It’s just past 2 pm and already I feel I’ve done lots.
My favourite sushi place Tobiko on Garrick Street is closed so I’ve ordered take out from sushisamba in Covent Garden and am eating it outside my hotel before going to meet my friend Alex
As it happened my decision to come to London was sort of governed by a vague invite to attend an old friend’s celebratory memorial which took place at noon today in a knackered old church hall in South Camden.
My friend who died back in December was an old medical colleague who got back in touch with me through Facebook three years ago.
He was quite seriously ill, back then and our correspondence through messenger, had become quite regular, at times profound, and sometimes, oh his part, regretful.
I’m not saying anything more about this , except I was glad I attended. The celebrant, galvanised the small and very eclectic “ congregation” quite wonderfully and minutes after 1pm, I was walking past the British Museum
Quick shower then out to the South Bank where the book stalls are all out and busy with browsers
You certainly get around - do it while you can is my advice.
ReplyDeleteNice that you were able to celebrate your old friend. Sounds like you have some fun planned. Enjoy your visit!
ReplyDeleteOut there-and living life xx
ReplyDeleteYou're a good friend to so many, John.
ReplyDeleteIf you see my son Ian in London, please say hello. If you see Jacob Rees-Mogg, tell him to **** off.
ReplyDeleteHahaha! YP... you do make me laff.
DeleteJo in Auckland
Am glad you were able to attend your friend's memorial and even more glad you were able to be there for him during his last 3 years.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful time with friends, eating favorite foods, and going to favorite places!
It's 2*C here and it's snowing. Brrrr!
Hugs!
I'm glad you were able to attend the memorial service. Enjoy London, and meeting up with friends, but don't bring home any UTI's or the dreaded lurgy, please! xx
ReplyDeleteI’ve taken extra antibiotics
DeleteIt sounds like a perfect sort of day. Celebrating the life of a friend now departed followed by the good company of another friend. Delicious food, new scenery, book browsing- lovely!
ReplyDeleteAnd then beer!!!
DeleteWhen I said keep hydrated I didn't mean that you should drink from the Thames x
ReplyDeleteJohn may drink from the fountain of youth Mavis x
DeleteHe needs to 🤣
DeleteI think I went with Roger to a Fountain of Joy somewhere-not too sure-as I was under the influence at the time x
DeleteFountain of joy is a euphemism for Roger's ejaculating penis?
DeleteMavis!-You never disappoint xx
DeleteBoth of you don’t
DeleteToo late for the warning John... LOL they are both as bad as each other. They keep me smiling.
DeleteJo In Auckland
I'm glad you could attend the service. It sounds like your friend had some things he wanted to work through before he died. Glad you were there for him.
ReplyDeleteSee you tomorrow
DeleteYou work hard and have a demanding job. Making the best of your time in London is a good refresh. Eat, drink and be merry.
ReplyDeleteToo right
DeleteSounds like a fun and also moving visit. So great that you were able to be there for that old friend these past few years (and that he was there for you).
ReplyDeleteThe day grew more alcohol filled later on
DeleteYou are ticking all the boxes with this trip.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that you were able to have three years of communication with this friend. Good for both of you, I'm guessing.
It was moving, funny, enlightening and sad
DeleteHappy 2022. It sounds like science fiction: 2022. Whoa.
ReplyDeleteI know , I feel old
DeleteI am the same age as you John... I reach the 6 oh before you ... I also feel old today.
DeleteJo in Auckland
I waited awhile for a handsome man to pass by me and my shopping trolley in the supermarket-"Thank you Madam" he said and smiled which was nice-I quite like being 62 years young x
DeleteSounds like a rich and wonderful day, wandering in your mind, and through London. I love the idea that the book stalls are "all open"~ Sounds stupid that the word 'all' should strike me. Here we have one book store left. It struggles. The difference between here and there, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteIt’s very channel 4film, the book stores x
DeleteI am glad that you were able to go to the service, despite Covid all around.
ReplyDeleteBeen in a bar all afternoon. Lol
DeleteThe service sounds perfect. I'm glad you could attend. Enjoy your trip!
ReplyDeleteWe did x
ReplyDeleteSounds like a full day love the wide view photo John.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting that you are going to visit Steve!
I'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteHi, I really enjoyed reading your post, and hope to read more. thank you so much for sharing this informative blog.
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I am very glad you could attend the memorial for your friend; it is something you will remember going forward. Sounds like he and you had a good connection.
ReplyDeleteLondon is a great place to visit. I lived there in the 60's I was 3 hahaha! but I do remember it. I hope the rest of your trip was fantastic and not just the bar hopping.
Jo in Auckland
Glad you were there for your friend.
ReplyDeleteSounds like some good times too, and a great start to 2022.
I liked reading this post - I remember going to the Film Institute tho I can't remember what I saw. Mention of the book stalls rather did me in. I do miss England, I hope to travel home this summer.
ReplyDeleteDid you meet up with Rachel?
ReplyDeleteNo but that would have been nice
Delete