Noel's Adventure(s): January 16: Harrods (And More Parrots!)

I was greeted this morning by sunshine! It's sometimes hard to believe, but every once in a while, the sun manages to peek through around here. Around 11, I made a quick lunch of noodles and headed out to explore with my friend Sarah. We wandered over through the park, taking pictures and playing tourist. We ran into a small flock of Indian Ringnecks chewing on a small tree that had just begun to bud. I tried to get some good pictures, but of course getting any parrot, let alone a wild, feral parrot, to hold still is just impossible. After we'd been watching the parrots for a few minutes, two pigeons came to join the party, a plain gray one, and a bright white one. Later, a gray pigeon with white speckles visited as well. It was kind of funny to see five or six parrots foraging just six feet above a bunch of cooing pigeons. We walked through the park towards Harrods, since we both needed to get rain boots, and we wanted Hunters, which are British-made, so they're a lot cheaper here than in the States, and for some odd reason, Harrods seems to have the best prices on them.

Once we found the place, it was an absolute zoo. I had been hoping that it would be less crowded on a Sunday, but it was packed. I can't imagine what that place is like on a Saturday! We strolled through the incredible jewellry and expensive purses, and dresses that had been worn by celebrities, which were displayed in glass cases. On a balcony above the Egyptian Escalator, a singer in a red satin evening gown sang "O Mio Babbino Caro." We discovered that on the top floor (I think it was), Harrods has a "Pet Palace," with gem-studded collars, gourmet kitty treats, a full doggie spa and gerbils and hamsters for sale for £20 each. They also had several Boston Terrier puppies for £2500, and insanely expensive bunnies and guinnea pigs as well. We watched a little Pomeranian get a haircut, but left before he was put on the doggie tread mill to watch a Disney movie and get in some exercise.

We explored the food halls extensively. Every time we turned a corner, we discovered new and wonderful items of food! Best "quote of the day" came from Sarah: That is the prettiest sandwich display I've ever seen." Eventually, we descended on the bakery for our meal. I got two pastries: one with cheese and spices, that tasted like pizza in light, flakey bread form with rivers of cheese, and some kind of chocolate-hazelnut pastry with apple glaze and drizzled icing. My friend got a pastry with bacon and cheese twisted in, and something that looked like a chocolate muffin, but was taller and turned out to be pastry bread-like, with a creamy chocolate center. We were both pretty darn happy. After we selected our bakery and made plans for another visit (soon!), we headed up to where we had already scoped out the Hunter wellies. After much deliberation, I decided on the "Aubergine" classics, and she the "Olive Green" classics. I'm very glad we decided to get them last, since the boxes were heavy. The second greatest "quote of the day" came from a man with a heavy Italian accent who was trying on some Hunters as well. He grabbed a boot and folded it in half, remarking: "Woah! These are rubbery!" Um, yeah. They're rain boots.

We had hoped to eat our bakery treasures in the park, but it had started dripping a bit, so we walked home on Queen's Gate. When we opened the door and carried in our two huge "Harrods" bags, the four or five girls inside did a collective "Gasp! What did you get!" I really love my boots so far, and now that I'm properly, and stylishly, outfitted, I find myself hoping for rain. I feel very British after getting my Hunter wellies at Harrods. I also got a little something from Harrods for my sister (Shhhhh!!! That's a secret!). Tonight, I think I'd better start working on my homework, since I am here to study, after all. Shoot.