25th November – 4th December 2019
In which I reflect on my environmental footprint, lament the lack of scientific disciplined debate in environmental issues, fly to Belfast for three days, wonder why Belfast goes to bed at 10 pm, experience BA flight cancellations, live out of a small valise longer than intended, inter my Father’s ashes, celebrate my Birthday with a shave at Trumpers and meet the Chelsea Pensioners for the annual Christmas Cheese Ceremony.
5th – 15th November 2019
In which I return to UK from Pakistan (with a head cold and stomach problems), attend a two day Board meeting, take multiple medications to keep going, try out my new velvet dinner jacket at the Inspire Suffolk charity ball, miss my first Remembrance Day parade in 36 years, seem to endlessly cris-cross London to attend meetings and events, enjoy breakfast at the Wolseley and lunch at my Club on the same day!
Tuesday 5th November 2019
Back in London from Pakistan, wake up with no jet lag in my Club but an unpleasant head cold has appeared. I am also experiencing ‘stomach problems’ post Pakistan. Continue reading “The Martini Diaries – Episode 11”
31 October – 4 November 2019. First visit to Pakistan
Thursday 31 October 2019
A very painful night’s sleep. My fingers are badly swollen, and forming a grip is a painful and slow process. I kept waking up due to the pain of moving my hand. Molly the dog didn’t help by wanting to go outside for a pee at 6 am! I finished packing and my driver collected me at 11 am for the trip to Heathrow. I couldn’t lift any suitcase or bag with my right hand, so this could be problematic on a trip where I have three bags/suitcases!
18 September – 31st October 2019
In which my Father dies and I take a break from writing my diary, attend the launch of Shaun Gordon’s AW19 collection, endure the agony of obtaining a Visa to visit Pakistan, survive a nasty fall whilst packing and prepare to visit Pakistan for the first time.
In which I return to work after my summer holiday, travel immediately to Rwanda, discover Rwanda is the safest country in Africa, visit the Genocide Museum, fly with Qatar Airways for the first time, bemoan the lack of respect in our society, discover I am now a male model for Italian clothing, enjoy the annual luncheon at my Club (and work out how to solve Brexit), have to wake up too early in the morning without my morning Royal Blend Tea (and miss my train as a result), and make a plea for a return to understatement in our language. Continue reading “The Martini Diaries – Episode 8”
In which I move to temporary office space, attempt vlogging, visit the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, win at roulette using my system at the Royal Air Force Club Summer Ball, am invited to an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, endure the UK heatwave, find myself humming ‘Jerusalem’ whilst reflecting on Boris Johnson becoming Prime Minister, start Queer Eye season 4, and question why Americans use the word ‘like’ every third word. Continue reading “The Martini Diaries – Episode 7”
In which a two day committee meeting makes a big decision, I visit The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition and touch Moon rock, attend the Henley Royal Regatta, catch up with a ex-staff Member for luncheon, travel to Sheffield and find the worst hotel in England, discover my dog has excellent bladder control, and try to explain cricket to a Canadian.
