Blossoms outside Christ Church
So I’m back from my wonderful 10 days in London. I loved my time there, it’s an amazing city, even in the grim grip of the end of the year. I did all the things a first-timer should do and dodged crowds on Oxford Street, wandered all over the city, ate well, drank much beer and caught buses and trains. I even tramped through Kensington Gardens and stalked some squirrels and made snotty comments about North London vs South London. I was delighted by how the residents of London use their public spaces, even when the weather is perfectly vile. Kids and cyclists and dogs and joggers and surly teens are all out and in the parks all the time and that’s wonderful.
I saw a fox, staring at me from the corner of the small park across the road from where I was staying. We looked at each other for a few minutes in the gentle drizzle, and then he stalked off to raid a dustbin. I wandered through Oxford and marveled at the old stones. I live in a city that was founded in the 1880s, so anything older than that is amazing to me. I saw the beautiful olive tree in Christ Church Cathedral which looks just like the place where, at the end of Lord of The Rings, the hobbits are bowed down to.
I looked at trees and green grass and lawns and the odd, insane tree that was in blossom. I managed to smuggle seeds back with me and am waiting for a quiet weekend to start germinating the beans, tomatoes and multi-coloured sunflowers I bought. I saw mini-gardens for sale in train stations and remembered how lucky I am to live in a country where having a garden is the norm and not a luxury.
I didn’t make to Kew. Boo. I really wanted to see the compost heap there. But I’ll be back, no fear. And next time, I’ll come in the spring, so I can really see the green wonders of that wonderful city. Thanks, London. I had a ball.
But I can’t lie: I’m delighted to be home. It’s boiling hot, I swim every day and read my book in the pool. The garden is looking incredible – green and lush after the good rains. My herbs are looking strong, the roses are in their second flush and the agapanthus has huge heads of purple flowers. I’ll post some photos soon.
In other news: I’m sure she’ll post an update, but I did just want to wish dear Vivh bon voyage. She’s off on a big adventure, and I can’t wait to see what she has to say about the things she sees. And Viv, please take the best wishes, hopes and prayers of all of us to the people of Mumbai. Tell them they’re not alone.
Thanks rebekahn. Good to have you home.
Squirrels in Kensington Gardens are the most impertinent animals in the whole world. Sort of like the Artful Dodger in Oliver but without the charm.
They show neither fear nor respect and would mug you for half a biscuit.
My sister gets in terrible trouble because her dog, being a dog, chases (and occasionally catches) the things.
Glad you had a good time.
That also amazed me – the fact that regardless of the weather, the open spaces and parks are so well used. Maybe it’s because of the weather, and the lack of space?
I think you’re right, Ross. We’re spoiled for space in South Africa, and so going out and using parks for recreation is not something many of us do. But if I lived in a tiny London flat, I’d be out as much as possible too. I guess they have thicker blood over there, so the cold doesn’t bother them as much!
And James, I agree with you too. The squirrels I came across all gave me dirty looks, and then turned their tails on me and waggled their squashy bums in my face. No charm at all…
[...] risotto come springtime are good. I’m very proud of these guys – I bought them on a trip to the UK in November last year and smuggled the seeds back, and have been keeping them safe ever since. I may [...]