Here I am, in the land of Vitamin D! I’m writing this on the balcony of the St. Andrews apartment where I’m staying with my gracious and charming host, Jenn Ward. There is a palm tree less then ten feet from me, and a busy pond frequented by exotic bird life just beyond. Gone are my Gortex and toque (what you American folks would call a beanie). The weather is just divine – a few clouds to cut the intensity of the heat, a nice breeze caressing my pasty, sun-starved face with the soft, tropical air…ok, that’s enough jealous-making for one day. I must confess that even though I’ll always love California and not love Florida, coming here for my annual visit does continue to grow on me. I would be lying to say I can’t see why all the eastern Canadians truck on down for the winter.
Well, there WERE birds at the pond before the Mexican dog pack two floors down started making their daily (and hours long) racket.
But now here I am, enjoying the micro-universe of Welly World already, with dinner last night at the International Polo Club with some friends. Michael Stone came by and was introduced to me. I was both delighted that he knew who I was (from reading the blog), and pleasantly surprised that he invited me to call him any time while I’m here so I can ask him some meaningful questions – the answers to which I will of course share with you here at some point. Of course my main question will be to ask why the WEF has unceremoniously dumped dressage entirely this winter. Not that I don’t know the answer (cha-ching) but I want to hear it from the horseman’s mouth.
As per my usual habit when I’m in a colourful place filled with horses and their crazy humans, I’ll be blogging a bit more often over the next couple of weeks. But now I’m off to Kontiki to buy Jenn one of the many umbrella drinks I owe her.
The balcony of our famous neighbour (hint: the person has competed six times at a major championship whose name starts with ‘O’), but so far no sighting to report.