For several years now, Emily & I have enjoyed extending our Birthday celebrations to last a full month. Starting early and finishing the holiday season with a meal shared somewhere together. Friday 15th was our arranged date and I met Miss Mews (Emily), just after 1800 at Nike Town at Oxford Circus. It seemed to make more sense to meet in a warm shop than out on the streets, especially now that the winter nights are setting in and it was deffinitely Hat & Coat weather.
From our rendezvous we found a nice bar with a gas fire to sit up, relax and enjoy a nice bottle of red before making our way down Regent Street to Titbits. Emily is a strict vegetarian and so it seemed to make sense to go somewhere she really could enjoy. So I researched and found a really recommended option, Titbits. There is a huge boat in the middle and its covered in both hot & cold dishes, over 40, all vegetarian using ancient recipees (The menu states they have links with the Worlds oldest vegetarian restaurant).
Once you have loaded your plate you make your way to the bar and they weigh it. Everything is done by weight and as it was a birthday, we bought a bottle of Proscecco to wash it all down.
I have to confess the food was absolutely divine and depite the fact that I am a firm meat lover and enjoy a nice meaty steak. The food was so tasty and so filling you didn't miss the meat element at all. Two courses later we were both absolutely stuffed, in a pleasant sort of way and decided we would make our way east, over towards a tube station, but stop at a Soho Bar on the way. We happened to stop on the way at Prowler. I wanted to pick up some of the gaypers and found a nice card for my mother. Then we stopped at Cafe Boheme for our final drink of the evening. Feeling a little full, a little fluffy we started to walk down to the tube, when we spotted a crowd outside the stage door of "Priscilla, Queen of the dessert". Emily being a bit of Ben Adam's fan asked if we could stay and see if Ben appeared. As the cast came out in the London drizzle several stopped for pictures and autographs with fans and then out came, no not Ben, but Alf. Alf Fisher from Home & Away. We were both estatic at seeing a soap star from our youth. He stopped for pictures and a chat with fans and was a nice surprise ending to a fabulous birthday Bonanza with Miss Mews. Happy Birthday Emily.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Goodbye dearest Auntie Pauline, forever rest in peace.
Thursday morning I woke much earlier than usual. We were about to run the pilot training sessions the new software I have been working on and being somewhat conciencious I wanted to go in early and do some prep work. Make sure the room was set up in time, etc.
The class kicked off as normal at 0900 and it seemed like an ordinary day until just before our coffee break when my phone rang. It's unusual for me to even have a signal at the office, let alone get a call, but glancing at the LCD screen, I made note that it was my parents number. We were about due a break so I gave my students time to grab a coffee and called back my parents. Everything okay? I asked. It was my father who answered the phone. I could tell immediately by his voice something was not right. Was it Nan? Was she ill? "Is it Nan?" I asked? hessitantly.
"No", said Said. "It's your Auntie Pauline. She passed away this morning at just after nine".
I couldn't believe it. I was standing on my mobile right in the middle of the banking floor and as my Dad started to explain what had happened I could feel my eyes welling up, my arm and hands started to shake and my legs started to turn to Jelly. I had to interupt Dad and more of a statement than a question ask, Can I call you back in a bit?
As I made my way down the short distance to my own Desk on the third floor the shaking was becoming worse. What on earth had happened? She was only 64. I went straight up to my boss and thankfully he was not on the phone, explained my situation and he gave immediate instructions to Ray to dismiss my class and explain the situation.
Ian took me to grab a coffee and then for a walk just till I could compose myself. It was so sudden. If she had been ill or in Hospital some time you could have expected it but like this? It just didn't seem real.
