pampered

not sure what i've done to deserve such kindness from the boyfriend but he's been so damn nice to me! i totally feel like i'm being spoiled. and i'm loving it.

had a really lovely weekend. we got out and about around town which was great. it's kinda funny that the amount of times i've been to this city, i still don't really know it very well. i mean, i know certain pockets but it really is vast and kinda complicated to navigate. but i'm getting better this time.

saturday martin and i went to the v & a museum to see this exhibition which was great. some really cool photos in there. then we took a long walk through hyde park, up to oxford street and over to covent garden. oxford was a nightmare as it was as nice sunny day and it seemed like everyone and their mother was xmas shopping. the holiday season seemed almost worse here than at home. don't know how that could be with the friggin glittery balls and shiny lights going up BEFORE halloween in ny this year, but every store was already playing damn holiday tunes here too. and the streets were bustling. to the super annoying degree. i couldn't really take it. i actually loathe the xmas hustle. and being in london isn't making me want to buy a bunch of crap any more than normal.

in covent garden, we bought me some new hi-tech german engineered hiking boots. they really have nice outdoor gear here, i gotta say. not cheap, but those boots are gonna last!
also got some new hiking socks and mittens. apparently it's going to be freezing. i'm not actually looking that forward to hiking in sub-zero temperatures but i'll give it my best... until i turn into a scottish popcicle.

from shopping, we rushed over to kentish town to meet with lucy, indrani and their old friend sass as well as indrani's boyfriend clay (not pictured). indrani and clay were stopping through london on their way to india for a month. we had an awesome meal at a local gastropub (the latest and greatest new cuisine fad in london... they've finally caught up and are making tasty food. ha! then it was an impromptu club night at jazz cafe. it was waaaay too packed, we had one drink, met the spice girls' drummer (random) and called it a night.

sunday was when the serious good treatment started. martin got up and cooked me a huge english fry up with fried eggs, toast, mushrooms, tomatoes, sausages, bacon and baked beans... served in bed! delish and such a treat! we then went to the barbican to this photo exhibition with his mom. it was my first time meeting her. a lovely, smart and kind woman. we seemed to get along just fine, making commentary together through the gallery. i was a bit intimidated as she is a history professor and had some pretty smart things to say. but i think i did alright.

it was then off to martin's old friend carla's house for an italian dinner that she cooked. yummers. and THEN i met up with ayian at cargo for the 2000black record release party. phew! i was pooped. but the show was fun and we managed to get slightly tipsy and get our boogie on. mart had gone to see his friend but when i came back to the house there was a hot bath waiting! bliss.

needless to say, i'm doing very well, am feeling very happy and enjoying my time in london very very much.
xx