Tuesday
This past weekend, I undertook what was one of my somewhat regular pilgrimages to London for a Tweetup with Sarah and Liz, and who ever else was around at the time who quite fancied something alcoholic to drink. Setting off from Neath station at twenty to eleven, I was to embark upon my journey to see friends and whatever else the big smoke had to throw at me. Deciding that I was worth it, I upgraded to first class and immediately developed an appreciation for air conditioning, which, considering that the train was packed full of Chelsea fans heading to the first game of the season, was an absolute necessity.
Here’s a short video that I took on my BlackBerry mobile phone, appreciating the beautiful countryside of the South East.
The accompanying music is called ‘The Kiss’ by Dickon Hinchcliffe, taken from the ‘Last Chance Harvey’ soundtrack album. Excellent film, excellent soundtrack.
Arriving into London, I made my way through the Underground with my trusty Oyster card to hand to the South Bank, where I was to meet with Claire for cocktails and a late lunch. An excellent time was had, and I thoroughly enjoyed! A mutual appreciation for Pimms is an ingredient for any relationship for anyone, be it friendships or other wise! After dinner, we went for a leisurely stroll along the Embankment and made our way towards the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey which I thoroughly enjoyed, especially seeing as every time I go to London, I’ve never actually walked around that area before…. See, I can’t be that much of a tourist, otherwise I would have been there already!
After parting ways with Claire, I travelled to Stoke Newington to meet up with the ever charming and lovely Sarah (@Baskers on Twitter, I recommend you follow her!) for a few drinks and a catch up on all things central government and much more. Navigating the Underground with ease, I made my way to Kings Cross station where I would have to transfer to a bus as N16 doesn’t have any Underground links, but upon arrival decided that I couldn’t be bothered for the hassle and hopped into a taxi instead, which was to then ferry me to The Jolly Butchers pub on Stokey high street where I was to settle into a pint or two of the establishments finest cider. Ladies and gentlemen, I highly recommend this pub to you if you ever find yourself in N16 and a tad thirsty. A lovely design, atmosphere, staff and most importantly, drinks. A little while later, we made our way to an Irish bar just a little up the road, but equally as charming, before heading to Rasa, a purely vegetarian curry house… Stop. Now, I know what you’re thinking and I certainly am guilty of possessing the same thoughts when the same words were uttered to me by Sarah, but it isn’t as bad as it sounds.
Rasa, although pink in it’s interior and exterior was a small place but seemed to be full of people who all were enjoying the vegetarian experience on offer. I, myself, am predominantly a meat eater and I could never be vegetarian as I enjoy meat too much! Sarah, much alike me, assured me that it was about letting go and trying new things, to which after much grumbling and moaning, I finally succumbed and gave in to. I had no control over the menu whatsoever and took a very much back seat role in the ordering process, trusting her judgement and culinary reputation, to which I was duly rewarded.
We dined upon a selection of crispy dipping snacks, lemon rice, tomato and onion curry, spinach and indian cheese, and a third which I can’t quite remember, which suddenly lets me know that this isn’t one of my more thorough of blogs. It’s safe to say that the food was delicious, although I wasn’t keen on the spinach and cheese dish… Yuck! We were the last people to leave Rasa, at eleven thirty where we said our goodbyes and I caught a taxi back to Kings Cross where I was staying in a Travelodge. Upon arrival, they told me that I had booked in for the next night and not the Saturday as I’d requested. I specifically remember booking the fourteenth on Sarah’s iPhone and tried to get them to simply transfer the booking so I could get a decent night’s sleep. The two staff were extremely unhelpful and made me use the computers in the corner (which I had to pay £2 to use) to cancel the booking, which was supposed to be £86, and then I’d be charged a walk in fee of £110 which I felt was absolutely scandalous! But, with nowhere else to go, I had to bow to their terms and accept defeat at that time… I assure you, I will be complaining. After fifty minutes of negotiation and trying to spell my name and address for the night staff, I was finally in my room. Sleep.
The next morning, I awoke and showered to get ready to meet Claire again for breakfast in Covent Garden. I checked out of my hotel somewhat hastily and made my way back towards Kings Cross station where I would get back on the Underground to meet with Claire for a breakfast that she had hyped up… Anticipation was high! Time scales became a little distorted and breakfast quickly turned into lunch, so we nipped into a little French cafe for coffee’s and a cheese and ham platter for two which was delicious! I have a new found appreciation for Gruyere and Gouda! After lunch, we went for a little nose around the market and shops, and ended up watching a show performed by some street magicians before parting ways at Covent Garden tube station as I headed back to Paddington, homeward bound.
Three and a half hours later, and I was home in Neath. Stepping onto the platform, I walked out into the station concourse and out of the main entrance where I stood still for a moment, looking around myself, almost trying to visually tell my body that I was home. From across the road, outside the Big Cam pub, there came the sounds of shouting and fighting as a scuffle erupted. There was no mistaking it, I was home, and home was somewhere that I did not want to be.
Overall, a lovely weekend was had and it was so nice to see the faces of friends old and new. It’s a shame that Liz couldn’t make it due to sickness, but I do hope to meet her soon! So Liz, if you read this, get well soon! Thank you all for a lovely time, I’ll see you before the Fashion Weekend I’m sure!
Thanks for reading,
Callum
