The Excitement Was Almost To Much To Bear

It all started some time ago, as details were discussed and plans made.  The details of the route were meticulously planned out, timings discussed and agreed, and discussed and agreed again just to make sure.

The car was chosen, and the clothes weren’t known until the last minute.  Menus were mulled over, with suggestions from all sides, but none of the details were known by the general public until they happened – it just felt better that way I guess.

There was much thought put into the composition of the whole day.  How would it pan out, would the weather be kind to us ?  Would the pressure tell and people would fold at the crucial moments ?  Would spontaneity be allowed to take a part in the proceedings ?  The questions mounted along with the solutions as each detail was meticulously planned and re-planned. 

Who would be invited ?  Would they come or would something more pressing intervene ?  The invitation to the Syrian Ambassador was discussed and it was decided that it was inappropriate when all things were considered.  It was also considered un-necessary to invite the two past Labour Prime Ministers (although to be fair, neither qualified to be invited and the their lack of an invitation was unspoken, and therefore an easy decision to make.)

Entertainment after the main event was also becoming a topic of conversation as more options were put on the table.  Would there be an all night drinking session once the main bulk of the ceremonial duties were over ?

The tension mounted as the days in the lead up to the big event passed slowly…..and then yesterday it happened – we went to Abu Dhabi shopping and I bought some new trainers !  The relief was enormous…….  In fact I went mad and bought two pairs of socks and a portable ipod docking station as well.

This was followed up with a visit to my favourite Lebanese Mill restaurant for a take-away Shwarma and then off to watch international rugby as the UAE took on Kazakhstan in the first ever home international for the home team (they are a new team formed after the Arabian Gulf team folded last year) in the Asian 5 Nations.  It ended with the predicted late night finish on the balcony, with what like seemed the whole world watching, as details of the day were discussed and mulled over, all to the sound of popular tunes from the eighties played out on the new docking station and accompanied by sufficient quantities of wine and brandy to ensure that the end of the day was as successful as the beginning.

The guest list for the day included Nigel……actually that’s it, because Ian turned down our generous invitation to do some work……but we weren’t worried.  The weather was simply magnificent.  Our car, a hired Ford Mondeo, known affectionately amongst the staff here as “Nigel’s Car” didn’t miss a beat as it cruised effortlessly along the route to the final destination (up the E45 for 50km, turn right onto the E11 for 75km and into Abu Dhabi).  The crowds lining the route went largely un-noticed as we discussed details of the ceremonial aspects of the days activities.  After a brief stop to ensure catering provisions were up to scratch (a scotch egg and a bag of crisps), it was on to the big event.

It couldn’t have gone better – the planned route was an unqualified success and the crowds seemed to part as we made our way to the sports shop.  It seemed no time at all and it was all over, the trainers were in the bag, along with a little something to help them be as comfortable as possible during the coming nuptials. A brief unscheduled detour on the off chance that we might find something interesting and then into the electrical shop for a little treat.  No more than 5 minutes later and it was all over.  We were on the way to the car and the evenings festivities, to catch up with old friends (Nigel met a bloke at the rugby he used to work with in Southampton – small world really) and before we knew it, it was back to reality.

All we have left are the trainers, the socks, the docking station and some of the Shwarma in the fridge for lunch later today……..oh, and of course, the wonderful memories. 

The press coverage was significant throughout the whole affair but I think I’ll limit what I show you here so as to save any embarrassment.  The venue, whilst being spectacular, should be noted for it’s simplicity……

The traditional ceremonial duties were acted out in the usual formal fashion in front of honoured and invited guests……..

and as soon as the formalities were complete the entertainment began…….

Which kept an enthusiastic public enthralled right through to the final moment,

and then long into the night as the details were discussed over and over before falling tired and emotionally into bed after a long and satisfying day to be remembered.

Shame we couldn’t leave until 2.30 because there was some wedding or other on the telly !