Spitalfields Market... From West to East

It has been a relatively calm week. Of course, this does not mean I stayed home on any night!

While the football league was on in Wembley between the winning Barcelona team against Man U '3-1', I had one tempting invite to join Shane and the Irish lads to watch the game in Shoreditch or join Troy and Tristan at the E&O bar in Notting Hill. By the time I got ready to move, the game was over! So the latter plan seemed the sensible choice. Also knowing that Shoreditch would mean following the boys to the dancing scene, I opted for E&O.

Once there, sitting on a bar stool in the bustling surroundings, waiting patiently for the busy bartender's attention, a young man standing next to me with his girl began ordering without taking notice of moi. After a whisper from his smiling partner, he realised the situation and turned towards me with a thousand apologies and offered kindly to buy me a drink!  

"No, no," I insisted, "It's fine. You go first."

"I shan't hear of it," he said apologetically, "I'm buying you a drink. What would you like?"

"Still water," I answered sheepishly.

Troy who was standing by, laughing at my simple order, said: "That's all she's drinking!  Detoxing."

So, the very polite Persian boy got me a large bottle of still water.  

A very simple story I know but it still makes one happy to know the act of chivalry still exists amongst mankind.  Doesn't happen every day I tell you.

Despite the wonderful entourage of the boys and their friends, I left the bar at midnight (Cinderella time) to get home and be ready for the events of the day to follow.

Sunday, I cabbed my way down to the East End of London; The Spitalfields Market, to meet up with Kalina and Ryan who helped me explore my first visit to this hugely popular part of the city.
Ryan had suggested I meet them at a special opening of the Immigration and Diversity Centre on the day; 19 Princelet St E1. After some research, it seemed a brilliant idea. The building at the stated address was built in 1719. It became the home to the Ogier family, escaping persecution in France; running their silk weaving trade here. In 1869, a synagogue was erected within the walls and a basement excavated below for people to come together and fight against tolerance and fascism. I noticed this painting on the wall opposite the site. Which one is the man? And which is the woman, would you say? They looked like 'confused.com'.

However, the sight of the very long queue left a question as to what we should do next.
"Shall we get a drink?" Kalina questioned. "It is a loooong queue as you texted!"
"Oh! Let's eat," I confirmed. "I'm staaarving."
As Brick Lane was literally around the corner, we entered a warehouse-like space filled with stands of food vendors from Ethiopia to Japan.

I must have seemed puzzled at the choices of such fresh food, as Ryan asked:
"Haldita, if you don't like it here, we could go somewhere else."
"Oh! Not at all Ryan," said I without a doubt in my voice, "I love it here, just can't make up my mind as to what to eat."
We shared some Ethiopian and Thai food, then moved on to the outdoor Corbet Place bar for a Corona beer.

The diversity in people living the London life makes this photo look like a hair colour ad!
Inside the bar, a DJ began playing some cool tunes but The Spitalfield Market was calling, so we headed that way.

Upon entrance to the market hall of high ceiling, and contemporary architecture set amongst the Victorian brick existing buildings, we were faced with more stalls of various vendors plus the hustle and bustle of visitors.

Last but not least was an afternoon tea at one of the few Victorian teahouses in the area, 'The English Restaurant'. There goes my detox! All the way.

Can you believe this sight has been a market since 1638 during King Charles' time? Talking of King Charles... Is the Queen ever going to hand down her reign to his son? Well, guess she is doing a damn good job of it as is. 

Happiness comes from within

Detoxing... Something I honestly did not think much about till...

The summer is fast approaching, yet, with the sunny, unusually pleasant spring we have been experiencing here in London, I keep thinking summer is over with the slightest of a chill in the air! Then I have to pinch myself, as we did in boarding school on the first day of each month and smile, knowing actually summer has not even began.

It has been voyages of discovery; travelling to different parts of the world and finding out about various cultures. A pleasure which I pray shall continue for the rest of my life. I got busy over the weekend, planning my next few trips to some new places and others re-visited. It would be more exciting to wait and write about them as and when they take place. Although they have predicted the Icelandic volcano ash could head towards UK, I shall put my positive cap on and 'think of England' with clear blue skies for the following weekend to come.

For now, my focus has been on the changes which have occurred throughout the years. I cannot help remembering a day at home with my young kids, feeling so low that I prayed for the Lord to take away the miserable life I was leading at the time. Then I recall how few years later, still not feeling much better within, thinking if one day, I get out of this rut, it could only be a miracle. There was total doubt as to how could I find that happiness that I once felt as a child? The teenage years were so full of insecurities and criticism was so harsh to take. Trying to be so well-conducted and affected by everyone's judgement and analysis of how one should behave and how life should be did not make sense when everyone talks from their own experience and have no idea what truly goes on in another's world.

