Backpacking in Europe: 6 degrees of separation in London

Six degrees of separation...
the more you travel the more common such coincidences become. I spent 11 years working at NATO in Brussels so had colleagues/friends from all over Europe. After I returned to the States, one day years later I was browsing for travel books and I heard a Norwegian couple in the next aisle over. I, of course, had to introduce myself being of Norwegian ancestry. They asked I had visited Norway and had any relatives or friends there. I told them I had visited Norway many times and dear friends named Erling and Vigdis. They said they had picked up Erling and Vigdis earlier that day, and he would be the Norwegian Defense Representative to the US for the next three years. I called Erling at the Embassy about 10 minutes into his new job...he was very surprised to hear my voice and asked if I worked for the CIA...I didn't...just one of those 6 degree of separation moments. He ended up spending five years in DC and attended my retirement ceremony. This is just one of many stories I could tell. Anyway, it sounds like you are a networker as described in Malcolm Gladwell's book "Tipping Point." It's good to meet a fellow networker.

Small world
What a delightful find on a dull afternoon! I particularly liked your photograph of Westminster. Your blog came up in connection with my old college friend Paul Engeham, who might be surprised to learn that I'm currently Principal of a small international school in Guangzhou. Do pass my best wishes and season's greetings to Paul if you are in touch. I may be on furlough in London in February. Michael Collins mcpanorama@gmail.com