Super-sized operation

A very unusual day.
I was assisting my brother Dave (with his photobooth) at a children's party in London.

We were part of a dizzying selection of entertainment laid on for the 20 or so children, including a mini-farm - with live animals, a rodeo machine, a marquee with underlit dancefloor, a contortionist, breakdance instructor and tattoo (temp) parlour.

But for me, the most ironic part of the entertainment provided was a giant version of the game "Operation" or "Dr Bibber" as they say in Germany!

To play and win, you have to remove a series of objects placed inside the patient, within 60 seconds and without touching its body. If you do, an alarm goes off. 3 buzzes and its game over.

The game was positioned right next the photobooth during the party, ensuring that it was a near-constant reminder of what should have been happening to me - at that very moment - were it not for the "man from Spain". I hope they don't try to complete my procedure in 60 seconds! Bzzz bzzzzz bzzzzzz.

Its fascinating to see how the other half like to party, or organise parties for their children.
This event was for the daughter of a film star couple, who seperately enjoyed the booth, if you understand what i mean. They were lead actors in the 1997 film Gattaca (a discreet clue).
Its interesting being inside the private sphere of people like these, who are momentarily free from the pressures imposed by the media and public scrutiny. They are mums and dads, have bad-hair days and wrinkles, eat pizza and walk around with bits of melted cheese in the corners of their mouths. It's reassuring.