West Bridgford

There were rumours flying around that this Saturday was going to be the last great day of summer in England. A little wary of the Poms' liberal notions of good weather, I headed out in jeans and sneakers with a jumpy & jacket in tow. The plan was to walk to West Bridgford, 2 hours' walk from the Uni (maybe less if you're remotely map- or compass-savvy), to pick up some supplies for a picnic in the Wollaton Park (which is actually right next to the uni) to get the max out of this rumoured sunshine. A ridiculous task to begin with, but hey, it's not like I had more pressing matters to attend to ;)

At any rate, took me 2hrs to walk to West Bridgford, probably more given the industrial parks I detoured through...but it was SO well worth it.

Part of the walk went along Riverside Way and the Victoria Embankment which, as you might imagine, follow the river. Serene, green and filled with ducks, it was a hit.

West Bridgford is a gorgeous town that gets the necessary blend of wholesome, fresh air, young family vibeyness and all the essential elements of real life (namely good cafes, good pubs and a plethora of good sports venues). I arrived to find a farmers market next to a lush park and decided it trumped going back to Nottingham, with or without a Wollaton Park.

No. 8 Delicatessen is a kick-ass establishment the likes of which Nottingham's city centre could only dream. A huge array of sambo choices, a cute courtyard out back, plus all those choice bits and bobs only a deli would have (original lemonade, cheese rounds x 10000, jams & curries, and let's not forget the self-evident amazingness of a nut brownie).

Regretted not trusting the rumours within about 2min of setting off, having missed out on my only opp to wear the skirt I brought in favour of looking like a gimp with rolled-up jeans and emo-playin-gangsta sneakers (which apparently even the natives noted). It was a SCORCHER, perfect for enjoying my prize in the picturesque Bridgford Park, with its soft, soft grass and my topical literature.

Ended up staying in the park so long they had a concert in my honour. jk. but in that whole healthy living community atmos vein, they had a concert band and choir etc etc. Kicked back with some brie & crackers and cider (not game enough to try actual beer or ale cos I know what the answer's going to be, but felt i shoudl get into the Brit spirit right proper-like). SO chilling, and one of the best ways to make the best of the whole 10pm sunset thing.

All-in-all, a great many unexpected joys :)