Andrew Owen

I spent the last weekend in Berlin with Roel. We had a great time. Also got the chance to catch up with Katie and Jim, which was really nice.

We flew out on Saturday morning, arriving at similar times, different airports. It was a very early flight for me and for Roel. I had to get up at 04.00! Roel even earlier I think. Needless to say most of Saturday was a bit unclear. We met at the hotel in Wittenbergplatz at around 11.00 and headed out for a little stroll. Katie had asked me to bring some sugar (Muscovado) so I had three kilograms of sugar burning a hole in my suitcase. We went straight to their coffee shop. It was lovely to see them and it’s a really fabulous. They are doing well.

Then we walked around a bit more before heading back to the hotel for a disco nap. That night we had a drink in the bar downstairs (it was Eurovision crazy) before dinner at a place called La Cocette. It was a lovely French place and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Then back to the hotel and sleep.

Sunday was another lazy(ish) day. Walking around… couple shops. Kind of tiring. Another disco nap and out to dinner. We went to meet Katie and Jim at a lovely Korean restaurant in Kreuzberg called Kimchi Princess. Then a drink. Another relatively early night.

After checking out on Monday we went to look at some shops and things. Had a tapas lunch and a drink near the hotel. Roel left first and I had a couple more in various bars in the neighbourhood. Then I got the train back to the airport and home. Was home at 01.00!

Well, I was going to move house a while back. Then I backed out of that. Then I was going to renovate my bathroom and kitchen. I had all the costings and designs worked out. Was *this* close to hiring a builder but backed out at the last minute! I’m too scared to do big things I think. Well, actually while I’m looking to change jobs I think it would make more sense to wait a bit. So essentially I’ve ‘postponed’ the work until I have a clearer view of the future. It’s a but disappointing as I was looking forward to a fancy new kitchen and bathroom, but it’s better to wait.

This of course means that my weekend is pretty much free now. I would have had to go get bathroom supplies etc. I don’t need to do that anymore, which is a big relief. I can just relax!

Oh, I forgot on Monday evening I also went to watch Taxi Zum Klo at the Brixton Ritzy cinema.

Wedding weekend. It was the Royal Wedding this weekend and I have to confess I was way more into it than I thought I would be. I found the whole thing fascinating. I have been trying to explain why, but can’t really.

My good mood has also been helped by not being at work for what seems like a lifetime! What with Easter and the extra holiday for the wedding, and May Day bank holiday it’s been a long time. In a nutshell:

On Thursday 21st, I went out with Richy. We went to the West End Eurovision show. Basically a whole bunch of West End shows perform different Eurovision songs. You then vote for the best. Graham Norton was one of the judges and very funny. It was a great evening and I can’t wait until next year. Before the show (it only starts at 11.30) we went for a few drinks, met up with Pauline and Claire in the Yard. JC was there too.

Friday, 22nd I met up with PJ and Anne. I rode my bike around to their house and we went to Victoria park for a little sit with the pooch. We had delicious burgers at one of the local places in the little villagey part. Was great fun.

Saturday, 23rd I went round to have lunch with Rhonagh and Richy as Rho’s flat in Clapton Pond. Was a delight… lovely flat and lovely company. Sadly I had to leave early but went on for dinner and drinks with Mark B. Was good too.

Sunday, was low key and relaxing.

Monday, 25th lunch with Richard S at Livebait.. was delicious.

Tuesday, 26th Roel arrived. We had a low key evening, sipping wine and listening to music. Was fun.

Wednesday, 27th was a boozey day. We went into Soho and had a drink at the Dutch pub there. Followed by lunch as Polpo with Rhonagh (divine and delicious). Then we shared a bottle of wine at The Yard, followed by meeting the lovely Kerry and Eleri at the Falcon in Clapham North for even more booze. A really lovely day though.

Thursday, 28th – hangover! But I struggled through and we went down to Brighton. We spent the afternoon looking around, then met David and Vlad for dinner at Bills. It was lovely, the most delicious pork-belly ever. Followed by a couple drinks and then home again… v late. Cab from London Bridge at around 1.30am.

Friday, 29th watched the Wedding on the sofa! Then met Richy for Ida Barr at the South Bank. Wasn’t great. Was okay, but was better last time. In the evening we stayed in and watched Loose Cannons on my Apple TV. A nice relaxed evening.

Saturday, 30th…. fun day. We went to the Carhartt outlet store near London Fields, then wandered down to Broadway Market. I remembered why I hate it. Then a stroll down to Bethnal Green, quick tube to Regent’s Park. Lay in the sun for an hour or so. Boris Bike ride down to the Palace and then to Charing Cross. Tube home. Quick power snooze and out to meet Richy, Pauline, Claire and Richy’s friend at the Yard. We then went to Ku Bar and on to The Friendly Society… danced a lot. Although that place suffers from a lack of Maria… less cool really.

Sunday, 1 May…. Ummm, walk to Clapham Common punctuated by breakfast at Breads Etcetera on the High Street. My first visit and not as cool as I’d hoped. Kind of cramped and the DIY bread thing is an annoying gimmick. Overpriced too. The Roel left.