Instead, I went around throwing my tantrums on the road, sometimes to total strangers as I was feeling down and yet tried to smile and make the best of the situations as much as I possibly dared to. It was during the therapy sessions with François that I finally began to have a voice and seek help in someone who was wise and yet compassionate; who gave me the chance to prove myself worthy of the life I have been blessed with. It was his belief that I could perhaps one day help others to find the road to happiness as I worked hard to get here. Nothing came on a silver tray, it was pure hard work and dedication to finding a path which led to showing gratitude by learning the lessons, letting go of the past and finding new beginnings.

Looking back at those days, it brings tears of joy to my eyes, thinking how much I changed and yet, the learning is never over, may God give me the will to carry on. It is not an easy task, going through the ups and downs. So, every time any thoughts come to bring me down, I let go of them as swiftly as I would brush off an annoying fly and think of something that makes me happy instead. Don't ever underestimate the power of happiness in your lives. Treat others, as you would like to be treated yourself. As not everyone behaves the way you wish them to, it becomes a choice... Do I want to continue feeling bad or is it best to call it a day with certain people. Keep your friends close yet your enemies closer. What enemy? There are only those who are critical of you because of their own circumstances in life. You can only find 'your own light', we cannot change others. Expectations of them which they are incapable of rendering would only be a waste of time to both parties. Sometimes, we cannot win. If a friendship (family alike) can be saved with mutual communication, then by all means, do try.

Finally, on a happier note, I saw Aisha briefly at a fashion do held in one of the suites of Blakes hotel in the afternoon. She mentioned a dinner that evening with friends as it was Falak's last night in London.
"Come and join us if you are free tonight," said my friend.
"I don't think so... Not tonight." I told Aisha with a cheeky smile.
"Oh! So what are you up to then?" Aisha sounded intrigued.
"I'm having sex tonight." I answered laughing. "Finally!"
"Really? You lucky thing." She continued, "alright then. Enjoy."
As we finished our conversation, I noticed a young girl passing by, who turned around and by her surprised, questioning eyes, it was apparent she had overheard what was being said. Always glad to make someone smile!

As the night fell, my comedian lover rang the bell and I opened the door in my Prada pink stilletoes and matching attire. Much fun to be had.

Opulence... Is the only word that comes to mind

Oh! What a looooong weekend that was!

The handful of friends' dinner party at home on Friday, turned into a room full of people. My grandma's aubergine souffle was a success and I got to meet new guests; friends of Jade's, whom she had met over the years in different parts of the world. 'Very eclectic darling', as Elliot would put it.

Saturday was sunny and warm enough to make the spring day in London feel like the heavens above. I met with Clara at noon for an invigorating pilates reformer class before having lunch in the White Horse pub overlooking the greens. We sat on the benches outside, in the sun, for over four hours catching up. A guy was sitting directly opposite me for almost as long as we were there, he kept throwing a glance my way but barely smiled. I suppose he was shy or perhaps he was simply interested in peeking at my rather revealing cleavage. In any case, it was kind of fun observing.

Once back home, the plan of having a nap before a big night out was not happening. Before I knew it, the night dawned upon us and at midnight, Salar and Maj (whom I had not met before), joined myself and Jade to meet other friends at Fabric. Another wild night of dancing and literally bumping into people I knew. The music was great in every room and although Jade had a flight to catch the next afternoon, we still made it to the morning.
Jade and I had only met a few times in the past years in different countries, there was a particular bond developed between us and I am grateful for our friendship. I miss her already.

Having finally caught up with some sleep on Sunday, I met up with Conor and Dolly who had travelled to London for a weekend course and our dinner had been organised months before. We went to Sophie's Steak House for some nourishment after my hours of dancing the previous night. I had last met Dolly on our visit to Ireland some years ago, invited by Dylan when she showed Hala and me around her wonderful city of Dublin in the autumn sun. On that visit, we drove to the West Coast of Ireland to stay at Ashford Castle which was once the estate of the Guinness family. Have to show you the magnificence of this castle (hotel).

A great holiday destination. Just pray for some sun.

Back to Sunday... Even though I should have headed home, to sleep after dinner, Aisha's text to join her and the girls at the Levant Lebanese restaurant for live Arabic music and more dancing could not possibly be overlooked. And so, I turned up at the table and could not resist at being first in shaking my bootie. Another fabulous, late-ish night spent in great company.

