The next decade....what's in store?
Musings of a yamfooted traveller still trying to shake off those last 20 pounds as she treks across the Caribbean
This trip wouldn't have been complete if I hadn't done some essential things that make up my perceptual world where London is concerned.
1. Riding the tube.
Well, what can be said about that? The first time I did that was 1992, and I have come such a far way. I know when to run down (or up...pant pant) the escalator in order to catch the tube at precisely the point I need to catch it. I know if it's a north, south, east or west bound tube I need to take, which is useful when you are faced with a train on a platform, and knowing whether to jump in before the door closes.
2. Riding the double decker bus.
The transportation system is so good here. I was perfectly situated for Lord's. The number 82 bus was my friend for all five days of that Test match, and ironically the number 82 will take me straight to Victoria tomorrow morning for me to catch the train to Gatwick.
3. Experience unpredictable weather.
Craning one's neck upwards is a normal thing here, no matter where on the island (yes, it is an island, lest you forget)
4. Sitting in a garden somewhere when the weather behaves.
Like today. Discovering Pimm's courtesy of Dx, sitting in her garden for most of the day, reading, eating, drinking Pimm's, listening to Club Classics...
5. Listening to Club Classics on London's Heart 106.2 radio station.
When I was in Surrey 2001 - 2002, it provided much needed comfort, especially during those cold, dark winter nights. Back then, it was only on a Friday night, but now they have included Saturday's too! I squeal with delight. so that is what I am listening to now.
and perhaps, the bestest of them all..
6. Eating a Hagen Daaz three-scoop sundae in Leicester Square.
I did that Friday. It was the second to last thing I did before I took the tube for the last time this trip. The last thing I did was buy two more cotton T-shirts from Japanese clothing store Uniqlo...thanks for the introduction Adwoa!.
So before that, I headed to Hagen Daaz. They have expanded the store, so there is a separate take away section. At busy times, it used to be chaotic, so it is a welcomed change. My order was Belgian Chocolate, Cookies & Cream and this time I tried New Mango & Passionfruit ...that one wasn't a hit. Shan't have it again. Will stick to Pralines & Cream or Strawberry instead.
Toppings are nuts, strawberry coulis (but they only has raspberry so had to be content with that) and chocolate sauce.
Weather was "brill" so I picked my spot on a bench in the Square. It was beside an old man. We struck up a conversation.....
Posted by yamfoot at June 2, 2007 01:40 PMAaah, London in the summertime. Wonderful place when the weather cooperates with your plans. A cold drink in hand, a couple of nectarines (glorious fruit) and quick trip on a train somewhere out of town. Luverly! I am sure very few islanders would believe it gets hot enough in London during the summer for you to break out into a sweat on the train, hence the necessity for the drink! And then after all that heat try to understand why the ground is still damp enough for you to catch a cold in your **** if you sit down on the grass like all those Londoners on a sunny day.
I too can attest to the wonders of reliable public transportation. 4 weeks of living in a hotel out by Heathrow and having to attend classes in London, I could time my last swallow of juice at breakfast, stroll leisurly out to the front of the hotel for a bus to the airport, jump on a London bound train and close my eyes and wake up in exactly one hour rising to get off at my desginated stop. Marvellous when it worked, bloody awful when it did not (which was rare). Heathrow to London via taxi...not fun (train strike!)
Posted by: Loraine Tait at June 2, 2007 07:50 PMI wonder why you are in italics....lemme go and see why.
Posted by: Yamfoot at June 2, 2007 08:18 PM