Today, Sunday, was James Stanley Borchard's Christening and so we were back there for the celebrations. Especially as I was a Godfather. Lee was the first I saw at the reception. All tanned and healthy looking, having just flown back from Australia to be with his family. You feel so helpless and not sure what to say, but we chatted and met his girlfriend. Then Samantha arrived with the three kids in Tow. You could see the pain and sadness on her face and as we kissed and then embraced the hug was almost as though Auntie Pauline were there herself and then there was Denham. Like all of them, putting on a brave face. With the hello's and first words over you don't really know what to say, but I will say that Auntie Linda's words are so so very true. It takes some very strong brave young people to come out to a christening and meet the family and friends, just a couple of days after their dear mothers passing. Yet remembering Auntie Pauline as we all do, she would have done the same. Being Selfless and putting others before herself and sharing her love with everyone.
This evening Sue called to wish us all the best and send their love and reminded me that Pauline, or A.P. as we referered to her often was surrounded with love all her life. Trevor, her husband adored her with all his heart and their three Children, Grand Children and then her two Sisters and their onward families. I can honestly say I have nothing but fond memories of the Christmas's we have shared at our house or theirs and I am sure I can speak for everyone when we all say, she will be truly missed. My only regret is that like any of us, we never knew it was coming and never got to say goodbye. At least Auntie Pauline and I had one thing in common. We both often told each other "I Love You". That may seem a simple thing to do but when you have people around you that show you only love then you are truly blessed and that we hope you truly are dear Auntie. Missing you already. With all the love in all our hearts, always and forever.
The class kicked off as normal at 0900 and it seemed like an ordinary day until just before our coffee break when my phone rang. It's unusual for me to even have a signal at the office, let alone get a call, but glancing at the LCD screen, I made note that it was my parents number. We were about due a break so I gave my students time to grab a coffee and called back my parents. Everything okay? I asked. It was my father who answered the phone. I could tell immediately by his voice something was not right. Was it Nan? Was she ill? "Is it Nan?" I asked? hessitantly.
"No", said Said. "It's your Auntie Pauline. She passed away this morning at just after nine".
I couldn't believe it. I was standing on my mobile right in the middle of the banking floor and as my Dad started to explain what had happened I could feel my eyes welling up, my arm and hands started to shake and my legs started to turn to Jelly. I had to interupt Dad and more of a statement than a question ask, Can I call you back in a bit?
As I made my way down the short distance to my own Desk on the third floor the shaking was becoming worse. What on earth had happened? She was only 64. I went straight up to my boss and thankfully he was not on the phone, explained my situation and he gave immediate instructions to Ray to dismiss my class and explain the situation.
Ian took me to grab a coffee and then for a walk just till I could compose myself. It was so sudden. If she had been ill or in Hospital some time you could have expected it but like this? It just didn't seem real.
Today, Sunday, was James Stanley Borchard's Christening and so we were back there for the celebrations. Especially as I was a Godfather. Lee was the first I saw at the reception. All tanned and healthy looking, having just flown back from Australia to be with his family. You feel so helpless and not sure what to say, but we chatted and met his girlfriend. Then Samantha arrived with the three kids in Tow. You could see the pain and sadness on her face and as we kissed and then embraced the hug was almost as though Auntie Pauline were there herself and then there was Denham. Like all of them, putting on a brave face. With the hello's and first words over you don't really know what to say, but I will say that Auntie Linda's words are so so very true. It takes some very strong brave young people to come out to a christening and meet the family and friends, just a couple of days after their dear mothers passing. Yet remembering Auntie Pauline as we all do, she would have done the same. Being Selfless and putting others before herself and sharing her love with everyone.
This evening Sue called to wish us all the best and send their love and reminded me that Pauline, or A.P. as we referered to her often was surrounded with love all her life. Trevor, her husband adored her with all his heart and their three Children, Grand Children and then her two Sisters and their onward families. I can honestly say I have nothing but fond memories of the Christmas's we have shared at our house or theirs and I am sure I can speak for everyone when we all say, she will be truly missed. My only regret is that like any of us, we never knew it was coming and never got to say goodbye. At least Auntie Pauline and I had one thing in common. We both often told each other "I Love You". That may seem a simple thing to do but when you have people around you that show you only love then you are truly blessed and that we hope you truly are dear Auntie. Missing you already. With all the love in all our hearts, always and forever.