And here we are on a Monday night. Did I go out again? Yep. This time it was Aisha's fabulous cooking at home with the company of Sophie and Soni; another lady friend. The gourmet food Aisha had prepared was superb; as always. The yummiest and creamiest lentil soup ever tasted with coriander; we all agreed at the dinner table and grilled poussin to a crispy, light brown finish, covered with slightly cooked cherry tomatoes on a stick with strings of rosemary. The square, white plate of broccoli and asparagus was as fresh as a green field under the sun. I was delirious... And the food was delicious.
To top up the healthy eating, the red, fresh super-sized strawberries melted in the mouth with a sweetness that only a strawberry grown under 'les rayons de soleil', sun rays, could flourish to such perfection.

I do admire my friends who have such talent in preparing food as I once did but for some reason, cooking is not something I wish to take up again... For now. The question in my head is...
'I, sometimes wonder whether there is a blockage somewhere in the subconscious that stops me from making the simplest effort? For someone who loves food and enjoys entertaining...
Who knows?!

Yet again, I bow to the Lord in gratitude for such an amazing entourage.

Kindness and patience pays off.

The filmmaking course was pure joy. Learning new skills, from directing to being a cameraman (or woman) and the sound man, holding the metal bar, with the microphone attached at one end, covered by the fluffy cushioning when filming outside, high above our heads with two hands raised up, which was weight lifting in itself... It almost felt like a boot camp, apart from the softly lit rooms, where we talked through our parts on different screens and were left with the equipment to pick a location and make a short movie! Jamie; 'the ring leader' was fast and fiery, yet efficient. With the help of his team, they put us very much in touch with the realities of filmmaking.

I am inspired by my new passion. I pray that the charity I bid for this great experience, has felt as much pleasure from the outcome of the gala. After all, life is about give and take.  

Talking of learning... My new wonderful decorator; Rob, a tall, thin, light blonde-haired, reserved yet jolly man arrived at our first meeting, skateboard under the arm. The man was a surfer by nature, a free spirit.

After his prompt email with the quote, the job of painting most of my apartment was his.  

He came in every morning at 9.30 am (a very civilized hour). Well, he did miss two days and I was not too happy and voiced my opinion. After almost three weeks' work, he left yesterday and although I confess to having been a little stroppy, only on a few occasions, he never showed any reaction, always smiled and did his job to perfection. The guy did not even drink tea or coffee but only hot water! One of the most easygoing characters who kept to his word to the end. It was a pleasure working with him. In all the years of working in the interior business with decorators, amongst others, I have not come across a more understanding and gentle being.  

What I learned from him was that kindness and patience pay off. 

Another great experience of the week was visiting Maygol for a long session of talking about the major changes in myself and my life through the years and being treated to a 'Five Element Acupuncture'.  

This seeks to reveal the root cause of every individual's prevailing Element and bring harmony to Mind, Body and Spirit. 

As Maygol put it... There is a universe outside and one inside each of us. This treatment begins to open up your inner universe, to connect with the outer.  

If only I could remember my history so well at school!!

Aaah!  Papa... How I miss you. I remember when my first term results were handed to you, the look of shock at my mark of 1 out of 20 for history, when you had paid so much in fees to that lovely, older but voluptuous private history teacher mum had appointed to read long pages of history to me, while my mind travelled everywhere, but there! At least I got a 20 for algebra.  Now, that tuition paid off well.

Seems nothing really has changed in me.

Back to the week past... From Kristine, I learnt the meaning of true friendship. 

A couple of small business ideas ahead to keep me going, just being busier and more productive.

And most of the week was spent with the statuesque Jade, who is visiting her family here. She invited me to her cooking at a cousin's and I got to meet an absolutely delightful bunch of relatives who were just happy to be amongst one another. Their sense of humour was refreshing and I had a blast in their warm company.

Right now... There is that wonderful feeling of ache in my body which comes from stretching and exercising. Getting late and I have a small dinner planned at home with a handful of friends, plus a meeting for work tomorrow!  

Ciao Ciao my friends.

A wholesome week with...

From the last weekend of TM (Transcendental Meditation) to this one of filmmaking.

Towards the end of the year that passed, I was invited to a charity event by Lola and bid for a Film making course and I won. Hallelujah! The two-day event in London was set for a weekend in March. However, I was not quite ready mentally to attend and Ricardo Villalobos; one of my favourite DJs was playing in Fabric that Saturday... So, I asked for a re-schedule and the time finally came for me to take a first hand at filmmaking.

