london calling…
What a week it’s been! I got back from my holiday in Málaga on Sunday evening and was quite looking forward to a tapas tour that had been booked for the next evening. Little did I know that Simon, Clare and Joe were about to become good friends. The tour started off pleasantly and we were all having such a good time by the time it finished that we ended up at my favourite rooftop bar having a few drinks …
In fact, we closed the joint and I got home around 2am, feeling more than a little happy. The next day I dropped off some more info at the gang’s hotel, and on Wednesday (yesterday) I had plans to meet up with Jessica for a tapa as she is back in town this week. Meanwhile, I’d received a message from Joe inviting me to join them for rooftop drinks once again later in the evening (their last night in Sevilla), and Jessica was invited too, so I told Nog he should also join us after he finished work at 10 o’clock.
At the last minute Jessica and I decided that, instead of tapas, we would go to Bizzy’s fabulous L’Oca Giuliva (across the street from my house) and when we walked in there were Simon, Clare and Joe! So we all moved to a bigger table and started ordering food. At 10 o’clock we were nowhere near finished, so I called Nog and he joined us at the restaurant. You know how it feels when you are with people and you feel you’ve always known them? Well, that’s how it was.
During the meal I mentioned to the gang that I might actually be in London soon. Yep, that’s right. I’d received an email yesterday afternoon inviting me to a meeting in London on September 23rd for all the newly contracted Experts (my newest job!). At first I thought no way, especially after having just spent a week in Málaga. But later I wondered if it would look bad if I didn’t show up and, more importantly, if I would actually learn some stuff that would help me with the job. And so I looked online and saw I could get a return flight for 150 euros and decided I should go for it.
And so, I mentioned this at dinner and was immediately offered a place to stay – in fact, I was given the choice of either staying with Simon or with Clare & Joe – and I almost started to cry. I mean, just a couple of days ago these guys were my clients and suddenly they were offering me a bed in their homes … you know? And so, it looks like I’ll be going to London! Still have to book my flight – will do that after I get home from the gym this morning. Maybe by then this will all start feeling more real because a part of me still can’t believe this is happening. In fact, I’m feeling so darn lucky and happy that it’s almost scary.
That collage has pics from both the tapas tour evening and last night.
Looks like fun, doesn’t it?
Yeehaa – it is great when a series of events flow into and from each other giving good outcomes. Enjoyable times ahead.
I definitely seem to be on a roll … keep pinching myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.
Are you going to stay in the UK for a while or go straight back?
I’m still working that out. The original plan was to stay for three nights in London.
I am completely thrilled you are coming over! If I can’t get you down to Bristol I will come and track you down in London. Can’t wait!! xxxx
Been thinking about this – the cheaper return airfare is the same on both Saturday and Monday, so maybe I can come out for the weekend and just take the bus to Heathrow on Monday to catch my return flight? Will email.
have fun in London!
How wonderful that everything is coming together so nicely.
Thanks Nancie. I know, it’s like I woke up this morning and suddenly found myself living the life I’ve always wanted.
Just Wow.
Yeah, it’s almost too good to be true. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, for something bad to happen… and then I remember that it already did.
You do know that if I ever make it to the States you’re going to have to meet me wherever I end up?
Yeah, I know.
Tickets booked! Arriving in London 22nd September, going to Bristol on the 25th, and then back to Sevilla on the 27th. Wow indeed.
Looks like you had a blast! And more to come!
Yep, will no longer have to enjoy London vicariously via your fabulous photos.
It’d be great to see you if you have any spare time – and there’s always a bed for you at Teuchter Towers.
We’re an hour out of Waterloo.
Ah thanks! I don’t know how my time is going to be yet. I’m only there for two and a half days: arrive Wednesday afternoon, have my Expert meeting all day Thursday and another meeting with Twitter food & travel writers on Friday. Then it’s off to Bristol Saturday for the weekend. Haven’t seen Lizzie in more than ten years.
But perhaps we’ll see each other at the Seville meet in October?
Just dropping in to have a look at how things are going. Well… it´s obvious, and you´ve made me smile. Me alegro de verdad. Enjoy.
Un abrazo,
María
Gracias Mar,
Nice that hootoo brought us back together today.
Lots of pics, please!
(Don’t forget to label them all…)
Great news, you should mention this on hootoo and get a mini-meet going!
Label them? Look who’s talking.
A hootoo meet in London? Heck, it already looks like I’m not going to have enough time there as it is. And don’t forget I have to get to M&S at some point to stock up on underwear!
Nah, doing the Seville meet instead… coming?
I wish!
I’m still house poor, in the middle of renos and the company won’t ‘solidify’ until October.
Toast my sorry old ass at it, will ya?
Cheers!
To absent friends, as always.