Some days, travel isn’t about discovery—it’s about knowing your limits.
Today was that kind of day.
Afternoon: National Gallery Visit
Left the apartment at 3:00 p.m., entered the National Gallery around 4:30.
Security check was quick, and admission was free.
The first painting I saw was a Crucifixion scene—a bright sky, expressionless faces, and a strangely calm sadness.
Then came Renoir, Monet, and others, but I couldn’t focus.
Headache, dizziness, and the crowd drained my attention.
Even the world’s masterpieces felt distant.
Near the exit, I finally noticed Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers.”
That quiet yellow still had life in it.
I promised myself to return—on a better day.
Evening: Searching for a Pub (and Failing)
I planned to visit the local pub “Bunch of Grapes”, about £6–£7 per pint.
Instead, I walked in the wrong direction—ended up at Embankment Station, exhausted.
No pint tonight, but I’ll try again next time.
Night: Yorkshire Tea and M&S Pasta
Back at the flat, I found Yorkshire Tea left by the host.
Classic British black tea—smooth, balanced, and ideal for milk tea.
Pour boiling water.
Wait four minutes.
Remove the bag.
Add one drop of milk.
Dinner was simple: M&S refrigerated tagliatelle reheated with tea on the side.
Finished the night with one beer.
It felt oddly perfect—tea for balance, beer for closure.
The Water & Bottle Problem
London’s drink prices make no sense.
Water costs nearly as much as beer, partly due to the Sugar Tax and bottle reuse policies.
Refill bottle prices (2025):
- Plastic: £5–£8
- Stainless: £10–£20 (avg. £15)
- Branded (Chilly’s, etc.): £25–£35
Free refill stations are increasing, with maps available through apps.
That £9 plastic bottle I saw at the National Gallery?
Turns out, it was fairly priced after all.
Next, I’ll check Boots, Tesco Extra, and Waterstones for better options.
Summary
A day of hitting limits in the gallery, then finding calm in a cup of tea.
Even art depends on condition.
What you see—and how deeply you feel it—changes with your energy.
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