Anne's First Day in London

1. Getting to A and E
I arrived at Liverpool Street Station on time at 10.22. Found the Bishopsgate exit and since it was a fine day decided to walk. My nerves, which had been on edge for a few days, were much worse. My heart was thumping but there was no question at any time of not going through with it.


I had printed a map from the A & E web site and this helped me get my bearings. I soon found Bethnal Green Road and after a few minutes Brick Lane on the left. My heart skipped a beat - where was the entrance? After what must have only been a few seconds, but at the time seemed an age, I saw the purple door with the discrete A & E sign on the left immediately after the turn into Brick Lane. I was a little early and got no response to my ring. However after a few minutes Teresa turned up on time to let me in and the day really had begun.

2. Preparation.
Teresa and later Lisa were great at getting me to relax. Had a coffee and a rather girly chat about diets etc, although since I was still in my travelling clothes I did not at this stage feel part of the gang. The girls were so friendly and did not rush me. We had a look at some clothes and discussed what I wanted to do. At this time I was thinking of doing some Christmas shopping with Teresa, but things changed later as you will find out.

Getting undergarments on was interesting. Things that I had not come across before, but all designed to get 'The Look'. Getting the makeup on was so relaxing and enjoyable. Teresa made a superb job and although I managed to sneak a few early peeks she kept the final result until the wig was on. Compared to my own amateurish efforts, the result was sensational. I was well pleased. We sorted out accessories - jewellery, bag, gloves etc. By this time it was 2.00pm and time to leave.


3. On the bus
As we left A and E and entered the great outdoors, what an adrenaline rush, but the feeling was great. Watching a van driver clock me and almost drive into a keep left sign did not bother me much although my pulse was racing. We crossed the road and walked to the bus stop. My shoes which I had bought in A and E were a little awkward, but this was not surprising since they were the highest heels I had ever worn, but they became more comfortable as the day progressed. We did not have long to wait for the number 8. Teresa had provided me with a bus pass so that all I had to do was show this to the driver. We sat in the back facing forwards and had a great view. By now I was beginning to calm down a little.

Halfway to the West End we decided to delay shopping and start with lunch in Soho


4. Oxford Street and Soho.
We got off the bus in Oxford Street and turned off in the direction of Soho. Neither of us was certain of the road layout but this just added to the fun. We walked through Soho Square, bringing back memories for me of many years before and asked directions to Steph's Restaurant. The directions were not very good but after a while we found the place. What a disappointment it was shut. By this time (after 3.00pm) we were hungry and in no mood to walk further. Both of us wanted to get our shoes off so we went into Zilli Bar (not the restaurant) next to Steph's. This was a good move

5. Lunch at Zilli Bar
It was very much a late lunch but we were ready for something to eat. Shoes came off and wine was provided. I found Teresa so easy to talk to I was having a great time and I believe that she was to. The wine was great and we had a little more than we had planned. This certainly relaxed me and I was quickly losing any inhibitions I may have had. The staff were great, very friendly and took some photographs for us.

6. Girly giggles.
We stayed in the bar until after 5pm and then started to make our way back to Oxford Street to find a bus. I was not at all bothered by this time about travelling by bus. We were both a bit giggly. Stopping strangers to take our photos and generally having a laugh. I drew the line at sitting down next to some strangers at a kerbside cafe to have my photo taken, but most of the other suggestions were fine.

7. Finding a number 8 bus
We had to walk to the end of Oxford Street and beyond Tottenham Court Road towards Holburn, but this was great since I was now very much at ease. A number 8 stopped and we were just about to get on and the driver closed the door. It takes all sorts - this was the only negative incident that occurred and it bothered me less than it did Teresa. We got on the next bus, which being the rush hour was crowded, but we found a seat and just chatted and giggled. I did not care that people could overhear. We were so engrossed that Teresa suddenly jumped up and said we should be getting off, before she realised that it was the wrong stop. What a laugh.


8. Wind Down at A and E
We got back to A and E tired and sat down for a chat and a wind down. By now I was so comfortable (even with the tight corsets) that I was very reluctant to finish. However, I had a train to catch. I showered got dressed and bade my farewells. I managed to get out of A and E with 10mins to spare to get to Liverpool Street Station

9. Journey home
I waived down a taxi and got to the station a few seconds too late. The train was on the platform, but the doors were shut and they would not let me board. However there was another in 30mins, so I bought a paper and a drink. The effect of this delay was that I missed a connecting train by 10mins and therefore had to kill time for 1.5 hrs on a cold station. However, this allowed me to reflect on the day and look through the photos in my camera.

10. Thoughts on the Day
I was so glad that I had managed to find the courage to go through with the day. I had a great time and am looking forward to the next time. This picture sums it up. Do I look happy? You make your mind up.


Now I know what is coming I think that next time I would want to be a little more daring in my outfit - oh the hussy!