I've had an interesting day today. Up at 4.20 am to get the first flight to London. Taxi-plane-train-bus to get to the office for 9. A whole day of meetings and then everything in reverse to get home again. For all that it was long and involved a lot of whisking hither and thither it was the most enjoyable, relaxing day I've had since I got back to work. I like travelling for a start. I feel calm being in a state of in-betweeness - if I'm on the way somewhere I'm not bugging myself about all the more important things I should be doing at that moment (like I am if I'm at my desk or at home watching telly). I like planes and airports. I don't think they will ever stop being exciting and exotic. I like the train journey from Heathrow to Paddington. A great whizz of urban sprawl going from suburban semis, through brick terraces, high rises, low rises, factories, warehouses, train depots, old buildings, new buildings, shabby, posh, Trellick Tower, it's all there. Then a London bus, exciting because I never have a clue where I am but I've been there often enough to have my favourite landmarks pinpointed - the Park Lane Hilton, I love that building. And another world in miniature going from transport hubs and office blocks through that whole bit (what's it called?) where it's all Middle Eastern, then suddenly lots of parks and really posh bits. Soaking all that in set me up for a morning of meetings, then the lunchtime treat was a trip to Muji, my spiritual home, then more meetings - interesting and productive. On the way back I looked at the magazines in the business lounge and had fun wondered which of many was most inappropriate for me. Where to start - Pool and Spa User? So British? Success? I picked Wallpaper*, an old favourite and struggled with that, realising we parted company some time ago. Then back on the plane, staring out of the window mostly. Nice meal, diddy bottle of wine. It was busy but luxurious. I felt like I'd earnt the time sitting still and got home tired but satisfied.
