Monday, July 20

Falcon Road, London, 09:30
I have walked out of the Travelodge wondering what I should have for breakfast and I have crossed the road thinking that I might have a full English breakfast.
For the second time in as many days there is fire engine outside the gym, and all the gymnasts are outside on the pavement. I look over and pick up a handy household hint.
I decide against a fried breakfast, buy a newspaper, and return to the hotel. Instead I will have an early lunch at a pie and mash shop in, I think, Lavender Hill; a place that I noticed last night as we walked to the trendy postfight bar.
My plane departs at 16:00, and so I need to get to Heathrow by about 14:00. I will dawdle in Marks & Spencer buying foodstuffs to take home, and then return and pack.
The train to Victoria takes seven minutes, the tube takes about thirty five, and so I will arrive at the airport early.
The plane will be delayed fifteen minutes, and then we will sit on the runway for a further forty minutes.
I will arrive in Helsinki about fifty minutes late but Irma will drive up about two minutes after I arrive at our usual meeting point.
I will be surprised and genuinely impressed.