Have you ever had someone stand so close behind you that every time they move, their trapper-hat flap bangs on your head? And have you ever wrestled someone you’ve never met before? Or had bad thoughts about strangers that you wouldn’t dare write in your blog? I have. Last night.
My husband and I arranged to meet in Leicester Square for a certain film premiere event. We decided, because of the film that it was, that we would brave the cold, a bit of rain, the crowds, the stalkers, the hysteria and the mayhem. Perseverance and determination are formidable and necessary allies in a struggle such as we experienced last night.
We found a spot near the red carpet, took our places and tried – for the next hour or two – to stand firm. Hands, elbows, camera bags, hat flaps, bubble gum and phone cameras notwithstanding, we managed to keep breathing.
My sons played waterpolo at school and I was always amazed at the level of struggle that took place not only above water but below the surface. The key defender, who played in the “hole” near the opposition’s goal, would always jostle and do serious battle with his opposite number to gain domination of that spot. I felt like I was playing waterpolo on dry land last night. I did serious battle with a bubble-gum-chewing and bubble-blowing neighbour who insisted on elbowing me and pushing her way ahead of me. I tried to stand my ground and, at one stage, I heard her say to her friend, “I’m going to punch this lady.”
Thankfully she didn’t, nor I her. We all survived. And it was all for the sake of this:
For those who know me well, you will understand the value of this sight to my best friend in the whole world. The premiere was for the movie, “Burlesque”, starring Cher and Christina Aguilera and it starts in London on Friday.
Those were two hours of our lives we’ll clearly never get back, but – in hindsight – it was surely worth it.
Sunshine signing off for today!
Sunshine in London 