Emma - Wed 2nd June 2010

Can't quite believe we have been here in China a month already! Shanghai with its 18 million people is just an amazing city with great shopping and a brilliant nightlife if you have the energy!

We are staying in an ultra modern apartment building replete with pool and gym! We were so wowed by the technology employed throughout -e.g. one clap of the hand and the drapes close, the lights come on at dusk and the temperature automatically adjusts itself according to changes in the weather!

We have been kept busy though and are working very full days.

The Expo' official title Expo 2010 Shanghai China is being held either side of the Huangpu River from May to the end of October.

A huge International Fair the theme of which is "Better City - Better Life" depicting Shanghai as the "next great world city" in the 21st century.

China does nothing by halves and this is said to be the most expensive Expo in the history of the world's fairs - costing twice as much as the Beijing Olympics! The fair site, at more than five square kilometres, is the largest ever. It is set to be the most visited Expo' in history if the expected 70-100 million visitors from across the world show up-I think there have been over 12million so far. A large percentage of visitors come from rural parts of China-and with little or no opportunity for international travel the national pavilions on show offer them the chance to experience different world cultures.

Thomas Heatherwick's design for the British pavilion has been described as both `Outstandingly memorable' and as "extravagant national and commercial posturing" Most of the people I have encountered seemed to love it though and I'm sure they were not just being polite.

It is a gi-normous structure which to me, at first sight, looked like a giant hairy cube which has just been unwrapped and is still sitting on the crumpled sheet of paper. Hearing later, that it was indeed designed to symbolise a just unwrapped gift from Britain to China I was glad that I had "Got it" Getting closer, you can see that the round edged cuboid is actually formed by translucent wands which sway with the wind and are quite charming to see in motion. The "paper" part of the structure is a general gathering area for people and features performances and on ground level -under the edges of the "gift-wrap"- are offices and other boring bits?.

A series of installations are themed around: "The role of nature in British society" The other end of the Waving wands, inside the Hairy Cube, appear as a fuzzy glow and contain rare seeds from the `Kew Gardens Millennium Seed Bank Project', which aims to preserve the world's most endangered seeds. Heatherwick calls this space the "seed cathedral", he is quoted as saying "One seed could be the reason why your granny goes on living, or a whole country's economy can be based on a particular crop. Nothing could be more important than that."

Really? I have to ask - am I living in the same country, as I am unaware that the national consciousness has been stirred to such an extent and I can't help thinking he must be a friend of Prince Charles?

It is outstandingly memorable though and I can understand that we want to show ourselves as being more than the land of Harry Potter, Burberry and Football. Possibly the fact that I have absolutely no interest in gardening is contributing to my questioning the whole thing -but I am left wondering- how exactly does this truly reflect a modern, creative Britain?

Emma - Sun 2nd May 2010

Great flight to China -Love Julia for bringing us out not only in Business class but for using a travel service that fast tracked us through arrivals at Shanghai. It took ages last time but we just swanned through the VIP arrivals gate with some sort of personal assistant who'd been waiting for us?.

We are being so well looked after and the opening of the Expo was just fantastic??. There was a wonderful indoor performance with singers and dancers including the familiar figures of Andrea Bocelli and Jackie Chan. The outdoor entertainment which followed was just awesome!! A fantastic display of dancing fountains, lasers and fireworks provided us all with what the organizers described as the "largest light show ever attempted" No one could argue with that!

A pretty hectic programme though - not so much time to write?

Emma - Mon 19th April 2010

The Prime minister has called the general election! and from the polls and press so far, it looks like it's going to be all change for Britain.

Meantime, all flights over the U.K are frozen because of the Icelandic Volcano which is apparently spewing ash clouds that can, allegedly, clog engines and bring planes crashing down from the sky? Thank you Iceland -as if that country hasn't already given us enough problems!!

David seems to be stranded in Poland on his college trip.

I texted him - and having checked out the latest news, advised sharing a cab or buying a car to get to a ferry port.

