Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Thank goodness for Google Maps this summer back in the UK. Despite meticulously directing me around the troublesome M5 and infuriating M25, smoothly up and down the M3, M4 and through the scenic A303, when an old dear friend asked me to come and stay in North London I left sleepy Somerset with some trepidation.
Although I spent my lively 20s in Fulham, South West London, confidently driving around, now after living in Bahrain and in slower-paced counties, driving to London brought on a little anxiety. However, the navigation was superb, despite the torrential rain that didn’t stop the entire journey and the children and I arrived in North London, late afternoon in one piece and sane.
My friend, husband and children were busily preparing food for our planned BBQ dinner and as the grey clouds were dissipating we all started to huddle around the garden table and BBQ chatting and laughing, reminiscing of days gone by.
I had forgotten, however, that it is a meteorological law that rain falls the minute you light a BBQ in the UK. As the rain poured down once more and as house guests we were ushered inside the dry kitchen whilst we looked on as my anoraked friend forlornly held the umbrella over her husband whilst he continued to BBQ in the downpour.
When it comes to Great British sports, barbecuing in the rain is right up there with aggressive queuing and apologising … something we are just born to do.
The next day we woke to sunshine and took on top tourist roles as we went sightseeing around Buckingham Palace, horse guards, St James Park and got a brilliant bird’s eye view of the capital from the London Eye.
The children were as enthralled with their first journey on the Underground and a double decker bus.
Then the day was over far too quickly, more tearful goodbyes and promises to meet up more frequently and back to the trusted Google navigation. Next stop Norwich.