Despite the good intention of having early nights in, after the uplifting meditation regime I have acquired, my mission failed miserably. Mind you, there was absolutely nothing miserable about it!

At the beginning of the week, I drove to meet Aisha, Risha and Falak; whom I had last seen on our Mykonos trip past July and spent some wild nights of laughter with. Aisha had just got back from an enlightening trip, she looked serene in white and pink. We met at the opening of a jewellery shop on Conduit Street around 7 p.m. We each managed to spoil ourselves with a little shopping and headed to the new Corinthia Hotel in Whitehall (near no 10 Downing Street; close to Mr Cameron; PM.

Parking was virtually impossible unless you resided in the area so the keys were left at the concierge, we met up with a group of friends in the bar, waiting for the birthday girl; Hessa to arrive. The newlywed Hessa arrived at the bar, with wide-open eyes at the outcome of friends gathered by her hubby; Abraha.
The hotel has been decorated in a modern style, to fit the grandeur of its surroundings, tables filled with white orchids in great taste.
Drinks at the bar were followed by dinner under the high ceiling of their Massimo restaurant.
Fun and laughter were to continue at Aisha's for a nightcap.
Not the best of attempts for an early night at the beginning of the week. But how can one refuse such great times to go to bed! Torsten would probably say: "My bed? I've been there millions of times before." And I always say, 'I'll be sleeping soooo much when I die, life is for living'.

The following night was a lecture in Pall Mall of a great Persian, contemporary poet; Forugh Farrokhzad in the company of Maygol.
Forugh Farrokhzad's poems were music to the mind. The virtue of her poetic vision was 'the sacredness of womanhood and the mystical beauty of sex'. A woman after my own heart.
She was daring and brave, however, confined to a repressed life behind the curtains of traditions. Her first step of 'Rebellion' (also, the title of one of her books of poems), was when she chose to become a divorced mother at the age of 19.

In the silence of the temple of desire

I am lying beside your passionate body

My kisses have left their marks on your shoulders

life a fiery of a snake.

'Rebellion'

Farrokhzad died in a car accident in 1967 at the age of 32. Tragic but she did find happiness in her later years, which some still search for, at 72.

A poignant talk was followed by sushi with my newfound friend; Maygol. Our first meeting was months ago at another lecture in the V&A Museum, due to our late arrival and only minutes of conversation after. This was our third lecture together and we decided to get better acquainted over dinner.

Joined by Troy, Thursday night was dinner at Dylan's, I got to meet the two lovely friends of Conor's; Sonya and Mandy. It was a 'school night' (not that they were school girls! But a metaphor for midweek) and the girls left before 'the Cinderella time' of midnight.  

My telephone rang soon after to be informed by Jade; visiting London:

"Haldita, our dinner's over. What u up to?"

"I'm at my good friend Dylan's," I answered, "Come and join us."

Jade arrived soon after with two other friends. We had a lot of catching up to do and the boys' sense of humour kept us amused till late into the night.

Another night went to dust!

There was a lot more to talk about the next day, so Jade joined me for lunch at the Brasserie.  As we sat to order our late lunch, I looked up to see Dylan and Fred enter the restaurant. Our table grew to four. You know how the saying goes... The more, the merrier.

Even my early Friday night at Diba's went down the drain by getting carried away talking at the sit-down dinner, where Alan accompanied by his wife Deena enquired about the whereabouts of my film-making course the next day. Being a last-minute dot com kind of girl, I could only answer: "Have to check online tonight. Guess I'll find out tomorrow." 

So... Finally, my Saturday morning alarm of 7 a.m. went off after the late nights and early mornings of the week! I was determined to get to the Ealing Studios, where my new learning skills were to begin... On time.

It's a new day. It's a new way.

It has been a week of revelations and making changes.

Before getting into the new insight of what has made me change my ways... Somewhat! Let me go back to last week-end's continuation of celebrations.
I woke up early, last Saturday morning with a feeling of emptiness inside. The whole day was spent trying to figure out 'what to do with my life?' It is not easy making new changes; all the accumulated insecurities and letting go of the past without fear, but with a positive attitude, is the only way forward. Only God knows why... I felt lonely. We come into this life as one, we live as an individual and we go as one. No matter how many loved ones are around us, no one can help us but ourselves.

The empty feeling was soon to be filled with joy and laughter by joining Ernest, Kelly and Torsten at Sabrina's daughter's birthday bash in the East End.
I asked Ernest if I should change from my leather-fitted dress and platform diamond-studded sandals into jeans and my dancing shoes but my friend disagreed and I obeyed. Makes a change.
Upon arrival, the vast saloon was filled with youngsters in their late twenties, playing pool and mingling around the long bar. We stayed a while, but before leaving, as my friends waited for me to pay a last visit to the ladies' room, two lively guys standing at the entrance smiled and one, showing me the gents' open door said:
"You can use this one too."
"No darling," I smiled, "I've balls but not the kind to go to the gents'... Not yet anyway!"
Their eyes sparked at my comment and they began paying me compliments in a flirtatious way.  That always gets me going! Riki, one of the cute boys continued by showing further interest in wanting to dance with me but I told them my friends were waiting for us to leave for Fabric.
"Can I've your number?" Riki asked.
"So... You wanna tell me you're interested in older ladies. Are you?" I said cheekily.
"Age is unimportant to me." He answered.

We left the place in a cab and with a little further persistence from myself and Torsten, managed to persuade Ernest and Kelly to join us for a little dance at Fabric. So they did.
My white leather dress seemed a total success as guys, randomly took my hand and kissed it, not only once but a few times and others asked to dance with me or paid me compliments. It seemed to all happen when I went wondering around to check the music in other rooms of the club and when I reported back to my friends, Torsten, in his usual questioning tone asked:
"How come we don't see these guys, kissing your hand?"
"Haha" I laughed, "You wanna say I'm making all this up?"
"Well..." Torsten said in doubt.
We all laughed and spent another great night at Fabric but made our way out much earlier than the usual closing time of 8 a.m.

On Sunday, I met Dylan for lunch at E&O in Notting Hill. My dear friend bought us each a couple of royal mugs (with a picture of a tiara alone) from the shop next door during smoking time outside the restaurant. As we returned to our table, Dylan offered one of his mugs to the friendly waitress who seemed delighted when she opened the wrapping. She showed off her present to the waiter serving the wine and so I offered him one of my mugs. We left behind two happy faces with a simple offering of sharing the tastefully made royal mugs.
"Aaah!" Gasped Dylan. "Isn't it great to make people happy with such a small gesture?"
"It's wonderful my friend," I said. "And how happy it made us to see them smiling."

Sunday evening was a meeting with Shane at a bar in Shoreditch. He was joined by three other male friends and the five of us made our way to the club; Ministry of Sound to hear Sasha play.  It was another fun night of dancing, in great company. Shane's friends were absolutely delightful.
My feet began to hurt after two nights' dancing but I still felt good at 5.30 in the morning so I took up Shane's offer of joining him and the brothers; Matt and Zach to go to Tyler's for some chilling out time. Zach played some great tunes on his Apple laptop while I had a giggle and got better acquainted with Matt. They were real cool dudes and no doubt our friendship shall continue as I finally headed home in the morning to get some sleep.
Thank goodness it was a Monday Bank Holiday here in the UK due to the Royal wedding.

The working week began on Tuesday with decorators starting to paint my apartment. It is never easy having building work done in your place when you have to live with the aftermath every evening. But so far, I got lucky with that too.
Could it all be down to positive thinking and sending good vibes?

Another fun night was Thursday, spent in the company of three young, female friends.
Heidi and I met for dinner with two of her girlfriends; Anya and Dasia, at PJs. The smart, ambitious girls all work in the city and have some interesting stories and gossip to share.
Anya told us of the embarrassing situation that arose with one of the senior employees at her firm and his liaison with a girl in the same firm at a conference they had attended abroad. The girl became pregnant with twins shortly after the trip and the senior employee who was married with kids had to resign from his post due to misconduct and pay her alimony.
"She's set for life now!" Anya explained.

Dinner over, we headed to the new W Hotel in Leicester Square where Dasia had left our names at the entrance for a special promotional evening.
The W Hotel was impressive and the bar filled with a funky crowd. We downed the espresso martinis to wake us up and continued the night in Annabel's club. We chatted at the bar but the girls were keen to move on to the next destination; The Brompton Club. And so we did.
The place was buzzing and we all seemed to know people there. After making further acquaintances, we each made our way home.

"Haldita, how do you get your energy?" A friend asked me the following day.
"Well, it sure ain't from Red Bull. Coz I hate the stuff." I answered smiling.