I'm finding it hard to settle after the Easter break - all my doubts about Martin and what's really going on with us -the interrogation from the family hasn't helped - am I even reading the situation properly? Once again I am left wondering ??when will we be together again ?.do I actually have any say ? and why do I mind so much?!

Got a call from Lydia to say some of the old crowd are meeting up next weekend- Cambridge won both the Boat Race and University Challenge so it's a general celebration/reunion. Will I go up on Saturday- sure-why not?!

Emma - Mon 12th April 2010

Last week was just wonderful. A faultless flight and taxi transfer-(shared with a couple from Finchley) had me in Zermatt and checked into the picturesque guesthouse with amazing views by 7pm. Martin had arrived the night before and I hadn't quite realised that he would be travelling with a group- namely: two women-Carla and Dean plus three guys- Andy, Greg, and Ross. He introduced them as `some of the guys from Aspen' but I later learned they all lived in New York.

It was, for all of them, their first time in Zermatt and they were wowed! Greg is a doctor but the others are all lawyers - or at least in Carla's case works for a law firm.

Zermatt, the village at the foot of the Matterhorn, the worlds most photographed mountain sooo epitomises the image most people have of Switzerland. It has not only the highest ski area of the Alps-it is also one of the best developed with 17 Michelin starred restaurants at the last count. I Love the air -so clean and clear because for the last fifty years or so there has been a ban in the village on all but electric cars without combustion engines - a real world of its own. I confess I was somewhat pleased to have the advantage of knowing the place quite well and was able to share??When it came to skiing ability Greg and Carla admitted they were at most intermediate while the rest of us were confident that we fitted the advanced skier category- this was put to the test over the next few days when I think it was fair to say that Martin, Ross and myself were good but Andy excelled - it transpired that he had competed nationally while at Uni' and managed the 22km descent from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at 3883m to Zermatt Village, the longest run in Switzerland, in about 12 .5 mins A professional, skiing flat out, would take 10!

I wasn't quite sure if everybody had realised we were right on the Italian border and my suggestion of Skiing in two countries went down a treat so on Wednesday, we started in our Zermatt ski resort which is also linked to Cervinia in Italy, and we literally began the day in Switzerland, had lunch in Italy and were back in time for dinner.! There are marked contrasts, between the border resorts- not just between the slopes offered but there is also a noticeable difference between Swiss and Italian skiers. While those in Zermatt are probably more precise and competent, the Italians really seem to go for it on the slopes -boisterously flamboyant but less technically proficient they are tremendous fun to ski with -even the cable cars in Italy rock to the sound of music blasting out of the speakers and people are animated in loud conversation. In contrast the Zermatt cable cars are generally quiet with skiers taking in the awesome scenery in silence. It was a great day and I think everybody had fun. My fondest memories though are of the all too few times Martin and I spent alone: Lunch at Chez Vrony at Findeln where we sat on the sun terrace and had a Rosti followed by probably the best brownies I have ever tasted!

Or the night we took a horse drawn sleigh ride from Lech to the little hamlet of Zug. Cuddling and snuggled under a warm blanket as we travelled by moonlight alongside the glistening river and sipping a gluhwein from one of the small hostelries on the way- it was a completely magical experience.

By the end of the week I had grown to quite like Martins friends (though there's just something about that Carla) We had a great last night in the pink jazz bar watching live music and it was agreed that we should all meet up again -perhaps next year?

Emma - Thurs 1st April 2010

Finished work early today because of the Easter weekend and headed to Selfridges for some last minute shopping for my hol's in Switzerland! Martin fancied Zermatt which is super and luckily I got a flight going to Sion, a new route exclusive to Snowjet and leaving from Stansted, which is an easy enough airport.

I was thrilled! - Just one seat left for Sunday though-would have preferred something sooner but with only one flight involved and huge savings on transfer times from Sion into Zermatt I snapped it up.! I think the whole thing comes to about four hundred pounds but that's with all taxes and skis etc-I really don't need any hassle with baggage at the airport - last year was awful at check in??.I am feeling quite excited but am missing Victoria who has already left for home -she is so good at wardrobe advice?..

