Andrew J. Lederer

(i think that's what it was) offered me a giorgio armani jacket and another article of clothing in exchange for a full tank of gas from the shell station east of queensway on bayswater road.

now, i can use a nice jacket, but his story -- that he had to return to italy after a trade fair at (or near) harrod's, had two samples it wasn't worth taking back with him, had lost a lot of money at the casinos last night and therefore had to ask someone -- in this case, me -- for the money to fill his tank sounded too good to be true.

perhaps i would have been more trusting had i not recently suffered through the diversion trick that lost me my computer.

though it's not certain that's how it was stolen my newfound awareness of such trickery has rendered me extra-wary. it seems london has taken away the wide-eyed naivete that formerly defined me.

maybe that's why i feel so comfortable here.

my flight home is scheduled for next thursday but i really don't want to go. today, i was walking through bayswater when i got a call from lewis schaffer saying ava vidal had told him we were hanging at the comedy store tonight and he wanted to come along but couldn't 'cause he has his kids tonight.

we talked about his gig opening for reg hunter and other comedy-type thangs, then ava called to confirm our hang.

it's like i live here. i even (kinda, sorta) have friends.

i wonder if i can get the old pal i'm staying with to let me stay longer.

or if it's even advisable.