In the words of John Lennon: Roll on. That`s the way this year has been. We are already 4 months into the journey, and it still rolls on, but as usual, there has been a certain amount of magic, sleight of hand shall we say. While I wasn`t looking, the magicians of Cambridge transformed the past into the future, right before my eyes. And a tour figured prominently in this month`s journey.
I organized a surprise party for Susanne`s birthday two days before her birthday. I invited 20, 18 came. The other 2 e-mailed their regrets. I did it all on facebook. The surprise worked perfectly - it was a great party. These were people that I met within the last four months, and they have truly become Susanne`s friends, too. What an incredibly intelligent group of people this University attracts. Three of the guests appear above, Blair from New Jersey studying Economics, Esther from Paris studying Engineering, and Nikon from St. Petersberg studying neuroscience.
Last weekend we went to London and took in a Rock and Roll London walking tour in the rain. It was magical - we saw the haunts of the stars of the British invasion - the Beatles, Stones, Yardbirds, Who, Traffic, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix - where they ate, drank, recorded, played. Then we returned to the National Portrait Gallery where we saw an incredible exhibit of 1960`s photographs - the same people who we learned about on the tour. I remembered being in London in `67 and `71, visiting Carnaby Street, Denmark Street, although I don`t think that I realized how special that era was. And better still, in London I had my first Roti in 4 months. We went back two days in a row! I was sure sad when I was all full up.
We also witnessed the party celebrating the end of the 800 year anniversary of the University of Cambridge. There was a terrific light display on the old buildings - absolutely amazing. On the same night we heard Paul Martin speak at the Cambridge Union. He was quite good, argueing that counties in 2010 had to view their own sovereignty from the perspective that now any country`s economics and treatment of the environment could have a profound effect on their country. No large country was strong enough to survive the collapse or polluting of any other large country, and it was the G20 that was hopefully going to be the vehicle to promote that understanding. I was proud to be a Canadian listening to his very worldly view. If only our present PM would talk and act like that.
Hope that everyone is happy, healthy and having a good time. We sure are.
Part of Susanne`s birthday present is a weekend in Paris, which is where we are off to next weekend.
Oh Yeah - we went to Robbie Burns night - no responsibilities to recite the Ode to the Haggis (although they ask me to do the Toast to the Lassies). Uncharacteristically, or characteristically this year, I refused, sat back and enjoyed myself - stress free. Even the Haggis tasted great.
Miss everyone.
P.S. I have tried to change my settings so that everyone can post comments. If you don't see your comment right away, don't fret as I have put a filter in so that I can see the comments before they go on the site. This is only to prevent flamers, and I promise to post anyone's comment once I ensure that it is from a friend, not a foe.
