The Queen's Visit: 20 February 2009

A very special day in the calendar today as The Queen and Prince Philip came to open the brand new offices where Saboohi works at Thames Valley University (Paragon House). Saboohi has been working flat out to prepare for the visit and make sure that her floor (11th) was finished and dressed for the occasion. She was directly involved in making sure that all the right people were invited to this special occassion (business people, dignitaries etc) and for designing the stand for her Future Skills department. It was one of those days where you work flat out and before you know it you are herded into a line and in a flash The Queen herself is standing in front of you, shaking your hand and asking you what you do at the University. She also asked her how long she had been at the University and if she was enjoying it. "you have quite a challenge" she said as she moved along the line. Saboohi was struck by how petite she was with strikingly blue eyes. Once she moved on Saboohi turned back to find Prince Philip standing directly in front of her. She had forgotten that he would be there! Prince Philip has been stood down from Royal Duties recently because of his bad back and this was his first trip out since then. The Palace officials warned the University that he may be a little "playful"! He asked Saboohi what she did at the University and if she taught there. "you are not a native are you?" he enquired in the true Prince Philip "disarming" fashion. "where are you from?". Saboohi explained that she was from Iran and that she had taught at the University in Tehran. "What did you study and teach?" asked The Prince. Saboohi answered that she had studied Engineering and taught the subject at the University there. "Oh, an intelligent one!" responded the Prince. Impressed, he moved onto his next target. Saboohi reflected on how much Prince Philip reminded her of my Dad, except the Prince was shorter.

It wasn't until after the visit that Saboohi could fully appreciate the magnitude of the occassion and the part she had played in it. It is a very rare opportunity to be able to spend time in The Queen's presence, to talk directly with her and to share small snippets of your life with her. A moment of history in your own lifetime and therefore a very, very special day.

18 February 2009 -Supper with an old friend

I met up with Helen Herrington after work today. She was in town doing some shopping and meeting up with her son on the South Bank. It was lovely to see her and catch up on news. We went for an Italian in a restuarant opposite The Duke of Yorks Theatre. She had planned to be on a cruise in the Caribbean now with her Sister but had to cancel at the last minute when her poor Sister broke her ankle. Instead she has now booked a flight to New York on Saturday and is going across "the pond" to spend a week with her daughter Caroline. She was interested to hear about our trip to New Zealand and Australia in April and suggested we visit a place called "Jim Thompson's House" when we have our 2 day stop over in Bankok. I will add that to our list.

Tuesday 17 February 2009

We were invited round to Sandra and Ingrid's for supper after work this evening. Sandra is at home for a few days after spending weeks up in Cheadle caring for her Mum Pat who recently suffered a stroke. She has to return to Cheadle on Thursday so it is only a brief stop over. We had a veritable feast (roast dinner) and took the opportunity to catch up on news. It looks as though she is going to spend most of her time up in Cheshire over the coming months until it becomes clearer what support Pat is going to need. It is clear that she is not going to walk again and will need dedicated care. Her spirits high though at the moment. God bless her.

Sunday 15 February 2009

I went to see the movie Slumdog Millionnaire at the cinema this afternoon with Saboohi. What a good film, certainly deserving of all the accolades and awards it has received. So hard to watch though. To think that so many Indian children actually experience the hardships that are portrayed in the film, it is heart breaking. At the same time it is also inspiring and humbling. Well done Danny Boyle.

Valentine's Night - Travelling in Style

What a wonderful evening I had last night. My gorgeous girlfriend Saboohi had arranged a Valentine's Night Dinner for us both onboard The Orient Express. We were picked up at home by Howard (a professional chauffeur) at 6.15 p.m. and dropped off at Victoria Train Station at 7.15 p.m. having managed to survive the busy Valentine's Night traffic. The train was waiting for us on Platform 2 with porters and waiters standing by to escort us to our seats in the Phoenix carriage (seats 21/22). The interiors were plush and beautiful having been fully restored to their original magnificence. The carriage we were in had originally been built in 1927 and served on the Golden Arrow line during the OEs heydays in the 20's and 30's. Saboohi and I were the only female couple onboard (as far as we could see!) which had its advantages as the evening was very much focused on the ladies, with red roses being presented by the staff, musicians providing entertainment at your table and a silhoutte artist came through the carriages cutting out silhoutte images of all the ladies on the train. The menu started with a glass of Kir Royale followed by a Salmon dish to start, then a strawberry and Champagne cold soup which was absolutely delicious. The main course was chicken, followed by cheese and biscuits and then an assortment of sweets. All this was accompanied by a bottle of Pinot Grigio wine, more champagne, port and coffee. Saboohi had also ordered an additional present for me, 2 x OE special engraved champagne glasses, which were brought to the table by our waiter. I felt so spoilt and loved! The train journey took 3.5 hours altogether and took us on a circular route via Guildford. It struck me how only the very priviledged would have travelled in such splendour at the beginning of the last century and how lucky I was to be enjoying such a wonderful experience now with such a wonderful girlfriend!