Happy New Year.

The crowds are gathered on the Embankment, some of them have waited for over 6 wet hours with the stoic willpower which event see'rs have in the bucket full. I was never one for an "event". Year after year I would promise myself to get out and party or watch the firework display in London and year after year would see me in bed or, at the most sitting in front of the TV watching others having a good time. This year is the same but with one difference. your intrepid blogger is writing his impression trying to capture the moment perhaps the moment behind the moment.
As the clock climbs into the last half hour of 2013 we are faced with the perennial Jools Holland and his collection of bands and vocalists on the big stage at Broadcasting House whilst Garry Barlow struts his stuff on BBC 1.
Usually there is a lot of time setting the stage amongst the crowd on the Embankment, people from all over the world who focus their end of year entertainment facing the the London Eye and the firework display. Tons of fireworks ready to go up in 10 minutes of colour and noise. 20 seconds to go 10, 5, 2 they are off, flash, bang, greens, shimmering white, orange and blue. I can't of course smell the acrid smoke or sense the crowds anticipation, the gasps of delight as another phase of pyrotechnics, choreographed to a music, finally reaching a tremendous finale of light and sound but its there.
The revealers not to be out done with the rain turn one to another to kiss and hug, wishing each other the best for another year before beginning the search for transport home or more likely looking for a pub or club to sing and dance the night away.

Where will we be this time next year ?

Happy New Year Everyone  From John and Family