London Pride 2010

I was not sure if I was going to this year’s pride, although I am used to going to events on my own it can get on your nerves at times.

Also I was a bit confused as someone who I had a nice time out with and was also going, did not want to invite me or indeed spend any time with me, it upset me Friday night.

I was up early Saturday morning and after my breakfast of fresh melon and grapefruit and a 20 minute easy workout, I thought why not go, it is a beautiful morning and I will still have a good time.

Once again I set of for Southend Victoria station to take my 60 minute journey into London.

I had my faithful IPod and a new Pink album to listen to for my train journey and my ever packed bag, with umbrella (I never trust the English weather), wipes, lip balm, and bottle of water amongst my “pride pack”

I was also hoping to meet up with my Unison friends at pride, Unison always march at pride and also have a stall in Trafalgar square.

My first plan of action was to meet them at Baker Street and March with them.

Now once I got to London Liverpool street, the trip to Baker Street is usually a simple journey, five stops on the London underground and a choice of three lines, Circle, Hammersmith or Bakerloo, however on the day of London pride London transport choose this day to close down 70% of the underground for maintenance works! Who makes choices like this

Thousands of people pour into London for London pride and it just created a bottleneck on the remaining lines available.

I had to go via the central line and feel like a packed sardine, change at Piccadilly Circus and head for Trafalgar square by foot.

At this point I abanded the idea of meeting the Unison group due to the journey taking too long, so decided to meet them at the Unison stand after the parade.

I was relaxed walking about on my own soaking up the atmosphere, I saw the “Ripley’s believe it or not” exhibition and thought about going in until I saw the ticket price £25!

It was £12 for children so thoughts of walking in on my knees and hoping that years of skincare would save me money soon went out of my head.

It is times like this when you think it would be nice to be sharing a day like this with someone, but that does not seem to be the option for women like me (sadly).

I bought some Italian ice cream and sat down and soaked up the gorgeous weather, it was hot again and I loved it.

12 months ago I was in a hospital bed with tubes hanging out of me; I knew which day I proffered even if it was alone.

Then I think this is where fate is such a funny thing, I ended up standing next to a group as they looked ok, well had piercings and tattoos, couldn’t think what we would have in common!

It turned out that they were meeting for the first time via a site I am a member of, so we got talking and they invited into their group.

I took lots of lovely photos from the parade and then had an emotional moment when I met up with my unison friends and there were hugs all around

I went to the retro bar with my new group of friends and had some lovely conversation over a glass of Mangers cider

Then it was time to go home via the endurance of the packed London underground!