Around London in 80 days
In these uncertain times, I need a lifeline and a horizon so I have — somewhat arbitrarily I’ll admit — set a date. April 1st will be my horizon ; my lifeline will be the 80 days separating me from it.
And as I cannot go around the world right now, I give you A Mad Belgian’s “Around London in 80 Days” : eighty impressions of London, eighty stories, places, thoughts from my experience of this wonderfully mad and maddening city.
Day 62: From the top
From the top of the bus you can see everything. You fly through the city, you are high above ground. You are the king of this town.
It is hard, though, to get to the top. First you have to conquer the shaky stairs that take you up a level. And once you’re up there, you still have to keep cool.
Do not panic when it looks like you’re about to drive over a car: the driver always stops just in time. And when you pass under a tree and a branch hits the bus with a loud “PANG”, don’t scream. Just keep calm and carry on. Breathe.
There are territorial issues on the top of the bus, too. Often, you will find someone in your seat, a rude man or woman who did not realise that this front seat was not free but merely waiting for you.
So you have to be patient. You wait, a stop or two or three until they get off and you can swoop in, finally. Back to your rightful place, in the front, at the top.
From this throne, you admire the view, you enjoy the freedom. No driver in sight. Nothing stands between you and London.
