fireworks

there was the annual lord mayor's show on saturday.

it is a historical event that dates back some 800 years ago, where the newly elected mayor had to show himself to the public and thus, journey up river from the city to westminster. through this journey, the mayor had to weather different predicaments such as fires, wars and insurrections. over the years, the mayor's journey became so splendid that it was known as the Lord Mayor's show.

i got up pretty late on saturday because of the messed up body clock of mine. now that i've started studying i have reverted to the studying timing; which is sleeping really really late and waking really really late too. i decided that i wanted to get some stuff from covent garden and wasn't too keen on topping up my oyster card so i resorted to taking one of those boris bikes. the best thing was that because of the parade procession happening through the city, the route that i was supposed to take was closed to all vehicles and before i knew it, i was cycling through the empty city streets of london.

it was exceptionally crowded at covent garden due to the event that was going on throughout the day, not to mention that it was a saturday. i fought my way through the crowds to search for the shop that sold what i wanted to get. before long, my legs brought me to chinatown where i took a walk through the hustle and bustle of it all. sheryl then called me to ask if i was interested to join her for fireworks. my original plan was to walk to millenium bridge to catch the fireworks by myself. i eventually succumbed to her invitation.

we met up with james and walked to waterloo bridge. needless to say, much of the bridge was packed with people who were early and managed to grab a superb view from the bridge as the fireworks were going to be set off from a barge off the thames. we didn't have a choice but to stand behind the sea of heads because we barely made it before the show started.

naturally, i was feeling kinda awful because sheryl had james with her but they tried their best to make me feel that i wasn't left out. of course, it didn't really help and i couldn't stop thinking about Gordon and how nice it would be if we 2 couples could be watching the fireworks together. incidentally, there was an empty spot next to me... and it felt like he was standing there beside me.

as thoughts ran through my mind, the fireworks began its deafening explosion into the night sky. the beautiful array of green, red, white and gold sparks filled the sky. in an instant, there was a flurry of brightness and before you know it, it dissolved into the night.

watching the sky fill itself with that spectacle, i couldn't help but be touched by the beautiful sight. some part of me felt sad... i was overwhelmed by that sense of longing deep down inside.

i felt that familiar sensation roll down my right cheek.

as i was overcome with emotion, sheryl turned to me and said "eh, happy national day la!"

i couldn't help but laugh.