Continued from last week

So. Continued from last week........

There I was, then. Blindfolded since about half-past seven that morning and now, about eleven o/clock, still blindfolded and trying to find my way back out of the Maze at Hampton Court on a typical coolish March day.

I had already come across a group of Chinese (I guessed) tourists who may, or may not, have noticed me (hooded in my raincoat). I don't think they spoke directly to me but I couldn't have understood them anyway.

However, after I had groped my way around a few corners returning from the centre of the maze, I stumbled into someone who did speak to me! I had heard the signal from Chris that someone else was entering the maze at least a couple of times more recently, so here was one, a lady who actually spoke to me, asking if I was managing alright? Was I on some sort of intiative test, she asked. I had given a little thought, whilst resting in the centre, as to what I would say if such an occasion arose, so I had an answer.

No, I said, I was simply doing a sort of memory test that I had done before, to go in to the middle and then blindfold myself and see if I could remember exactly the way out. How are you doing then, she asked, to which I replied that I didn't really know until I found myself back at the entrance.

She sounded my age and quite friendly, admitting that she was quite lost and she might therefore follow me if I didn't mind and she didn't upset my concentration. I could only say that she was welcome and I would do my best to help her out – laughingly, of course. But, please, I added, not to tell me if she suddenly saw the route more clearly. It was bluff on my part, of course, but it so happened that I did remember some of the junctions coming in and so, more by luck that judgement, we soon emerged. I don't know what Chris thought when he saw me with another person, but he tactfully kept clear for the time being.

I hadn't however thought up an answer to her next question, so when she asked if I would like to join her for a coffee, I had to think hard and quickly!

Sorry, I said as I started unknotting my blindfold – reluctantly!, my brother is here somewhere waiting to take me home If I had been braver, of course, it could have been much more interesting to recount to you. But never mind. I had found my way blindfolded into the maze and then out again, even 'guiding someone else out! That was more than enough for that day.

I really enjoyed that and had got that particular desire out of my system.