The Cock & Lion

That's the name of the English Pub I ate in this evening...they really know how to "do" their pubs around here. And the Strongbow's so much better than out of a can in the US.

So today...it was a day of getting lost and getting found. The day began optimistically with a hint of blue sky beyond the cloudscape. I used the Tube for the first time since my arrival - and it was exactly as it had been...amazing transportation. I got lost around the Victoria station looking for a letting agency that did not exist (far too many people in this world who have nothing better to do than scam people), and then lost again looking for the police station to report the fraud from my arrival. It seems I have more hoops to jump through, but I will put that on a shelf for now. I walked to Westminster Abbey, Parliament and Big Ben...had fantastic photo opportunities to find that my camera battery was dead. I will try again. As the high point of my day up to this spot was my tomato soup for lunch, I spent some time in St. Margaret's Church (on the grounds of Westminster Abbey - built in the 11th century) trying to find my peace. It was beautiful inside; old and unapologetic, worn and yet refurbished, the holding grounds for many remains of greatness long forgotten. I think I walked out, somehow lighter. And I kept walking...forgoing my tube pass in my pocket...alongside St. James's Park all the way to Buckingham Palace, up through The Green Park, and to my hotel.

I moved to a new place, with more reasonable prices, and find myself in a fantastically appointed room - nothing like a dorm room. I'm on Sussex Gardens, just off of Edgeware Road - literally blocks from my home 8 years ago. As I walked down Edgeware Road this evening - it was too much. It was a stroll through memory lane. Everything was similar...it looked the same, it felt the same, it even smelled the same. It was unbelievable - the internet cafe where I'd spent half my life those years ago, the same McDonald's where we'd go to feel like home...all still there. Quite a lovely image.

And so the evening concluded with getting found. I found the place I'd like to live for the rest of my stay. Never thought I'd be sharing the space with a roommate, but the Universe works in mysterious ways. The space beyond wonderful, the roommate also from the US, and the location is perfect. The best part was - I could see myself in the space, happy and inspired. I will be sending positive thoughts that it works out the way it's meant to. And for now...there's a huge bed with a fluffy down comforter that has my name on it...goodnight.