Hilary In London

New Address!

Here is my new home -- it is the house on the left of the picture, the pinkish looking one. That front bay window is my bedroom. I have always wanted a window like this, and I think it is what sold me on the place. If it only had a ledge where I could write or read (like on that show from years ago with all the Billy Bobs and Susy Annes - the name of the show is completely escaping me! Rach, you remember it don't you??) I'm feeling a lot more settled. My clothes are thanking me for not keeping them squished in the suitcase! There is so much to explore from here on in. Not only do I have the rest of London to discover but I have two more towns - both Watford, the city I am living in, and Borehamwood, the town where my school is located. Tomorrow I'll do some exploring! Today is about settling in and feeling like I am home.

There is so much to tell about the past few days. I have been to places that I remember so clearly, and have seen places that I have never been before. Most of them I need to go back and enjoy more! I have walked around the theatre district - but unfortunately now there are movie theatres as well. We saw 4 movies theatres in 6 blocks. Most are disguised as theatres except there are huge ODEON signs in bright neon lights. Fortunately they still do not take away from the atmosphere. Notting Hill was fabulous! The carnival was filled with sounds and smells coming at you in each and every direction. There were people everywhere - some blowing whistles, some horns, some dancing to the music and most just drinking on the street.

Covent Gardens was nicer than I remembered. We were there at closing, so did not get to see many of the stalls. There was one open who had all these famous poems hand written on paper that one could hang up on a wall. I couldn't believe it when I saw it, but there was the poem: When I am Old I will wear purple. How it got among Frost and Keats?

Thursday and Friday are my first days at school (before the students arrive). Should be nerve racking! Hopefully I'll find my way there ok!

posted by Hilary @ 6:38 PM