My good friend Andrea was set to arrive in London from Bologna on Tuesday afternoon. He and I were going to stay at his friend Marco’s house for the night. I had planned to meet Andrea and Marco at a specific station, but hadn’t realized how much longer it takes to get to some of the districts. So when I missed them at the station, I asked around for directions and was aided by another hand of wonderful locals. Marco was quite surprised I was able to find his place on my own, but Andrea said he expected it from me. At any rate, I was very excited to find the house and collect an Italian hug, or three.
After some tea and dessert, the three of us made use of all available public transport – bus, tube and boat – to make our way to the Indigo Arena. There we met Daniel (“London”), Amy, and her friend Jo in time for a glass of wine before the Temper Trap show!
The concert was excellent – certainly even more so due to the company and the location. It was such a neat experience; seeing this band that I’d first loved in Melbourne, along with friends from Melbourne, but while in London. The Underground went on strike that night, so it was a bit of a hassle to get home, but we made it eventually. I detoured to London earlier than I’d expected specifically for that concert. Though I greatly enjoyed my whole week, the concert and company alone were worth the trip.
The Temper Trap!
Our little Deakin reunion.
The next day, Andrea, Marco and I ventured out to Camden Town to shop around at the markets. Later in the afternoon, Marco headed to class, and Andrea and I found a pub and enjoyed a London Pride beer with some standard, but tasty British pub grub.
I saw Andrea off on his way to the airport, headed back to Marco’s to collect my own bags, and then made my way out as well. Given the strike, it was not all that easy. However, yet another handful of lovely locals helped me navigate the bus system across the city where I could connect to Stansted Airport for the night. Yes. For the night. There’s a first for everything, and Wednesday night, I spent my first night ‘sleeping’ in an airport. And though I use the term ‘sleeping’ loosely, I did probably manage about 3 or 4 hours dozing off and on.
Now I am in Rotterdam, Holland with Dirk! We spent yesterday catching up on the couch with tea and wine and little Christmas biscuits (that makes the Danes, and apparently the Dutch very excited). Oh, and liver pâté, which seems to be following me around Europe, and slowly growing on me. Today we are going out to Dirk’s parents’ place in Dreischor and then to a nearby birthday party. The weather is fairly miserable right now, but we’re also hoping to go for a bit of a bike ride around the city (I missed biking in London!).
And if anyone is wondering, I made it into the Netherlands without a hitch. In fact, there were literally no questions asked. I got my passport stamped and walked straight in. A much better start.
Sending love from Rotterdam!
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