London: British Summer Time

May 28^th – July 8^th

It’s back to my favourite city for the summer! Cooler temps and glorious sunshine welcomed me when I landed. Unfortunately, my happiness was short-lived when I arrived at the flat we rented (through Open Rent). The leasing agent was all smiles as he showed me around, and I was a little too jet-lagged to give the flat a really good inspection. However, later that evening, when I went to shower, I found that neither of the showers was in working order—one was scalding hot, set to 50°C (122°F), and the other was ice cold. The oven didn’t work at all, the TV was non-functional, the sofa was broken, and let’s just say the last tenants didn’t clean the place (I found spoilt food, dirty clothing, and mattress pads that were soiled and not fit for anyone to sleep on). I now began the grueling task of making the flat suitable for human habitation! Over the next 10 days, I showered at my yoga studio. I spent my waking hours waiting on workmen and deliveries – and I mean waking hours literally. The leasing agent did not want to come into the city, and deliveries were only available between 5 and 6 am or after 8 pm due to the congestion charge. So much for my “Me” time before all the family and guests arrived. After two weeks of hell, I finally purchased enough items to make the flat livable for the next 2 months. The good news is that the landlord reimbursed us for those, and granted some compensation for the time I spent managing the work over 10 days and for the lack of shower and kitchen facilities. Lots of “Traveling on the Edge” lessons learned!

Now on to cheerier thoughts. My good friend, Karen Porter, popped in for a quick visit while she was visiting friends in England. When we are together, we always have an amazing time. Nothing like a girlfriend weekend to bring out the best (or worst) in me! We stopped at numerous pubs and wine bars and just walked the city. I was sad to see her leave.

Karen and KK

Canterbury

Canterbury Cathedral

Londontown

Crete, Greece

London: All That Life Can Afford

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