I think its time for a catch up. After all, I started this blog to get an insight into Moli’s world and then I go and forget or honestly couldn’t be motivated enough to write something. Indeed, the last time I wrote something on here was just before the Queens Jubilee river pageant, which I planned to attend. My girlfriend Fleur told me that my last entry wasn’t very good and it would have been better not to do it at all, which is fair enough.
Anyway, on the day of the river pageant I had to get up at what can only be described as silly O’clock in order to get a good clear spot to watch the events of the day. During most of May we had the most amazing hot weather and everything was set for a great June weekend of celebration. However this June morning was bloody cold, cloudy, wet and actually more like November. The trip into town was made easier when I got to share a lift with a neighbor as far as Tower Hill. Parking up around the back of Cable Street we made our way on foot to the tube line and the crowds at 7am were already building up. We decided to make our way over to Lambeth Bridge and placed ourselves outside the MI5 building, Thames House. The view of the river was excellent and we had a view opposite us of the London Fire brigade riverboat service, which served as a good backdrop.
The time was 8am and the Queen wasn’t passing our location for 7 hours. This is a fact that only really dawned on me once I was perched against the damp river wall without a place to sit. The time passed as slowly as its possible to do without actually going backwards. The temperature started to drop and it was then that I started to wish I were watching it on TV like every other sane human being that day. However things went from bad to worse when the heavens opened and cold rainwater covered us right through to our bones. It was that fine mist rain that gets into every nook and cranny and after 3 hours or so my cranny was soaking wet. However I couldn’t feel my nook due to the cold so every cloud and all that.
The time eventually passed and the crowds behind us were 10 deep. It was at this time that Fleur called and said she was coming to join us. This was great news as I’d not seen her for a while due to her night shifts at the hospital but the logistics of getting to find us in the thick of it was simply amazing. She fought her way though and things were now ready to begin. The rain had stopped for a while and the first of the boats began to pass. The sheer number of row boats, barges, tugs and water craft was staggering and well worth the effort of getting wet and losing all feeling in my legs.
As the Queens barge approached the cheers and passion people had for the Queen was clear and the feelings of patriotism was overwhelming. It made me proud to be British. The Spirit of Chartwell passed by fairly quickly but I did get a chance to take a few pictures before the heavens opened up at full thrust and almost ruined the whole event. Only in England!!!
As soon the more interesting boats passed by we decided to head home before the rush and to get to a 40th birthday party in Chelmsford. This seems to have been the same idea everyone else had and the roads and exit out soon became blocked.
We had to make our way to Green Park which is a good 25 minute walk. So much for a quick get away…
My friend Lisa’s party was really good with Blackjack and Roulette tables to keep everyone entertained and plenty to eat and drink but sadly I didn’t do too well with lady luck. Thank goodness it was play money.
My school friend Vip didn’t do too well either…
Over the following next few days the Diamond Jubilee celebrations continued with a concert and Buckingham Palace and a Parade along the Mall. Having learnt from my river pageant experience I decided to go along fairly late in the day and when I arrived near Buckingham Palace the crowds were beyond a joke and the chances of seeing anything along the Mall was nil.
I managed to fight my way over to Hyde Park to watch it on the big screen with the rest of the crowds, which was pointless really.
I could have watched it on TV at home, which appears to be the lesson of the weekend.
I did manage to do my first BBQ at the flat which involved me burning some meat and slamming it into a bun.
Now it’s time for Euro 2012 and for England to do it’s duty. I’m not a football fan but I’ve actually enjoyed watching the England games and so far we have won our group. Go England!!!
Last night was party night with drinks and laughs at BAFTA. It was an events night with some very good look alike celebs. The Johnny Depp was good as was the Prince William and Kate. The Brad Pitt looked better on camera than in real life. I’m not sure the English accent really works when you’re trying to be an American movie star. Still, I had to muscle in on the action with a photo opportunity.
My beard and flat cap created an interesting look…
Was that a better blog? Until next time…
M
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