The family are not too happy about my sudden absence at Easter -I refuse to be guilt-tripped but have conceded slightly and will go for lunch on Saturday. I am back on the 10th so have pencilled in the Sunday too.

Emma - Mon 7th Mar 2010

Work has been pretty intense lately but today we got the encouraging news that we were starting to hire again.

After `restructuring' and a 10% cut in the workforce last year this was good to hear! Pre-tax profits for the year ending in December had been down 23per cent and shares earnings had fallen?however the caution exercised for 2009 seems to have worked and unless there is a `double-dip' recession in major markets, which is not expected, things are slightly more upbeat for 2010. Of course it will still be quite a slog as we in the UK have felt this recession quite severely, and along with the U.S. offices have been hardest hit. It certainly had a positive reverb around our office and after work drinks were called for ? my day was made complete when Martin called and suggested we meet up at Easter for skiing somewhere in Europe ? Oh yes please!

Emma - Mon 15th Jan 2010

I was sooo surprised on Saturday when I took delivery of a wonderful bouquet featuring oriental lilies and roses- very sophisticated! and the card which read simply: `With Love, everyday -Martin'. He had just been on the `phone too -(we talk most days now)

Of course I displayed them in the lounge and they sparked quite a lively conversation - surprisingly mostly with the boys.

Emma - Sun 10th Jan 2010

Really enjoyed last night's drinks party here -things didn't get too out of hand and everybody helped with the clean up today - even Tom -without much complaint. We had intended to have it last Sunday but Victoria didn't come back until the 5th and David hadn't been able to commit to a date and arrived back late on Wednesday night. That gave me time to organise things without much interference though -plumped for Waitrose ready prepared foods.

Got a grilling from the family last Sunday lunch when I went home so have used the clean-up excuse not to have a repeat performance this week.

Honestly, why all the interest? Christian wasn't too bad but Giles was excessively curious and wanted a blow by blow account of my trip to New York. Even my Father, who has rarely shown any interest, was asking lots of questions and everyone chimed in when my Mother demanded "when are we going to meet him then?"

Truth is I really have no idea When we are together -well on the two occasions that is- things have seemed well, so intense between us but both times the parting has been quite matter of fact-kind of `see ya then'-non committal.

He has called me once to say he'd arrived and that Edinburgh had been a lot of fun. I had an e. mail last Tuesday to say he was heading back from his Parents house and they sent their regards etc. and today I just got another saying he was off to spend a few days skiing in Aspen with friends. Victoria thinks I'm too anxious and that distance relationships are always trickier - It was good to talk to her but I am none the wiser.

Can't stop thinking about Martin -this is now quite scary. I need to get some perspective here??? Back to work tomorrow -that should help.

Emma - Mon 4th Jan 2010

I had the most wonderful New Year with Martin in Scotland. An early flight from London City on the 30th Dec', was virtually hassle-free and had me in Edinburgh by 11am. I was so surprised to find him waiting for me -hadn't expected him at the airport but he'd hired a car on arrival and driven through from Glasgow airport. Prestonfield house is just such a perfect setting: Voted as Scotland's most Romantic hotel it was originally built as the grand baroque home for Edinburgh's Lord Provost in the 17th century. It is only minutes from the city centre but feels like an other world. Just this charming, wonderfully restored, country house set in 120 acres of parkland with a pair of resident peacocks!

A porter in a stylish black kilt greeted us at the door and on entering we were both blown away??by what can only be described as a homage to baroque excesses, crammed full with art and antiquities throughout- we absolutely loved it! Our suite was gorgeous-sumptuously furnished and one of only twenty odd rooms. The restaurant `Rhubarb'( the name dates back to the arrival of Rhubarb from China way back?)-not surprisingly ranks as one of Edinburgh's finest .Of course Prestonfields owner also has the now legendary Witchery by the Castle and Tower Restaurants. My favourite was the Tapestry room, I was fascinated with the series of 17th century tapestries that hung on the walls while Martin loved the plaster ceiling with its Cupids and weird & wonderful characters commissioned in the 1680's -it gave me the creeps though.

