Although I seem to be eternally battling a cold, I had an interesting weekend. My classes are going well, and I'm staying in most of the day today to get things set for the week.
I find I almost always need to plan my outings around the bus and transportation schedules. Although I woke up feeling sniffly on Saturday, I had a long list of things I wanted to do and which had to be done to prep for this week. So off I went up the hill, taking a different bus than I usually do--this one to London Bridge Station. I loved the route--through Islington to the "city" of London, then across the river to Southwark.
I'd been reading about Borough Market--a real foodie haven, and it was MUCH bigger than I anticipated. It was also jammed with people buying all sorts of produce, honey, fruits and veg, meats of all kind from wild boar to ostrich. There were many stalls selling all sorts of prepared food including exotic sausages, paella, rabbit sandwiches, veggie dishes, wine and champagne by the glass. I bought some jams from Devon for gifts (lovely man), some leeks, golden beets, carrots, and parsnips. I bought some Asian chicken noodle soup for lunch, but though I wanted to taste everything, many of the prepared foods were expensive--though it would be a fun way to spend the day.
Then I took a long Thames side stroll which probably didn't do my cold any good, but there was a fire juggler performing, and it was a beautiful sunny day. Then to the Gloucester Road tube station where I plan on starting tomorrow's class. A short walk from there is Virgina Woolf's childhood home. I ambled through Kensington then on to the National Portrait Gallery to scope out the Woolf stuff there. They have a new exhibit and a great digital archive that really helped plan my class.
Then to Oxford Street heading toward my bus home where I got more meds and kleenex and various items at Superdrug. Then a quick stop into Marks and Spencer Foods for their special dinner offer--a four course prepped dinner for two with a bottle of wine for 10 pounds. Not a particular bargain, but I figured it would stretch me into three days plus.
I came home so tired that I didn't eat anything but had a long hot shower, skyped DD and DH, and went to bed. I'll have the dinner stating tonight.
Sunday I spent with my in-laws on the Isle of Wight. It was my F-I-L's 87th birthday and although I knew it'd be a long trip, I had to go. After scoping more bargains and ignoring DH's advice, I left early to get a bus from Victoria coach station to Portsmouth. DH always took the train, but it was 20 pounds cheaper and as fast on the bus. I took a different bus to get to Victoria, but was inordinately proud of myself for figuring it all out. Then the ferry from Portsmouth. We had a lovely lunch at my favorite waterside pub, birthday cake and gifts later, then back to London. Again, a couple of new buses, but I was pleased it all went well. I am feeling so confident about my ability to work out the buses. I used to love the tube, but it's so wonderful to watch the world on the bus. Home after 10, but managed to stay awake for more skyping and prep for tomorrow.
What an adventure!
Saturday and Sunday
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