Switched on BBC Sounds when I woke up and thrillingly landed in the middle of the Shipping Forecast. Missed the start but it didn’t matter. In fact I couldn’t tell you anything about this morning’s forecast. It’s all about the comforting tones rather than content. This only happens to me maybe once a year. I should tune in to it more often.
Bit of a relaxing “me” day ahead. THG gets to town at around three thirty so will be at the hotel before four. I have a trefbash meeting at the Phoenix Arts Club at two but otherwise no firm plans.
Had considered a trip to the Tate Modern but they still have the same exhibits up from the last time we were there. Tickets are available for today’s one dayer v the Aussies at Lords but only with corporate hospitality and that outside the ground. Not going to splash out a grand on that just to go on my own and anyway it clashes with my meeting.
Another option is a haircut. The guy I usually use at Raven Barbers, Giorgio, has a free slot at ten to which I am giving some thought. It leaves too much of a gap between haircut and the Phoenix meetup but might still go. Giorgio is v good. Never thought I’d ever talk about having a fave barber!
Still a bit miz out and not yet had breakfast. Just saw a woman walking by holding an umbrella. Gonna rain until mid morning so maybs that knocks the barbers on the head, so to speak
Down in the breakfast room I have a window seat with a good view of the umbrellas walking by. It isn’t just wet. It is v wet. Traffic on the Pentonville Road splashes by with headlamps lit and steamy buses take their passengers to work. Very relaxing. A young man sat to my left is eating a slice of watermelon whilst staring into his phone and listening to something on his Bose phones. I am happier taking in the atmosphere rather than cocooning myself away. Lots of people talking “to themselves” over breakfast. Phones and earpieces.
Across the road an ambulance has pulled up, blue lights flashing brightly through the gloom. Never a good sign. Someone in trouble.
The Bose bloke has been replaced by a Chinese lad. That was quick. Hurrying through life.
My tea is not very satisfactory. The water is never hot enough. They pour it from flasks rather than from a boiled kettle. I have a kettle in the room for later.
In the meantime people with no headcovering scurry to the smokers shelter outside. Bit of a jam as an electric DPD van tries to get through the hotel driveway.
Retrieved a couple of printouts the hotel receptionist had sorted for me, signed, scanned, and sent off and retreated to the room to brush my teeth. I had thought about chillin in the reception area for a bit but the inane chatter of two large american women whose every other word was “like” drove me away.
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After years of unforgettable music and incredible shows, Sundara Karma are saying goodbye. Funny how the first time you’ve heard of a band is when they announce their farewell tour.