London & Saltaire

Good evening from Yorkshire!

Here's a quick update on what we've been up to since arriving in the U.K. September 27.

We spent our first night in a hostel, but after that have been fortunate enough to crash with friends. As luck would have it, our Aussie mates James & Antoinette were heading to Italy in the wee hours of September 28 and graciously gave us their flat (in Brent) to use in their absence, as well as access to their "The Inbetweeners" box set. Loves it!

As previously mentioned, the weather in London last week was phenomenal. Every day was sunny with temperatures hovering around 28-30 C. Who knew the weather in the U.K could be so lovely??? Not wanting to waste what was surely the last of the year's warm weather, we hit the streets every day from early morning to late night.

On our first day we met up with my good friend Matt Cross, who was en route to Cape Town (woot woot!) from Ottawa. After a quick drink and some catching up, Court and I set out on our own to wander Trafalger Square and Covent Garden. (I had been to London twice before, but this was Court's first trip - thankfully, he loved it as much as I do.) In the early evening we met up with another mate - Cam/Monty - and did a mini pub crawl around Farringdon.

On Thursday we took a trip to Camden Town, where Court trolled for records and I wandered about the shops. Friday we met up with my aunt and uncle - en route back to Toronto after their African safari. Court and I met Jane for lunch, then she and I went to find Felix and tour the National Gallery whilst Court explored a record shop in Soho. A few hours later we met up in Soho for a drink with our friend Bean, then we were off to the Dominion Theatre to catch an evening performance of the fantastic We Will Rock You. (Oh, Queen, how I love thee.) We hoped to get tickets to Les Mis for the following night as well but it was sold out. :( 

On Saturday, Court went to the science & natural history museums while I went shopping in Oxford Circus. Sunday we moved over to Cam/Monty's flat and spent some time exploring Hamstead Heath. Monday it was off to the legendary Brick Lane - much better on a weekend, but what can you do? - where we spent several hours wandering in and out of vintage shops. Monday night we were able to catch up with James & Antoinette over dinner which was great!

On Tuesday morning we caught the train to Saltaire, a world heritage listed community in Yorkshire, and home to our friends Ian and Julie. While Court stayed in to prep for his upcoming interview, I took a 5 mile walk with Ian to see the moors, glens, and dales of his community - it's just like a Dickens novel! We also took in the galleries at Salts Mill, which feature works by local/world famous artist David Hockney. Finally, we went up to the Cow and Calf rocks, and dropped by The Woolpack, the pub used in the famous British soap Emmerdale. Lots of local culture here!

Last night we went to quiz night in neighbouring Keighly, and tomorrow Court is going on an "ale trail" - basically, he and Ian and some of Ian's mates are going to spend 9 or so hours visiting pubs between Leeds and Manchester...by train. (The results of which should be endlessly entertaining.)

On Saturday we're going to visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum, which I'm really excited about. (When we arrived, Ian was like, "Have you heard of the Bronte sisters at all?" I smiled and nodded, not having the heart to tell him that one of my bachelor degrees is in English literature.) 

So, that's what we've been up to since leaving Morocco! We're incredibly grateful to our wonderful friends for putting us up - it has really made this leg of our trip SO much easier. Thanks also to Robyn for sending us some warm clothes (etc.) - everything arrived today and we're thrilled!

Will update soon - heading to Manchester on Oct. 12!!!