After an exhilerating two hours Gaeby and I met up with Jill (a friend of my family's). She gave us keys and thorough instructions to her apartment, which were greatly appreciated later that night. See this map of the London Tube (that's English for subway)? Piece of cake.
We parted Jill and met up with Castle friend Charlie at Westminster Abbey. We pretty much walked around all afternoon exploring the West End, Soho, and Piccadilly Circus (Note: It's a shopping area, not a workplace for clowns). Then we walked Charlie back to Cleopatra's Needle because he wasn't feeling well and decided to take the coach back to the Castle (and that's where the coach was). We picked up more Castle friends Davo and Peter, and began a crusade in search of a pub for dinner. We ended up in Soho, at a pub called The Golden Lion. The boys got fish n' chips (typical).. actually Gaeby and I already had that for lunch. Our alternative chicken currys were de-lish. After a couple pints we bid the boys adieu and commenced our expedition upon the Tube. Luckily we were already on the line and just needed to ride about 12 min to Hightgate station where Jill lives. It's the highest point in London and overlooks all the streetlights in the city...absolutely beautiful, especially from Jill's back window.
The next morning Jill led us on a guided walk over Hampstead Heath en route to Camden Market. On the way we passed the house of Terry Gilliam (from Monty Python), the second biggest house in England (after Buckingham Palace), the Ladies Only swimming pond, and several families out on a Sunday stroll with their dogs (so many dogs!). This man (I was later informed) is possibly a famous British actor from a popular movie...and I can't remember. These fountains are meant to satisfy the thirst of the doggies.
We walked through Hampstead and admired the charming houses with their stone bodies and vibrant doors. Then entered the chaos that is Camden Market. I've never seen so many stalls of wonderful clothing, jewellery, food, shoes, posters (etc) to buy! It was fantastic, and I already knew I'd have to return to continue the experience. I bought a black clasp purse for 10 quid and later discovered that the designer, Valentino (his name is on the bag) is a superfashion icon in Paris. I don't really care about these things...just that it's vintage is enough for me, but still, how cool is that? Gaeby bought these cute lace-up shoes for 15 quid (also vintage). Unfortunately my feet were too big to fit into any of their cool ankle boots...but one day...the shoe will fit.
After our eyes were full, it was time to fill our stomachs. Jill hailed a cab and we drove to one of her favourite pubs by Victoria station, which is where we needed to be to catch the train to commence our journey back to the Castle. We each ordered a salad (how like ladies...although we agreed salad is not a good choice while on a date as our teeth were coloured with different shades of green). It was a lovely day with Jill. We finished our visit at the Victoria station, where we caught a train to Eastborne. From there it was a 14 pound cab back to the Castle. Due to construction in the area, the whole journey from London took about three hours, but I think it's usually more like two.
And thus ventured Gaeby and Meghan to [London], and back again [to Herstmonceux].
I said I would describe London's essence, and that is what I still intend to do. However, I feel pictures speak louder than words, so here ya go.
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