We planned to wake up early (Alex had joked 8am the previous night) but A couldn’t sleep and ended up lying in until 10. Leila used the time to lovingly make some packed lunch – sandwiches, overnight oats and crackers. Leila made coffee and they sat outside and wrote 2 days worth of blog and then prepped for their all-day adventure. By the time they left, it was almost midday. They’d packed everything into a satchel and prepared for a sunny day (with a small cardigan for L). L was very pleased that she had prepared her Santander cycle subscription because Alex’s immediately failed upon arrival at the bikes (and he had laughed at her the night before for over preparing). Nevertheless, they set off, with some brief discussion about when to use gears at the right time.
They happily cycled along, with Alex making up the route as they went along and only broke the traffic law twice by the time they made it to their first break at Hyde Park. It was sunny and the roads were completely empty including Oxford Street which felt kinda eery without people. They stopped in the park, Alex took them initially the wrong way near the swans (which L hates) but they found a spot near the water to have a picnic.
Within 5 minutes though, it began to rain, and they sought shelter under a weird building in the middle of the park. Mish called to make sure they were ok, but instead of calling Alex, she immediately went for Leila. Which in retrospect, kinda makes sense. Alex loved his sandwiches with lots of pepper, and L her overnight oats – L had even hidden in a mcvites biscuit for A. They walked to Albert Memorial but got on bikes, only to be stopped again by the rain, and had to shelter in a hotel arch. L had to literally get off her bike to convince A to stop; he was convinced they should plough on as the rain would stop. When the heavy shower ended, A jumped back on his bike quickly and princess L started wiping down her bike seat.
They made it to hammersmith with little event, apart from L recognising a pub Imran worked at. They they walked from Hammersmith by the river, and saw A’s school. They saw the pubs and only had to stop one more time for the heavy rain. The walk was super nice and they loved the houses on the water. A kept calling everything “cute” and hated himself a little for it.
They got to Chiswick, whilst marvelling at all the open shops and exploring the houses that were on L’s list (Ennismore avenue). They picked up some beers, while L had a little mosey down the highroad and tried to find an open greggs. L loved the high street and could see herself there. She liked being shown around by A and seeing his fave pubs, restaurants, school and library. They made to the house and snuck through the side gate so they could enter the garden without having to go inside. A’s mum greeted them with proseco and Lychee and they had a wonderful lunch/dinner outside in the sun, and chatted with the whole family. They discussed Covid, houses, everyone’s work and general chit chat. They at asparagus, fish, black rice, prawns, aubergine, a Burmese letho and chilli – L really enjoyed the spread and she felt very comfortable in the house and with the family. After a super nice chill and chat, A fought off offers for a lift home and instead pledged them to cycle the long route homewards. A’s mum wrapped up L in a scarf and A’s dad gave him a fleece.
They unfortunately took no photos in Hadley Gardens but instead headed homewards a new route via Ravenscourt park and then off to Holland Park and homewards. It was super nice, but A got a flat tyre, L’s bike was originally terrible and they had to throw away a banana that was exploding in their bag.
They got home at 8ish and collapsed upstairs. They were exhausted after a long day and A watched a quick program on Netflix while L chilled upstairs. They showered and then they settled in to watch One Tree Hill (which A found so awkward they had to turn it off) and then L called Areef for his birthday and they chatted about everything. It went on way longer than expected and L felt a bit bad, but she knew Areef wanted to chat to someone about his romantic life. They then went upstairs and quickly fell asleep after a long but wholesomely productive day. L commented that she was glad they did it on Saturday because they’d already had a weekend and they had 2 days left.
Coffee, Wine and Isolation 