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The plan is to meet Elaine at the George Street Tavern. In walking I stumbled across her dad's place so popped in to say that I'm about. Finally met up with her and had a great chat. Also got to meet her dad and see inside a real English home. Elaine had run a science fiction writer's group in Sydney a few years previous and the members would meet at each other places to read, discuss and criticise each other's stories. I eventually self-published several of our stories in magazine called The E.N.D. Result (Elaine, Neil, David!) Guinness here is very similar to Guinness in Sydney. Only very slightly less watery and only very slightly stronger. Still, the pub I'm in is over 600 years old and that, to me, makes it worth the trip. We had a meal there then went back to Elaine's place and talked with her and her dad. It was a great day and really cool to catch up with someone I hadn't seen for ages. [Aside comment. When I was talking with Laura yesterday I discussed with her my lactose intolerance and how I get different reactions to different types of dairy. Milk makes me bloated, cream makes me sick and cheese on pizza has the same effect as a couple of Guinnesses. Being a chemistry student she suggested that because I don't have enough of the protein that converts lactose, it's possible my body is converting it to an alcoholic derivative. Great! No wonder I couldn't concentrate well at school. I was drunk!] Afterwards it was back on the train and back to the Liverpool St, Holborn connection and Earl's Court YHA. Finally got the hang of the tube and train system. It would be like showing a schedule of the underground trains in Sydney but stopping the map anytime the train goes above ground. Email arrived from Patrick (there are places to check email in the hostels and in lots of places on the street) so I'll definitely be visiting him tomorrow. Which means tonight is washing night unless I get a better offer! [Cars have total right of way in London. In Australia the flashing red man signifies that the time to walk is over. In London a flashing yellow light signifies to the driver that they can stop waiting for walkers. For the walker the screen just goes black. Watch out if it's an impatient cabby if you're half way across the street when the walk sign turns off!] 7/8
* Here is a city, hundreds of years old, where it rains most of the time, and yet the people still haven't got around to putting awnings up. * The vending machine does not accept copper coins, only accepts correct money and most prices require a 5 pence piece. Seems suspicious when you rarely have 5 pence! * Twinings is closed on Saturday! I'm very upset. * Standard underarm deodorant does not work in this kind of weather. In fact, none of the deodorants I brought with me were helpful. Had to go and buy some superstrength English deodorant. * The YHA insists on selling mini clothes lines which are, admittedly, very useful, but when you get to Earl's Court YHA there's a sign in the laundry saying 'Please do not use the garden for drying clothes' Interesting that! That means paying a pound for using the dryer! * The BBC World Service Shop, last time I was there, was at The Strand, Bush House, closest to Temple or Holborn Station. 0171 5573 217 Went into London again today. This time with the main intention of meeting Patrick Bremmers, a penpal that I used to exchange video tapes with. He was working part time at the BBC World Service Shop. We had a great chat in the office and I got to meet his other workmates. [Patrick believed he could get me work in September if I needed it and I promised to get back to him about that, but ended up staying in Edinburgh until October] Afterwards I went wandering. Found where the changing of the guard happens. Laid down on the grass in front of Big Ben in the sunlight and just soaked up the atmosphere, waiting for it to chime. An experience that was almost poetic. Some more walking then back to Earl's Court to stare in disbelief at a Police Public Call Box just outside of Earl's Court Station. I'm sure it wasn't there before!!! :) Went back to the hostel and organised my stuff. Got some things written in the lounge room then headed out to party. Got a Guinness at the Irish Pub and sat watching the crowd. A Melbournian,
Anton, sat next to me and we chatted for awhile. Then I headed over to
the Downunder Club which was open till 2:00am. 3 pounds entry. Some dancing.
A woman over forty danced with me and tried to her patented kissing trick,
trying to pass beer into my mouth. She was insane!!! (Hmm, if I was bit
older...)
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