Then I thought back to a trip we took 16 years ago, back in the halcyon days of Ryanair's £1 flights promotion. We were both single at that time and (I'm pretty sure it was) Vik suggested we take advantage of this and she booked us a trip to Frankfurt. Little did we realise at that point we had essentially booked a weekend to some offices (i know we should have but as all of the best things with Vik, you just went with it), we were optimistic of finding a Christmas market!

By the time the trip happened, we were both in relationships, but went anyway, much to the confusion of most of the people in Germany... Anyway, the flight was a great success aside from the minor hiccup that the Ryanair flight obviously rather than landing in Frankfurt, dropped us pretty close to France. Unphased as ever, Vik tracked down the 2.5 hour coach transfer to Frankfurt (we passed Frankfurt airport 2 hours into said coach trip) arriving eventually very much in the early hours. (I wonder why the flights were so cheap.... )

Daylight brought the majesty of the office complex that is Frankfurt. This is where Viks innate ability to find a bar really shone. After the small matter of walking into the bar with just Viks tights covering her feet ( her trainers hid been stashed in her bag to meet the dress code) we found some champagne and started to settle in. I could be wrong but I think Vik tried to order a Thai Daquari (if you know you know). Vik, her effervescent self instantly attracted attention (not just because she was barefoot) and after 20 minutes of explaining that we were both in a relationship but not with each other to some bankers, we actually got into a sensible chat about politics....

Little did we realise that that bar was the appetiser for night 2. The friendly bankers that we met recommended a club, and this was genius. Both dressed up, we hit up King Tuts (no idea if it still exists) where most of these pictures are from. Epic live band, great drinks, and it made the entire trip worthwhile. I'm pretty sure it may have had a pool too... Vik was peak Vik on this trip; charming, funny, resourceful, carefree and she brightened up every room she was in, she brough the colour to what was a very grey city!

Part of us both will always be there, I miss you Vik. But thinking of this trip will always make me smile!