By Friday was our ‘free’ day. There was nothing planned as a group. I made arrangements to see some former colleagues of mine and to catch up with a client friend. After breakfast, I said good bye to the girls and took the tube to Minories. My company’s office had moved down the road (I think this is the 4th office space) from when I worked in London. When I lived (briefly) in London, I live in a flat in Bermondsey and enjoyed a healthy brisk 20-25 minute walk from there to 150 Minories. Briefly = Until Covid broke out. It’s been a quite a few years since my London relocation debacle (I moved there in 2019)…and I think I’m almost over that not working out. Almost. My expectations were likely too high and the reality was definitely too harsh. I am grateful that my company flew me back home to Atlanta just as the UK was shutting down. It was awful awful timing and there definitely was collateral damage. But…I am in a better place and nothing more needs to be said about that.
I had a great morning catching up with my friends and then tubed over to see my friend Liz. She and I had a lovely lunch and concluded by promising to stay in touch. I am always hinting (not subtly anymore) that I’d love to work with her. One of these days maybe she’ll take my hint. Since we had lunch near her office, we said our goodbyes and I explored Carnaby. I always want to buy something at Liberty, but can’t ever seem to be able to pry open my wallet. Today was no exception. I came close when I saw some beautiful scarves. Liberty is such a pretty store….one of these days, I will make a purchase. Liberty is at the ‘entrance’ to Carnaby Street – which is full of little shops and pretty lights for Christmas. As I meandered, I exchanged a few texts with the my friends and decided to meet them at Selfridge’s. Selfridge’s on the Friday before Christmas is not for the feint of heart – it is PACKED. The windows were pretty (Disney theme) but there were entirely too many people. Eventually we gave up and hopped on a bus that was also packed (standing in the aisles, no moving). Our destination was the main Fortnum and Mason store where we did more Christmas shopping. It was also packed.
Thoroughly worn out, we returned to our hotel and had dinner at the pub. The my travel mates enjoyed Fish and Chips while I tried a Meat Pie. And of course a little dessert because, why not? Another great day as we edge closer and closer to going home.
