The past couple of weeks have been astronomically busy, filled with my best friend visiting, a piro-holiday, and an unfortunate visit to Scotland Yard.
My best friend in the whole world, Jonny, arrived on Wednesday, November 3rd. Unfortunately, her timing was aweful, as yet another tube strike lingered on… We met up with my flatmate, Gary, for a drink to wait out some of the ridiculous traffic, and then caught a taxi home. While we were stuck dragging around a plethora of bags, I managed to leave my laptop bag in the taxi. The next morning, I received a phone call from a bus driver saying that my pens and business cards were found in a grocery bag on the bus… Jonnah was unfortunately asked to spend the morning in the nearby Scotland Yard police station with me on her first day in London. The police were extremely nice and keen on helping.
The next day, Friday, the 5th of November, was a holiday in London. It was the day celebrating when Guy Fawkes and a group of hooligans tried to set fire to the House of Parliament and failed in 1604. Like the Fourth of July, this holiday gives piro-maniacs to play with fire. We attended the Battersea Park Firework Display, which happened to be the biggest and best in London. We were running a little late, and when we arrived at the gates of the park, there was a massive crowd waiting just to get inside! Luckily, some of those hooligans that I referred to earlier, began to push on one of the fences and create an opening. Next thing we knew, our small group was caught up in the mob and herded through this tiny little opening. While I was squeezing through one fence and jumping over another, I could hear the chuckles coming from the naughty little individuals around me. When we entered the park, we went towards the largest bonfire that I have ever seen! It was about 20 feet in diameter with firemen at the ready. The main event finally started, and I must say… the show definitely rivals any that I have ever seen. The fireworks were choreographed to music and lasted for well over the usual half hour.
Jonny and I did a few touristy things as well, including walking through Soho and Leicester Square. We went out in Covent Garden and watched a live ‘cheesy’ cover band with a few English blokes. We also went on a boat ride from Little Venice, through the London Zoo, and arriving at the Stables Market. The market was huge within this old stable built in the 1600’s. Later in the week, Jonny and I ended up going to the club in the market that was hidden by all of the shops during the day.
On Sunday, I helped Jonnah get to the airport and proceeded to sleep for the rest of the day. These couple of weeks have been very eventful, and now I need to rest up for next weekend when my friend Lindsey arrives.
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