It’s a sunny day in London as I wait for Ben to return from his haircut this morning. He will accompany me down to Claredale house this afternoon to keep me company and help me move in.
I arrived safely in London after the eight-hour flight from Vancouver. I sat next to a shy short older Londoner-turned-Canadian who refused all airline food but two beers, ice cream and a fruit salad. It didn’t strike me until now how completely different we are: he sat next to a talkative tall younger Canadian-to-be-turned-Londoner! My companion kindly offered me his banana muffin and granola bar from his morning meal. I completed Lois Lowry’s John Newberry awarded children’s book The Giver on the ride.
As expected, hugging the seat in front of me with my knees provided little opportunity to sleep. And the extendable headrest would continually slip down effectively making it more than useless.
My bags were quietly waiting for me with the silent anticipation characteristic of all suitcases. I dumped them in the nearest free tube car and sat next to two guys who turned out to be BA and MFA students from the Slade School of Fine Art here in London. Patrick and Ollie. We talked of art, living here, and their recent time in New York. It was a pleasant welcome to the city for which I was obliged to thank them on behalf of Canada!
After an evening’s rest, take-out Indian food with Ben (and leftovers for breakfast), a bath a walk through Clissold Park – I feel pretty normal.
Where I am
Flat 12 Claredale House Claredale Street London E2 6PE 44 0207 729 1874 http://www.cassandclaredale.co.uk