Thursday, May 29

We didn’t wake until 11! We couldn’t find towels, so used extra sheets for showers– very absorbent! Well, and not really showers, since we couldn’t figure out how to get the water to come out of the shower head. Used a big mug to dump water on selves! The kitchen and bath get rather damp, as there’s no way to circulate air, and washer is in kitchen as well – tried to prop open the fire door and back door. D woke A up to get her regulated; breakfast of tea & bread+butter+jam. D was surprised to find his tea in the same mug he took a bath with – ha! I was pretty impressed we figured out how to work the oven (which is a mess – can’t wait to clean!). Bath for her, then headed out after 1 for the Round Church, about a 10 minute walk. Difficult crossing streets and looking the wrong way for oncoming traffic – almost got run over a few times!

The Round Church - this is it, ladies and gents!

Corner just north from Round Church (RC). There's a good little coffee/sandwich shop with the yellow awning.

St. John's, on opposite side of street from RC (northwest)

At the church, met Martin and Gladys, a volunteer from USA (husband working in UK) who made us dinner for tonight! Very friendly, has 3 children in college or early 20’s; will work to find us towels and bathmat, maybe even kitchen mat and a few other items that aren’t necessary but would make life for 2 mo. a little easier/nicer. Also gave directions for finding a watch battery. Also met Beth, I think a part-timer at CH; young, with a 7 mo. daughter; husband Edward from Scotland. She’s from Washington State, San Juan Islands. Late to get daughter Maria, but looking forward to getting more time with her; although she’s about to go on vacation for 3 weeks! David had time to talk with Martin about expectations for summer, etc. while I took Addie outside; the church is a quiet place for visitors to read and listen/watch the video, and A was not exactly following protocol. Drizzly out, so ran over to a café for a latte (yes!) and a brie/ham wrap. Prices are a little more than in the states, but not by much. My snack was about $8. D finished, so we 3 went to Sainsbury, a grocery. Memories of travels in Europe with Hilary! Got enough to get by a few days on, also considering carrying it a mile home. They had Pantene shampoo! although I didn’t get it; opted for the cheaper Sainsbury brand. Did get Dove though. No baby carrots; great cheese though (probably unpasteurized – Sy & Mary would love it here!). So far everyone we have encountered has been very friendly and helpful to us. Walked home rather quickly in the rain; Addie had fallen asleep and it didn’t faze her at all. More cleaning/unpacking for me and reading for David while Addie napped. She woke up and had a snack (she sat just fine at the kitchen table, with a phonebook under her!) and we were heading out to get my battery when Martin stopped by to give us info about getting mobiles for the summer. They’ll be about L30 ($60), so that’s pretty good. We don’t have internet connection at the house which is a bummer (I was hoping to have access during naps), but Round Church will have to do. We headed out in the rain, deciding to try to bus line (Citi 7 for us). Very dismal standing out in the rain for 15 minutes, wondering when the bus would come. Made it to Lion Gate (shopping area) to find stores closed. Decided to get fish & chips to make the trip out in rain worthwhile. Walked around, a little disoriented, but saw King’s College down the road (so big and beautiful, even in the rain!). Ended up at Castle Inn; fish & chips, L8 ($16). Nice atmosphere. Addie did just fine sitting in the big chair – we’ve been really impressed with how well she’s done so far, being very tired and jet-lagged in a new house, new people, new country, not many toys, etc. Babies are so adaptable, much more than we give them credit for. Much more than me! Walked home – so excited to be here, even though we’re all soaked. (Did bring the umbrella this last outing!). A to bed around 8:45; D read, I cleaned the old stove – it has a “hood” that functions as a grill! Then read and typed ‘til after midnight – to bed to bed! Hopefully tomorrow we’ll get to email a little (D sent out a quick one today), wish my sister Krista Happy Birthday, get mobiles, watch battery, and maybe even take a walking or bus tour of city. D has to be at work at 9:15…