Golfing and Salt Beef

I have finally succumbed to learning to golf. I have been avoiding it most of my life, to me, golf always seemed like a boring game for old men in short pants. I remember when I was younger I was told that I would have to learn to play golf or tennis so I would have something to do when I was older. I went for tennis. But now that I am 'older' or at least a somewhat serious businessperson - no one seems to have tennis days with customers or casually say to a colleague - hey, how about a game of tennis this afternoon?

Since golf was invented here, after all, when I moved here in June I thought golfing would be a good idea, but I never found the right place or the time to try it. Luckily Mark is resourceful so he found a course I could get to on the tube, and got me a set of starter clubs and lessons for Christmas. Thus the last three sundays I have spent at Trent Park, a course near Oakwood, just off the Picadilly Line. It is about a 30 minute tube ride and the park is just across from the station, making it pretty easy to get to. My golf bag has backpack straps and is probably not as heavy as my laptop bag, so all in all the trip is not bad.

Surprisingly I seem to be doing pretty well with Allison, my instructor. I don't know if I am ready to light the course on fire, but I am okay and rarely miss the ball. And today I did what is always my favorite thing to do with any sport - I bought some gear...some kind of ugly dark golf shoes, and a very nice blue waterproof jacket. I think I am up to five coats/jackets acquired since I have been in London. Obviously I have a problem!

The best part today was lunch - I went to a really nice little deli just across from the course, the Oakwood Deli. It is a true Jewish deli with latkas and at least six kinds of matzo crackers, as well as bar mitzvah cards and fresh bagels. Anyway, I had a really nice salt beef sandwich (corned beef to Americans) and a latte and the proprieters of the deli were lovely. It is obvious they have been there a long time and have a steady stream of Sunday regulars. I have been to another Jewish deli in the West End before, which was okay, but very overpriced. So I am pleased to have discovered the Oakwood Deli today.