We `Glammed' up for the Gala ball on New Years Eve, he in Hugo Boss Black and me in Vintage Valentino- courtesy of my mother! The black tie event was held in the adjacent former Stables with additional Marquee and came complete with Bagpipes, Auld Lang Syne & fireworks!

We had a lot of fun and joined in the Scottish dancing with great gusto until ,that is, we did finally mess up with `strip the willow' which, come to think of it, is the dance that few really ever have the hang of. There's always someone who is taking it all very seriously though and gets upset when it goes horribly wrong. On this occasion it was a lady who looked a bit like gran'. When she started giving out, to her Sons - I mean a real rollicking!! Martin and I just couldn't keep it together and left just before exploding with laughter.

It was sooo cold as we stepped out into the night air but we stopped and watched the fireworks from the Castle in the distance. It had started to snow and the already magical winter scene was made all the more beautiful. Concern for my Mothers Vintage gown must have been showing on my face when Martin suddenly scooped me up and carried me the few hundred yards back to the house ?..

As we sipped our night cap by the roaring log fire in the Leather room- still panelled with the stamped and gilded leather original to the house,- I knew quite suddenly that I had never been happier in my life??.

Emma - Mon 21st December 2009

I was in Liberty's this afternoon for some Christmas shopping when I get a call from Martin who wants to know if I have checked my e-mails today and have I made any plans for New Year yet ? He then says he wants to be with me and has arranged for us to see in the New Year together in Edinburgh.

Oh my gosh! - I sit down, have a double espresso and check my Blackberry: `Flying direct to Scotland on 30th Dec. -Meet me in Edinburgh - three nights at Prestonfield house hotel - say yes. Martin x

Emma - Monday 7th December 2009

Have been back a week and still can't seem to settle. I know it's not jet lag the flight home, though overnight, was only seven hours and good old B.A. gave me an upgrade too. The truth is I had such a wonderful time with Martin that I am quite scared ?..

His parents, Estelle and Gerald made me so welcome and their home in the `Hamptons' was just this amazing mini mansion. When I arrived on the Wednesday evening it was just them, Martin and me and I realised there must be an `us' as I was grilled about my family history, education ,career etc in a way that only a prospective girlfriend for a son could be! Over the next few days things became quite hectic, with so many people coming and going, that I realised how good it had been to have had that initial time with them.

When we sat down to eat the main dinner I counted thirty people -mostly family and a few old /close friends. I was seated between Martins' brother George and his Grandfather Maurice Ellis -who insisted I should call him Maury as a result of which I found myself not calling him anything-it just seemed too familiar and just not a correct way to address a man in his eighties. He gave me quite a history lesson...The First Thanksgiving was celebrated to give thanks to God and the Native Americans for helping the pilgrims who arrived ( If memory serves that was in 1640) on the ship `Mayflower' to survive the brutal winter. - Half of them had already died, many more would have had it not been for the Native Americans teaching them to harvest foods. Thanksgiving Day, officially celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, now spans several days of holidays over the weekend. It's still regarded as a religious celebration by many families, but it's now also considered a secular holiday as well.

Before we ate various people spoke in Thanksgiving ?..it became especially moving when somebody mentioned a son serving in Afghanistan, Gerald spoke of friends lost in the 911 terrorist attack on the Twin towers in New York and Mr. Ellis senior remembered those who died in the holocaust-himself a survivor. Then the Traditional meal commenced and we had the jolliest time - Turkey and all the trimmings and Pumpkin pie which I'd never had -it was scrumptious!

I had intended to spend the Saturday night at a hotel in New York and even had a reservation but as we approached the city Martin suddenly stopped the car and straight out invited me to spend the night at his apartment - I made some flustered inquiries as to where it was etc ?.a loft in Tribeca and yes he did mean spend the night together?.. And the rest as they say is History ???

Emma - Monday 16th November 2009

Had a quiet weekend -On Saturday, after a quick zoom round Sainsbury's and Waitrose for food shopping had my hair and nails done then stayed home and spent the evening with Victoria -who seems quite exhausted these days. Microwaved Our `dine in for two for a tenner' dinners followed by Green and Blacks organic chocolate washed down with a bottle of Chablis (not the special offer Chardonnay which we decided we'd keep for the boys) We watched TV - an old black and white movie with Bette Davis and then caught up with episodes of `In treatment' recorded from the Sky Arts channel.

