Within a few days I saw two pop culture icons – the Olympic Torch and George Clooney! And another rarity – Snow!Last Sunday, we woke to 2 inches of the white stuff! In April! It was actually pretty cool, because it made London look, well, pretty…lol. And no amount of snow showers could dampen the Olympic flame on its relay through the city (that was left to the Tibet protesters). My flatmate, a huge Olympics junkie, and I made our way to a great spot across from the British Museum (where, fittingly enough, China’s Terracotta Warriors were on display). Anyone using the phrase “Brrr….it’s cold out here” would not be accused of crazy talk. It was freezing!
However, we kept warm through the wonder that is Starbucks, conveniently located behind where we stood, and through the warm and friendly Chinese who made up the majority of onlookers on our street. They bore their Beijing banners and mascots and kept us entertained with songs. The procession was quite something to see with music, cheerleaders, a bus promoting Coke (of course) and then the torch itself, which was carried for our stretch by England’s former rugby coach. Was really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that was incredible to see.
Also incredible to see? Gorgeous George Clooney!!! Yes, one of the benefits of being unemployed is that one can make their way down early to Leicester Sq to get a good spot along the red carpet. George and Renee Zellweger were in town to premiere “Leatherheads,” and let me tell you, they sure turned our heads. OMG, George is just gorgeous in person, charming, friendly, the whole nine yards! The cold snap was still hitting London, so he kept asking if we were doing ok, if we weren’t too cold, and continually thanked us for coming out. Sighh…Then, as they were leaving (they didn’t stay for the film), his car rolled right by us with the tinted window up, but he rolled it down and gave a big smile and wave and yelled “Bye!”
Renee was also quite friendly. When I said to her “Your dress is beautiful (which it was). Who are you wearing?” She gave me a big smile and said “Thanks, thank you so much for that. It’s Marchesa.” Interesting, as she is usually clad in Carolina Herrera. While it was amazing to see these two, we were a bit disappointed that their co-stars, John Krasinski and Jonathan Pryce did not put in appearance. Krasinski, best known as “Jim” from “The Office,” (LOVE HIM!) hails from Newton, Mass, so I’d brought my Boston Red Sox cap to wave and everything, but alas, he was stuck in L.A. taping the show. Really not sure why Pryce was not there as he lives right here in London in Highgate Village (I saw his home on a walking tour!) Oh well, did I mention I met GEORGE CLOONEY!...lol Photos of snow, torch and George, etc. are now online. Thanks to Liz B for some of these pics.
