One more down...

It was a pretty crazy weekend here for me. The pub was fairly busy which was a large part of it. It has been a lot crazier here than it has for a long time. That has actually been a really nice change of pace. It’s really fun to get into a good groove and serve people. When things are clicking behind the bar we’re all joking with each other and having a really good time. The really drunk customers are also a source of great amusement too. Some of these people are just hilarious.

Sunday I decided I would go visit a place called Spitalfield’s. It’s a big covered market on the east end of London. I took the Tube most of the way there and then hoofed it the rest of the way. I got off in what is called the City of London. It’s a central borough with a lot of the big businesses. The only thing I could describe it as was desolate. The place was creepy even. There just wasn’t anyone walking around like I was used to. There was also a stark contrast when I walked into Whitechapel, the borough where the market is. There was a distinct line between the metal and glass buildings of the City with the stone and mortar of Whitechapel.

I’m sure, in fact, some of you will have heard of Whitechapel. Mom and Nancy will be getting to know it fairly well if they take the Ripper tour. Yeah, that Whitechapel. Not as bad as it once was, but still not a place I would want to wander as a tourist. I was looking for this market and having a rough time with it. I got a little lost and ended up on Brick Lane wondering where I was. There were a ton of little swap shops and vendors along the way. Once I got myself sorted, I realized the market had some construction on the outside and so I missed it and that caused my long walk. Nice.

The inside was pretty cool though. There were proper shops around the outside with stalls packed into the middle selling all sorts of things: clothes, food, jewelry, and records. All really cool stuff. I spent a while looking at the wares and than headed back towards Leicester Square. I stopped at a couple of pubs for some dinner, but there were all full. I couldn’t find a place to sit. I eventually ended up at the Black Friars and ate there. I made it back in time for a movie, the new Bond film. The ticket was rather more expensive than I had expected, but it was worth it. It was set up more like a playhouse than a movie theater, complete with multiple levels. It was really cool.

After that I met up with Leo for a drinks at a place called the Lyceum Tavern. Its another Smith’s pub so I got to try some of the beers I’m always serving. The Oatmeal Stout is amazing. We talked for a couple of hours before we got kicked out of the pub.

I don’t have much planned this week beyond getting ready for next. Its gonna be fun.