SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21
We left Edinburgh thinking there was still so much we didn’t know about the city and its history. Feeling a bit confused and uprooted, a two-month slump overtaking us, we were still looking forward to London. It would be good to spend time with friends.
Our train ride, yet again, felt too short. Five and a half hours to sit still and read, relax and recollect ourselves. A few more would have been welcomed. As we passed Newcastle, we thought of Fiona, her hometown.
ARRIVING IN LONDON
It was 5pm when we arrived in London and jumped in a cab to our East End Airbnb. The apartment was in a dismal, brick, rectangular council housing complex. The grass was dry and brown. Garbage was strewn on the lawn. Three large, overflowing garbage bins and a broken and abandoned stroller sat near the metal gated entrance to the stairs. The concrete stairwell and stairs were grimy and stained.
But the apartment was nice. Unfortunately, though, there was only one double bed and one couch with no bedding for the couch.
Nervous about the neighborhood as we set out for dinner, we would soon realize we could relax. But it was dark and unfamiliar…and dirty. We rushed the one block to Miles End where we found the most amazing Thai restaurant, The Rusty Bike, buzzing with all types of people, great food, and a casual NYC vibe.
I slept with just a sheet, and froze.
