Today, I went to work and researched tapestry galleries. Felt like I didn't do much because it was really hard finding galleries displaying tapestries. But I managed to come up with a strategy to do it next week if it's what they want me to do when I come in next. We'll see, though.
After class, I took an unfamiliar bus that was supposed to stop at Tottenham Court Road. So I got off there and decided to walk to class. Except I saw a pasty shop on the way to class, so I bought a steak pasty. I waited until I was inside the building and nestled into my part of the wall before I ate it. I ate is slowly to enjoy it more. And it was good. Could have been hotter, but I blame the cold outside.
There is a guy in my class that came into the hallway and said "Darn, you beat me again!" Because I'm always the first one in class because I'm both paranoid and bored so I leave really early to get there really early. We had a nice chat. He brought some cookies, and actually called them cookies but he's British. He has such an American accent though! And dresses like one of those ghetto gangsters with a super baggy sweatshirt and the hat with the straight brim. But he's British. He doesn't know why he sounds American, but he does. He asked if I was American or Canadian. First time I had someone ask if I was Canadian. But I told him that he's not far. Wisconsin is almost on the Canadian border anyway.
I was talking with a Scottish guy in class during break, and of course it was the usual conversation. Only here a semester, going home in January, want to travel Finland and Sweden before I go. He said he knew a couple people in Finland and a bunch of people from Sweden. Told me to look them up on Facebook, friend them, explain my connection, and they should be all "Yeah, come a visit! We'll show you around!" My previous experiences with people that far north have been really positive, so I'm going to ask him for his name (so I can Friend him) and then ask for the names of his Swedish and Finish friends. Road trip is looking considerably cheaper but considerably more adventurous! (go me)
Walking home to the bus stop, I came across the store New Look, which Alysia described as being similar to Kohl's in the States. So I went in to check it out. Yeah, the prices were pretty decent. Decent enough to buy me a new watch (finally!!) and a present for Mom. Whether it's for her birthday or Christmas is yet to be determined. I figure I'll get her two things and the better one would be for Christmas. You're welcome, dear mother.
Still wandered around looking for my bus stop. So many buses stop at Oxford Circus that all the stops are sprawled within a three block radius. Managed to find myself by Hemley's Toy Store, which I walked past at first but then I turned right around. Why the hell not? I had thought to myself.
I swear, my eyes were as wide as the kid next to me. Seriously, five plus floors of toys, (TOYS) and games (GAMES)! Girls and Boys each have their own floor! Their own floor!! I figured they had to have Doctor Who something or other, so I looked around the boy's section and sure enough, there it was. A worker saw my age and my interest and asked which Doctor was mine. He displayed a giant box with all the doctors as action figures, and I said that I started with David Tennant. He gave me that "Oh, you're one of those people" and my look said "Yes, I am." I picked up the Eleventh Doctor's sonic screwdriver. Pricey, but I love it to death! My original thought was something along the lines of "Well, might as well now that I'm spending all this money." So glad I did!
On my way down, someone gave me a controller for this unique little care. The front wheels spun vertically so the car could do a bunch of nifty tricks against a wall and on the floor and all that. The guy was trying to sell it to me and I was just "Uh-huh, that's cool. Yes, that does sound versatile." A little boy and his dad walked up to observe, and before the sales man could attempt to sell it some more, I reached over to give the controller to the little kid. His father asked if I was really done, and I said yes, he can have it. The kid's eyes lit up so much! Like he was saying "I get to play with it? Really?" Yes, kid, really.
I'm totally going back to wander around when the Christmas season starts. That place must be AMAZING then.
Boarded another unfamiliar bus that was bound for Lambeth North. When I first got on, the machine wasn't reading my card. I thought it was my card's fault when a woman said "It's the machine, love, you don't have to do anything." I followed her to her seat and had the best conversation with a stranger I have ever had. It was mostly about me, but it was also about London and it's attractions and why the buses were better than the tubes and how I will go to Charing Cross Road one day for the book stores and a little bit of how I miss home mostly for the companionship of friends who've shared the best and the worst together, but I'll get back eventually. For now, I'm in LONDON. I told her I've been coming to Piccadilly Circus quite often recently and I've never been on the London Eye (she hasn't either and she's born and bred Londoner) but I can see it from the kitchen window. I told her about the Bloomsbury Festival, which she hasn't heard about before, and she told me about the Christmas market that goes on in Hyde Park. She said I've been doing a lot since coming here. When we parted, she wished me luck on my studies and best of luck on the rest of my time here. I told her to take care as well.
Best conversation with a stranger, ever.
Showed off my new toy to Oscar. He thought I was a loon, but you probably do too. Hung out with Denise, Lynn, and Oscar for a little bit. We were supposed to watch a movie, but they were waiting for Cieron and I had stuff to do (like pack) so I left when Oscar went to get some more food from the shop.
According to my plans, I should have been in bed an hour ago. But I still have to call my parents.
Expect the next post to be on Sunday night, and expect a really long one! You'll have three whole days to read up on when I come back (plus pictures), so at least you have something to look forward to.
No comments:
Post a Comment