We had intended taking a trip out of town to see an “elephants-at-work” show, but decided on a lie-in instead – we were both pretty tired. We killed some time instead by wandering around town. Val was looking for some weaving or something suitably ethnic, but wasn’t able to find anything she wanted, apart from a very simple embroidered band. However I, who hadn’t been looking for anything, bought an embroidered waistcoat. We collected our bags, bought some provisions for our journey on the train tonight- then had some lunch at the ice-cream restaurant we’d discovered last night. We weren’t really terribly ethnic tho’, I’m afraid – Val had a crab salad while I indulged in a cheeseburger, a coke, + (yet another) banana split. I spotted an American in the place with a Time magazine, so asked him where he’d bought it – I’d been searching unsuccessfully for wither a Time or a Newsweek for much of the morning. Having obtained the necessary directions, I set off to buy one – quite a trek, but worth it, I thought. It was only after I returned in triumph, Newsweek in hand, + we had shouldered lour bags, + set off for the station, that we spotted a pile of them outside a shop 2 blocks away. I couldn’t believe it.
I have another cold, by the way – once again, a roll of toilet paper is my constant companion. I’ve grown accustomed to regular visitations, but all the same, a cold is not a welcome companion, especially with a long + relatively uncomfortable train journey in prospect.
Aboard the train it was very hot – for once I allowed Val to read the magazine while I sat + suffered. My motives however weren’t altruistic – I was simply determined not to repeat my mistake of the journey up, + read instead of looking at the scenery, while the scenery could be seen. Once the light had faded, + Val had finished with the Newsweek, I first wrote a letter, while my mind was still active enough to cope (to Bruce + Hil it was)+ then occupied myself with the considerably more relaxing activity of reading. A Newsweek lasts me a good hour and a half. I was sleepy now but sleep came only fitfully – my cold, as I had feared, was not helping one little bit.
