December 2005

So, before Guatemala, we had December. Lots and lots of stuff happened in December. Lovely things. Family & friends sent us to Stobo Castle (a health Spa) for a couple of days, which was wonderful, and totally above and beyond the call of family & friends duty…not that I was knocking it back mind you!

There was all this health kick to be had but we opted for the bottle of champagne in our room before changing into our bathrobes (that’s how everyone was walking about) and skipping down to the big pool and spa and sitting there for the next four hours reading a book. It was wonderful…even better though when I found out that this very luxurious and fancy spa was designed by none other than my big brother – now, how cool is that?

I look forward to the day he designs something like that in his own house. But for now, it was fine. I actually felt that since he designed it, it was kinda like his house…kinda…in a funny sort of way!

We also had Judy Fielding School of Dance Christmas extravaganza…it just gets better and better each year. This year Amanda & Caitlin danced to ‘I love to Boogie’. (Hey, I think I might brush down my tap shoes for next year!)

We had a party in December too (well, two actually – but we’ll come to that). The first party was a big affair. Lots of people, food, booze and music. The music was the interesting part.

All the girls appeared in the room, wearing angel wings and wands…very strange! Particularly as Amanda started to sing a song in Spanish with the rest of the girls joining in with vocals and some – very interesting – choreography at the chorus.

It took me until halfway through the second verse to realised they were singing ‘Stay with me angel’ in Spanish. It was an absolute hoot - and a lovely touch for a lovely evening.

All was not quite so lovely though…Marco – an amazing talent in many ways – came along too. He and Mick (Slaven) played loads of songs. It was great; there were Beatles, Mamas & Papas, Joni and many many more. However, Marco, who isn’t much of a drinker was partaking in some of the tequila we brought back from Tequila in Mexico. Well, there he was, after his Beatles medley, trying to do some Prince splits on the living room floor to go with his disco dance routine – ouch! God love him though, apparently he was pretty poorly the next day. He was telling his folks about the night. ‘This tequila though, it was lovely, I felt like a cowboy’. As if that would excuse those dance moves. ‘Aye’ replied his mum ‘but your not a bloody cowboy are you?’

So, I think Marco’s tequila days are over! I hope!!!

Anyway, I didn’t mean to spend so long on that…hurry, almost in Guatemala…

The other party we had was a great wee birthday night for yours truly. Yes it was fine and a fairly low-key affair. But, as part of it, we decided to play a game of Mr & Mrs…not so low-key anymore! Couples were desperate for each other to get his/her questions right. It was a wee bit competitive. However, none of these folk should have worried. It turns out me and my old school pal (whom I partnered that night since she was on her own) are the perfect couple! We got six out of six!

I saw some great live music in December too.

Crash My Model Car (formerly Poor Old Ben) played a cracking show in Tut’s where they announced that they had signed a record deal with V2 – the only way is up guys!

And then, for my birthday, Chez had bought me tickets to see a girl called Corrine Baillie Rae. I was kinda looking forward to it, but not at all prepared for such a brilliant talent. She had a great band behind her and then she just sprang into life. She looked amazing, like she was having the time of her life and then she sang and her voice was really incredible. She just looked so happy to be there. Look out for her; I think hers will be a nice wee story.

I also saw a London band called The Roslins. They were good fun. An all girl band with lots of attitude. In fact, Henry Gorman (who wrote Happy Place & Heaven) has written all the songs for the Roslins…watch this space.

And then it was my birthday and I went to see one of the worst movies I think I’ve seen in a long time – Bloody Narnia! I suppose I should just wait to see what anyone says, but my god, I thought it was just so rubbish. Still, I went to see it with Caitlin, so it wasn’t all bad.

Also with Caitlin (you see, I know we’re gone for a month, so I try to get to see her as much as poss!) we went to see ice-skating at George Square, however, on the way there, I was busy blabbing on about Guatemala and boring everyone to death, when I fell! Just plain old fell off the kerb and trashed my ankle! Funny thing was though, that in the split second it took between my realising I was going over on my ankle and how much it hurt, I just thought, how am I going to get around Guatemala with a plaster and crutches! Isn’t it funny how our minds work!

Anyway, it was fine eventually, but I couldn’t stand on it for days. What a laugh though, WE WERE SUPPOSED TO GO ICE-SKATING! Although, Caitlin did go on the ice – then she fell over – then Amanda fell on top of her! No calamities though, just a bruised ego, but if you could have seen us – her crying and me limping – it was like a Two Ronnies sketch, but then, I guess you’d have to be there!

Okay, getting closer to Guatemala, but first we have to go via the USA.

Well no actually, first I have to tell you that we were leaving on Christmas morning and our neighbours (who were every bit as excited as we were) very kindly offered to take us to the airport. So, the first thing we knew about getting to the airport in the morning was our neighbour chapping on our door – we’d only gone and slept in!

Luckily we were all packed – and we were off – Merry Christmas.

To be continued…