Projects - we should build things. Destroy them is too easy.
Below you can see all the projects that I am currently working on.
"Better not to sit still otherwise life passes by and you miss it."
Work: Payments & Cards
Fascinating world payments. Everybody thinks that it is so easy and so natural to get a card and use it to pay for things. Clothes, toys, even theatre tickets. You get that piece of plastic, swipe it through or just input a PIN and voila, give me my stuff, I paid. I haven't really realised I paid until I see the statement at the end of the month with the money I owe, but hey this is great. So easy.
What truly happens behind the scenes is a lot more complicated than this. There is a mesh of systems interacting, payment schemes, networks, data switching and interchange, fees being charged, transactions being settled, transfers being cleared, accounts being billed and statements being produced.
This is the world of payments and I am deep into it.
Web Group
Technology is my passion. Love keeping in touch with latest gadgets and devices - computer related.
On the Web I always wanted to leave my presence. Something like a print, "I was there". For this I created a network of Web sites that I call the MR Group.
These are:
manurivero.com - my personal one.
eschipre.com - all you need to know about Cyprus. In Spanish.
Real Madrid
Fan Club Cyprus
Despite the difficult times now that a midget called Messi is loose, Real remains the best and most respected (and awarded) team of all. This is the very top any player can reach.
Was this always so? No, of course not always, you need to make a name first of all. And that started in the 60s. However, we do miss now that more "homie" type of team that since the 2000's seems to have vanished. Now it is more about icons and recognition. Before it was also respect and hard work.
Being far away from home had no choice but to set up, together with a very good friend of mine, David, the Real Madrid Fan Club in Cyprus.
Marriage, Family and Friends
Possibly the second most difficult task of all. Keeping a balanced life. Ensuring you always have time for your wife, your family and your friends.
When you are young, a student, life revolves around friendship. At that time, you can hardly imagine your life without seeing pretty much on a daily basis your closest friends. Family aside, they are always there.
When you grow older you learn that the amount of time spent with friends diminishes, mainly because now, you have to work. But it is not all bad, you learn to value those special moments shared, so that each one is special.
Free Time
Keen on fitness in general. Have been preparing lately for a sprint triathlon in Limassol, due some time soon.
Cyprus is a great place to train for it, no need for swimming pools. Just head to the beach early morning, swim, run and bike all at once.
Recently bought a road bike and trying to get better at it now - go clipless pedals!
You may find me in Strava.
Mission Impossible: Twins + a Princess
Being a father is the most difficult project of all. And definitely the most rewarding.
When I became a Dad (please note the capitals) I thought my life would hardly change. Yes, sure a few more nappies here and there but nothing that I would not be able to manage.
I can now say with full confidence that it is the most difficult job on Earth. It is not only demanding psychologically but also physically (who can sleep more than 3 hours straight?). Respect to all Dads. You deserve it.