Home Sweet Balham

Wow - what a week it's been. Not having internet access leaves one feeling so utterly unconnected. I'm grateful to the chap who's letting me use his/her wireless as I write this!

Tuesday, I left Talbot Square and Lancaster Gate with bittersweet emotions...that tiny studio with the crazy-hot radiators had been a splendid home away from home for the last many weeks, boasting unbeatable closeness to my very own Kensington Gardens (no more midnight walks along Hyde Park and Park Lane). Although, now I am in a very cozy flat, on a quiet and charming street in a south suburb, sharing a flat with one friends, and only blocks away from the others. I've only done a bit of exploring in Balham, but I like what I've seen. And with a 25 minute tube ride into central London - I still feel close. Although moving in and helping Julian unpack boxes, etc has been my main event these past few days - I have managed to find the Balham Leisure centre and have my first swim in months. It was blissful. I've also found a few great cafes - the Nightingale being one of my favorites. I enjoyed the outdoor seating the other day in the sun - except that I was drinking hot chocolate (the sun has been shining, but the wind has been blowing December wind). Bridget Jone's Diary was on the telly the other day and sitting in my new pad looking around, it felt quite similar. We have slanted ceilings in the living room, a cozy window seat, a fireplace that is mostly for show, and a great big kitchen outfitted with new appliances...it's really lovely. And I'm about an 8 minute walk from the tube station, 10-minutes from the Sainsbury's (grocery store), and about 5 minutes from Viva!! I think living here will be good. (oh, and we have a sleeper sofa :)

Saturday, jonesing for my London fix - I braved Portabello Road for the infamous markets in Notting Hill. People were jammed into every free space, spilling over into the streets, antique vendors, clothing and jewelry vendors, food vendors - huge cauldrons of paella made on the spot - on the street...it was a carnival for the senses. As you walked down the street, you could pass from reggae to rock to the hits of the 80's playing from various speakers, that's not counting the live performers standing on most street corners...the sun was shining and everyone was eager for a chance to barter their way into a well-worn leather military-esq vest or a purse made from multicolored puff-balls. It was fantastic. Afterward, thoroughly enjoying my market day, and a late lunch at Santo, a true Mexican restaurant in the heart of London - I made my way to Hyde Park and spent the last remaining rays of sun in the splendor that is Kensington Gardens.

And now it's Sunday - another sunny day. I can only take it as a good sign that Balham likes having me as its newest resident. So today's big achievements have included figuring out how to work the washer-dryer, grocery shopping, and stealing some wireless internet to update this long over-due blog. My flat-mate is home from his weekend in Manchester, so time to chat a bit and then a late dinner. Tomorrow marks the start of my first full week here...home sweet Balham.