - we were in Thailand during the rainy season and there was a fair bit of wind, so the seas were choppy and visibility not perfect - but we still saw enough to want to snorkel again on future holidays.
Phuket, Thailand August 19, 2004
A happy Boy Wonder returns from our snorkelling trip.
Phuket, Thailand August 20, 2004
For once the Paternal Optimist is grateful for red-eye.
Hogwarts, Northamptonshire November 05, 2004
As the 120-strong orchestra rises to accept the audience's rapturous applause after his first concert performance at Hogwarts, the Boy Wonder attempts to hog the limelight in typical fashion.
Hogwarts, Northamptonshire November 05, 2004
The Boy Wonder begins to quiver and glow, seconds before disappearing in a puff of smoke. He reappeared a quarter of an hour later, but refused to say anything about where he had been or what he had been doing, other than to deny that Hermione Granger had accompanied him.
Hogwarts, Northamptonshire November 17, 2004
The BW in the thick of things as usual, concentrating intensely on the tactical changes being explained, working through in his head those well-oiled miss-moves they've practised over and over... Hell, who am I kidding ? He's the one with the unfeasibly skinny legs on the far left of the picture.
Hogwarts, Northamptonshire November 22, 2004
The only live-action image extant of the Boy Clogger, courtesy of the Miscellaneous Other Parents.
PS He's the one in blue.
St Gervais, France December 31, 2004
Despite the protestations of the PO, the Boy Wonder demonstrates his unique breakdancing skills in the middle of a blue run.
If you think this picture is impressive, you should have seen him spinning on his head, his crossed skies whizzing round - I believe it's called "doing the helicopter" by those in the know.
St Gervais, France December 31, 2004
The Boy Wonder does his best not to be put off by the PO and his infernal camera...
St Gervais, France December 31, 2004
Bode Miller, Hermann Maier and the rest had better watch out - the Brits are coming !
