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 68: Everyday Life
In London, people live in tiny rooms. They share their kitchen with eight others. It’s cold and hard and scary at times.
Then they get on a crowded tube to work, alone in the mass of anonymous commuters. When it’s their stop, they push through to get out and they walk hurriedly through the dark corridors. They stand on the right of extra-long escalators pondering upon the aburdity of this existence.
Then they hit the ground, they see the London sun on Piccadilly, walk through the busy streets of Soho. It’s buzzing, it’s free, it’s weird and exciting. It’s mysterious and elegant, quirky and extravagant.
The heart of London is unlike anywhere else, they think to themselves. And they smile and embrace this life they chose, hard at times but full of adventures and hope.
If impressions were flowers, this would be a striking bouquet to describe London!
Thank you very much for this lovely comment (and all the others !)