29 October - The Hilton
Last full day in London, and its drizzling outside. Perfect weather for sleeping in.
Plans are afoot for a dinner out tonight, and I have some travel administrivia to resolve, and some last minute gift and souvenir buying to do.
The couch and I spent some quality time together in the morning, watching the drizzle, and reading a book; with breaks for toast and tea.
In between I did manage some messages out to try to find the confirmations number for my return flight; and some calls regarding airport tax in Brunei. Eventually I decided to spend my time in Brunei in the airport.
My last experience of Brunei did not leave me feeling safe and comfortable, and for the expense of trying to find somewhere to go, I didnt think it worth the bother or risk to head out in search of adventure at that late stage.
Eventually a few wan rays of sunshine shamed me out of my pyjamas. Dragging out a skirt I hadnt yet worn on the trip, I headed into Clapham Junction to hit the stores.
These are where the mere mortals in Britain go to shop: Marks and Spencer, Allders, and a thousand-and-one little knick-knack hideaway stores and importers. I tried a few banks to see if it was possible to get the Brunei currency, just to keep my options open but it was not a goer.
Plans of holing up in the airport with my books became more firmly focussed.
There really is an amazing variety of shops here, sports stores, accessories, shoe stores and and coffee shops. Funny little stores with almost no two pairs of jeans or jackets the same, hanging from every level in claustrophobic chaos, have things often at very cheap prices.
Eventually I found the closest match for what I had been looking for in soccer themed boys clobber - a red T-shirt with "England" on the front. I asked if they had any Welsh stuff, but was met with a querulous look. "Dont mention the war" I thought.
Then back to home base to finish my packing. I havent had lunch (surviving on the toast and tea) because tonight the plan is to go to Windows restaurant at the Park Lane Hilton, famous for its views over London. If you've ever played Monopoly you'd know its at the pricier end of town.
That really was an amazing dinner by the way, sipping cocktails at giddy heights. I felt like Royalty - just very happy that some lovely chap picked up the bill. :-)