UK - Take Two

I'm back in London with Kirsten and family for a few days. It was so nice to be greeted with giggles and girly screams from Andrea and Isabelle, "LAWY,LAWY!". I tell ya, there isn't much in this world that feels as good as having tiny arms wrap themselves around your legs with a welcoming hug. It is really nice to be back here. I'm still not a huge fan of London, in general, but I do feel a bit more familiar with it , and the whole traveling thing, than I did when I was here at the beginning of my trip. The nights have been just cool enough to sleep with the window open, which makes for the perfect wake up call when the birds start their morning songs. Not that I get up that early, of course! 

As well as another visit with Kirsten and family, I came back here to collect the belongings I left behind while I was in Ireland. I realized, even though I packed as frugally as possible, I didn't need all that I had brought. I have also purchased a few things here and there, and they were adding to the weight I was carrying. So, I decided to send all the extra stuff back home in that big ass, wonderfully expanding, suit case that Maria let me borrow. I got myself a smaller bag, and put the stuff I really need for the rest of my travels in it. I say "really" but the truth is, I could still probably lighten that load a bit as well. I'm guessing I will be in for some rainy and cold weather in Scotland, so the sweaters and boots will have to stay with me for a bit longer. I took the suit case to Mailboxes Etc. in Croydon, they put it, as is, in a big box, and sent it back to Portland. I felt lighter and more mobile, immediately. I loved that suitcase, but it was time to move on.

I took the train into London, wondered around Portobello Street looking at shops, keeping in mind my smaller suitcase, of course, had a meal at a local pub, and killed some time until the nights entertainment. Portland Oregon's very own Foghorn Stringband was performing at Passing Clouds tonight! It was a bitch getting over to the venue on the series of tubes, trains, and busses, but I got there -  had a few pints at the corner pub, and went to the show. It was really, really good to see some familiar faces and hear some home town music. The UK crowd really liked them as well. The place filled up with young hipster types, and some folks around my age. There was dancing and laughing and a good time was had by all. I hope the band has some more CD's packed away, because they sold out that night! During their set, I got a shout out from the band as the person that had traveled the furthest away to see them. (sweet). The first set ended around 10. I had to book it out of there to make all my train, bus, and tube connections, so I said my good byes. (Thanks to the Foghorn-ers for all the hugs and kisses - could be they missed home too, I guess). I will look forward to seeing these folks again in Aberdeen Scotland, if travels permit. 

I will leave here tomorrow on the train bound for Edinburgh Scotland. I booked myself a self-catering apartment in the back yard of the botanical gardens there in the city for 10 days. I will take day trips around the countryside from there. I will be traveling on my own again, but Emma, the owner of the apartment has left lots of stuff for me to do and see - and I'm really looking forward to that. The only agenda item I have, other than the usual wondering around, is to get to Dunlop Scotland. It's the tiny town that Mark Dunlop (Lucy's trainer and current care taker) is from. I consider this one of those "lesser road" things - so, you know the rules - gotta go!