Old Journey, New Path

A month has past. The vows have been spoken, the speeches have been spoken and the dance has been danced. The Wedding is over and the Marriage has just begun. Now I can say with absolute sincerity what a great night it was, how much fun I had and how delighted I am with my new wife.

The wedding, to be honest, was a blur. A force ten gale of smiling faces, pictures and dancing. Nigel said (and I’m glad he did because I wouldn’t have) that you could truly feel love on that night and I could not agree more. But you were there. You know what that night was and I could never find the words to do it justice. The last thing I will say on the subject is that Michelle and I could not have asked for a better day or better friends to share it with.

***

When we arrived in New York there was a torrential downpour thanks to the tail end of a hurricane which was blowing through. My niece and nephew, Anna and Jonathan, with the help of their parents had arranged for a town car to pick us up at JFK and Carlos, our driver, advised with a bright smile and raised eyebrows that maybe, due to the weather, we’d prefer to spend our honeymoon indoors anyway.

The streets were a river and the sky was cloud blanketing the infamous skyline. That was no deterrent however, as nice as the hotel room was, a room is a room, and I was in the greatest city on earth. We were soaked in a second but out for an hour walking the streets we all know; Along Madison Avenue, down to Fifth and back toward third and over to the Chrysler Building (which we had mistaken for The Empire State Building).

This is a city in which the fantastic is typical. The next morning no-one bats an eyelid at part of Broadway being cordoned off as that section of street is made to look ancient torn and broken as tanks sit on the road. A movie’s being filmed, possibly a Will Smith film by the name of ‘I Am Legend’ (I memorised a one of the names from a set of directors chairs we spotted and according to IMDB this is the only movie the guy is involved in which is filming). It’s more than big it’s grand and in the days thaty follow Michelle and I will travel across the city to its greatest landmarks, thankfully in the hot sun rather than the pouring rain.

The Empire State Building is five minutes walk from the hotel. Times Square is 10 minutes walk and the bus tour tickets we bought on the first day take us everywhere else. Day 2 we saw The Lion King on Broadway and visit the top of Empire State. Day Three we take a tour of NBC Studios and see were Saturday Night Live is filmed. We go across to Brooklyn on the Bridge by the same name and visit the site of the World Trade Centre. Next day we took a helicopter ride over The Statue of Liberty and carriage through Central Park (bike not horse) and on the last day we simply enjoyed the city.

***

Hawaii did not start off so well. On the long flight over Michelle and I were feeling a little home sick and when we arrived our bags were not there to collect. The hotel was nice, the staff friendly and the room was large and comfortable. All and all though, I think we both were both regretting the second leg of our dream honeymoon. And then we saw the view.


Like a postcard in a photograph, like a dream in the eyes of the beholder. We walked on the beach that night in clothes we bought from the complex across from the hotel. The sand was coarse beneath our feet, the sea was strong and moon was large and full. Paradise.

We spent the next day on the beach and in the sea. I was burned quite badly on my legs and found it difficult (by which I mean extremely painful) to walk on that day so we didn’t get to enjoy some of the activities we planned on. Instead we enjoyed the rest of Hawaii by the pool and with many more walks on the beach. We relaxed in the sun and, after the busy streets of Manhattan, were glad for the opportunity.

***

People think I’m crazy for saying this but I couldn’t be happier to be home. New York was breath taking, Hawaii a dream but this is where I belong. I miss things too much. I miss my house, my streets, my people, and really sadly I especially missed my cats.

***

Marriage is a funny thing. Nothing has changed but everything is different. I’m on the same journey with a new path to follow. There seems to be more possibility and more certainty at the same time. I feel better, almost healthier in a way. Honestly I don’t know what I feel. But I know I’m happy and I know Michelle is too – and as long as I can keep us that way what more can anyone ask?

Honeymoon Photos!

Wedding

New York

Hawaii

Thank You

I have wrote this days before you are reading it, which should be sometime after the wedding which has yet to happen. Of course I can’t talk about what a great night it was, how much fun I had or how delighted I am with my new wife, but, I’m sure I will after the honeymoon.

For now, while I sit amongst the gifts and cards you all have given and sent, I simply want to say how privileged, proud , and fortunate I am to each of you in my life. You all have been telling me how much you are all looking forward to our day and you all have spent allot of time and money on our behalf and Michelle and I are truly grateful for all that you have done. I won’t thank anyone individually, not here, but you know who you are and if not I’ll make sure you know.

I’m not too sentimental, at least I pretend not to be, so I’m not the best at thank yous or at letting people know how much I care for them and how glad I am to know them so I’ll just say this: I don’t have a lot of time for most people but I have all the time in the world for each of you. I know you had a good night (because I’ll be making sure you do) and I hope your hangovers were not too bad.

I’ll be either be on a plane, in earths greatest city or on a white sand beach while you read this but, despite my incredible destinations, believe then I can’t wake to get back to you all.

‘Till Then

Staggered

Kudos all round and especially to Mr Wilson(right), for someone who did not want a Stag Night a really did enjoy myself. I admit I was nervous that my wishes may not have been taken seriously but I’m happy to say there were neither nasty surprises nor upsets throughout the night.

I was happy that my Dad, William and my brother Christopher were there. Props to Stoo for his bravery in choice of shirt and a big thanks to all the guys who came – it really meant a lot.

Two of the comedians were just all right at Jongleurs but the excellent Tom Stade (left) was alone worth the price of admission.

Forgive the shortness of the post and don’t think it a reflection on the night. It’s less than three days to go and my head is just too full for the words to form properly. ‘The Wedding’ post should be posted Thursday night time permitting.

‘Till then.

Shake Well

I’m partial to the odd milk shake, Frijj, being my favourite. Last Sunday when in Morrison’s my Mum, knowing how much her boy likes this brand of shake, very kindly took advantage of the twofur offer that was on at the time.

The same day, last Sunday, Michelle and I went round for dinner and, sure enough, when asked if we wanted a drink my mum offered her kind purchase, some sickly sweet smelling strawberry Frijj, which I eagerly accepted. Off she went to get the drinks while Michelle and I spoke with my dad. Half way through the idol banter of weddings and work and all the rest I was handed the familiar pink and white bottle and, as the label instructs, shook well. Unfortunately my mum, being naturally helpful, had loosened the lid for me, a fact I did not of course realise until my initial shock subsided and I realised that my parents couch, table floor and rug, myself my fiancée and indeed my father were covered by the sticky gelatinous bright pink liquid once contained in the bottle.

There was a mad dive for the kitchen roll and the furniture was salvaged, save for the odd sticky spot, Michelle was mostly okay, my dad had to change his trousers, but as I was at ground zero of the pink eruption I had to be driven home, throw my cloths under the shower and completely wash and dress myself. Even after washing myself off completely I still smelt like walking candyfloss.

Some of you may be wondering if this little accident was followed by my usual brand of seething rage and wall punching. Much the Michelle’s relief, who was watching me nervously while I surveyed the areas hit, I simply let out a short laugh of disbelief, brought on when my eyes finally reached my fathers shell shocked face, which I assume matched my own.