I am slowly finding my morning routine. My Sunday started with Chewie taking me for an early morning run around Morden Hall Park. Although it was a clear day, the morning was cool and I layered up to brace against the chill.
There is something so picturesque about Morden Hall Park in the sunlight. The colours are vibrant blue and green. When the sky is clear you can also see the criss-cross streaks of all the planes overhead. I have counted eight planes in the sky at the same time!
It was good to get out and exercise a little. The morning air was fresh and Chewie was loving the run. Good, it’s going to be a long day ahead.
Today Chewie and I were going to the races. It was the annual boat race where Oxford rowed against Cambridge along the River Thames. I had made plans to meet Christie for lunch and then watch the start. She suggested I bring Chewie with because London is so dog-friendly.
Chewie frolicking in Wandsworth Park, London.
Although Chris had rehearsed it with us, I was a little nervous. I had packed my bag with my camera, water for me, water for Chewie, some doggy treats, an extra sweater, and of course, the poo bags. And we were off. Chewie is a very inquisitive little fellow and had to stop to sniff at everything along the way to the Colliers Wood Underground station. But we made it eventually.
Once we were through the gates, he knew the escalator was approaching and started leaping up against my legs so I could pick him up. I knelt down and he jumped up with ease. Yes! Then we climbed aboard the tube and we were off to Tooting Broadway.
Somewhere in Wandsworth, about to catch the 44 bus.
I must say, having a dog with you really invites more smiles. The golden rule on public transport is no eye contact, no smiles and definitely no conversation. But Chewie had a disarming effect on people. You could see a whole bus light up as he strutted along before climbing onto my lap. Children were yearning so touch his fluffy coat (I had washed him the day before), and even hardened adults couldn’t resist petting him.
I hadn’t seen Christie in ages. We started studied together in Stellenbosch in 2011 and were roomies in 2012. She had moved to London upon finishing her degree, which made seeing her a rare occasion and a treat. I climbed off the 44 and we headed to Brew for lunch, which was supposed to be a dog-friendly restaurant. It looked friendly enough, but unfortunately, the great weather had invited people to sit outside so there was no space left.
So we opted for a takeaway lunch from Costa’s to enjoy at the park.
Christie grabbed us some spicy meat wraps and a chai latte for me and we ambled towards Wandsworth Park. It’s a beautiful scenic park along the southern bank of the River Thames. It offered a slightly different view of the tidal river.
“The River Thames is more morose along here,” Christie had said.
Along the River Thames Embankment at Putney Bridge, London.
It was still beautiful. Tall trees line up on the side of the embankment, arching over the grass walkway. I marvelled at the gnarled and twisted tree trunks. These trees must be very old.
We enjoyed our lunch and let Chewie off the leash to explore a little. We had some time to kill before the race starts at 4:30 so we lay in the sunlight and had a catch-up session. Spring was really blooming in London.
The arching trees along Wandsworth Park, London.
We started moving when the crowd mobilised towards Putney Bridge. I put Chewie back on his lead. We walked among the crowd and Chewie seemed fascinated with all the new smells. Many dogs were here too, and naturally, he had to make friends with them all.
“I think it’s warm enough for ice cream, don’t you?” I teased Christie.
We stopped by the ice cream van for a soft serve ice cream with a flake. Although I would describe the ice cream as more cream than ice, it was delicious and fitting on such a lovely day.
We met up with Christie’s dad and still had half an hour to kill before the race started – so he bought us Pimm’s. The last time I had this was at Wimbledon in 2015. It is a fruity summer long drink which was perfect on a day like today. Although admittedly, drinking one and holding Chewie proved to be quite a multitasking job.
Behold the Pimm’s – London’s favourite refresher! Enjoying a cheeky jug of Pimm’s with Christie at the boat race.
The crowd began to grow thick as everyone shifted towards the other side of Putney Bridge where the races would start. The people got a bit much for poor Chewie who was trapped underfoot so I carried him for a portion of the way. But the real drama came in when I had to pop to the bathroom and left him in Christie and her dad’s stead. He whined as I walked away so much that Christie’s dad had to pick him and he would not be set down!
After a long wait for the lavatory, I returned to find a very happy Chewie perched on Christie’s dad’s shoulder. I had missed the boat race – but everyone was cheering and apparently, Oxford won! Then it was time to head home, but not before stopping by the South African cuisine stall for some traditional lekker boerewors.
Some Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race fashion.
At this stage, Chewie insisted on being carried. We were amidst a throng of drunk people so I let him sit in my arms as we headed back towards Wandsworth Park. Only once he was ready could I set him down. The evening winded down wonderfully. It turned out to be a perfect day. The sun was still shining, although it was hanging low in the sky.
We got to Wandsworth Park and I let Chewie have one last run around before we boarded the 40-minute bus home. Needless to say, he was pooped.