The journey home
My final day in Gran Canaria could not have been more perfect. The sky was brilliant blue and there was not a cloud in the sky. I managed to pack fairly quickly then made my way to check out. Thankfully the Hotel Katarina has a Hospitality room where you can leave your bags, shower and freshen up. I then grabbed a newspaper and found myself a spot on the grass down by the pool. After some time I realised I was starting to drip with sweat. It really was hot today. Ideal for a last minute chance to top up ones tan, however it was so hot and without any breeze there was only one thing for it. I would have to go to the Beach.
So I packed up my back pack and headed south walking beneath the Hotel Rui sand then down onto the dunes. I ensured I had at least two litres of water to survive the journey then packed up and hiked across the dunes.
At 1530 my alarm sounded warning me that it was time to make my way back to the hotel. A quick shower and moisturise and then I was sat waiting outside the hotel for the shuttle to the airport. You know how it is, you get talking to people that you are travelling with. Well this lady was asking, Have you been before? What did you think of the hotel? Then she announced to everyone. "Oooh you can tell his got money, look at his luggage". Okay so we have fabulous Swiss made suitecases. Clearly the lady knew I had class. The shuttle is definitely the cheaper option. I believe we paid about 60 Euro each way in a taxi before. However it did stop at a lot of hotels on the way back. Still that said, we were at the airport within an hour of leaving my resort.
Joining the queue for check in, the family chav arrived behind and were quite vocal and I over heard them saying the flight outbound had been delayed. Now I have nothing against Easyjet at all. Infact they just happen to be my very faveourite of all the budget airlines, but I have to wonder why, when I checked in, the check in person could not have told us of the delay? Infact the boarding card I was given still stated the orginal time 1915. I really don't mind not getting extras but customer service should not come a sloppy second.
Checked in, albeit 24 Euros worse off as my bag now exceeded the 20 Kilos limit, I made my way immeditately to the VIP Lounge. The Las Palmas Lounge has complimentary alcoholic beverages and light snacks. Its nothing snazzy, but they do have Private bathrooms and a private smoking terrace. I poured myself a large Bloody Mary and settled down to an episode of Glee on the laptop. The flight delay, of two hours, meant that I had more than paid for my visit with the amount of whiskey I'd enjoyed.
I don't know if it was that Thomas Cook Airlines were so uncomfortable last time that the journeys seemed much longer or if, infact EasyJet do have faster planes? Our flight time was 3 hours, 45 Minutes, while Thomas Cook took 4 Hours and 30 Minutes. Hmmmmm, well lesson learned.
Once we touched down there was no walkway available. We had to wait for a coach to take us to the terminal. Through immigration, baggage claim and customs, I took the Monorail back to the South Terminal and to the train station.
"Due to emergency engeeneering works there are no trains between London Victoria and Three Bridges". WTF!
Dozens of people were gathering on the terminal, all seeking assistance. Clearly the Gatwick Express is not running, despite the fact they advertise it leaves every 15 minutes 24 hours a day. A lady approached the Asian man at the information kiosk. "Excuse me but how do we get to Victoria?"
"You need to take the bus from here to East Croydon then take a Train", he answered.
"How long will that take?" she asked
"I don't know", he said, bluntly.
"How far is East Croydon?", she politely asked.
"I don't know", he said, bluntly again.
It was like they had put the most unhelpful person on the planet in the posistion of trying to help people in distress? This is what really furiates me about this country. The Customer Service is appauling. We were left without information and the one person who could have helped had a single response "I don't know". A polite it may take about an hour on the coach would have been suffice. Incomptent fool. What makes it worse is that I'd had to pay £16 for a ticket.
