In London Town

       I wish I was there, I have reached the point where I am ready to be back there. Even to settle there again. Yes, I would love to be in London now, with a place of my own. It's a great place to live after all. Of course, it is even more wonderful if you have lots of dosh (money). To fully indulge, and oh what a wonderful place to do it. London is like an Aladiins cave of delights, things to do, places to go. I can imagine only too well how much enjoyment I could have. To be able to enjoy the West End shops, Oxford Street, Knightbridge, Bond Street, so many temptations for a girl. Then there are the cinemas, the theatres, Liecestershire Square, Drury Lane, Covent Garden, the Haymarket, with the latest shows, and films. To be able to go to smart hotels, and restaurants without worrying about clothes, or money. Imagine, frequenting The Ritz, The Savoy, as well  as  a dozen others classic places. Or, to go to the ballet when you fancy, I love the ballet!  To lose yourself in the dream Iike movements of dance, and story, in it's colour, and magic. Or, to some of the music venues, imagine seeing the big stars from front row seats. Yet, all of those things cost a lot of money, the sort of money I have never had.  Forget the car, or don't worry about the driving or, expensive parking, just take taxis, or have a driver. It's the stuff of dreams isn't it. That's O.K. Though, it doesn't mean I am unhappy for not having those things immediately. As I've said, its good to dream large, to live life to the full where fantasy has full reign.

  

         The whole city is so vibrant, historic, and alive. An ancient, beautiful city, built on a wide, and curving river, The Thames. The river that gave it life, and still imparts it's magic. Of course, London is still magic without money. There are so many other places. The museums, The National History Museum, is grand, vast, filled with wonder. These are all free, as are the art galleries. the National Portrait gallery,  my favourite. The Tate, The Tate Modern, and many more are yours to wander, taking your time. Except you can't get to see the specials exhibitions without paying, but you can see a vast amount. Then there are the monuments, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Whitehall,  Horse Guards Parade, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Greenwich Park, The National Maritime Museum, Green Park, Hyde Park, to name but a few. My Father, and his ancestors  from way back were all Londoners. Were all part of the history, and change over the centuries. It's in my blood, it speaks to me on a visceral level. I love London, every narrow street, or grand building, every tree, and red bus.

                                            The Houses of Parliament 

           That though, is the fabric of the city. It's ancient heart, so easy to fall in love with. To be able to wander through Fleet Street, in the early hours of the morning, when the town is yours alone, or during the bustle of the day when it's alive with assorted little coffee, and sandwich bars. To walk past the little dark, and quaint pub where Dr Johnson  met, and talked with his contemporaries. Where Samual Pepys wrote of the happening of the day. Down, through the cobbled streets where the Great fire of London began, to sit on the wide bank of steps of St Paul's Cathedral. Heading downhill, towards the river, and the new, and narrow foot bridge strung across from The Tate Modern, or the many traffic bridges spanning the rive. Blackfriars, Tower Bridge, near the Tower of London. Or meander around Covent Garden, watching the colourful street performers. Walk in almost any direction from there, and there are interesting streets to explore. If you're lucky, discovering the unique Neil's Yard, and the. British Museum. All you need, are two good feet, and eyes to see. Apart from buying yourself a cup of tea, and a sit down, no money required. London waits for you to explore.

                                                Blackfrairs Bridge, over The Thames

         I spent over twenty, very interesting  years there, when I taught. Way back when, before south of the river began to be redeveloped. At a time when London Bridge was still run down, sooty, and very knocked about. Most of my teaching was done in London schools. After that, wanting something different, I began my travelling years. First to Devon, then much further afield to Australia. Which was mind blowing, and magical in quite a different way. I loved it, and spent a great deal of the next three years there, travelling from one side, to the other.

          Even so, nothing can beat London when it's in your heart. It's sparkles in the heat of the summer sun, or glitters in the mist and rain. Whatever is happening with the weather, London can change its mood to suit. There are so many parts to London, the historic heart, or the life in, and around the river. The city with it annual Lords mayor Parade, and financial institutions. Then the Queens birthday parade, or the changing of the Guard, always something of the sort going on. Or the new, and innovative with the more modern buildings, like the aptly named Gherkin, or Canary wharf, or any of the amazing riverside developments if housing, or retail. Still, after mentioning so many aspects of London, I have barely ruffled it's amazing amenities, and sites.

            I for one, have merely what my appetite for London. I cannot wait to dip into its culture, life,an d history again. What about you folks...?