London 2014/2124

Ten years ago I made my momentous decision to leave London for the South Coast. I was born in London and regarded myself as a Londoner.

My closest friend- alas now passed – opined that I would be back in 2 years if I could afford the housing prices.

I can see the attraction and attractions of London. For the sports lover there are three major football teams in well-appointed stadia and 4 others down the division.

There is also the rugby union ‘headquarters’ (Twickenham) – now rebranded as the Alliance – and the home of cricket (Lords) and, of course, Wembley .

On the outskirts are famous racecourses at Epsom and Ascot – and others at Sandown Park, Kempton and Lingfield.

For classical music lovers, there are 4 world renowned orchestras – the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic, the London Philharmonic and the BBC Symphony Orchestra – at venues like the Southbank and Barbican.

There is opera at the Colosseum and Royal Opera House and you can see a different play 28 days in the month.

So why any grouse?

Well, after a two-day visit, I noted how difficult it is to get around.

On my arrival on Sunday at Victoria station, the taxi driver found Buckingham Palace blocked en route to Pall Mall and detoured to Whitehall – also blocked. With £20 on the click, we were back in Victoria for a slow trek up Piccadilly. The driver could not in all conscience take £30, so we compromised on £25.

The following day I decided to walk from Pall Mail to Marylebone.

Twice I had to change pavements because of road closures and scaffolding and – too numerous to mention – had to evade fellow walkers on their mobiles.

The following day – a crisp late autumnal one – I decided to walk through St James Park to Victoria.

The London  parks have thankfully avoided change, but sadly the ubiquitous mobile phone user has little inclination to commune with nature. It was of some relief to see a toddler chatting up a swan. I also, in crossing traffic lights on the “green man” signal, has to dodge a cyclist indifferent to the red light.

No, I don’t miss London.