Eventually the Station Idiot got on his Walkey Talkey and found out where the Coaches were and escorted us downstairs where we boarded. Now rather than just taking everyone to a single station where we could continue our journey, they instead stopped at every train station along the route. Even those where not a soul exited the coach. Eventually, some hour later we arrived at East Croydon. It was now 4AM. I was due at work in the morning. Thankfully Ian had said I could work flexihours. Grabbing my case I hauled it up to the Station then looked at the Train Times. Next Train to Victoria was in 30 Minutes. Then I noticed a London Bridge Service. That would be much better. Far closer to home. I could jump a taxi from London Bridge. The London Bridge bound train was 45 minutes wait, but so much closer to home, worth the sacrafice. I sat down in the waiting room as the clock slowly ticked by. 4.07, 4.12, 4.19, 4.30 stand clear of the closing doors. Eventually the 04:45 pulled in, but contarary to advertised, this service would not stop at London Bridge and was non stop until Blackfriars. At blackfriars I changed platforms for a southbound train to London Bridge and then evevntually got a train to New Cross and a Bus home. Phew. It had taken me some 13 hours door to door. It was 0605 when I finally arrived home. I promtly composed an e-mail to my boss enlightening him of my journey and the fact that I needed a few hours sleep before work. It almost feels as though all that rest and chilling had been thrown aside by this one catastrophic journey. Still I made it in the end.
So I packed up my back pack and headed south walking beneath the Hotel Rui sand then down onto the dunes. I ensured I had at least two litres of water to survive the journey then packed up and hiked across the dunes.
At 1530 my alarm sounded warning me that it was time to make my way back to the hotel. A quick shower and moisturise and then I was sat waiting outside the hotel for the shuttle to the airport. You know how it is, you get talking to people that you are travelling with. Well this lady was asking, Have you been before? What did you think of the hotel? Then she announced to everyone. "Oooh you can tell his got money, look at his luggage". Okay so we have fabulous Swiss made suitecases. Clearly the lady knew I had class. The shuttle is definitely the cheaper option. I believe we paid about 60 Euro each way in a taxi before. However it did stop at a lot of hotels on the way back. Still that said, we were at the airport within an hour of leaving my resort.
Joining the queue for check in, the family chav arrived behind and were quite vocal and I over heard them saying the flight outbound had been delayed. Now I have nothing against Easyjet at all. Infact they just happen to be my very faveourite of all the budget airlines, but I have to wonder why, when I checked in, the check in person could not have told us of the delay? Infact the boarding card I was given still stated the orginal time 1915. I really don't mind not getting extras but customer service should not come a sloppy second.
Checked in, albeit 24 Euros worse off as my bag now exceeded the 20 Kilos limit, I made my way immeditately to the VIP Lounge. The Las Palmas Lounge has complimentary alcoholic beverages and light snacks. Its nothing snazzy, but they do have Private bathrooms and a private smoking terrace. I poured myself a large Bloody Mary and settled down to an episode of Glee on the laptop. The flight delay, of two hours, meant that I had more than paid for my visit with the amount of whiskey I'd enjoyed.
I don't know if it was that Thomas Cook Airlines were so uncomfortable last time that the journeys seemed much longer or if, infact EasyJet do have faster planes? Our flight time was 3 hours, 45 Minutes, while Thomas Cook took 4 Hours and 30 Minutes. Hmmmmm, well lesson learned.
Once we touched down there was no walkway available. We had to wait for a coach to take us to the terminal. Through immigration, baggage claim and customs, I took the Monorail back to the South Terminal and to the train station.
"Due to emergency engeeneering works there are no trains between London Victoria and Three Bridges". WTF!
Dozens of people were gathering on the terminal, all seeking assistance. Clearly the Gatwick Express is not running, despite the fact they advertise it leaves every 15 minutes 24 hours a day. A lady approached the Asian man at the information kiosk. "Excuse me but how do we get to Victoria?"
"You need to take the bus from here to East Croydon then take a Train", he answered.
"How long will that take?" she asked
"I don't know", he said, bluntly.
"How far is East Croydon?", she politely asked.
"I don't know", he said, bluntly again.
It was like they had put the most unhelpful person on the planet in the posistion of trying to help people in distress? This is what really furiates me about this country. The Customer Service is appauling. We were left without information and the one person who could have helped had a single response "I don't know". A polite it may take about an hour on the coach would have been suffice. Incomptent fool. What makes it worse is that I'd had to pay £16 for a ticket.
