More Immature Giggles in London

I’m here! I’m in London. Landed at 11:30 local time this morning. Got to my gorgeous hotel by one pm. It’s The Adria Hotel in Chelsea/South Kensington – I booked it months ago on booking.com and got a really good deal. Holy cow, it is spectacular. I’ve only got a few photos so far – they have about 4 different sitting rooms – but here are a few.

For some reason I was full of energy, so I went out right away. Got a sandwich at Pret a Manger – man, I wish we had those all over Vancouver. They clearly knew I was coming because they named a product in my honour.

Bought an oyster card (I don’t know why I feel inordinately proud of myself when I figure out a new city’s subway system, but I do – I guess my expectations on myself are very low) and tubed to Oxford Street, because my TV agent said I should go to John Lewis and specifically look at White Stuff (yeah. I know. What an awful name. Then again, we in Vancouver have the White Spot). I’ve admired TV agent’s clothes from White Stuff. Sure enough I wound up buying a skirt and a top. Then I just walked, through a bit of Soho, and over to Trafalgar Square.

My immaturity kicked in on the tube when, at every station, a lovely female British voice reminded us we were on the line to Cockfosters. She put such a firm yet elegant emphasis on the first syllable. I know, I know – very silly of me.

My neighbourhood is beautiful. Tons of bars and restaurants and lovely buildings. I had a tiny wander and came across this little bookstore.They were selling these adorable little pocket Penguins, for 80 pence each. How could a book lover resist? I bought four.

In an hour I’m meeting an old friend – one of the first people to welcome us to Vancouver, in fact – who has been living here for many years now. Then I will CRASH, early. Tomorrow I meet my UK publisher!