How can I survive a pandemic travel ban? Memory Lane Time Travelling Agency is the only way to go. Time travel vicariously with me as I relive the glory days of a pre-COVID world. It’s early December 2012 and I’m travelling to London for a few days of sightseeing.

I took a train from Manchester to London which was uneventful but then I nearly got lost on the underground. It took me as long to get from Euston Station to Paddington as it did to get to London from Manchester. Three changes of train! I am staying at the Equity Point Hostel, it’s very nice here with a locker in the room that fits all my things and I can even use my suitcase padlock.

Kensington Gardens

As soon as I checked in I took a walk down to Kensington Gardens and took lots of photos, including of the Italian Garden

Next, I found a nice Kebab Shop for take-away dinner. My glasses fell apart on the way, the screw fell out of one of the legs and I couldn’t find it. I’ve been waiting for this to happen because I’ve not been able to find a screwdriver to tighten them. I will just have to do a poor-me at the next glasses shop I find. Meanwhile, I now have one-legged reading glasses that will only stay on while I have my beanie on.

By the time I got back I was so exhausted that I went to bed at about 6.30 pm.