perception & chemistry, take 2

More British signage.

British signage, Installment II.

Donny’s dorm had these stickers at every outlet, switch and faucet.

Here’s some Limey signage that amused me. Installment I.

Oh yeah! And on Saturday, I hailed a NYC cab for the first time. Simple, I know, but I’d never done it before. Thrilling!

Surprising mom at her choral concerts was at first fun because i know she appreciates the show of support and interest in her hobby. I didn’t anticipate how satisfying it’s been for me too to tour these beautiful cathedrals I wouldn’t otherwise have ventured into. I’m always awestruck by their exquisite beauty. Thanks mom, for bringing me to this.

Lighting prayer candles is a tradition I didn’t grow up with but one I’ve come to revere. Such rituals still the mind in preparation of approaching God with solemnity and are as effective as any other form of meditation.

I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with NYC but I gotta say, it feels like she warmly embraced me tonight. The M60 ride from LGA was positively familiar and the view from the N crossing the east river at dusk matched the gratitude I feel to be back home. Don’t anybody tell mom I’m here; it’ll ruin the surprise!

Naturally I don’t want to rely on my travel guide too much even if I have always had great experiences with them. I do love however using them as impetus for a scavenger hunt. Today I trekked into northeast London in search of a paper store and while Donny plots out my public transportation paths, I forego the buses to keep costs down and also to see more things by foot. The paper store was closed, but this is how I ended up in an enchanting neighborhood more authentic than the others I’ve seen this week. Sketching in this pub is the perfect end to my last afternoon here. It’s full of crusty old British men full of bluster & blarney swearing a lot and entertaining me immensely. Moreover, it’s playing classic 70s R&B peppered with 50s torch ballads. THIS is the London I was looking for. And then a beautiful ebony girl wearing fairy wings came in.

Poncy. This made me laff.