Making the Best of It

It is now, according to the local time, my birthday. And I'm alone some 4000+ miles from home. But rather than whine about it (because really, it's not that big a deal to me) I think instead I'll recount some lessons learned / high points from today:

1. I allowed myself to skip the touristy crap and stuck to what makes me happy.

The end result was brilliant. Today I slept in as late as I wanted, went to my favorite French bakery for Leek quiche and breakfast tea, then wandered about Camden Town - which was fantastic. I went back the hotel late afternoon for HobNobs and tea and then hopped back on the Tube to see an independent film in Piccadilly.
The film 'A Complete History of My Sexual Failures' was really funny - and something I'd never get to see at home. Then I had a late dinner at a burger place I'd been wanting to try.
(Chili burger + onion rings = Yum)



2. I'm a resourceful girl.

When the hotel lost my laundry I vowed I'd find another way to wash up the bits I have left. I found a wonderful lavender-scented washing up powder and did a load in the bath tub. I also found a way to brew my iced tea with a glass jug I scrounged up (once I dumped out the hideous prune juice that came with it!). I found a used books store and replenished my supply of reading materials, and found bath salts to replace my dwindling supply of Japanese bath salts. I'm all about the creature comforts, aren't I?

3. I'm not afraid to look stupid.

While I'm not doing touristy things - I'm not afraid to whip out my camera and take photos of gorgeous sites to send back to my kids. This is a beautiful, beautiful city. I'd like it here even more if I weren't missing my kids and husband so very very much.



4. Sometimes, I really am better off by myself.

I was meant to hook up with two co-workers to sight-see today. They went to Wimbledon & to see a Play: "Jersey Boys". No offense to them - but I definitely wouldn't have enjoyed those as much as what I did on my own.
Tomorrow they want to get up early to tour Windsor Castle. I'd rather sleep in and then get the 11am train to Oxford and see Christchurch. That is, if I feel like splurging on nearly 40 GBP for train tickets round trip..which at the moment I'm thinking: Um, not so much.
Probably I'll sleep in, have tea and quiche at the French bakery and then go admire Libertys of London and wander around Oxford Circus.