Anyone who knows me knows I have to escape the big city
sometimes. Regularly in fact. Anyone who knows me knows I love Ireland for
many of the (opposite) reasons I sometimes find London difficult. But the fact remains: big cities are often
awesome.
After two months away from London I was wandering along
the Thames today with glistening light and fluffy clouds over St Pauls. I chatted to a stranger from the Netherlands
I randomly bumped into. I met a great friend
and sat in a coffee shop and talked about a fraction of the things in two hours
that we’d like to talk about. And I went
to a Robbie Burns Night Party in Stockwell where the socializing, formalities
and recitations were theatrical and satisfying and I even genuinely liked
the Haggis!
I confess it’s always hard to leave Ireland after a
sojourn (specifically, Westport). But it’s
good to be back in Old London Town, for all sorts of reasons. In just a few days I’m having meetings about
interesting work possibilities, looking at a lovely new house to rent, catching
up with mates, and been to a terrific West End show (definitely recommend Kinky Boots for a fun night out). And though I fear this wee blog may sound like
a shameless brag, I simply can’t be apologetic... because it’s too funny. I must share.
Here’s 4 random conversations from the last few days.
1)
Van does a u-turn, stops beside me on the road near
Clapham North tube, young man leans out of window and calls: “Hey, I just have to say that you have the most wonderful hair. It’s really beautiful.”
“Oh wow, thanks, that’s very kind of you. Actually I’ve just been to the hairdresser.“
“I don’t often see hair that beautiful, could I have your number......”
Conversation continues during which I explain I’m just
about to go to Australia for a month so probably not much point.
“What about a drink tonight?”“Sorry I can’t, I’m going to the theatre...”
“How about after the theatre?”
“Ah no, sorry, I have a friend in the show and I’ll be going back stage...”
“Then how about a kiss...........”
Broad daylight. Late morning. Not a bad offer,
even if I did – surprise, surprise – decline :) Off
I walked with an extra little skip in my step.
[My hairdresser is good - thank you Toni from https://www.facebook.com/Artoni-The-Hair-Artist-159221227562184/ J ]
2)
That evening I’m going down the escalator at Waterloo
telling my girlfriend about the encounter.
As you know my voice carries... guy below us a few steps looks up and says: “Did that really happen?”
“Yes, absolutely”
“Did you give him your number?”
“No.”“Ah well, you can’t blame him for trying.”
Then all 3 of us start laughing.
3)
Now I’m at the Robbie Burns Party and in the space of 15
minutes these exchanges with 2 different women I’ve never met before: “Hey, are you an actress? Were you on Home and Away?”
“No, the other one.”
She calls out to her guy:
“See I told you.
It is her. She was on Neighbours. I knew it was you. How exciting.
And wow, you haven’t changed at all in 20 years. Seriously, it’s as if time has frozen.”
False or true (I wish!) I’m feeling a few inches taller when this
follows from another woman. Indeed it's her opening line:
4)
“Hi. You have great breasts. Have you had surgery?”
“No!”
“And you haven’t any make-up on. I think I hate you.”
“Well, I do have some make-up on. I’m wearing tinted moisturizer and
a few hours ago I had a little mascara and lipstick, but probably worn off.”
“I still hate you.
What’s your name?”
I think the girls have it, don’t you?
Too funny.
#LoveLondon
