Paya and I have had THE BEST weekend ever. And at the risk of making everyone throw up with our couple-cuteness, I thought I would recount the weekend here for everyone to enjoy - especially because the last time we visited London was the UK GA meet in August.

On Thursday I met Paya at Manchester airport. His plane was early and my train was late, resulting in a nice meeting alongside one of those "rolling road" people movers (the flat escalators). We took a train back to the city that lies next to my small town, and I got to show Paya some more of my home and its surrounding areas.

The main purpose for the visit was for Paya to get to know my Mum better and we went out for a wonderful meal that evening. Paya used his considerable charm and intelligent humour to win my mothers loving gaze. He also won the eternal adulation of my dog - a border collie - who was delighted to find this visitor wanted to play fetch with her and had a pigs ear as a treat for her.

The following morning we set out on the train, and were joined at our table by a group of girls off for a party weekend in London. After a few occasions of "subtly" rubbing my leg and getting no reaction, one of the girls started asking us questions - where we were from etc. It was only afterwards that we realised that this was the first time we had been completely open that we are a couple with complete strangers. This was oddly liberating, and for the majority of the weekend we engaged in public displays of affection without worry or concern.

On the Friday evening, we decided to have shopping time - as required on our gay cards - and we promptly went to fortnum & masons, via the Westminster abbey, Buckingham Palace and Green Park. The visit to fortnums was characterised by paya getting excited by the products, and me getting annoyed with the prices. in my opinion, £20 for a bottle of jam is obscene, and £90 for a box of chocolates is laughable. We bought some Jams and Preserves and then had a walk on Regent Street via picadilly circus.

I simply MUST tell you about our hotel. We had an exceptional view from our room on the 11th floor. We could see Canary Wharf tower and the Millennium dome, and almost the whole of the docklands. Before anyone thinks I'm bragging about how much we spent, I will say right now that this was VERY cheap for a London hotel. We spent only £90 per night, including breakfasts. We got a room upgrade mainly because the girl at reception was Czech and wanted to look after Paya, as very few Czech's stay at that hotel.

On Saturday was the main event. We had bought tickets to watch a show. "We Will Rock You" is a musical/show extraveganza based on the music of the groundbreaking band, Queen. It is written by Ben Elton and if you love Rock Music, Sexy Guys and the idea of Britney Spears dying (im serious), you will LOVE this show. this is not a "gay musical", nor is it "Faaaabulous darling". If you want a show thats "out loud and proud" for the gay community, then you can go watch "Priscella Queen of the desert" - but if you want great music, a good time and enjoy the odd perve on a scantilly clad GA GA boy, then We Will Rock You is an ideal show.

On saturday evening we ate at "Little Italy" in SoHo. it was one of the best meals we have ever had, and was authentically italian. the fact that the young waiter was under pressure and all the staff were new just added to the charm of the place. It didnt matter that we got our main course before the starter.

After dinner we went to Westminster. A late night visit to Westminster is our "thing" - we like to hear the bells and see the Palace of Westminster (parliament) all lit up and nice. This time though there was something missing. Last time we were there, we had a partner in crime, helping us to leer at the passing hotties (male and female) and admiring the very VERY VERY scantilly clad young people going about their business. Last time, we had Nephy with us. and it was sooo much fun. we realised then just how important some friendships are, and that sometimes its not just about being a couple - but about having those friends we are so comfortable with that we can be ourselves around them. So we sent Nephy a text telling her how we wished she was there

Now I'm sitting in the 1st class lounge at Euston. An hour ago i saw Paya onto his train to Luton, and now I have 3 hours to wait for my own train. All I can think of is how glad I am that its only 26 Days until we meet again.

Pusu :* A Jeste Jednu :*, Miluji te Pája.

Love to you all

West