Eventually the Station Idiot got on his Walkey Talkey and found out where the Coaches were and escorted us downstairs where we boarded. Now rather than just taking everyone to a single station where we could continue our journey, they instead stopped at every train station along the route. Even those where not a soul exited the coach. Eventually, some hour later we arrived at East Croydon. It was now 4AM. I was due at work in the morning. Thankfully Ian had said I could work flexihours. Grabbing my case I hauled it up to the Station then looked at the Train Times. Next Train to Victoria was in 30 Minutes. Then I noticed a London Bridge Service. That would be much better. Far closer to home. I could jump a taxi from London Bridge. The London Bridge bound train was 45 minutes wait, but so much closer to home, worth the sacrafice. I sat down in the waiting room as the clock slowly ticked by. 4.07, 4.12, 4.19, 4.30 stand clear of the closing doors. Eventually the 04:45 pulled in, but contarary to advertised, this service would not stop at London Bridge and was non stop until Blackfriars. At blackfriars I changed platforms for a southbound train to London Bridge and then evevntually got a train to New Cross and a Bus home. Phew. It had taken me some 13 hours door to door. It was 0605 when I finally arrived home. I promtly composed an e-mail to my boss enlightening him of my journey and the fact that I needed a few hours sleep before work. It almost feels as though all that rest and chilling had been thrown aside by this one catastrophic journey. Still I made it in the end.
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Rain or Shine
Saturday´s weather was a little overcast but the sun was starting to burn through as I made my way down to the beach. Hopefull that within an hour, say by noon, it hard burned through the cloud. Sadly I was mistaken. Come 1300 the rain started. A few spots at first but then quite a downpour. Now if I had been at the pool this would not have been any major problem but the fact that the beach is a 20 minute plus hike accross the sand dunes was a nother thing entirely. As I reached the Rui and looked back at the dunes you could see a trail of people making exodus all the way into the horizon like a trail of ants making their way from the nest.
A couple of hours back in the hotel room I was entertained thanks to the marvelous box set of Glee I bought with me. I am on the 4th Disk already and I am totally loving it. The girl Rachel reminds me so much of my dear friend Louise (Formerly Castle) whom I spent years at drama school with. They even look alike. I don´t think there is a single episode I don´t have tears drop from my eyes. Oh Clifford! Poof.
By 1600, the rain looked to be lightening up so I decided to do what any self respecting gay would do on a rainy day. Head to the Welman Spa (AKA Heró´s Sauna). What better way to wind away the hours than in a luxury hot tub or steam room after getting a drenching on the beach.
By the time I left the rain had stopped, the puddles were dissapearing and the humidity was rising. I was glad of my airconditioning in the bedroom.
A late Dinner I ended up at Chaps bar. Mainly as it was local and I couldn´t be bothered to go all of the ten minute walk to the Yumbo Centre. A couple of drinks and I was done. Early night. Or it would have been if it were not for the cast of Glee keeping me up all night.
Sunday I woke around 1100, bliss. What´s the point of a holiday if you can´t lie in? I headed down to the pool for just over an hour. Time to start on my tan and read the paper. By 1300 the heat by the pool was a little too much. Sweat was dripping down my face and there is little breeze. So I headed to the room for a quick can of cider and to apply more cream then made my way down to the beach. What a difference a day can make. It was about 33 today. Hottest day so far. Well I had some emergency tanning to do. I smothered myself in sunscreen and intended in making up for the rainy day. Mission Accomplished. I left the beach at 1830 and can thankfully say I have a lovely colour. Could be darker but lovely all the same.
Post dinner I am back to my Glee club until its late enough to hit the Yumbo one last night. One line I´d like to quote from the show reminds me so much of myself. "Being different got me out of this boy town, it made me stronger". I guess you don´t realise it at the time but it is true. What doesn´t kill you really does make you stronger.
A couple of hours back in the hotel room I was entertained thanks to the marvelous box set of Glee I bought with me. I am on the 4th Disk already and I am totally loving it. The girl Rachel reminds me so much of my dear friend Louise (Formerly Castle) whom I spent years at drama school with. They even look alike. I don´t think there is a single episode I don´t have tears drop from my eyes. Oh Clifford! Poof.
