A Dog, a Sink and a Brush With Fame

I took a long walk yesterday through North London, from Kensal Rise (which is just north of us) eastward to Golders Green. It was a chilly day and there wasn't much sun, but it was still great to get out, as always.

I found lots of interesting storefronts, like this colorful, nameless hair salon that may or may not still be in business.

And I found some interesting characters, like this guy walking with a huge stuffed dog and a kitchen sink. (As one of my friends said on Facebook, "Maybe the dog needs a bath?")

At the end of my 3.6-mile walk, I hopped on a bus in Golders Green that would take me right back to Notting Hill, practically to my doorstep. Gotta love a good bus system!

I'd already put my camera away when the bus, wheeling through West Hampstead, passed this colorful woman sitting on a wall, smiling beatifically. I recognized her immediately as Camila Batmanghelidjh, a child advocate and charity leader who I've seen on TV several times. It took me a second to retrieve my camera which is why I have only this terrible image. I wish I'd gotten off the bus at the next stop, walked back and asked her for a photo. She looked so terrific and I'm sure she would have said yes. But I was tired and I just couldn't make myself move fast enough!

Oh well. Missed opportunities.

Last night Dave and I went to the Cous Cous Cafe, a tiny Moroccan restaurant near our flat that I've wanted to try. (I posted a photo of it here.) The food was yummy, though maybe a bit expensive. On the way I was stopped by a youth who pointed to my green jacket and said something like, "Do you have anything the color of your jacket?" I had no idea what he was asking me, so he rephrased the question: "Do you smoke grass, man?" I told him I did not and he went on his way. Dave and I wondered if wearing a green jacket sends the wrong signal? Very strange.