Joe and Lou's Travel Blog

We are becoming regulars at the Shepherds Bush Empire. On Wednesday we went there for the third time to see Michael Franti and Spearhead. They have been highly recommended to us by people who have seen them in New Zealand, of which Michael is very fond. We had tickets to see them in Wellington before we left but unfortunately Michael was sick and the show was cancelled. Anyway we had a great time. He is very charismatic and energetic with a very good message reminiscent of 60's hippy era bands. There was a great vibe and the smell of marijuana was strong in the air. I couldn't help wishing that I had heard more of their music before the show as it is much more enjoyable when you can sing along at the appropriate times.

Last night we went to Maida Vale to visit Tash, an old work friend from Ace, and her boyfriend Ben. We went to the local pub called, The Warrington. Apparently the area used to be a red light district and the pub a brothel. It was lavishly appointed with burgundy and gold wallpaper, extravagant light fittings and sumptuous carpets. We hadn’t seen each other in two years but it was like we had never parted. We had a lovely Thai meal upstairs and few drinks below before heading back to their flat. It was also our first experience of the night bus, not as harrowing as I expected. We are a little worse for wear today but are enjoying relaxing at home.