Crazy Catch Ups

Most of today would be spent catching up with Cait who had moved to England 2 years ago, and a bunch of her other mates who I had met in Australia that all seemed to make the pilgrimage to the UK around the same time. She was also nice enough to let me crash on her couch, too, saving me 80 euro in accommodation as hostels are not cheap in London, no matter how low you are willing to drop your standards. We sat for a while in her apartment catching up with her and AJ before we went for a wander through the markets of London. It was here, as we were looking to buy some food that I realised this was my first country that has English as it's primary language since I left Aus. Although many of the countries it was very easily managed, it was a hell of a relief to go talk to a local and be absolutely free of the stress of a language barrier. We explored the streets and continued to catch up before heading to the park to eat our burritos. They were surprisingly good. We then caught up with Rory and hung around chatting shit and embracing the rare London sunshine. We chilled at the park until it seemed a good time for the pub. However, upon our arrival to the beer garden we realised that we were hardly the only people trying to see some sun and enjoy a beer. A such we hung around for a couple drinks then ventured to the next pub for somewhere to sit and chill. This one was very dingy and much more your typically English pub. We stuck around for a few games of pool before once again heading on to try find somewhere a bit more lively. We took Lime bikes to and through the park and when we saw a pub popping off, we figured we could try find a spot to chill for a drink. This was expected to be the last stop as Cait was running a marathon the next day and although I can hardly blame her, I was a bit gutted I was gonna miss out on the London nightlife. Although too busy to get a seat again we stuck around and stood out the back and enjoyed our beer and the sun. As we stood I thought I spotted Grebit, Liam Hairs mate who we travelled Sicily together at the very beginning of my journey. I was very unsure so had to get a closer look. It so happened that when I wandered up to him, he was part of the way through trying to convince a British girl that he was famous from Summer Heights High. So, it worked out well that I made a big deal about seeing him and she was all the more convinced he really was an actor. We quickly lost interest though as we caught up, and wrapped our heads around running into each other in a random London pub. I knew he was situated in the UK but had no idea where so to see him was crazy. And, even better, it took a matter of minutes before we both knew we were going to be having the huge night that I had so desperately wanted. We caught up with Cait briefly, said our goodbyes and let her go off and prepare for her half marathon. We had a bunch of drinks, he bought a packet and we hit the clubs. It took no time at all until we were both fucked up. Against all the odds I remembered my way back to Caits, got the key and put myself to bed for a very limited sleep. I had to be up early for a train to catch the family in York, It was very exciting times.Read more