It seems that even in London there’s no escape from Thanksgiving. Last night, my favourite restaurant was “closed for a private party” – expat Americans eating turkey. Harrumph!

Then my email in-box this morning had more than a handful of out-of-office auto-replies from World of Wonder colleagues and other Americans gloating that they will not be at their desks until next week. Grrr!

The only light relief, an email from my sister on vacation in LA, asking me why all of a sudden she can’t get a taxi, or food, or anything else. That actually cheered me up rather a lot. I took great pleasure in telling her that she’s totally screwed until Monday, just in time for her flight home.

You see, dear Americans, we Brits don’t actually know what Thanksgiving is about. Even Americanophiles like myself have no idea. I have asked a few American friends, and the best they can come up with is “something to do with pilgrims, Native Americans, and turkeys.” Any enlightenment will be gratefully received.

Sure I’d like to know the history. But most of all I want to know why you guys are at home stuffing your faces, AND I’M STUCK AT WORK!!!

But whatever the meaning, and despite our obvious vacation envy, WOW London wish you all a happy Thanksgiving.

— Barry Shaverin