It’s another dull day but, then, that’s to be expected in November. On the plus side, it’s not cold (the Met Office says 14°C, which seems about right), so we can be glad about that, at least.

Tigger is working the early shift today which means that she leaves the office at 4 pm. Or should I say 16:00? Apparently, these days, because of the prevalence of digital clocks and watches, a generation has grown up that has difficulty understanding the time displayed on the traditional clock with hands. Perhaps, therefore, I should tell the time in both forms, what you might call “temporal bilingualism”!

Tigger has sent me a text suggesting we meet for coffee at a some convenient point along her route home. I was happy to accept. This will be my first venture outside since Sunday. Should I be ashamed of that? I don’t know, really. I find it hard to motivate myself when Tigger’s at work unless I have some specific task to perform. I find the cold, dull weather depressing and it’s more comfortable being depressed at home than wandering the streets. Now, however, motivated by Tigger’s invitation, I shall shortly ready myself and set out.

Aboard the 153

The chosen meeting place is Coco di Mama in Chiswell Street. The easiest way to go there from the Angel is to catch the 153 in St John Street. This will deliver me to a stop almost opposite the cafe. The bus I’m on will make me early but I prefer that to being late.

Coco – closed!

I walked up the road from the bus stop snd found Coco closed. That, despite the advertised hours showing it open until 6 pm (18:00 🙂 ) I let Tigger know and then went to see whether Leon on Moorgate was open.

Moorgate

This is Moorgate, captured during a rare moment when there was a gap in the traffic. (There are so many traffic lights at such close intervals in London, all uncoordinated and working at different speeds, that even on the busiest roads there are moments when a particular stretch will be empty.)

Leon – open!

And yes, Leon was open. As it was still early, I walked along the street some way and, quite by chance, met Tigger.

Walking back along Moorgate

We made our way back to Leon.

Order here

In this branch, and possibly in others, you don’t order at the counter. Instead, you use one of these touch screens to indicate the items you want and then you pay using the attached contactless payment terminal. On completion, the screen displays your order number and you collect your items from the counter when the number is called.

The counter

I suppose that, if you can’t manage the screens or you want to pay with cash (remember money? 🙂 ), you could still order at the counter.

Office lobby

As we started back to the bus stop, we passed this lobby in an office block. It is decorated with life-size cut-out figures. Whether that’s for Christmas, I do not know.

Staircase
Photo by Tigger

Tigger photographed this striking staircase in an office block. We are both fascinated by staircases (the taller, the more fascinating) and there are plenty to see in the city, especially where, as here, they are visible behind plate glass windows.

City view

Does the city look better at night when you see the lights rather than the fabric? I think so. Some of the ugliness disappears into the shadows leaving the lights to attract your gaze.

Illuminated trees
Photo by Tigger

We came upon this row of trees, illuminated by street lights which gave them a special beauty.

Tall block

Since the height limits in London have been eased, many tall buildings have been put up which block your view of the sky. I expect you know my feelings about this so I won’t insist on the point.

Aboard a 153

We reached the bus stop just as a bus arrived. It was a 153 and not crowded, despite the time of day. It carried us quickly back to the Angel and home.