Hello my cumulonimbus clouds,
How is your weekend so far? I hope you're feeling a version of healthy, rested, and content.
On Friday, I had an emergency dental appointment for a filling that decided to jump ship when I was flossing my teeth. I lifted that little chunk up to my face and asked why it decided to abandon me when I just moved to a different country. It went on and on about the barometric pressure being too high in an apartment on the third floor... I stopped listening after a while and shoved it in my pocket till I could show the dentist. I got numbed up (even though the dentist did not want to give me novocain) and within an uncomfortable hour, I was fixed and out the door with a lot less money. To treat myself, I went across the street to Ripe Kitchen and ate (slurped) a delicious bowl of mushroom soup.
A good friend/co-worker keeps asking if I've gone to any museums or eaten authentic fish & chips. This happens every time they call me, which is several times a week when they're walking their dog in the morning (this brings me joy). I've only been in London for two full weekends but feel guilty for not going out and doing the things that they've recommended. So, my intention today was to go to a museum and a chippy! Basically, to shut them up (and maybe, sort of, make them proud).
I got ready at an early enough hour, even though I got slightly distracted (in a good way) formatting my blog for mobile phones, and then headed out the door to walk to ::drumroll:: The Sherlock Holmes Museum. The London Zoo and Regent's Park are essentially a big circle between my apartment and the museum, so I walked 1.5 miles around them to get there. It was a lovely walk. Next to the zoo, I spotted some animals (mostly their butts) through the bushes. In Regent's Park, I saw my mom's favorite dog, a Westie, and all eyes were on that little cutie.
While in Regent's Park, I took a short detour to check out the Boating Lake. There were a lot of birds on the paddle boats. Can you see all those white specks in the photo? I cannot even imagine the amount of crap that is all over those boats. No way would I rent one of those. Gross!
When I arrived in the general vicinity of the museum, I noticed many people gathered on the sidewalk in front of the entrance. There were about 20 people waiting to take photos with the London Bobby and/or adjusting their hair & clothes before striking a pose in front of the museum window. Dear reader, you may or may not know me very well but let me tell you a couple of things about me: 1) I don't like crowds, and 2) I don't like feeling like a tourist. I walked through that clump of people as quickly as I could to the other side.
I walked down the street for a minute and turned around. I didn't want to wimp out! I was determined to be OK with the crowd. As I was getting closer to the museum, my eyes darted to the entrance signs (only for those who have purchased tickets), my ears heard the Bobby telling someone where to buy tickets (somewhere behind me through a different door), my brain soaked in the crowd and all the things that they were doing... and so, still possessing determination, just for a different purpose, I walked past the museum and didn't look back.
Oof.
I promise I will go back. I will do two things differently: I will buy a ticket ahead of time and I will go as early as I can (9:30am). Take a look at the online shop and let me know what you'd like me to pick up for you. It will give me purpose!
After that, I walked by a restaurant called The Volunteer. Their sidewalk sign read, "We sell authentic fish & chips!" You've learned so much about me already, do you think that I went in? I did not. Did you guess correctly? That being said, now I know where it is, and I will go at some point soon.
"Joy lies in the fight, in the attempt, in the suffering involved, not in the victory itself." -Mahatma Gandhi
Do you agree with Gandhi? 4 floors, 3.1 miles, and 7,482 steps later, I can tell you that sometimes it does. I certainly had a nice walk and a story to relay to you.
Other bits & bobs:
I decorated my apartment (should I call it flat yet?) for Halloween. I probably, definitely need more decorations.
I received four boxes from home full of clothes, shoes, and a few books. I'll spend some of today figuring out where all of this will go and buy more hangers. Thanks to everyone who helped get these boxes to me, especially my mom who packed them so well!
September 30th is Orange Shirt Day. Please wear orange, a symbol of hope, to honor the thousands of survivors of residential schools, and to acknowledge the generational impact that these schools have had on Native & Indigenous communities for the last century.
Thank you, as always, for reading. I added a lot more photos to the gallery, so be sure to check them out. I don't edit them, otherwise this would take much longer than it already does!
Till next time,
Your American WereMack in London
Comentários