London April - June 2008 Part Two
UNITED KINGDOM | Tuesday, 17 June 2008 | Views [93] | Comments [1]
My mum always said that if you don't have anything nice to say, you shouldn't say anything at all. So I have thought long and hard about the final story for the end of my time in London. This is the final of two drafts.
I could tell you about the people of London. I could tell you about their self-obsession, their materialism, their vaniety. I could tell you about the underlying presence of fear, that pervades every situation in which you encounter people, from passing someone on the street, to being alone at night on the bus. I could tell about the disgusting and revolting attitude that men have towards women, their stares and their comments. A chauvinism that I have no time for. I could tell you about the women. But then that really wouldn't be nice at all.
So I won't. Instead a list about all the things that I have enjoyed and will cherish about London. Caffe Nero Mocha's; Kew Gardens; The train trips out into the countryside; Curry and Vodka in Soho; Brunch with crossiant and coffee from the Bread Shop on Turnham Green Church Common; the gym; Wine and giggles with Andi and Toby; the Fulham nightlife experience with Brit; Greenwich village and markets; the West End and the Theatre.
I am leaving london in 3 sleeps. Whilst I am a little sad to be leaving friends, I am stoked to be out of here.
Since my last report I ventured out of London twice. I have been to Sherborne in Dorset and stayed with William's lovely grandparents. We visited Cerne Abbas - the big roman giant in the field, Weymouth Beach, Portland where the olympic sailing will be, Chesil Beach, West Bay and Bridport. I have visited old clients in their home in Dorking, Surrey. We saw the estate where the Queen Mother had her honeymoon, we saw the church that was used for the end wedding scene from Bridget Jones' Diary 2 and the house where The Holiday was filmed.
I have ventured up London Eye, which may I suggest is NOT ideal for those who have fear of height issues. Westminster Abbey was a highlight, especially the poets corner. We have ventured into Kew Gardens for the treetop walk, again not for the faint hearted. Flugtag with 80,000 people in Hyde park and the West end stage show the Sound of Music was a brilliant birthday weekend treat and another highlight. Various musuems and churches along the way have all been very interesting. My Aunt and Uncle visited on their way to France, which was great to see them and catch up on the news from NZ.
Catching up with friends from NZ has been great. One thing about travelling I have learnt is that it is best when shared - Quinn where are you?? I have spent a few nights out - a real true blue london experience out with Brit in Fulham, a wonderful curry night in Soho with Andi and Tobes, getting familiar with the locals and their habits - its all going on here.
A ferry trip to Greenwich a few weekends ago was awesome. We visited the observatory, the naval museum and crossed under the Thames in the foot tunnel. I will dearly miss our picnics.
I don't think I will be back to London. I think I was always going to be hard to please. Also I have always come with the mindset that I was only here for a short time and I am really keen to get my backpack on again. I am restless.
So onwards and upwards from here. I fly to Paris on sunday where I stay for a week with Debbie, Bruno and the kids. We then travel down to Corsica from there. Two months of watching the kids on the beach in 30 degree heat. Life's tough, but someone has to do it.
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