Looking back, I’m not sure how my parents coped. I mean, how do you get three small kids into the centre of London from Harlesden, one of whom has quite severe cp, and all insisting they wanted to ride on the top deck? It mustn’t have been easy, but every year we did it. One of my fondest childhood memories was going to see father Christmas at Selfridges. They do a grotto there, and we went in early December, year in, year out; it was a family tradition, until we grew out of it. One year, they did a snowman theme – I was in heaven, as I adored the snowman. Always have.

I just watched it again, on youtube. Est mentioned it being parodied by n irn bru advert, and I became nostalgic. Watching it sent me back to the top deck of the number six bus, being told not to jump or the driver may think we want to get off. You know, my parents were very patient with us.

Its been a long term. I really am ready to get home, although, naturally, I have a lot of work to do. It should be a nice rest, and a good chance to see family. Its interesting, though, how a film can trigger feelings.