By 1600, the rain looked to be lightening up so I decided to do what any self respecting gay would do on a rainy day. Head to the Welman Spa (AKA Heró´s Sauna). What better way to wind away the hours than in a luxury hot tub or steam room after getting a drenching on the beach.
By the time I left the rain had stopped, the puddles were dissapearing and the humidity was rising. I was glad of my airconditioning in the bedroom.
A late Dinner I ended up at Chaps bar. Mainly as it was local and I couldn´t be bothered to go all of the ten minute walk to the Yumbo Centre. A couple of drinks and I was done. Early night. Or it would have been if it were not for the cast of Glee keeping me up all night.
Sunday I woke around 1100, bliss. What´s the point of a holiday if you can´t lie in? I headed down to the pool for just over an hour. Time to start on my tan and read the paper. By 1300 the heat by the pool was a little too much. Sweat was dripping down my face and there is little breeze. So I headed to the room for a quick can of cider and to apply more cream then made my way down to the beach. What a difference a day can make. It was about 33 today. Hottest day so far. Well I had some emergency tanning to do. I smothered myself in sunscreen and intended in making up for the rainy day. Mission Accomplished. I left the beach at 1830 and can thankfully say I have a lovely colour. Could be darker but lovely all the same.
Post dinner I am back to my Glee club until its late enough to hit the Yumbo one last night. One line I´d like to quote from the show reminds me so much of myself. "Being different got me out of this boy town, it made me stronger". I guess you don´t realise it at the time but it is true. What doesn´t kill you really does make you stronger.
Friday, October 01, 2010
Gran Canarian Fridays
Post dinner last night I had a short disco nap and ended up over at Chaps bar in the Cita Centre. Their website stated it was a special event, which turned out to be a foam party. Or as Dusan would call it, a Splash party. Well considering I am such a fan of the ones they throw in London it would be rude not to go. Of course there is a downside. The foam dries out your skin. It is essential to smother in moisturiser post foam. That said and done I had a great evening and it wasn´t too late an ending getting back to the hotel at just after 230AM.
Intended to get up in time for Breakfast this AM. But hit the off button and before I knew it, the time was noon.
This morning was partially cloudy but nipping to shop for a Crosissant I noticed it was already 29 and would top 30 before the day was out.
I made my way to the poolside and post a short cooling dip sat out and read the morning paper. By 2PM I was starting to doze off. Was it the sun? The heat? Eyes starting to close I thought it best to nip upstairs for forty winks. That said the cleaner was clearly working the room above. All I could hear, even with ear plugs was furniture moving across the floor. With sleep not an option I decided i´d go down to the beach. It was cloudy now and somehow the beach is always sunny. Must be the heat hitting the land compared to the sea. Spent 3 glorious hours on the beach before making my way the long trek over the dunes back to the hotel. Parched and covered in sand I needed a nice shower and then settled down to watch the box set of Glee I bought out with me. Sounds like a near perfect day to me! Happy Frigay.
Intended to get up in time for Breakfast this AM. But hit the off button and before I knew it, the time was noon.
This morning was partially cloudy but nipping to shop for a Crosissant I noticed it was already 29 and would top 30 before the day was out.
I made my way to the poolside and post a short cooling dip sat out and read the morning paper. By 2PM I was starting to doze off. Was it the sun? The heat? Eyes starting to close I thought it best to nip upstairs for forty winks. That said the cleaner was clearly working the room above. All I could hear, even with ear plugs was furniture moving across the floor. With sleep not an option I decided i´d go down to the beach. It was cloudy now and somehow the beach is always sunny. Must be the heat hitting the land compared to the sea. Spent 3 glorious hours on the beach before making my way the long trek over the dunes back to the hotel. Parched and covered in sand I needed a nice shower and then settled down to watch the box set of Glee I bought out with me. Sounds like a near perfect day to me! Happy Frigay.
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