Day 12 (May 11)

I went to the City (Maggie went to Sutton to meet her friends) for lunch (@ a popular pub) with a high school schoolmate, Francis and his colleague (HK origin and about Michelle’s age). I took the circle line to Mansion House Station. As I came out of the station I was surprised that our broker's wine store was no longer there. I tried to call Zoran, my wine broker but my phone needed to be topped up. Subsequently Zoran told me that it was closed last year when his landlord tried to impose an 80% rent increase. I also visited my former office though my successor’s successor had just got transferred to Jakarta. Then I tried to top up my mobile but couldn’t find any Vodaphone shop at the Cheap Sides. Eventually I got it done at the Carphone Warehouse (though their minimum is £10 instead of £5.) At 12:00 I went to Royal Exchange to meet with Francis. Afterwards I spent half an hour at the St Paul Cathedral, a place where I did many hours of post lunch stroll during my seven-year work in the City (the financial district). Maggie and I met with Michelle for dinner at My Old Dutch Pancake House*, Holborn (walking distance from her office). Since its Monday all pancakes cost only £5.00 each. The pancake is really huge and you can order various types of filling.

* http://www.myolddutch.com/