I may have my moments of doubt and feeling lonely but it is certainly not due to lack of a superb entourage. It is only human to feel down at times. My latest 'feel good factor' was when I came across this positive thinking saying which I wrote down in large, to read on my bedside every morning.
It reads...

'I wake up every morning knowing something wonderful is going to happen.
Try it.

The beginning of the Royal Wedding weekend

A very long wedding week-end began on Thursday!

Accompanied by my two good buddies; Troy and Torsten, we visited the West Bank art gallery launch exhibition, in Westbourne Grove. The charismatic old bank building could hardly be missed with three gigantic, green tentacles hanging from it, which were deflated and removed at the end of the evening, before midnight. There was a display of works by various artists, while music was being played on the top floor and people dancing. The boys' friends; Dyta and the jolly Kassia greeted us and suggested the Basement club nearby to continue the night dancing.  As the city was almost empty on the eve of the Royal Wedding, we took up their offer and headed to the club in my car.  

Not a grand basement in terms of size or looks but it definitely felt cosy with a cool vibe and relatively good music. Standing outside in the smoking area, I caught the sight of a girl with dark curls, almost covering her face and a slim figure. She still resembled someone I had spent a splendid holiday by the sea, some years ago in a faraway land with. As she lifted her face towards the street light, talking on her mobile phone, I was sure it was Goli. Upon getting closer, she looked towards me and let out a scream: 

"Haldita, it's you!" She said. "I've been trying to get hold of your number and here you are!"

"Really?" I said in a surprise, "So good to see you."

After a short heart-to-heart as the weather was getting chilly, we exchanged numbers and went downstairs to the small saloon for some music. As we were dancing in a corner of the crowded room, the cheeky smile with my eyes fixed to a point directly opposite must have got Torsten's sharp attention as he asked with a grin:

"What's up Haldita?"

"You see there," I answered with my finger pointing, through the crowd, towards a tall, handsome guy with longish hair, standing on the other side of the room and continued: "Mmmm...  Isn't he gorgeous?"

Torsten looked that way and said: "Aaaah! I didn't somehow think you liked the pretty type. Ok."

As we were leaving the club around 2 a.m., Torsten asked for one of my blog cards and said he would be back. As he re-appeared from the stairs below, he said with the cheekiest of smiles:

"I gave him your card."

I should have guessed: "Great. What did you say?"

"I told him he has an admirer here and she can be contacted on this blog. He asked where you were and I answered... Now, that will be telling."

I laughed and asked in a puzzle: "But how?"

"The code name is Zulu,"  Torsten had informed him.

All I can say now is... 'Where art thou Zulu?'

'An early night' for the start of the four-day holiday week-end had already... Gone sour... Or, turned otherwise.

I woke up on the Friday morning of the 29th of April, to get ready for lunch at The Phene. The Royal Wedding was on widescreen, while our table of ten was filled after the two kisses of William and Kate were over. It was serene and moving. The bride looked stunning in her lace top, the groom regal and the ceremony up to perfection.  

I still wonder what the naughty Prince Harry whispered to his brother with that cheeky smile?!

It was good for Prince William not to accept wearing the wedding band if it bothered him in any way. Guess, everyone knows He is married for sure.

As for Kate, not promising 'to obey' her Prince was what Princess Diana had done 30 years ago.

Watching it with the London surroundings, from St Paul's Cathedral to the carriage ride to Buckingham Palace, on an almost sunny spring day, was like watching Disney; a perfect fairy tale.  

The weather people sure predicted a rainy day! A great sign for a start.

Torsten told Troy who finally arrived late: "They drove off in Charles' old Aston Martin."

"Did they know?" Troy remarked still half asleep.

"Shame your father wouldn't allow that!" Torsten smiled.

The table had grown throughout the long lunch.  As the early evening approached, we all got scattered towards different directions of the city and a small group of us headed for a house party at Ernest's.  

That night was not going to be an 'early' one either!

What was interesting the night after... The friendly rasta, the black-cab driver asked me:

"So, did you watch the wedding?"

"Didn't Everyone?" I answered with a question.

"You'll be surprised." He puffed. "A lot of people didn't. How did you like it?"

"Guess, they got put off by all the publicity. I thought it was beautiful." I said.

"You know what I thought?" He continued. "We discussed it with some friends and we thought it was colourless. No black people man... Except the Common Wealth guests. You wanna tell me those friendly two boys; William and Harry didn't have any coloured friends to invite with all the different crowds they mix with? It was colourless." 

I was silent... Thinking.

He went on to say: "So, things haven't really changed that much. Have they?"