Ran to party as there was no transportation unless you are in the Politburo or a princess.  I am neither (…yet).  I arrived quite hungry and you could feel the ‘countdown’ vibe.  Hundreds of security types speaking into collars.  It was a good gathering for UK Pavilion launch.  Consul General Carma Elliot welcomed everyone.  Thomas Heatherwick, who designed the UK pavilion and looks like a big hair ball, made animated presentation.He was star of the night but you could see it was a team game to turn his wild dream into 3D reality.  It took a futuristic crew to choose his design.  I loved the concept – crazy – even France was jealous that our pavilion was not a ‘compromise by committee’ like most country’s mediocre offerings.

I had some great chats at party.  Annie Chan had project  managed the building of the pavilion for Mace; a cool lady who wears a hard hat to work and fought to get on-site running and fresh water for her workers.  Professor Xia Liping of Tongi University who had helped to obtain the seeds for the UK Pavilion.  Victor Hu of Think London who was definitely thinking Shanghai.  All BritCham Executives in Shanghai who are working overtime for next the six months.  Also the wife of Sir Andrew Cahn who seems to have footed the bill.  All are connected to the project.  As Tom was speaking the fireworks kicked off and everyone chilled out.  I was mesmerised.  Felt proud to be nearly Chinese.  Tom signed our Chinese fans and I arranged an interview for the Charitarian.  Watch this space.