Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Passing Afternoon



I’ve never woken up so much in my life as I have during my sleeps here.  I finally got to a restful sleep right before my alarm went of this morning.  I turned it off and slept until 2pm… OOPS!  Determined to not let my day go to waste I hopped onto the underground to Picadilly Circus, something I hadn’t seen yet.   Looks like a smaller version of Times Square.  Like the two days before, I started walking in any which direction to see where it would lead me.  I ended up at the edge of the park where I got my first glimpse of Big Ben.  It looked even more beautiful lit up.  I started on the same route as day 1 and found myself back in Trafalgar Square.  Instead of turning to the right towards Big Ben, I turned to the left and found myself in Leicester Square.  The only words that I can think to describe Leicester Square is a carnival and Vegas… Possibly an outdoors Circus Circus? 
















































































































After walking to see Big Ben in all of its light and glory I hopped onto the tube via Westminster Station to Kentish Town.  I was determined to find The Flowerpot.  I looked it up on google maps the previous night to see approximately how far I’d have to walk.  I had turned around right before I got to it the day before.  I walked much farther this time although I had a feeling I’d gone too far.  I asked someone waiting at a bus stop if they had a clue where it was, and sure enough I had passed it.  I was getting discouraged after retracing my steps.  I didn’t understand how I could have passed it when my eyes had been peeled and on the look out.  Right when I decided I was going to give up, I looked to the left and TADA!  Guess it was meant that I go there I suppose. 









































As soon as I walked in I loved it.  It was a bit more vacant than I expected it to be, but it was still awesome.  There were a few guys sitting at that bar, so I asked if I could join them.  They were about to start a game of Scrabble.  From what I gathered of their names, they were Tom, Robby, and Harry.  A bit later a girl named Sally joined them.  As most people that know me know, I’m a bit critical when it comes to girls.  I took an instant liking to Sally though.  See seemed like someone I’d get along with right away.  They decided to head to another pub around the corner in Camden.  Not ready to go back to my hotel, and happy that I may have made some new friends, I joined them.  The Locke was extremely packed so we sat on the rainy, umbrella-covered patio.  It wasn’t long before Tom suggested heading to a less busy pub.  Next up, The Hawley Arms.  Amy Winehouse was bartending… Definitely don’t think I’d see that in California.  Hah.  After talking with Harry for a bit I realized that the group of people I had spent my evening with were the exact type of people I’d be close with at home.  They all seemed to be big music lovers as well.  Going around in Camden made me realize how head over heels I am for London.  It has everything I love about LA without the snobby attitudes.  I never thought I’d ever love a city more than I do LA or Hollywood… until now. 

We eventually headed back to The Flowerpot and after a bit I had to rush to the tube before it shut down for the night.  Taxis are quite expensive and I’d rather save the cost of one for Saturday night.  I love the fact that I could say “See you tomorrow” to everyone.  Everyone will be attending The Flowerpot NYE Show that I purchased a ticket for a bit ago.  A couple of the guys work and live above The Flowerpot, and everyone else I met were close knit friends and regulars of the pub.  Instead of goodbye hugs, I got a kiss on the cheek from everyone.  Catches me off guard every time.. and I love it!  

I have to kick myself for taking so much critical advice from people.  Rumors I won’t be following for the remainder of my trip.
1.     Don’t take the tube at night by yourself.
-       It was no different than taking it during the day.  There were plenty of people around.
2.     Don’t go to Camden at night, it can be rough.
-       I felt safer in Camden than I do in Hollywood. 

Jon and Sarah get here tomorrow.  I hope to get to spend enough time with them before I head over to HMV Forum for The Flowerpot New Years Party.  I don’t see why I wouldn’t though.  Maybe they’ll even come with me.  Going to bed at 6am really isn't working for me.  I'm tired.

Until next time!

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