Busy in London
Busy in London
10 November 2011 12:00AM
I arrived in London a few days ago and feel as though I have been here for weeks. The visit began on Monday evening when I arrived to miserable weather but a vibrant busy city, as always. Quite frankly I have forgotten what I did on Monday evening but Tuesday I was out and about early and found myself mooching around Covent Garden. It is years since I wandered around the quaint little gift shops and enjoyed a coffee whilst listening to the operatic voice of one of the young students who desperately wanted to get noticed, and had aspirations for the West End. She was good but not as good as the Soprano who sang at the Chavos Ball last week. I would say that wouldn’t I? Fortunately it was a quiet day unless I just dropped lucky and there was a lull between those pre- Christmas shoppers. Whatever, I didn’t have to queue nor wait for anything, though I only bought a few trinkets for my granddaughter. I spent a while chatting to the guy who wanted me to buy his last ‘Big Issue’ and then went in search of the most appropriate venues to launch my books in London in the New Year.
Wednesday saw me confined to my room…I really needed to finish that piece of writing. Then I was off for some fresh air and to stretch out those aching muscles, but soon hurtled back to the hotel when some irritating man- who was nothing other than kerb crawling- insisted on following me, and stopping me in my tracks 3 times. Should I be flattered or insulted? Neither. He insisted I look Italian and wanted to show me his Armani collection of women’s clothes which he thought I might like for a small favour. What Ho! I grabbed on to the first fella walking towards me and smiling asked if he would kindly pretend he was meeting me and could I walk with him for a while. Out of the frying pan, into the fire. No actually he was very nice and we walked together in the direction of my hotel until I released him. Ha! Ha! Then the evening invitations came. Three invites and genuine invites they were too, but alas, all for the same evening. Typical and so frustrating, but I was already committed to my canapés and cocktails at the Ambassador’s residence. I flagged down a London cabby and talked non-stop till he dropped me at my destination, asking why I was going to the Embassy, and was I famous? Bless! After being greeted by the lovely Mrs Laura Medina-Mora, the Ambassador’s wife, I was thrilled to see some familiar faces. After the press had done their part we listened to both The Mexican Ambassador and the British Ambassador to Mexico, as they discussed various topics including the 2012 G20 Summit to be hosted by Mexico. Government policies on crime and the drugs war. Anglo-Mexican relations, Tourism and more. What an interesting evening and of course I met plenty of people I would like to keep in touch with, or invite to the next Chavos Ball! I don’t give in do I? And it has been noted by people other than myself that we need to do one in London.
O.K. so what next. I have just visited my first inner city London school and was thrilled because the Head-teacher and Year 6 teacher were very professional and welcoming. That comment suggests that not all schools are as good, doesn’t it? Uhm. I will say no more. Now I am waiting to meet a pal from Yorkshire who is down here on business and we are going to grab a quick bite at my favourite Mexican restaurant in Villiers Street. Lupita of course. Then he is heading North and I will be following in his footsteps early tomorrow. Meanwhile tonight I want to do some more writing. I am Chavosing as they say.
Chat soon.
Anna
