Birthdays and Bicycles

I had a really eventful week! I had a birthday and have crossed over into a new decade, and I finally rode my bicycle! And I am not sure which is more exciting! My bicycle is a beautiful ridgeback rapide speed womens bike, that is three years old, and used to belong to a Newzealander in London who rode it for over 20 miles every day. I found her on gumtree, she was the first bike I looked at and it was love at first sight! I bought her immediately, and had a canny time getting her across London. The journey took over an hour (usually it is a 30 min journey) and included tubes, overgrounds and DLRs.

That was two months ago, and since then she has been snuggled into my spare room, and I have looked in on her daily to smile indulgently at her and ring her bell. I even bought a fancy solid bike lock, and a proper bike helmet. The only problem was that I was completely and utterly terrified of riding a bike on the streets of London. After a month Ramadan graced us, and I used the excuse of wanting to conserve energy so that I could make it through the day to avoid taking her out, but once that was over, I ran out of excuses.

So, last Sunday, I woke up early (pre-8 am!), and in a state of stupor that suppresses fear, I got dressed and took the bike out. I strapped the helmet to my head, ignored the muppet sensation, and hopped on the bike... from there it was easy, I guess with age comes a deeper appreciation of childhood pastimes, and the thrill of riding a bike overshadowed any fears I had of cars squishing me. I cycled all the way to Columbia flower market, a Sunday market on the Hackney/Bethnal green border dedicated to, well, flowers and house plants. This is one of my favourite places in London, to get to it from further East, you work your way past the Asian clothes shops on Bethnal green road, then turn right, away from Brick Lane with its famed curry houses and leather shops (v. random combination I think), and then through blocks of slightly run down council flats, and then ti li ling (the sound Disney plays when magic is afoot) columbia road flower market, a small street bursting with colour. On either side of the road, behind the flower and plant stands, are quirky little shops, selling fragrance, second hand china and cutlery, fabric, hand made greeting cards and various other knick knacks. Walking through the market, I feel that the greenery engulfs me. The flowers on offer are standard but abundant, and each tradesman seems to have his/her own favourite plant, and it seems they all sell for a fiver. So you can get a dozen roses or massive oriental flowers for £5. The quality is excellent, and the flowers last a week or two. I particularly like the pepper plant seller, he has these tiny little bushes which sprout tiny little green, yellow and orange peppers, which I am sure are cultivated by pixies. Through the market to your left you will find old style bakeries (Jones something), who make really nice Nicaraguan coffee, which you can enjoy while sitting on a bench outside listening to the busker. Even the buskers there are good, and definitely not annoying, and even I (a busker ingrate) tip (pay?) them in Columbia Road Flower Market.

Later in the week, I made the big transition from one decade to another. I heralded the dawn of this new age, and my new found penchant for dramatic statements, with dinner with some close friends in Gilgamesh, one of the most amazing restaurants in London. It is in the heart of the stable markets in Camden town, and is known for its unique and intricate decoration. Every wall is covered in wood and carved with babylonian art, apparently experts were brought in to create this artwork that tells the tale of Gilgamesh s’ quest for heroism. Everything in the place reflects this, pillars are inlaid with mother of pearl and lapis, the tables and chairs are unique pieces fit perfectly into the overall decor.

Everything about that evening was amazing, we arrived on time, found parking a short 3 min walk from the place. Upon arrival, the friendly hostess guided us through the throng of happy diners, to what we gleefully realised was the best seat in the house! It was a round table, with a curved seat going all the way round (a bit like a waltzer), a step lead up to the self-contained area, which was set in the corner of the restaurant overlooking everyone else. We felt like Queens! The menu is expensive, but funnily enough they had a special offer during October (its like they knew!) of 50% off the set menu. For £20 we got 3 mouth watering starters of Hoisin duck spring rolls, prawn dumplings and salmon salad, followed by a choice of Japanese stir fried beef with Thai green mash or fish curry, and finished off with heavenly (and it was heavenly) sorbet and lemon grass brule. Along with the usual alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks, Gilgamesh has a list of mocktails (non-alcoholic fruit cocktails) on offer!! As we listened in rapture as the best waiter in the world ticked off these options, he then presented us with the cherry for our ever burgeoning cake, it ... was ... all ... halal!!! We were there for three hours, and were having such a nice time that it was a shock to realise that it was 11 pm when we left.

All in all, this has been, and I insert a very sincere Alhamdulilallah here, one of those really ‘good’ weeks, and hence, dear reader, your subjection to a very smug post :)