This was not in the plan! I was supposed to head straight home from Venice, but what can you do when your best gay boyfriend says he’s in London for the weekend, and demands an audience. Not to mention hard lobbying from nephew Michael and his darling wife Savannah. I guess that’s one of the benefits of semi-retirement - I can just change my plans and do what I want. So I did. London was a three-day whirlwind of new and old experiences…

First it was off to Sexy Fish in Mayfair for amazing Japanese with a DJ. Next up, the Ivy club in SoHo for a relaxed dinner with jazz (complete with a little dog under the piano), and we spotted Meryl and Martin as they passed us in the street. Alas, they didn’t return to the club after their show - that would have been exciting although you’re not allowed to get excited at the Ivy, club rules! 

Finally, Bar Bar Ricard for champagne on demand with a twist, just ring the bell! London is so vibrant and exciting, I love it here.

Departing Venice had been hellish… as usual, suitcases are to be outside our cabins by no later than 6am to enable a speedy debarkation. Well, someone forgot to tell my alarm, and I woke up at 7.30 to the absolute horror of unpacked chaos. Sacrebleu! By the time I made it to the airport, I was completely shattered and wondering what craziness it was to extend the party, but three days of family and friends was well worth the exhaustion. 

Too soon it was time to head home for a quick visit, get reacquainted with the dog, do some hard exercise, before I turn around and head off again. Cathay treated me like a queen and will remain my long-haul airline of choice at least until the Middle East calms down. The Rosewood was also amazing - fantastic bar, great music, excellent vibe. It’s the most luxurious hotel I’ve ever experienced. My stay there was next level in every way.