Take Me Anywhere

I woke up a bit later than I’d like today.  I had plans to meet with Phil, my new friend from the plane, around 10:40.  Didn’t make it to our meeting spot until almost 11.  Ended up to be a very short visit, but a very pleasant one at that.  Seeing someone relatively familiar in a city this big was nice.  After we parted I took the tube up to Camden, regardless of the rain.  Walked around Camden Market for a bit.  Reminds me of a Melrose/Venice Beach hybrid.  I found a vegan restaurant/coffee shop to find shelter from the rain for a bit.  A man I assume was the owner instantly greeted me with an oversized smile and a shot glass sample of hot chocolate.  Best hot chocolate I’ve ever had… I ordered myself a full mug of it.  I sat there for at least an hour, maybe even two.  The same man returned with a sample of some of the vegan soup of the day.  Absolutely delicious!  Too bad my appetite has been non-existent since I’ve been here.  I’ll be sure to go back to that place once and if it returns.

A little over a month or two ago I met someone from England who referred me to a pub called The Flowerpot.  Not far from Camden, I decided to head up the tube one stop to see if I could find it before it got dark.  I walked for what seemed like forever before I turned around.  No luck.  I didn’t feel like going back to my hotel as early as it was, so I took a detour and got off at Oxford Circus to walk along Oxford Street.  Circus doesn’t even describe it.  MADNESS!!!  Complete madness.  It was so packed I felt as if I was weaving in and out of a crowd at a sold out concert.  Oxford Street consists of a lot of retail stores, mainly what you would see in a mall spread out onto the street.  First thing I spotted was an Urban Outfitters.   Come to find out it’s a 4-story UO.  Very nice!  Unfortunately it was as packed as the street was, and the line for the dressing room was far too long for my interest.  I walked up the street as far as my tired feet and sore legs would allow.  I settled for Tiki Café once again.  I wish there were more independent coffee shops around Ventura County, or LA for that matter.  They have a much better atmosphere than Starbucks or Coffee Bean.