1. I should have packed more comfortable shoes. But this was a good excuse to pick up some cute brown sneakers at the Camper store.
2. I got briefly unnerved by the currency problem, but only because there was the splitting of a seven-way check involved. We ate delicious Ethiopian food. Still can’t figure out how tipping works.
3. London is much bigger than I thought it was. I don’t know why I had this idea that it was all very walkable–maybe it was that Samuel Johnson used to walk around it all night when he didn’t have money for a place to stay, but it’s grown a lot since then and probably spread out.
4. Everything closes rather early on a weeknight. It’s very quiet, especially here in Bloomsbury.
5. It’s a nice city. If anyone wanted to give me a job that required me to take up residence here full-time, I would let them.
We don’t tip more than 10% if that and never in a bar. Mainly cause people get paid properly and have free healthcare.
In lovely Bloomsbury is my favorite movie theatre…i highly recommend it in Russell Square.
If things are closing early…go over to Old Compton Street in Soho.
The size of the place is one reason (earlier screed about travel notwithstanding) I hope I find my way over there at some point. Not just because big cities are overwhelming in a way I enjoy, but because you know what they say about big cities–they have big subway systems. And that is a whole other ball of fun.
London is so sprawly.
Getting new shoes is a fun part of travel — either getting them before the trip or deciding you need them when you’re there.
You go, AWB! Rock that passport! I’m v. glad to hear you like London – it’s a little sprawly and gray for me, but when the sun does peek out it’s rather magnificent…
I love the London weather — it’s always a great excuse to drop into a pub for a pint and a pasty. Pip pip!
Indeed, Scotty. I think I would quickly end up looking like this if I lived there.
The wig, you mean?
He wasn’t prettier when he was young and gaunt, Dave. You’ve got a leg up for when you become an old fat man.
One delightful thing I’m discovering is how not to be in charge of anything. Where are we going right now? I have no idea. How are we getting there? You tell me. Should we wander into this unlocked cultural centre from which we hear cheerful voices late at night? OK.