Guest Post: Susanna Green

Helena and I lived together in Queenstown Road, London, back in 2005-6, after studying Italian together at UCL. We became very close during that time, and I have incredibly fond memories of our time in the flat.

Helena also played a pivotal role in the meeting of my now husband, Tim, when we were out one night in All Bar One, Clapham. Her blonde swishing hair and beautiful smile attracted a friend of Tim’s to come over to chat to us, and Tim followed shortly afterwards, noticing that there were in fact two girls to entertain!

Tim and I moved in together about a year later in Kingston but it wasn’t long however before Helena’s drive also took her from our flat in Queenstown Rd to begin a new job in Milan. I went out to Milan to visit her twice in October 2006 and February 2007 and each visit was met with a very carefully planned itinerary, taking in all of the sights of the city, both by day and night.

One of the first things Helena had done in Milan, was to buy a Gucci bag with her bonus, as she had noticed that all of the women in Milan owned beautiful designer bags and she wanted to feel as Milanese as possible. It wasn’t hard for her to fit in to such a stylish city, as she was always so naturally glamorous, and had a great eye for fashion and accessories.

On my second visit in a bright and sunny February 2007, I particularly remember us dressing up extra smartly to ensure that we would be allowed access to some of the designer stores in Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga. We darted in and out of Prada and Gucci pretending that we could definitely afford all of the season’s key pieces, in fact ending our morning buying some clothes and shoes in the more affordable H&M store!

Via Montenapoleone

We stopped for lunch at a wonderful little restaurant off the tourist track, which Helena had discovered through work. We enjoyed primi, which consisted of Milanese salami and cheeses, before enjoying risotto washed down with local white wine. Helena insisted even after discussion, that she paid for my lunch; she was always so generous to her visitors, and made every minute of my trips a real joy.

After a day of touring Milan, we returned home ready to glam ourselves up for the evening! Helena had researched a few great bars in the area and we set off on a mini tour of the city by night. First stop was a swanky hotel bar near to her flat, where we ordered ourselves Martini Rosso. I remember Helena’s order being met with the response of ‘Eleganza!’ from the barman. Helena not only looked elegant but drank elegantly as well!

Susie and Helena 

Pretty smile

On the Sunday morning, we went out to take coffee in a local café. Helena really enjoyed taking coffee, tea & hot chocolate with friends and I have many memories of all the little café’s we found over the years in London, Milan and Brussels. As usual, Helena’s intellectual side shone through, as she sat sipping her cappuccino reading the paper, voicing all her concerns over the then current political issues.

I admired her intelligence and passion for politics greatly and this photo really sums up both her fun loving nature, as well as her more serious & intellectual side. The Gucci bag also takes its place on the sofa next to her! 

Reading the paper

These memories of Helena make me smile every time I think of them and I am so glad that I was lucky enough to be Helena’s friend and share in part of her wonderful yet short time with us. I am always thinking of her.