I was in Kuching – Borneo, East Malaysia. The only way to get my truck across to the mainland (the Malay peninsula) was in a container. I dropped it off last week – all things being equal I should see it again on Friday 29 Nov in Kuala Lumpur.
So I had a few days spare. What to do….?
Well, my oldest boy Richard is doing to London thing. He’s been up there now 18 months. I saw him during the RWC in France last year but it has been 12 months since we’d shared a beer and a bite.
And by a lovely coincidence my beautiful daughter Claire was travelling in Europe for a month with boyfriend Rhys. It was just too good an opportunity to miss.
So, I hopped on QF1 in Singapore and arrived at LHR last week – Thur 21 Nov.
How does one talk dispassionately and without bias about your hugely impressive children (and the equally impressive Rhys the boyfriend). Because goodness they are truly impressive people.
I can’t be dispassionate or unbiased. They are spectacular human beings. But perhaps to broaden the discussion, I don’t know a 20-something in my friendship group that is any different. My kids’ friends are all hugely impressive people. My friends’ kids likewise are amazing. Intelligent… Respectful… Confident… Polite… Well read… Generous… To a fault.
I just can’t wait for this generation to evolve into 40 and 50 year olds and push the old guard out to pasture. They are our future and make me confident that all of the issues and stupid denial that the current batch of world leaders live by will fade away to common sense Once these guys take charge.
I am supremely confident these guys have what it takes to bring a new world order – based on common sense and intelligence.
So, London. The four of us caught up for dinner and drinks. The stupid old Dad paid for stuff and then made himself scarce when the real fun started.
I walked and walked and walked some more. I love London. It’s a second home for me. I lived here for years in the ’80s. The place has so many great memories for me. Wherever I went, I had a memory.
But this time of course it was their memories I was building. My time here is done – it’s their turn. And isn’t it funny that, 40 years after my time here, how little things had changed. Here was a bunch of 20-somethings in London building their lives, their experiences, their confidence and their memories. Goodness, it was wonderful thing for me to witness. To see life through their eyes – as they set out towards adulthood.
Did I have fun??? You bet! How could I not with these guys.