Sunday Polo

Given that it was a beautiful Sunday, when Sophie asked me if I wanted to go play polo, I was pretty easily persuaded. After all, May was the last month where things would be cheap, and so why not take advantage of it?

I met Ryan outside of the Putney Bridge Tube station, and after only a ten minute delay, Sophie showed up with her flatmate, James, driving a car. Turns out she'd persuaded James to come riding at the last minute just so he could drive everyone. Typical Sophie, getting everyone to do favours for her...

I had a nice chat with Sophie in the car on the drive up, where she revealed how she was having difficulty with the younger man she'd been seeing. Apparently he called as though he wanted to go out that Thursday, then never said anything further on the matter. Which, she pointed out to him, is a rather rude thing to do. Yet, she was surprised, because it was the first instance of poor behaviour she'd ever encountered with him. So who knows? Very odd, nonetheless.

My first pony of the day was named, "Candelaria", and apparently was brand new, having just arrived that day. All of the Argentineans kept asking me later what I thought of her, although in truth I didn't think much about it, as the pony was fine to play, nothing great but also nothing terrible, which is I suppose fine in that I didn't find her difficult.

My second pony was called "Mariposa", also an easy one to remember. At the line out, where the two teams line up to fight for control of the ball, I actually hit the ball in the air as the ref tossed it in, I was being so agressive. Did a great tag-team with Sophie, where she got the ball to the goal and I took it on through. Hence, very nice to have a good play with her!

After the game, the Argentine boys said that I played very well. No idea if they're just being complimentary, but it's always nice to hear that I've still got a handle on the game. So we had a beer up at the house, and then went down to watch James and Ryan have their riding lesson. Fine enough, but they basically just galloped around, so I can see why Ryan is getting a bit bored with all of it.

Sophie insisted on looking at pictures in the car instead of directing everyone, which meant that we got utterly and completely lost on the drive home. Typical Sophie I guess, being more focused on herself and what she wants. Although once again, given that I see so much of myself in Sophie, makes me think a bit more about what I'm like and where I could improve. Goodness knows I'm horrible in conversation, always forgetting to ask others about themselves, so it's really remarkable to see a mirror image of yourself, and realise what you might think about doing differently as a result.

We finally got back to London, although the entire time we were driving, Sophie kept changing her mind a million times about where she wanted to go for dinner. (Basically she didn't want to go to the place that had originally been suggested, but seemed unable to come up with any better suggestions). We finally went to a decent Italian place, the first place that had been suggested. Had starters, pizza, some dessert, and wine, all for £17. Amazing good value.

We also had a fascinating conversation where I did my usual, "Talking about random facts", starting with Queen Victoria and the finger bowls (since there were finger bowls on the table), to Mary Roach and xkcd space elevators. Turns out the boys instantly knew about xkcd. James, Sophie's flatmate, exclaimed with delight, "A girl who knows things!"

James tries to get me to come dancing, but he wanted to go the very next day, and I've already got dinner plans with Doug and Sarah. He then suggested Tuesday, but I've already got the hash. The poor boy must have thought I was blowing him off, although nothing could have been further from the truth. Sophie revealed to me that her flatmate annoys her, but I think it's mostly because he just doesn't do everything she wants without protest. I did think he was quite a handsome and charming guy. But anyway, my excuse about the hash led to a conversation about the has, which intrigued everyone. I almost felt badly though, as Sophie was obviously getting tired and bored as the boys and I chattered on excitedly about all of the geeky things that we're into. Although Sophie might not have appreciated it, it was one of the best conversations I could remember having in a while.

Finally after dinner, I made the trip home with Ryan, and we agreed on one thing: There's nothing worse than somebody who bores you. We're both interesting and interested people, and that's what we're both looking for in the people we're attracted to. I really like that guy, he's basically everything I've been missing in other guys lately. It's such a pity about the 22-year old thing, he's so perfect otherwise!!