So, I didn't have enough change for two loads like I usually have. So I just did my whites because if I need anything is underwear (and it's mostly white). Meanwhile, I started the final report for my internship toolkit class, which would require some questions for persons at Black Dog (such as when the company was formed . . . and that's about it). But I'm quite a ways finished with that, so that's looking good. Yay.
Other Homework:
- Creative Writing revisions
- Creative Writing dialogue
- Internship toolkit presentation (which is basically the report in oral/powerpoint form)
- Storytelling and Fiction Film Essay #2
- Linguistics Essay
So much writing!
Left about 1:30p to go pick up my bus ticket for Brussels. Got lost around Victoria because I couldn't locate the Victoria Coach Station right away. But I found it, don't worry. Got my ticket, picked up a little brochure that said that we'll probably be going in the Eurotunnel on the way there. (oooo) Border control will inspect stuff when we get across the water. Of all the things that worry me, it's this. I don't know why. Wait, I do. Can you bring a Swiss Army Knife into Belgium? To research NOW.
Can't find anything. The thing I'm worried about is whether I should take my Swiss Army Knife or not. I don't want to lose it to border control. I know you can't take it on a plane, but what if you're traveling by bus? Does border control still allow Swiss Army Knives into the country? I would feel more comfortable if it's with me, but I can leave it in London if I have to. Anyway, that's my current Major Worry.
Meanwhile, as I knew I didn't have time to go back to the dorm before class, I hopped on a bus that will take me to the general vicinity of class. While stopped at a stop light, I had a clear view of a pedestrian alleyway with a statue of an elephant dressed like the Royal Guard. It was really cute. Halfway through the ride, the bus driver got instructions to divert to Warren Street. I didn't know what that meant until I recognized the buildings outside as not being anywhere near where I should be. And I worried and decided to just sit and be patient and check things out when it finally stops. So I waited, and as it turned out it wasn't that far away from class. But I would still get there late. And I didn't want to be late. But I should still go anyway because I'm planning on skipping next week to make a turkey dinner for me and a few friends. So I should still go, right?
The name of the shop was Bang Bang Clothing Exchange. Vintage clothing. I popped in for a spell, but everything was priced out of my budget and I was like "okay, not buying anything here then." So I continued on and then I figured that now there's no use going to class because now I want to go shopping. Oh look, Oxfam! Oxfam is like Good Will except that all proceeds go to charity. For instance, the 13 quid used to buy my leather jacket buys enough concrete molds to build two rainwater tanks for families in the dry north-east region of Brazil. PLUS I get a leather jacket from Next that can be used in daily life AND as a steampunk costume. See, aren't I good?
And then I saw my proximity to Oxford Street and I thought "Well, I might as well." So I went to Uni Qlo and saw a section of their new heattech shirts and it made me think of Scandinavia. Uni Qlo is currently advertising clothing that generates heat, and apparently the technology comes from Japan. w00t. So I saw a wall of various shirts and leggings with a giant sign that said "Any two priced at 12.99 will be sold for 19.99!" And I thought "DEAL" but I didn't buy anything because it didn't feel like a serious buying day. Maybe next week. Most likely next week. Heat generating long sleeve undershirts would be awesome in Scandinavia. Even better, heat generating leggings I can wear under my pants. I need to get to Uni Qlo before I leave for my road trip.
Went into H&M because I know them to be cheap and maybe they'll have a pair of awesome boots that fit and maybe something else. The something else was a cool long-sleeved top with black and white stripes going in various directions. Tried on a dress but I misjudged sizes. UK size 12 is really US size 10. No wonder that thing was tight. But I bought that top because it was only 10 quid. And now I'm thinking about those heat generating shirts again and how useful they're going to be. Hrm . . .
Walked into a store celebrating the fact that a ton of stuff was being sold for 5 pounds. Didn't look at the tops very much because I was more concerned with their shoe section. There was a pair of cool-looking boots for 9.99. Should have asked to try them on. Ugh. Will do that when I go back for my heat generating shirts. I will find a pair of awesome boots while over here!! I will!!!
Checked out Esprit for a while, but they were pricey. Reminded me of a fashion version of Eddie Bauer. Less travel gear, more clothes. But still high class and sort of rustic looking? That store was anyway.
Discovered a back ally full of shopping venues, but didn't go into anything. I did see a men's store called Howie's which I will take Ryan when he comes. Because he has to buy something from Howie's. He's gotta! It's Howie's!
Boarded the first bus back to Lambeth North. Intended to get off a stop early so I can pick up milk from Iceland. But it was crowded and I didn't leave in time. So I didn't get milk and instead finished off what I had. I guess I'll get more milk on Sunday when I get back. It'll just be taking up space in the fridge all weekend.
Dinner was a ready-made meal. Nothing special.
Got my battery for my camera. It was fully charged when I checked but I'm still going to plug them both in for a while just to make sure. I'm excited. And extra memory card, an extra battery. I feel prepared (in terms of my camera)! When I was waiting for my package, Siri came down with people who were probably her family. We said "Hi, how are you?" and all that. She asked if I went to Uni, and I said that I meant to, but my bus got diverted and then I got distracted. I showed her my shopping bags, and she was like "Excellent choice. Good job. I approve." Which is a happier note my parents will have on the subject (hee).
Probably won't blog tomorrow because I have to be at the bus station by 7:30p for check-in. Dinner will probably be a quick thing on the road, or a sandwich made at home with the last of my sandwich meat. I go through that stuff faster than I thought. Maybe I'll buy bulkier next time.
Previous things that happened I forgot to blog about:
- The day Oscar and I were in Elephant and Castle shopping center, Oscar was complaining about the state of the building when a pigeon flew past our heads. Yes, a pigeon. Yes, indoors. Did I tell you about the pigeon on the tube the other day when I went to Shepherd's Bush? They get everywhere, brave little buggers.
- Yesterday, on the way to Victoria Station on the bus, the bus driver stopped fifty meters away from the stop, got out, and gave a boxed meal to the homeless man and his dog sitting against the wall. When we first stopped, I wondered what was going on? Then I saw, and I shared a smile with the woman in front of us. I was willing to make a quick stop so someone hungry can get a meal. How nice.
- The guy checking me out at Oxfam today was really friendly. He had friendlier service than I ever got before, and it reminded me of home because that sort of thing is kind of expected at home, isn't it? Don't you make conversation with nearly every person who checks you out of a store in Wisconsin? At least, almost every time? I miss that. I'm going back to Oxfam now. Maybe I'll find a pair of awesome boots in my size there. (So that happened today, I still felt like giving you three points.)
[EDIT]: As it turns out, I CAN bring my knife across the border to Belgium. I can also bring back to the UK a box of Belgium chocolates if I wanted to. Yay!
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