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 25 : Run
I keep running, running, I’m not very quick. I run for fun, you see, I like the rhythm. Under my feet London’s pavements flash by.
I keep running, running, slowly but surely. I get to the park — finally. It’s Regent’s Park, made for the Prince Regent — regal, central, civilised, grand.
I keep running, running, in this open space. I feel almost tall, I feel light, I feel free ; I skip and jump and fly through the parks various zones.
I run around the open air theatre then by the water, I run pass the mosque then towards the zoo. I keep running, running, hair flying in the wind. It’s 2013 and I run through the park, a grin on my face ; I’m 25.
I think of my mother, she used to live here. She ran through this park too, four decades ago. She was 30 then and here I am now, my steps in her steps. It feels good whilst it lasts, but I know it will pass. I will later have to draw my own path.
I stop briefly at the café, catching my breath. Double espresso and I’m on my way. I run South this time, I finished my lap ; why not start drawing a different map ?
I keep running, running, faster and faster. It’s exhilarating to run in London, it’s irresistible.
A new way to start making London my own. I run towards a bright future (I hope).
