Dogs and Other Things

I want a dog. Not going to happen for quite some time, but I want to own a black Lab one day. They're just such soulful, magical dogs. I was reminded how great they were when I met the black Lab of my friend Ed the other day. The dog liked me; any time I stopped petting him, he headbutted me in the crotch. Sorry if I seem indelicate.

Y'know how in North America there was (and perhaps still is) a "fad" of dog breeding in which every mix seemed to involve Poodle somewhere in it? Well, there's a corresponding fad here in England, in that every mix seems to have Bulldog in it. All the dogs around here, from Labs to Daschunds, seem to have that signature Bulldog stockiness. It's an odd sight to see an intimidating weiner dog, I'll tell you.

The last few catering jobs I've had have found me working behind the bar, a change of pace from dinner or canape service. Fairly fun, and you do get a chance to chat with people, but in some cases you are so swamped with thirsty patrons it's all you can do to keep pouring out the bubbly and press it into open hands. Champagne certainly seems to be the thing people will guzzle as long as it's free.

The only real London landmark I've seen this week (work's been crazy) was Camden Market on Sunday. Camden is a truly crazy mish-mash of vintage clothing, antiques, collectibles, novelties, art, food vendors, precious junk, and jewellery made out of cutlery. I'm serious about the last one, there was a stand at which a metal smith was bending and twisting forkes into bracelets and spoons into rings. They looked pretty cool, actually.

Looking forward to some eventual down time to relax and see some more of the city. Especially hoping to take a Ghost Walk, and see how it compares to Ottawa!