under another sun

Stranded in London So to London again to work in Tavistock Square. Feeling cheery this morning, as I was to work on some interesting stuff to do with dental caries (tooth decay). Made Pooterish observations about how the work was boring and the same old drill , though no one seemed to appreciate this. Hot sweaty day, and the office air conditioning seemingly at its last gasp. Sidled up to Marks and Sparks with Kate at lunchtime for a chat as we bought our lunches. Worked with Keith in the late afternoon. I find working with him quite exhilarating sometimes. Then shortly before I set off from home Lorraine texted me to say that as she was driving home the radio had said the trains between London and Brighton were doomed. A burst water main had created a small landslip onto the track which had made it impassable. Quick glance at all the websites showed that to get to Gatwick (half way home for me) add four hours onto your journey. Plan B was to leap into the sweaty sardine tin of the t...

A tourist in London Up to London today for some sustained pottering. Met Keith for a cheeky beer at lunch in Glamoursmith and, later, armed with some birthday Waterstones tokens, went to the biggest bookshop in Europe (a Waterstones ) on Piccadilly. Surprisingly predictable books, however. I had a mental list of books to buy, and only one was there: a collection of poems by Mervyn Peake , as not only is he a fascinating writer, he also lived in Sark for a few years. Enjoyed a coffee on the fifth floor, however, where I could log onto my crotchtop and enjoy the most expensive scone in history. Found myself wandering about London. It seemed full of tourists today, and I was asked twice to take photos, one man who I think was from Brazil wanting a picture of himself with Nelson's column. In the evening to Wimbledon to meet Marja and Sarah for a long overdue gossip, and was bought supper. Both have had some trying times lately. I came away feeling grateful for the course of my ow...

White rabbit day Cursing myself as my alarm did not ring, and I woke up late and feeling exhausted and still vaguely coldish after a terrible night's sleep. Threw on some clothes and headed up to Waterloo, head hanging in shame and trying to work on my article on the train. Nobody really cared that I was late, in fact it was a mild mannered day with Reuben back in the office, and we went out for a fast Thai lunch and catch up. It is heartening to see him be an excellent creative director and fielding calls over yellow curries. Although there wasn't much to do this afternoon, I've been asked back for the rest of the week which is good for the Kenny coffers. Home fairly easily and working on my blasted Croydon article after watching the US version of Hells Kitchen with Gordon Ramsay swearing at unfortunates in New York. He made his reality show chefs sift through garbage bins of discarded food at to demonstrate how much they had wasted. Amazing the humiliations people will en...

Good vibrations A slightly sluggish start. Coughing a little in the night and feeling non-specifically wussy today. However, after a spot of shopping, and a few calls, I made off to Croydon after lunch. I've never had anything other than sucky times in Croydon . But this time I met a very nice woman called Kia who is head of environment and sustainability, whom I interviewed for ON TRACK. She almost converted me to Croydon and the surprisingly green agenda of its council. Almost. Home and gripped by a sudden heavy lethargy, and slept soundly on my sofa for an hour at five. Then sprang up again to start writing up the interview. I had met Kia in a cafe and recorded it in there. Fortunately I can just hear her, but my own wafflings are almost inaudible. Good thing it wasn't the other way round. Then off to the Hanbury in Kemptown with Lorraine in her car. I had no real idea where it was, so we spent some time wandering about in the far reaches of Kemptown , fortunately ...