when a man is tired of London
- At March 25, 2011
- By Rachael
- In Books and Writing, Village life
11
When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, for there is in London all that life can afford.
I think Samuel Johnson had a point. Every time I go (we only live an hour away by train) I love it, but then I’m always glad to get home. As I type this at the kitchen table I can see the daffodils peeping through. The chickens are sunbathing, and the sun is lighting up the new leaves of the rose bushes.
On a Saturday, London is heaving with tourists who wave maps and stop suddenly in front of barriers and congregate in huge groups, driving you off the pavement. And people who are talking so much (because they haven’t seen each other for two years) that they get on a train, change at the next underground station, keep talking, walk in a circle, and get on a train that takes them back to where they started. Ahem.
What I like about blogs is that you see the world through someone else’s eyes. For me the world is all about pattern and colour. Lines, shapes, impressions. So my London photos aren’t of Big Ben or the Houses of Parliament. They’re photos of the things I see, and the way I see the world. It’s a kaleidoscope.
We were on a mission to find a bottle of wine when we found Persephone books. It was quite by accident and very lovely. The shop was beautiful – everything a bookshop should be. And I accidentally bought another three books for my collection. I’ll write about them soon.
Even nicer still was coming back from London to a beautiful bunch of flowers – the lovely Liz at Violet Posy nominated me for a treat from Interflora. Aren’t they gorgeous?
Have a lovely weekend in the sunshine. I’m off to do some gardening.
su
Hi my dear, long time no see, glad you and the kids are doing well. Love the web site and look forward to reading your book. Dylan still misses Archie and we will be around sometime soon so maybe we can meet up with the boys. Take care and well done you, Su x
Rachael
Hi Su, that would be fab! Let us know when you’re back! x
Pixie
Love the pictures. I feel the same about London. My grandma lives in Stanmore and when I was in my early twenties I liked nothing better than catching the tube into town to wander around on my own. I love all the tourist spots and all the mystery. I also love being there really early morning – it’s a great feeling.
Pixie – most recent blog post – Let them eat lots of cake
Nicola
You are right, there is something very magical about dipping in and out of London x
Naomi
I live on the outskirts fo London so feel like I live in the country yet its 20 minutes into london. I could never tire of it becuase there is so much to do for adults and children. I like the culture and the entertainment options and the fact that there are so many things to do for free. The people are diverse too – walking down the road there are so many different types of people.
lizzie's mum
Having been to London many, many times, I now do not consider myself a tourist which amuses some people! I walk around just looking at all the amazing architecture, adore all the flower stands and the parks and just soaki up the atmosphere. I always love it when you go in January and there are all kinds of flowers blooming. And I totally agree about the groups of tourists who
stop dead in front of you, clog the pavement, etc. I tend to avoid the places where they congregate like around Harrod’s.
I now stay in a small village an hour away and am constantly torn bewteen the joys of the countryside and the big city!
Emily O
I love London, I lived there for 10 years and when I moved out I was quite happy to be somewhere greener. But we can still do it in a day and I can’t wait until the children are a bit older and we can do day trips up there. I’d feel lost if London were too far away. Lovely photos.
Emily O – most recent blog post – How I was hopeless at being a 1930s housewife and was upstaged by my cameraman
kyooty
I’ve never been. Did you know that Canada has a London? I’ve been there twice.
kyooty – most recent blog post – Wordless Wednesday Supper busy night
EmmaK
I lived in London for 30 years and I must say I loved it! But now I have been in the States for ten years living in Baltimore and am very used to ‘life in the slow lane’. When I visited London last summer it was sensory overload for me and I felt absolutely knackered after a day on the tube. I wonder if its just a young person’s place ?? I miss my spiritual home Harvey Nicks daily of course!
linda
I love the way you see the world.
And I love London. The first time I was there, someone stopped me for directions, so I like to think I looked like I belonged there.
PinkCat
It seems to me that you have the best of both worlds. Close enough to get to London quickly but with two feet planted in rural bliss. I’m totally jealous!
I love your London college. It’s true, London means so many things to different people. I love seeing people’s different perceptions of it. Perhaps I should try putting it all together one day.
Have a lovely sunny weekend! x