I can drive around a place, even slowly and with intelligent running commentary, but I can’t decide whether I want to live there until I walk its streets. So Saturday afternoon, kids in tow, we headed for Hampstead.
Friday afternoon, during our nineteen flats in one day sprint, we found one that stood out. It was too expensive, too large, too fancy. But it had a private garden that opened onto a 3 acre communal garden — and the garden had kids. Not sculpted rows of flowerbeds, not tennis courts, not cute little park benches, but open green fields for ball playing, trees you could climb, and a small playground. There were people playing in the communal garden (others we saw had been empty) and the agent told us that the community would get together on occasion for cookouts and such.
So it isn’t Eno Commons, but it looked like it could be home.
Our flat hunting consultant, Linda, recognizing how much we liked the flat, immediately scheduled an appointment for us to see it again on Saturday with the kids.
The flat is very close to the Finchley Road station on the Jubilee line. We took the tube to Swiss Cottage, the next stop to the south, and walked to the flat. Finchley Road has restaurants that appeal to us, a thrift store, a dollar store sort of place, a large Waitrose grocery store, hardware stores, a furniture store. Lots of useful-looking places to acquire what we might need.
The street itself is beautiful, filled with well-preserved Victorian buildings. We strolled down one side of Greencroft Gardens and back the other, admiring the decorative architectural elements. We were somewhat hoping we’d find the nearest state school, but failed at that, finding instead a private Montessori.
Our second tour of the flat only confirmed its magnificence. The kids were delighted with their brightly lit bedroom and the gardens. I was pleased to find that the kitchen had a large refrigerator and both a washer and dryer. The flat also has lots of built-in storage, which appeals a great deal. The only really big drawback is that it is unfurnished. And expensive.
We left Greencroft Gardens and decided to walk more of Hampstead, headed toward our second most likely flat and Hampstead Heath. Unfortunately, we had not realize how much hill we’d have to climb to reach High Street. Although the houses were lovely, and I still cannot see the street named “Frognal” and not smile, Tallis was in a thoroughly foul mood before we crested the hill.
We checked out a bit of High Street, which Linda thought we’d find appealing. No, not really. Shops and restaurants that expensive don’t get much business from me, and nothing but the overpriced ice cream shop appealed to the kids. Garrett discovered that he likes salted caramel. Drat! Now I won’t be able to hoard that flavor all for myself.
By the time we got to Hampstead Heath, Tallis was too irritable to even enjoy the open space in which to run around. He was also terrified that the English ivy climbing the trees was poison ivy. Eventually he snapped out of his funk enough to climb some trees, but then he was outraged when we announced that it was time to go home for dinner.
We’ve been living with only what we carried onto the airplane, and none of our family games made the cut. Tom looked up game stores (how I’d make it about without a smartphone these days…I have no idea) and we decided to add one stop on the way home to buy something our family could play together. Only Tallis, even when told this plan, and even when told that yes he could spend his allowance, refused to come. Pitched a super-stubborn silent tantrum and refused to enter the tube station. We dragged him onto the tube, but as we attempted to exit, he fought us so much we had to stop and tell him that if he didn’t cut it out, the staff were going to assume we were kidnapping him. That changed his behavior instantly, and the rest of our day went smoothly. But oh, living with that kid right now….
We found one store that carried a few games, but more “fandom” type stuff. I saw some women dressed in Lolita fashion, and I really would rather not have seen them. Ladies, you’re supposed to look CUTE when you put on your costume, not scary bad. Tallis and Garrett eyed the Star War Legos, the Munchkin games, and the Magic cards, trying to figure out how much they could get with their allowances. Tom couldn’t find what he wanted, and the next shop was only two blocks away, so we left.
The Orc’s Nest WAS the right store. A tiny space, but filled floor to ceiling with board, card, and dice games, a sizable number of which we already own. Each of us found a nook and started browsing…until Weyland announced the dreaded “I have to pee.” No, they didn’t have facilities, but there was a nearby Pizza Hut that might let us in? And off we went….
Luckily for me, Pizza Hut was nearby and accommodating. Luckily for Pizza Hut, Weyland recognized what he smelled and made immediate and firm plans for what he wanted for dinner. After finalizing our gaming purchases we decided to give the UK version of American food a try. It was delightful, though somewhat more upscale (shrimp appetizers at Pizza Hut? sure!) and harder on the wallet. My veggie pizza even came topped with wild rocket (a popular salad with a nice bite, like watercress).
We rounded out the evening with a silly fun game of Munchkin Bites. Small World was a hit with everyone when we played Sunday. I’d love to make a post titled “and on the seventh day, we rested” but really, what is there worth sharing about a peaceful day gaming and watching television at the flat?