A friend and I popped over to London for a couple of days to catch the last of the New Year's Sale Madness. No shopping for me, of course, but as most couples say, looking is still allowed ;-) Say what you want about Ryanair, but they make going to London cheaper than taking the bus to the nearest large-ish city! Never mind that you can't recline the seats, and that they don't give a toss if you lose your flight connection, there is something fabulous about jetting off somewhere for the price of a steak dinner... but I digress...

My friend had heard about a really nice and cozy B&B in London, which we decided to give a try. And cozy it was - perhaps a bit too cozy. The B&B turned out to be a lovely lady's three bedroom apartment. All the rooms were rented out, and the lady of the house crashed wherever there was space, usually on the living room floor. We were immediately offered tea, chocolate and her life story.

The apartment, as the owner, was lovely, and we could help ourselves to whatever we found in the kitchen and bathroom. However, there is something odd about coming back to your B&B at night [three nights in a row no less], and have some high-energy motherly type open the door before you can get your key properly inserted into the lock. There is something very odd about having that person wonder where you've been and then ask if it's OK that she goes into your room (at 4am) to pick up clean underwear. It is a little disturbing to have her randomly pop into your room without knocking, to enquire about your day and pick up the vacuum cleaner.

Have YOU ever had your B&B hostess take more liberties than your own mom, and on top of that announce to the other guests that you and your friend "have been out drinking every night"? You probably have, haven't you? I have a feeling this will happen again. Next time, I'll be prepared.