What a bizarre day today, commencing at 4am UK time, getting up ready to come home. Spain is the latest night culture I've ever encountered - when we left our hotel this morning, we encountered streets full of clubbers and party-goers, drunkenly weaving their way home. Couples snogging in doorways and on street corners abounded and the whole atmosphere was really sleepy and benign.

Later, we came home to death on the M25 (we think a motorcyclist), a serious accident in our own road (rider and pillion motorcyclist badly injured) - I think it was a sobering experience for both of us.

We came home today so we could help to celebrate the 40th birthday of Champagne Hughie - David and I, Shazbop and Hugh all went to the Ivy (v v swanky restaurant in Central London). It was remarkably nice (as in not too posh or pretentious, friendly staff - regardless of the fact we were not celebs). I was surprised because I think many of these places are just so pompous and stuffy that I feel uncomfortable and miserable when I get there. Not so with the Ivy - really excellent place, I would recommend it gladly. I even got to go into their kitchen to take this shot - for some strange reason you can't take photos in the restaurant itself. Hugh and David got into a 'heated debate' about the right method to cook rice pudding (on the hob or in the oven) - very surreal!

David and I travelled into London by train - it took longer than the flight home from Barcelona this morning and was a decidedly grim experience. Filthy train, drunks everywhere (and the journey started at 5pm and ended at 7.30pm), children behaving like terrorists on Guildford Station - horrible. The return was not much better.

It was all worth it though to celebrate with Hugh - one of my oldest friends. Thanks to Shazbop for organising it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUGH!