London, Hyde Park, Peter Pan statue, 11 am. She's not there. Neither am I. I know where to find it, but I suppose I am a bit early. I just walk quickly towards the statue, look at it briefly.. I stand still for as long as my nerves will allow, then quickly disappear. Luckily there's a sandy path and some shrubs near, so I can hide. But really I can't hide, that's stupid. So I walk past the statue again, but now keep on walking, around the pond, come back a good ten minutes later.. And still she isn’t there. I think. I head for the shrubs again, catch my breath and walk back towards the statue, seemingly confident now. And there she is. I don't know how I know it's her, but she knows I am me as well. Our eyes meet, we smile somewhat uncomfortably, walk towards each other.. And I realise I am disappointed. She's pretty, but not as I had imagined. And unfortunately, imagination is all-conquering, in an internet relationship. Then I hate myself for being so judgemental, keep on walking and smiling and I greet her. She seems relaxed actually, when I probably look austere, like I always do when emotions are too tangled to deal with. Still, her hand is freezing. Later on, when we sit down in the shade beneath an acorn tree, I make a run for a drinks stall to get her something. Or actually, to get my head together. After that we sit and talk some more, until I walk her back to the subway station, then get back to the hotel myself. And at night I realise that, though she's not my type - I think - she is pretty, sexy and great to be with. I am no less confused, but very very alone all of a sudden.

Labels: travel