Secure in the knowledge that as President all travelling
expenses are paid in full, I boarded my 1st class seat on the Singapore
Emirates flight to visit the Guildford Catenian Circle's most easterly
Brother, Michael Milford and his fragrant wife Sue. It was a humid and stormy night when I ordered a Tiger beer and waited
for Michael to navigate the little streets of Singpore on his way to the
hottest spot in town, the Four Seasons Hotel bar on Orchard Road. Wet
with anticipation, the humidity level was 95%, I waited for Michael to
arrive. Pop went the champagne cork, and I immediately recognised the
effervescent fizz of Krug Vintage. Michael had remembered my favorite
tipple.
I turned in eager anticipation of a timely Catenian reunion only
to find that Michael and Sue were nowhere to be found. But just as I was sliding into a feted pit of disappoint, our eyes
meet across the crowded bar. There they were resplendent in full
colonial garb! Good Lord they have gone native! I thought. "I say old
chap, should you be wearing a pith helmet indoors?" I said. Ignoring my
gibe, Michael reached into the pocket of his safari jacket, pulled out a
neatly folded white handkerchief and wiped a tear of joy from his eye
at seeing his Catenian chum from the old country.
I learnt that the family were all well and living on the exclusive
Marina Bay area. Michel's career continued to advance while Sue,
following her recent Masters, had launched a new business in executive
coaching. Their daughter Isabelle had joined them in the expat lifestyle
while son Peter smartly returns for holidays when his University studies
allow.
"Another Singapore sling" Michael slurred. Then all to quickly the cold,
wet, slightly lemon scanty towel of reality slapped me in the face and
it was time to leave. The sun had already sunk slowly in the West and
blighty was calling me home. As the Emirates chauffeur carried my bags
to the “stretch” we shared a fond au revoir and all too quickly our
precious time together was over, but not forgotten.
All characters mentioned in this article are entirely fictitious. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
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| What's a nice kid like you doing in a joint like this? |
