I bought red boots today. For some reason (possibly alcohol) this strikes me as important and worth blogging about. Spent most of the day wandering around markets in the East End. They just kept going, and going and going. Eclectic mix of consumerism, flea markets (car boot sale like things, only without the car), art house/bohemian, people selling stuff they found, and consumerism. Large number people despite the rainy muggy weather. And once again, my feet hurt. About to make a short sojourn out to an early dinner and more drinking (on my own, how sad).

As an aside, it is odd the things that don’t get mentioned. Like the smoke alarm in my room was running low on batteries, I tolerated it, until this afternoon when I couldn’t tolerate it anymore - so I complained (why didn’t I do this earlier in the day?). The staff were great, I went out and bought boots and a pint and when I came back, blissful silence.

All in all, having a great time. But would love to share it with someone. Like the birds (pigeons) on the pillar near Blackfriar Bridge, that were nestling under the watchful eye of stone seagulls/albatrosses and much the same way as in Helsinki a seagull was constantly perched on this two headed bird thing at the Fish Market. Or being fleeced (but only a little) by someone selling fake roses in Petticoat Lane Markets (it was for the children, really). And spending way too much money on a pair of boots (I love my boots, I am wearing them now). Or the squirrels in the park. Can’t forget the squirrels.

Also, that moment (probably only a me thing, I have an odd figure) where you realise clothes look better in a pile on the floor then they do on, so I am better off spending my money on accessories (like, say, I don’t know - red boots) and keeping my wardrobe very simple. –end gripe– Wait, another gripe, I need a haircut. –end end gripe–

Did I mention my feet hurt?

Wow, that was a rambling post. I may require more beer.

So, the conference I left Helsinki early for happened. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to the actual conference. No one reason - well one embarrassing one - but mostly a myrid of little ones. Including being over-tired, ill, and a little overwhelmed by London. Sort of disappointed, but once stomach settled  - it was too late to go to conference by then - I had a blast wondering the streets of Covent Garden. Although now my feet hurt - really hurt - but it was so worth it. I think I have a slightly skewed version of London in my head now. It was blues skies, warm and bustling and everybody was friendly and having fun. And there were squirrels. Although my aversion to clothes shopping remains, I did buy a few CDs (Decemberists, PJ Harvey, and another one… which I forget), and a book (”World of Slum” by Mike Davis - I think).

As if one conference/seminar/course wasn’t enough, I am doing another one tomorrow. Nature Networks are running a one day conference on science blogging at the Royal Institute in London. The programme looks quite interesting, and I have already decided which of the “Breakout” sessions I will be attending (presuming enough space of course). Some of you (dear readers) may already know of my dilemma in whether or not to start writing about science: in particular: interaction between science and society, such as medical geology. But I am very worried about the level of commitment and the amount of time¹. A conference like this won’t make up my mind for me, but maybe it will help in informing my decision. Most important of all, it looks like fun, and there is scheduled drinking time too.

1. something I don’t have, I am starting a Master of Environmental Law next year, working full time and I still want to continue drawing The Cat’s Paw [↩]