London, Baby! – I
As soon as my train from Letworth pulled over at London King’s Cross, I took the tube to Paddington station to drop off my rucksack where I’d be catching the train to Oxford later in the evening.
My original plan was to go to Notting Hill first as I don’t think Michelle and Tiffany would be interested when we are here together here on 24th. However, I changed my mind as soon as I’ve reached the station as I didn’t think I’ve done enough research to walk around the area on my own. Instead, I changed to the Central line from Notting Hill Gate and got off at Holburn where I hoped to find the Postman Park, where Jude Law and Natalie Portman’s characters took a stroll in Closer.
When I came out from the underground, a Japanese take-away place caught my eye. I had no idea whether it’s a good place or not, but the option of having sushi readily available is too tempting to resist. I therefore picked some sushi and sat at the booth. Just then, a worker in Central London came over and asked me if the seat opposite mine is available. As I told him it’s free. we started chatting away and found out we had a common connection – Melbourne. And to top it off, we both love and miss it!
Anyway, as soon as Tay’s lunch time is over, he headed back to work and I headed to British Museum as I’ve clearly had a mixed up for the tube station for Postman Park. I then went to the next closest tourist attraction – the British Museum – to check out the Pavillion designed by Forster. The collection of the Museum wasn’t really attractive to me. But as if there wasn’t enough coincidence for one day, I again run into a high school friend in Europe: I saw Irene drinking from the water fountain in front of the ladies room! We just stood in front of the toilet and chatted away. Later, we decided to meet up at SOHO Square before I had to leave for Oxford.
Before I went to Soho, I walked to the famous shopping area of London – Oxfrod Street – but I was disappointed: First, there were too many people which makes moving through the crowd to see whatever you wanted to extremely difficult. Second, I assume Oxford Street is a major traffic route, the numerous vehicles running through it make it very unfriendly for shoppers like me who just want to cross the street spontaneously when they see something that interests them across the street.
SOHO contrasting to Oxford Street is a heaven. As soon as you stepped into the quarter, you can immediately sense a different kind of vibe. You see artists supplier stores, designer studios, people CADing through Georgian windows, casual bars and cranks sitting in the SOHO Square. I absolutely love the ambience of that area.
When it’s about time for my train, I went back to Paddington to pick up my rucksack and got on to the train to Oxford. June was already at the station to pick me up when I arrived. As we were both ridden by hunger, we went to Bangkok House to replenish ourselves on the way to her College. June also showed me several places that worth checking out in Ox as she would have 9-5 schedules the next days and couldn’t keep me company. I however have to point out that, the places that she introduced are, ALL VERY ‘OXFORD’ as 50% of the places involves eating for example, the little French Place on Little Clarendon Street (which I didn’t try at last), G&D Ice Cream (exclusive to Ox according to June), Ben’s Cookies, and Moo-Moo’s milkshake.
After running to Sainsbury’s , we finally were going back to St Hugh’s for good…