November 18/19 - Weekend 2 of 4 to update...
A job?!?!?!?!? Doesn’t marriage = bride immediately quits job, stays at home, and becomes a lady of leisure? Unfortunately, not in 2006. Ho hum. Yes indeedy, Kirsten had her first job interview in almost 4 ½ years. Frustrated and fed up with her quest to get her nursing licenses sorted before 2007, she decided to rejoin the world of retail. (At holiday time nonetheless.) On Friday, she dressed in her new jumper and a smart pair of trousers before heading to an interview with the HR director for a small retail company called Oliver Bonas. After ranting and raving about how customer service is far superior in America, she was offered a full-time job. Go figure. A start date was set for after Thanksgiving.On Saturday we broke out our trusty tour book and searched for another guided city walk. The page that we chose took us back to Chelsea for a stroll through the Royal Hospital grounds and Battersea Park. Due to some “engineering work” on the tube, we had to get off one stop early and make our way to Sloane Square. Here we headed south towards the grounds of the Royal Hospital. As far as we understand it, the term “hospital” is actually a misnomer. Instead, “retirement home” may be more appropriate. It is home to several hundred pensioners who once served in the military. (“Pensioner” simply refers to anyone over the age of 65.) These folks are perhaps best known for their military-esque red topcoats and caps. We had the pleasure of greeting a pensioner in traditional garb while we strolled through the grounds. The Royal Hospital is also famous for hosting the annual Chelsea Flower Show. Brian quickly jotted down the dates for May, 2007. We all know how he appreciates a good rose display - especially when they are well-conditioned.
From the Royal Hospital we walked across the Thames and entered Battersea Park. Our first notable landmark was the Peace Pagoda. It was built in 1985 by Buddhist nuns and monks. We’re not exactly sure why they built it (aside from the obvious symbolism), but apparently we’re not alone. The folks who wrote our tour book barely commented on it and there weren’t any markers to be found. Just a big ol’ gold Buddha on a stage with some oranges placed as an offering. Nonetheless it was neat-o. From there we meandered in to the center of the park where various groups were engaging in afternoon sport. Kirsten was particularly excited to stop at a field hockey game. Even though it was Kirsten who spent nearly a decade committed to this sport, it was Brian who needed to be pried away from the game. Hmmm – sweaty high school girls in skirts bent over with sticks.
Our next stop in Battersea was the Old English Garden. It was cute and well-manicured, but more importantly it was where we met SCARY squirrel woman. She meandered on the path with a bag of peanuts in hand. Approximately 10-15 squirrels followed her closely and occasionally hopped on to their hind legs, tucked their paws under their chins, and begged like little terriers! We were completely captivated, until… they started following us around. Then we scurried out and slammed the gate behind us.
Ahhh, Sunday the 19th of November. The day that Kirsten’s mom calls to remind her of the labor and delivery that she endured back in ‘77. To celebrate her 29th, Kirsten was treated to a homemade breakfast of bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches. Completely full and satisfied we then walked a block to our local farmer’s market. Fresh veg, weekly provisions, non-refrigerated meats, and unpastuerized cheeses were a plenty. Yum, yum, yum. We made our purchases and dropped them back at the flat before heading up to Hampstead. AKA “Land of the Posh”. The cobblestone side streets were bustling with folks out enjoying the sunny day. Kirsten was allowed to pop in to any shop she wanted (birthdays only come once a year!), and she happily did so.
After an hour or so we left the busy town and walked in to the enormous and absolutely lovely royal park referred to as “The Heath”. It has a unique character that draws thousands of visitors each weekend. We meandered through the woods and ended up at one of the bathing ponds where people can pay a small price to swim. This happened to be the coed pond, but there are lady-only and gentleman-only ponds. Our next stop in the Heath was Parliament Hill. Remember Guy Fawkes? Well, rumor has it that his mates were going to watch him work over Parliament from this hill. Too bad the plot was foiled and the fireworks never happened. Instead, Parliament Hill is now mostly known for it’s amazing view of downtown London. We stopped to take in the view and to gaze at the many kites being flown.
As the birthday was coming to an end we decided to head back to The Polar Bear, a pub in Hampstead that had caught our eye earlier in the day. We found cozy seats at the bar and challenged each other to Connect Four as we waited for our Sunday roasts.
Ahhh – 29 is going to be good.
posted by Brian and Kirsten Hennigan @ Thursday, December 07, 2006
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