Gabriel Byrne the Irish actor who plays Paul, the psychotherapist, is quite a dish for an older guy and we are both hooked on the new series?

I spent Sunday up at Hampstead catching up with the family. It was good. Dad bemoaning the NHS, Mum raving on about Arts funding under pressure and the boys arguing about things in general -all reassuringly normal. Giles announced that he and Annie are having problems and that he is thinking of moving out?..can't say I ever really liked her?.but I'm a little worried that he refused to discuss it further. Must try and get together for lunch or something soon. Christian on the other hand wouldn't shut up about the new love of his life `Tina' -such an off-putting name - apparently we are all to meet her soon?

Today after our usual start-the-week meeting Julia called me back to the table along with Mark. I was sooo surprised at what came next?.it seems that -not only were the reports of our China trip favourable - (that had already been mentioned at the meeting)- but we were specifically being requested to come and work in Shanghai for the launch of next years Expo. Around 191 countries and some 48 international organisations will participate in the World Expo in Shanghai, which will run from 1 May - 31 October 2010 and is expected to draw over 190 million visitors from all over the Globe!

Julia wanted to Know if we'd be interested and neither of us had any hesitation in saying yes. The details were still to be worked out but the initial plan would be for a two month placement - Great!!!

I had been so thrilled to be in Shanghai last month as I never did get to visit during my time in Hong Kong. Until then my only experience of mainland real China was on a day trip just over the border to Shenzhen. Now though I will be able to sample real life in China -what a buzz!

The team in the Shanghai office are a mixed bunch -much like London-with Brits, Americans, Australian and of course Chinese ( mostly from Hong Kong I noticed, including someone I had met briefly during my time there) The Boss is from Sydney - a large guy in his early forties called `Bruce' -such a stereotypical Aussie name made me smile. He certainly leads from the front and was with us for much of our time there accompanied by Dovenia `Dove' (who spent three years in Manchester studying) and then there was Mike (Who I heard chose his name after Michael Owen the footballer - his Hero? - Oh Bless! )

During our brief visit we had been included in all aspects of the work going on - focus meetings, current campaign discussions and we even sat in on some client meetings.

Had lunch with Mark to chew over our news -just a quick bite in Prêt'- and will maybe celebrate with drinks on Friday- but we had to laughingly agree that "hey -we must be good!"

Emma - Monday 19th October 2009

Travelled out with B.A. -thankfully in Business - so the flight, though long, was reasonably comfortable with a surprisingly good selection of complimentary wines. I was slightly disappointed that I was making the trip with Mark and not Julia as I had at first thought but there's nothing like a long flight for getting acquainted with someone and by the time we arrived in China I had decided he was quite an interesting and intelligent chap and I was quite pleased to be working with him.

Our hotel was amazing -with every mod con imaginable and impeccable service -despite more than a little difficulty with the English spoken by staff (or Chinglish as it is affectionately known.) A bit frenetic not much time for sightseeing so whistle-stop tour of and only about half hour for shopping-sob! This City is just awesome!

We were completely `blown away' by our Shanghai office-in a brand new building all state-of -the-art techno gadgets and toys. Panoramic views over the river and city-must be a dream to work in. One of the highlights of the trip has been a visit to the site of the Shanghai Expo - which kicks off in May 2010. I think they told us that over 70 million visitors are expected over the Expo period. Apparently by 2010, 55% percent of the world's population is expected to live in Cities and so the theme `Better City, Better Life' focuses on exploring the prospect of future urban life. Seems like a good opportunity for showing on a global stage. Must check out Thomas Heatherwick, who is the creative talent responsible for designing the U.K.Pavilion.

Days have been very long starting with breakfast briefings at eight each day and finishing with a late dinner. The team here have all been very friendly and extremely sociable?.yesterday they insisted on giving us a send off on our last evening so we `went on' to the fabulous MINT nightclub and lounge - it was just unmissable but we are still suffering for it??. Hope to sleep it off on Plane home??

