Today I finally became a British citizen! Went to Camden council to affirm my allegiance to the Queen and pledge my loyalty to the UK. I was presented with my certificate by the Mayor of the Borough of Camden. – I didn’t even know that boroughs had mayors! He was dressed in a fancy, old-fashioned fur-trimmed red cape with heavy gold chains along the front. I could barely suppress a smile, especially since he was slightly podgy, with a crew-cut hairstyle and somewhat hesitant speech – totally at odds with his grandiose costume and fancy title!

I also went to a Kings of Leon concert in Hyde Park. My first ‘real’ concert (my only other experience was with Pink Martini at the Round House) and an open-air one too! (Tick! for another thing on my Thngs-to-do-before-I-die list) I wasn’t really familiar with the songs so couldn’t really be swept up in the moment as much as other fans. Although I still tried to push myself as much to the front of the stage as possible, like a true groupie – and I managed to come as close as 5-6 rows from the stage at one point! Most of the time though, I was people-watching and being alternately amused and aghast by concert-humanity.

To top up an excellent day, my X-pole got delivered today! I had started pole-dancing classes (although I’m still Level 1, and an under-performing student at that!) and had bought a pole to do conditioning and practice the spins at home. I started pole to strengthen my arms for climbing, but it’s funny how it has taken on a life of its own! 🙂