London, England, 4 October 2014
Mike and Dave “Murkage” are having a club night “Tonga” in London. They will organise this every month. Saturday the 4th of October 2014 will be the 1st one. This is going to be a big reunion of Streets heads. Shep and Jamie are coming to the gig. Also Emma J. and Emma P. Dave is coming as well he’s coming with his wife. And I will be meeting up with Aoife & David from Ireland. Chris & Helen and James will be there too. I know them through Twitter.
I wanted to surprise Shep and Jamie in the first place, I even asked Mike to keep his mouth shut but he didn’t. He had sent Shep a message that he would book a hotel for him, Dave and me. So that was my surprise. I have to admit that it was a struggle not to say anything, so I am thankful in a way that Mike told him. Emma, Emma, Dave, Aoife & David kept their promises. They didn’t say a word. Oh well… it’s time to get excited with the others.
I didn’t think I’d be going to another gig this year after our holiday in South Africa.
On September 30th,
4 days before the gig, Mike booked the hotel for Dave, Shep and me. We’re staying in the Premier inn Hackney. Also Aoife & David are staying there. It’s only 1 minute walk from the hotel to the venue. Thanks so much Mike! Really appreciate it!!!
When Mike booked the room… he also told me that he gave us a cot in the room. It was free, so why not. I could bring a baby, he said, (he didn’t know, how bad I want to have a baby). The cot will be used for the backpack of Ozzy and me. I also let Emma know that we’re staying in that hotel.
October 4th
Mark and I woke up at 9. Cleaned the house and I packed my bag. We have open house (trying to sell the apartment). That starts at 11. We had 2 visitors coming over to look at the house. Ozzy arrived at 12:45. We gave him some coffee. At 1 my mum arrived she will drop us off at the airport (bless her). Said goodbye to Mark and off we go. Tonga here we come!
We went to Starbucks and I bought a mini deodorant which I could take on the plane, then we went to the security check. At 3 we were on the plane on our way to London.
At 3 (English time) we landed. I let Emma, Aoife, Shep and Dave know. We walked to the easybus. That one happened to be delayed. We waited 30 minutes. Then we thought “Fuck it, we’ll take the train”. So we went back inside to the Gatwick Express. On our way we had a beer and a snack. Within half an hour we were at Victoria station.
We didn’t have time for the M&M’s store, we went straight to the hotel. There was an issue with the booking. Mike did book it, but it was only reserved. We still had to pay for it.
When we arrived at the hotel we saw Dave and Janine & Aoife and David in the restaurant of the hotel. Was lovely to meet them all.
We had a little chat then we went upstairs to the room. Dropped our stuff, charged the phone and off we went to Nandos. Google maps said that it was 15 minutes walk but it was only 5 minutes. Sweet!
When we were stuffed we went back to the hotel. Everyone was gone. We wanted to grab my phone but it didn’t charge. Oh whatever. We got a message that everyone is in the Farrs pub, only a few places down the road from the hotel. I left my phone to charge in Ozzy’s plug, that worked better and we went to the pub.
When we were nearly there we saw Shep. Haven’t seen him for 2 years. Good to see him again. Then Jamie came outside. Missed him too. Was great to see him again after 2 years. Everyone was there in the pub. Emma Jones & Emma Pope. It was lovely to see them It’s been so long. Last time was March 2011. I love them. I really missed them. Also Aoife and David were there and Dave and Janine.
That last one sure knows how to leave an unforgettable impression. She threw candle wax over my trousers. Oh no… the only pair I took with me but she had a spare one for me. Thank you love! I appreciate your help. I like you!
Then it was time to go to the venue. When we arrived we met Chris Cotton and his girlfriend Helen and James. Nice to meet you guys! It’s 9, the doors were supposed to open and it’s cold but they were doing the sound check. Pff I’m freezing.
Finally after 10 minutes, we could get in. Emma and Emma didn’t have a ticket but when we were at the door Mike came over, he grabbed Sheps balloon sign of Tonga and Emma and Emma could get in. Also everyone else.
Mike paid Ozzy back for the hotel. Thank you so much Mike.
We were at the pub area for a while. Mike came over to say hello and after 10, the doors of the club opened. Let the party begin! Ben, Mike’s nephew was there to take the photos. We had a little chat. He lived in Tilburg (Holland) for a while. Ted came over later We had a little chat as well. And also Claire, Mike’s wife came to Tonga. She gave me a hug.
We had a few conversations with Mike. We had a few photos taken. Mike went crowd surfing a few times. David went crowd surfing. Aoife was dancing on the speakers.
That Tonga balloon sign behind Mike is from Shep.
Loved it. I will definitely come back to Tonga. Mike said: “Whenever you’re ready for the next Tonga, I will make sure you can afford it”. Omg thank you so much Mike. You are a true legend!
I brought 1 balloon back with me for my museum. Next time I book a weekend to London I’ll make sure it’s the weekend of another Tonga night.
At 3ish in the morning it was finished. Ozzy, Aoife, David and I were still there. The rest left early. You can see who are the die-hards. We are hardcore!! At 4ish we were asleep. (Ted can never tell me anymore I go to bed to early).
Dave wanted Ted’s siggy on his arm for 2 years, he finally got it done.
October 5th 2014
At 8:30 the next morning I took a shower. It was a struggle to get out of bed. The bed was so nice but we had to get breakfast. Aoife and David joined us for breakfast. Then we had to leave to the airport for the flight home back to Hillegom.
Mark will pick us up.
Hopefully see you soon Mike. No dates known yet. Next TONGA I’ll be going to, will be in January.
Interview with Mike about Tonga, and me about being a fan (check my next Tonga blog).
On September 1st 2014 The D.O.T. released People Watching:
mikeskinnerfans.wordpress.com 
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