Emma - Monday 28th September 2009

Oh my gosh! Can't quite believe it?...hadn't even taken my coat off this morning when Julia calls me into her office. I actually thought I was about to get a rollicking about my `Staycations' report following last Wednesdays meeting.

I thought I had been clutching at straws somewhat but actually some of my ideas had gone over quite well ?.

The best was still to come though and when she nonchalantly informed me that I was to accompany her on the next trip to China I could only gasp with delight .We're off to Shanghai the week after next !

[Phew ...just quickly checked calendar for dates]

We will be back in time to for me to go to New York for `Thanksgiving' Thank God for that as I have already accepted and R.S.V.P.d Told Martin about the letter on Friday in an e. mail as casually as I could - I sort of sandwiched it between the events of the week and my plans for the weekend (both slightly embellished if I am honest) anyway he called me at nearly midnight and was so sweet about it. He said my name had come up with his folks when Miriam returned from her London trip in the summer and that he was thrilled when his Mother told him I was to be invited. Still not quite sure in exactly what capacity I shall be attending - but what the heck ??..

Emma - Monday 21st September 2009

Had an invitation from Martin- well his parents really- it arrived this morning by letter -as in `snail mail' very formal.

`The Ellis family would be delighted if you could join them for the Thanksgiving holiday celebrations at their home in New York?..' Gosh! Can't quite grasp this?. sooo unexpected!

Well I know Martin and I have been getting on rather well during his visits here -(three over the summer alone )and he had even talked about my staying at his apartment instead of a hotel if I crossed the pond for Christmas shopping?? but he has been so nonchalant about everything. Does this mean he has mentioned me to his parents? Oh maybe it was his sister Miriam -we did get on well when she visited London in July-came to the house twice?maybe I am to be her guest? That could be it. Oh, this is just so frustrating ?..!

Of course, if I am honest, this is the reason I am so attracted to him -he is so difficult to fathom. From the minute I was introduced to him back in February at the GQ. awards I have been unable to read him.

Never really sure what he's thinking ?..

This is quite unnerving me. Finally I meet a guy who ticks all my boxes and I feel this uncertain of what he thinks /feels about me?

O.K. I shall push it out of my mind for a few days and just concentrate on work - need to prepare for Wednesdays focus group meeting anyway. Have been pondering what shape or form staycations in the U.K. might take and I am not coming up with too many convincing ideas?..

Emma - January 2009

Looking ahead-Toms right -it's pretty impossible. Nobody's job is safe anymore -Fact - !

Thirty-odd people were laid off in our London office in January and somewhere in the region of 5% of all staff worldwide were to be shed before the month was out. Rumours and e-mails flying around don't help but basically I think the collapse of the big western car companies and the worsening economy have all meant reduced Ad spend and so with reduced productivity - there are just too many people for too little work .I think the polite phrase we're hearing is `pressure on headcount' which just means people have to go.!!

Kate, my boss, reassured me I have nothing to worry about- I think she like me as we had a great time at the Cannes Awards last year - I was sooo surprised to have been taken along on that particular jaunt -it was just amazing! Well, now she has put me on her team to work on a big U.K. account for a holiday/travel co. I really welcome the opportunity to prove myself and relish the challenge.

Starting to see David in a slightly new light-thought it was quite a bold and decisive step for him to take -leaving the Bank like that- don't think he enjoys London that much but I think he'll like studying at Cass -lots of my friends had a great time there and I'm sure his social life will improve - I'm glad he's staying around.

Emma - 16th September 2008

Yeh, it's tough out there. But you know it's been unreal lately hasn't it? The Americans may have coined a name for it but SUB PRIME mortgages amounts to the same thing as is happening here-all those 100percent loans doled out to people who when push comes to shove just can't afford it - it's not all down to the U.S. economy??

Anyway, it's just about staying ahead of the game in my job! Lateral thinking and all that- but at times like this I reckon the good players in the creative industries come into their own.