Firstly, do I even want it to be a famous person? It's an opportunity to see someone I don't normally see, and this might be a family member or friend from the past. Somewhat strangely, old school teachers and figures from my days at Westminster Abbey come to mind. Michael Keall, Headmaster; Edward Carpenter, Dean; Neil Collins, Cannon at that time; Douglas Guest, Organist. At least two of these are dead, however. More from this time include school pals whom one did not maintain contact with Daniel G, Anthony M, Chris S, Michael B, Tom J, Phil E, Andrew G, Hargreaves, Derek H, Andrew T, David T. And more. However, I've already ruled out old friends so let's not extend the list. I would not be overjoyed to go for a meal with any old friend but even more so to spend a few days with them back in situ as it were. Although experience shows this can be something of a let down.
Famous people are an obvious category. But famous for what? Politics, education, humanitarians, writers, business people, which category to pick. Obviously they're not mutually exclusive certainly. I have a serious side, but also a good sense of humour. Noam Chomsky would clearly be clever and interesting, but would he be entertaining too?
Is the quest for entertainment, information, or learning? Or just to satisfy my curiosity. That seems like a sensible criteria, as any attempt to be more analytical is doomed to perpetual refinement and time is limited. So. For personal curiosity, I would like to meet someone who is insanely wealthy, but who either has experience of poverty or an active history of engagement to do something about it. The person that pops into my head at this point is Bill Gates. I'm surprised by my choice.
