Saturday 27th April 2024

Woke around 0845 after what felt like a decent night's sleep. Got up and made tea. Aki cycled off to get bread from the Farmer's Market, while I prepared breakfast for when she returned with fresh vitals. Pottered about doing nothing very much...sent off our postal votes for London Mayor, and read a bit of Dickens. Walked to Finsbury Park station, and caught a Piccadilly Line train to Holborn, where we picked up the Central Line. Got out at Bethnal Green, and walked up to the Young V&A to see their Japan exhibition, a look at the ancient myths that have shaped the modern manga tradition. The venue had previously been the Museum of Childhood, but had been taken over by the V&A and refurbished...the main hall is very expansive, with lots of space for kids to run about, and a cafe at the far end...we had tea and cinnamon whirl, then took the spiral staircase up the the first floor and the exhibition.

The exhibition was interesting, and we had a wander around the free exhibition rooms afterward...liked the design section, and the play areas. Amused ourselves watching the kids playing with the soft play equipment. Wandered out to find it was raining. Had half-an-hour to kill before our appointment at Ombra...but as it was raining we resolved to introduce ourselves at the restaurant half-an-hour ahead of our booking time. We were the first customers of the evening, but it slowly filled up...it's evidently a popular haunt. We ordered gnocco with wild boar mortadella, and a leaf salad with mint, apple, and stracciatella to start. A main of smoked crab tagliatelle for Aki, and I had grilled pork loin with a red wine reduction and green beans. All very tasty, but it was pricey...we felt our local Osteria was just as good, and significantly cheaper! Abandoned plans to walk along the Hertford Canal after dinner as it was still raining. Got home, via bus and Overground, around 2100.