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Published: March 15th 2006
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Got Ya
Magical MCGuigans Handy Work Going back to home to London at Christmas time was never going to be a quiet affair but I think over the past few months I’d forgotten how fast paced London partying could be……The tone was set from the moment I stepped on the airplane…… “sir would you like a glass of orange juice or Champagne” to which there seemed only one natural response.
Off the plane at Heathrow The first cold breath of air and warm hugs from my parents suddenly gave some authenticity to surrounding Christmas decorations and music which had seemed so missing in the Australia. London really is a beautiful city at this time of year lights, trees and Santas seem around every corner.
The first week started Monday night catching up with Mr Chases in usual fashion it started tame with a bottle of wine but as nostalgia started to brew Chases swiftly moved up a gear and bought a bottle of Veuve. Looking out from the Courtney and Barrow to the Broadgate ice ring it struck me how common drinking Champagne on a Monday night is in London….. people too much money too little sense (obviously not including us)
Still with jet lag
Hocus Douglas
get out of that one and shadow of a hangover Tuesday rolls by and I manage to get an invite to my new employers Xmas party. When I first started in the City the banks used to compete on how lavish these doos were…. But times are harder now so gone are the fairground attractions and shows leaving just Champagne and finger food.
Wednesday morning comes the rollover hangover and an invitation to my old firms Xmas party and finally some free champers from the Germans. It was great to see all the old work guys again various random emails and this blog had kept us in touch since I left but having given me so much advice about Sydney It was great to report back and see old faces. Obviously being away from the witty windups for such a long time I was an easy target for Magical McGuigans levitation trick leaving me with one hand red, one hand white and egg on my face. There was at least some consolation in seeing numerous other people fall for it. Still grieving over my summer defeat in the corporate challenge it was imperative to challenge, and more importantly win, a contest with Mr Devine.
St Pauls
Churches are so last season The chosen arena was the mechanical bull ring and I did indeed emerge victorious although it seems in messing with bull I did literally get the horns as later Downtown spotted a large rip in my trousers. Embarrassment emersed I dashed back to the hotel at midnight.
McDonalds breaky was an important prerequisite work the next day. Thursday nights would normally be reserved for drinking again with friends so I felt lucky that this particular Thursday was my Mums birthday, letting me off with what I thought would be a quiet night. A late booking though took us down the pub for a few aperitifs before arriving at the restaurant. My face dropped as head waiter apologised for a delay to our table and offered us some complimentary champagne……..
By Friday the hangover was so routine it was hardly noticeable and besides the night was the big catch up with friends. Monsieur’s Biesty, Chases and Craft out in form….. and if you were worried about our seductive charming of the ladies you obviously don’t know us, Although even finding ladies seems a challenge - I’d actually forgotten about the catch 22 sausage fest of London every bar and
Mr & Mrs B
no comment needed club either not let groups of guys in or would be full of just groups of guys. Initially consoled by yet more champers and renditions of old stories eventually we switched game plan and went to one of Chases Soho ‘mixed’ haunts…. Funky and entertaining to say the least.
2005 has been an ‘engagement cluster year’ for my friends and as luck bestowed my work trip coincided with the first of these weddings. With only one weeks notice James had managed not only to conjure up an invitation but a place at the head table….. what a legend!!!! Suited and booted my taxi pulled in outside St Pauls Cathedral for a sunny winter day which I’m sure I will re-tell many times (‘I once went a wedding at St Pauls’….. not quite the same as ‘We got married at St Pauls’ but I’m privileged by association!). In actual fact James reliably informs me Churches are so last season and Cathedrals are the new… white?
Stepping inside it was a struggle to overcome the grandness of the venue but as the ceremony proceeded with a professional opera performance, warm poetry and a stunning bride told me the venue
Wedding Chariot
Timetabled to Perfection would overshadow nothing on this day. An exchange of vows and a couple of autographs the new Mr & Mrs B exited under a shower of confetti. In amongst crowd of strobing guests I looked round to see a few tourists also taking souvenir wedding snaps.
Nearby awaited an upmarket bus stop stocked Mulled wine, mince pies and light conversation. As ever James had his timing to exclusive perfection as only the day before the Route masters had been retired from service with a media fanfare. Decorated in ribbons and bows this was to be our carriage for a quick tour of London and transit to our final venue. Grabbing a front seat I felt it was my duty to pretend to dive the bus and singing the ‘wheels on the bus’ although behaviour like this is perhaps a good indication as to why it wasn’t my wedding.
Starting at a most famous landmark and seeing several on the tour our next venue, the London Barristers building, although hidden in a closed courtyard was equally fitting. Warming us up with the string quartet was yet another offer of champagne but who can resist when the label when has the
bride and grooms names.
With a different wine to compliment each of the divine four courses guests were reminded me that half of the married couple was French. Although as to which side was French could have been confusing when Catherines and James Fathers gave their speeches with impeccable English and French, respectfully. The Grooms speech although starting in French to rapturous applause quickly deviated back to his native tongue. Watching him wander about the room and breathing out charisma I once again felt privileged to witness my oldest friends come of age on his most important day. With the tables cleared away it was time to do some embarrassing shape cutting before heading back to the hotel for a nightcap. James thanks so much for the last min invite it was great to share your day.
One more week of work this time champagne free and it was back to sunny Sydney for some essential sun.
Sorry for the delay in posting this...... seeing as i've been back to London again since i'm sure you know all the stories but thought you'd like the pictures!!!
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shanabananas
non-member comment
Nearly cried love
Wonderful story and the closest Ive come to a wedding, oh and St Pauls.... I say!