It might have been a bad idea for me to come to London. When a person loves a city so much, and there is no hope for ever living within its sweet, sweet boundaries, she should probably just stay away. I'm serious! Okay, maybe I'm not. This city is fantastic.
I got to London four days ago, and tomorrow I'm off to Wales. Upon arrival I stayed at a hostel in Greenwich. I take that back - I stayed in a park in Greenwich (pic below). Or I may as well have anyways. Greenwich is a 10 minute train ride out of the city and is completely charming. I never made it out there my first time around (although we sure did try for a picnic or two) so I figured I'd stay there to be able to explore it fully. Of the 2 nights and 1 day I spent there I spent 12 hours in the park. It was great! Not only did it have the Greenwich Meridian, but also the National Maritime Museum, the Queen's House and the Royal Observatory, all for free. It will also be the site for the equestrian events in the 2012 Olympics! I think it may have officially become my favorite London park.
Tuesday morning (after some quality park time again - I finished a great book) I moved from southeast to southwest London - Earls Court to be exact. After checking into the hostel I walked north to Kensington Gardens and then to Notting Hill (two pics below). I didn't get there until after many of the vendors had already started packing up, but it was nice to walk in the quiet and watch all the people. On my way home I went grocery shopping (I missed you Sainsbury's!) and had a nice night at the hostel.
Wednesday could not have been a better day. I mean it. I implore you to tell me how it could have been beat. First off, I walked to the Wellington Arch for the start of Sandeman's Free London Tour. Sandeman's is a fantastic company with the philosophy that you should pay for what you get, so all the guides work off tips. I've done the one in Berlin before, and they actually have two in London so this time I did the other one. It was the Royal Tour (as opposed to Old London). Great, but I think I preferred the other due to the subject matter. But okay, this is where it gets good. Who do I see walking through the streets behind Leicester Square? None other than the man himself, my favorite British actor... James McAvoy! I almost screamed. But didn't, thank heavens. I did, however, (although I'm ashamed to admit it) follow him two blocks. What luck! He was performing on stage in a play called "Three Days of Rain" and it was brilliant. It was a family drama with a cast of three. Amazingly acted. James did not disappoint. I also made friends with the woman next to me and she took me out for a cup of coffee! It was great - we talked about the play the whole time. See? I told you. The perfect day. The picture below is of Earl's Court at night, right across the street from my hostel.
Thursday was great too. I headed for East London, taking a stroll down Brick Lane and then south to Borough Market. After visiting the Tate (Edward Ruscha exhibit!) I saw a film at the Roxy, a bar that has free screenings, and then made my way home via Southbank. This morning I went to the V&A Museum - still my favorite - and then the National Portrait Gallery. I tried to see a French movie called The Class in Leicester Square, but I of course got the times wrong so I ended up seeing Revolutionary Road. I did not enjoy it. I can't remember the last time I felt as though I was being beaten over the head with the subject matter in such a way. I found it old and tired, with other films having said the same thing in a more interesting way. But Kate and Leo were good (understatement), and it was only £4. Oh yeah, and then a quick trip to the National Gallery.
Okay. I hope I haven't throughly bored you. At least can't be wondering what I'm up to, right? I'll try to get better at writing a blog!
Cheers!
Kate
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