VIPs

Several important arrivals at Warsaw airport today. First to disembark were Stu, J and JB, who were here for their third, fourth and first visits, respectively. I didn't dare go near the airport to meet them, for the roads were closing and the city was grinding to a halt, hours ahead of the scheduled arrival of Mr Barack Obama and his thousand-strong entourage.

Drain-covers were lifted and drains checked; people were guided to keep behind the rope barrier at the edge of pavements; traffic lights were turned off, in favour of being manually controlled by the cops in white gloves and illegally-parked cars were towed away several over-zealous tow-trucks. All very serious and slightly over the top, in my humble opinion.

My visitors were of equal importance (again, in my humble opinion) and so it was red-carpet treatment, as per usual with welcome drinks and snacks, before a not-quite-clapped-out taxi ride into town - which would have been un-necessary, had it not started to pour down as we left the flat, to Papaya, my Thai restaurant of choice. Good grub there, followed by good cocktails across the way as a night-cap before walking down the hill, home!