After I regrouped for a bit at the Lawn and took a look at the route for the day, I made my way to Christina’s without much problem. It is a joy to use the London transportation system. Seriously!
Making my way to Christina’s was, however, after being scalped by a very cordial barber named Nina. I fulfilled the hair-cut goal easily enough, but didn’t get quite what I asked for. My hair was long (probably 4 inches at the longest spot), and I asked for it to be trimmed to about 1/2 of what it was. According to Christina, what I got a typical male London cut. Not quite buzzed on the sides, but way shorter than it was. It’s ok, really. It’s just funny.
I bought a day TravelCard from the Horley station, snatched my bags and headed into the city. I had my route all planned out, all the way to Christina’s. But, there was a section of the Central Line that was out, unbeknownst to me. I had to get off the tub catch a bus.
A nice thing from today was the friendly Londoners I encountered. Nina was very nice, short hair-cut or not. I met a couple on the train with a 17 month old boy named Mitchell - we talked all the way until East Croydon where they got off. There was one jerk on the tube that gave my backpack a shove. It must have been too close for comfort. After I got on the bus, I sat next to a nice young girl who helped familiarize me with where we were going. We were seated in the two front seats of the bus, which are priority for elderly and disabled folks. An older gent from Canterbury, on his way to see a football game, hopped on the bus. I started to get up and offered my seat, but he refused and stayed to chat. It was funny that the third sentence he spoke was asking about Bush! Too funny. He was great to talk to. After a stop or two, a blind woman entered the bus. The girl next to me and I jumped up to offer our seats. She accepted and it was such a great feeling to be able to give up something for someone else. She was very gracious and it made the trip worth it, tubes down or not.
I hopped off the bus at Shepherds Bush, which is a triangular-shaped square surrounded by shops. The older gent from Canterbury directed me towards the bus I needed to complete my trip. I hopped on the 220 bus, but then got off two stops too early (I didn’t know at the time I could have stayed on a bit longer for less walking). I followed Christina’s directions right to her door. She let me in and I was relieved to be there. The weather was just nasty to be out in.
It was nice to hang out with Christina. I gave her the Belgian chocolates from Dumon in Brugge. We had tea, sampled the chocolates and chatted for what seemed like quite a while. She hooked me up with wireless, fed me and gave me a mobile phone to use! So good to be staying with a friend!
I pretty much just hung-out at her place for the evening. She already had plans to go out, but I just wasn’t up for it. I got some research and reading done. Sent some couchsurfing requests to folks in Bath. So, I’ll see what happens with that. It’s just good to be in London!
