Confessions of a staunch monarchist!

Okay, something I left off the Huayhuash account that will probably amuse you. On the trek towards Carhua Pass, heading along a long relatively dull valley, I popped the mp3 player on, and fired up a podcast. This one happened to be BBC's TIP (Today in Parliament) for Wednesday 15th November, for the opening session of this legislative year. It started with a few soundbites from Blair and Cameron, then went on to describe the ceremonial aspects of the day, with the Queen travelling with Prince Philip in the Australian carriage (a gift from the Australian people in 1988) to Parliament, to the sound of God Save the Queen, and a fanfare on her arrival. I have to say, dear readers, that on hearing these regal sounds this a wee puff of smoke inexplicably brushed my eye. The pride I have for my dear country is beyond compare. One can travel and explore the whole world, but there'll always be a place in my heart for Great Britain and London Town.

God Save the Queen!