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Flags Flying
At the entrance to our enclosure. There are only two days in the whole year that I miss being in the States. The first is Thanksgiving. The second is the Fourth of July. Being me, however, I solve this problem by being sure that everyone around me celebrates these two events with me.
It is now tradition that ZPro has a big party to celebrate the event. In fact, as I was leaving, more than one person looked at me in horror and said, "you're still having the 4th of July party, right?" I assured them I would. So, on Thursday night (I know it was the 3rd, but it was close enough), we all gathered at the Emperor for the traditional do. It was great fun. We drank beer and laughed. I hadn't seen many of this group since I had left, so it was fun to catch up and to chat. They are all getting ready for their summer of hell. I must admit to feeling more than a bit relieved that my summer would not entail dealing with solicitors again.
I celebrated the Fourth by watching the tennis and hanging out in my flat. In the evening, I went down to Brown's
Temple Island
At the beginning of the race. Our enclosure was right across the river from this. Hotel to meet Matt and his partner, Nik. (Lynn's train karma is still holding -- I made it down in 23 minutes!) We had proper cocktails and caught up. Matt and I hadn't seen each other in a year, so I was really happy to see him. We wandered over to the best American restaurant in London called Automat where we were joined by a large crew of my friends and Matt's friends. They had a special menu for the day, so I dined on a softshell crab and a burger. The best part of the evening? They were serving blueberry pie. Now, if that doesn't make one feel as though it is the Fourth, I don't know what does!
The big event was on Saturday. I woke up to discover that it was pouring rain. I bounded out of bed to turn on the BBC who assured me that it was all going to pass over. Breathing a sigh of relief, I got all dressed up again and went to meet six friends of mine for a day at the Henley Regatta. We piled into a van and made the hour drive out to Oxfordshire where Henley is.
Boat Cruise
Our ride to the boat. As we drove west, the clouds parted and the sun came out. It managed to stay out for the better part of the day, which really enhanced the whole experience.
As we arrived, we were told that we were entitled to a boat ride as part of our package. We could either go at 11.30 or 2.30. We decided that earlier was better, so we dropped everything except our cameras onto the table and, with our first glasses of champagne in hand, we went out to meet the boat. We were taken in wagons drawn by tractors. It was instantly evident who among us had grown up in rural areas as opposed to not. For several of my friends, this was their first tractor ride. I got a few raised eyebrows when I announced that I had actually driven a tractor once -- not the impression my London friends have of me!
The boat ride was great! We went all the way down the race course (our tent was at the start) and past the town itself. On the water for about an hour and a half, we drank loads of champagne, took loads of photos and generally
Boat Cruise
The boat we were on. had a fabulous time. By the time we returned, however, we decided that some food was in order as the early start had kept most of us from breakfast. Champagne on an empty stomach at 10.45 in the morning? Not always the best plan.
Lunch was delicious. Four courses of great food washed down by copious amounts of wine. After lunch, it was generally agreed that some time in the sun was warranted. We all gathered around a table, sat in the sun and continued to drink. The races were all going on around on, so Michael decided that some betting was in order. Now, keep in mind that we were at the start of the race and the finish was about two miles below where we were. How were we to judge who had won? Easy enough. Michael points out a sign to the Gents that was right down from our table. We used that as our finish line. Betting £1 per race, we laughed a lot and tried to find enough change to keep the fun going.
At 4.30, we were called into tea. And what a tea! Sandwiches, scones, tea -- a welcome relief, we
Thames River
Two modes of transport. One is competing; the other is not. all agreed, to yet more wine. Eating until we were unable to eat anymore, we decided to head into town. We all agreed that it was going to be easier to walk than to wait for a taxi, so trainers were exchanged for heels, fleeces came out over our fancy clothes and off we went. Being us, we turned the walk into a champagne crawl, stopping for some bubbly in every enclosure we came to. Deciding to be really cheeky, we wandered over to the Steward's Enclosure. Now, this is the equivalent of the Royal Enclosure at Ascot -- in other words, only the posh are allowed entrance. Holding our heads high and trying to look as if we belonged, we got in! Of course, we celebrated by more champagne.
We got into town around 6.30. Matt and Nik were heading back into London and Zarina and Rich were meeting family, so Michael, Tori and I headed to our hotel to change. We wandered over to the Anchor Pub which was filled with revellers from the day. We decided that more food was a good idea, so we ate dinner while we continued to drink. At one point, Tori
Thames River
The entrepreneurial spirit at its best! and I went out for a cigarette. The owner of the pub, who had been celebrating a bit himself, was standing guard at the door. He refused to allow the two of us back in. Finally convincing him that we had been there since dinner, we were sober enough and pissed off enough to leave. We wandered back to the bar in our hotel.
Tori, in her infinite wisdom, decided that enough was enough and went to bed. Michael and I were headed in that direction when Zarina and Rich turned up. Having more drinks with them, they finally ran (literally!) to catch the last train back to London. Michael and I had a nightcap? Why? It seemed like a good idea at the time.
Not such a good idea this morning. The three of us turned up for breakfast really looking the worse for wear. I decided that three days straight of white wine may be a little much for this old body. The mind is willing but the flesh is weak and all that. We made our way back into London. How did I know how tired I was? I walked into the flat, dropped everything
Thames River
Good thing we didn't have beef for lunch! at the door and spent the rest of the day watching the most amazing Wimbledon final of all time.
Not a bad Fourth of July weekend!
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