For the past few days, I had been feeling worse and worse, and come Thursday, I couldn't push myself any longer. I stayed in bed almost the entire day, sleeping for most of it. The only outing I could manage was in the morning to grab waters, medicine, and something small to eat from the store across the street. And although it was a beautiful day outside, it was actually a "good" day to be sick.
As mentioned on Wednesday, there was a tube strike. London recently announced its intention to provide a 24-hour tube service starting in September (as of now, it shuts down for a few hours in the middle of the night). Not wanting to work night shifts, the tube employees planned a strike, and it happened to fall during the time of our stay. Being observant, Whitney had forewarned us of the upcoming delay in transportation, so we were able to plan accordingly. Joe and Anya walked to Blandfords Café for a proper English breakfast and then to the Sherlock Holmes Museum.
According to my reliable sources, this was THE best latte.
Just look at the presentation!
Near our flat is a plaza that was showing Wimbledon on a big screen. Loads of people came out during their lunch break to watch.
Then Joe worked while Anya walked around town and did a little shopping. That night, we were supposed to see Shakespeare in a park. Anya and Joe went, but it ended up being sold out so they changed plans and walked around to several church history sites instead.
Friday was day four of sickness for me and I still didn't feel any better. To make sure I wasn't dying (ok...maybe that's a bit dramatic) and also to see if I would be well enough to travel tomorrow, I decided to see a doctor. Even though it was exhausting, it was so nice to be outside again. The visit determined that I was still sick but should recover in a few more days. With new hope, I returned home and was able to eat some toast (the first real food in awhile) before napping for the afternoon.
Meanwhile...
Joe and Anya had another English breakfast at a place called Loaf. It was good, but they decided that the first place was definitely the best.
Joe worked again, and Anya went to Notting Hill to meet up with Debbie (grew up in England, but recently spent a few months in LA and came to Foundation). They enjoyed walking around the streets, finding scenes from the movie, and Anya especially loved the open air markets. Afterward, they walked along St. James' Park toward Buckingham, then found Westminster Chapel, Martin Lloyd Jones' church.
Some fancy event was happening at Shakespeare's Globe
That afternoon, they explored more of London, then met up with Joe and Jonathan (a friend of Joe's who is now a pastor in London). Funny story: they had all predetermined which tube exit to meet each other, but since it was rush hour, there were quite a lot of people. As it turns out, they had all arrived at the same time, but couldn't see anyone familiar. They finally connected when Deborah, who has never met Joe, walked up to him, and asked if he was Joe Z. A little surprised that someone knew who he was, he eventually realized it was Anya's friend.
They all had dinner at our favorite fish and chip spot, Masters Super Fish.
That night, when Joe and Anya returned, we were able to hang out a little. Then Anya and I packed and eventually went to sleep.
Although I'll not miss that bed, I am so thankful that I got sick while we were at one location for so long. I am also EXTREMELY thankful for both Anya and Joe. They are so considerate and kind and always asking what they can do. Several times, they went out to buy me waters, food, or anything else I might need or want, even if it meant going out of their way to do so. And if they ever read this, they'll hate that I even mentioned it, but I am truly thankful. :)
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