Melissa and Alison and I went to Portobello Market and the Christmas Market in Hyde Park today, despite the rain. Both were full of people and weeping children and general chaos. We also needed to do some ticket picking-up for the girls, but by the time it turned 3:30 I was feeling so crappy and tired I had to go home 😦 And slept until 8. It is not fun wasting a weekend night in the room, but I really haven’t been feeling well the past few days. Tired all the time, hazy vision, delayed brain registration. I just want to sleep through the rest of November. Good news: I have a nice package that needs opening! More tomorrow.

Today it poured rain during my art class, where we wandered to Regent’s Park and Camden Town. Finishing an hour early let Ciara and I browse the glorious stalls at Camden Market–always pretty clothes, but never anything worth purchasing. Then a group of us (Melissa, Megan, Keely, Michelle, and I) walked through Borough Market near the London Bridge. So much delicious, fresh food. So tempting! But I saved money instead. Then Melissa and I plowed on to the Southbank for the opening day of the Cologne Christmas Market. So many lights and ornaments and cinnamon smells made the night shimmer. We ooh’d and ahh’d and got free Glühwein (German mulled wine) which fogged my glasses and warmed my insides. Then we headed back to conduct a massive clean-up of our room. I contemplated Christmas gifts. I ate bananas. I sorted my papers. Through the massive migraine and foggy headcold, I managed to turn a potentially blah day into a busy and productive one. London, I do love your festivities and your diversity. I only wish I could experience your Christmas.