THE MALDIVES

I had a day full of meetings today. Lots of talk about things we're doing when we're not in meetings.

It was so full in fact, that my brain hurts from thinking and overthinking.

I've had to make my way to Starbucks to escape from people for an hour. I don't want to answer any more questions today unless they start with 'would you like...' and end with either 'tea', 'a bacon sandwich,' or 'a holiday in the Maldives'.

Oh imagine! The white sand and turquoise ocean! The bright blue of the sky, smudged with tiny white clouds which hang happily over the soft waving palms. I close my eyes and hear the waves lapping in the bay, the creaking of wooden boards and the delicate twinkle of a distant cataract. I feel the hot sun on my toes and the warm breeze on my shaded face and I unclasp my fingers and I reach out for the cool cocktail that's been chilling next to me.

"Any room for milk?" says a gruff voice from far away. The reality of a noisy Starbucks comes swimming back into focus.

"What kind of tea is it?" I say, wearily. He looks taken aback. I don't quite know why I've asked; it's unlikely to be Darjeeling. It does give me time to get back from the Maldives though. He tells me (inevitably) that it's English Breakfast.

It suddenly occurs to me that that's a really weird name for a tea, but I suppose it will suffice today. Hey it's tea after all. Plus I've got bacon at home. 

I guess two out of three will have to do.