The weekend before last I went to Sardinia to talk to the Java User Group there. It's trip like this that make me think I have one of the world's best jobs. The presentation was on Saturday morning and the room was packed. This is the thing I find remarkable: the fact that so many people are prepared to give up their free time, including weekends, to come and learn about Java.

The enthusiasm of the attendees was great and there were lots of very good questions relating to the future of Java, the recently released beta of Mustang and the open source app server project, Glassfish. The organisers are really dedicated to helping promote the use of Java and, like the DFJUG group in Brasilia who have the Rybena project they have an open source project, AVIS. This is Java based system for helping alert blood donors via SMS when they're needed urgently.

Aside from the technical talk and questions the JUG leaders extended some wonderful hospitality to me. After the morning event we went for a traditional Sardinian lunch of riccio which is sea urchin. I have to confess I'm not a huge fan of shel fish, but I thought I'd give it a go.

I would have to say that it tastes better than it looks. We also went out for dinner in the evening for another great local meal, shell fish, grilled fish and even snails.

All in all a great weekend.