The most awful journey ever!

Usually I enjoy going up to London on the sleeper as one saves time and arrives fresh and ready for the day ahead. But not this time. We had barely started our journey when the engine gave up and at Bristol they woke us all up and made us transfer to another train. An ordinary train! So when we arrived at Paddington just before six we had nowhere to go! They did open the first class lounge for us but that was no good for sleeping unless you were like some of the more intrepid travellers who just lay down on the floor! I did fall asleep for a bit in one of the armchairs but woke up feeling cranky and stiff! So I was already exhausted before I even got to the exhibition. The tube trains were crowded as it was rush hour and I barely managed to squeeze on to the one at King's Cross. Very claustrophobic! But I was among the first to actually get into the exhibition when it opened and that was lovely as it was so quiet which enable me to quickly find Bombay Stores and look at their pound bags of fabric. These are such good value and they go very quickly so being early is good! I was restrained and only bought two. Mainly because I didn't want to carry a lot. One of the bags was a real find and I didn't realise it until I got it home and opened it! Lots of dyed fabrics with embroideries all over them. Some batiks and lovely colours. Made me wish I'd bought more but actually glad I hadn't as the amount I carried nearly broke my back carrying it! There was lots to see and look at and demonstrations to watch. In the gallery area there was a no photographs rule so I couldn't take pictures. There was a retrospective show of Eirin Short's work which was fascinating. And there was some good work by the graduates who had work on show. It didn't seem as much this year though. Some years there have been more graduate show cases. And the depth didn't seem to be there either. Or is it me just being over expectant? It got very crowded and so I wandered outside to view the scenery and look out over London. It was a very grey day or the views would have been tremendous. Caroline met me at lunch time and so I braved the crowds again and wandered round with her for a second look at things. It is always interesting to get someone else's viewpoint. And it was lovely to think I hadn't got to get a bus to get back to her flat but would be driven there! Such bliss! I always think it is a lot to do in one day and never feel I have really done it justice. Some years I go on two days which is much better. One day to shop and one day to look! I shall post some pictures of my buyings. It is all just jumbled into my workroom and where I am going to put it all I don't know. There has been no time today as I had to go into town this morning and shop and do the banking and then there was work! Tomorrow night I have a class and on Friday morning so I rather feel I won' t be doing anything until the weekend. And then I have to dye! Next Tuesday I have a class here at home with some of my students making postcards. So will have to be organised for that and get stuff ready over the weekend! I feel tired already! Anyway more of my London pictures tomorrow. I'm now going to catch up on my post.