Virtual Shopping

I am so excited. I have just had an email from Annie, the Darius riding owner of Little Cove Hotel Grenada, Caribbean, my second most favourite place in the whole world. I do get occasional updates about the goings on in that demi paradise. For instance Darcy the goat has just given birth to triplets, not for the pot I hope, and Darius is on the look out for a mate so there may be the clatter of tiny hooves in the not too distant future.

But it's not this news that's got me excited. Annie tells me that Kellon, the palm tree shinning would be boat owning really handsome young man is coming to England to visit family. And what's more that family lives in Birmingham and he said if he's got time he'd like to meet up. He really is a lovely young man and has never been to England before.

I'm already planning the places I'd love to take him to visit, should there be time. There's the 'Botanics' (what we used to call the Botanical Gardens) where he can see how we grow mangos and sugar cane here in the Industrial Midlands, make him feel more at home. The 'resa' (reservoir to those non Brummies), a big stretch of water and yachts might remind him of the Caribbean. And if the Farmer's Market is on those lovely ladies from Tan Rosie who make real Caribbean food could sell him some of their concoctions to take home. Oh and there's Cadbury's chocolate a real Brummy treat. They do make chocolate on Grenada, mostly that dark, bitter stuff, but not a patch on Cadbury's Dairy Milk.

But I'm saving the best till last.

I know you've guessed!

A trip to Aldi where he can buy gifts to take home. He will be spoiled for choice, and may well have to pay extra for his return luggage. Lucky he won't be flying Ryanair.

I made one of my bi weekly visits yesterday just to see what special things they've got that he might like, and even be amazed by. He's not booked a date for his flight yet but it's best to be prepared.

I tried to look at the goodies on display with a new pair of eyes, trying to imagine what he would like. And I was pleasantly surprised. I know that many things would be impractical and he couldn't possibly take them with him but he could dream.

There was a fire pit, ideal for beach barbecues not sure about in the heart of the industrial West Midlands though. There were some delightful plastic meerkats, with solar powered eyes that light up at night. His mother would love those as a gift from England.

I spotted a beer fridge which I nearly bought, just the thing for chilled Chardonnay whilst watching the soaps. But I was quickly back on course, items suitable for Kellon. Then I found it, something that would make him a fortune and enable him to buy his boat, almost hidden by the hair trimmer sets, a metal detector. Job done, possible selections made.

I must admit I couldn't leave the store without something for myself, some delightful squishy fun pillows in the shape of a duck and a hippo.