Quiet Thoughts in London
WIlderness in Hyde Park © A. Harrison
Despite the chaos and the crowds, London is full of quiet spots. The first I discovered was, remarkably, Heathrow Airport, when we landed in the first light of morning. After a long flight with little sleep, and with queues for security and waiting for our luggage, we needed a moment to sit and catch our breath over a coffee. The place was half empty, perfect for planning our attack for the day before jetlag struck.
The area around our hotel was another. Just five minutes from Paddington station. Who knew the place had so many exits? Thought we were at Exit A when we were actually at Exit B, turned the wrong way, walked down the road, turned around, crossed the street, found ourselves where we thought we had started.
Gothic spires of St Mary’s, Paddington © A. Harrison
The chaos of arriving, the bustle around the station, restaurants and cafes serving the midday crowds. Heading towards our hotel we strolled down to Sussex gardens - literally a few minutes away and all is quiet. So peaceful, with trees everywhere dressed in the soft greens of spring. I love the London mews, so often hidden from sight. Flowers were in bloom everywhere, from window sills to lampposts.
Flowers at every turn © A. Harrison
Upstairs at Kings Cross St, we sat awhile after the chaos of finding platform 9 3/4. It was a pleasure to have a cold drink and watching the world below, where so many people milled around below, staring at the clocks, looking at platform info. Perhaps they were simply mesmerised by all the numbers, but some took forever to find their gate. Why did they stand there so long?
Suddenly, the answer came as a gate opened and everyone filed through, in an orderly, very British queue. Then the gate closed, the next lot start massing.
I glanced up: the ceiling was the most amazing modern architecture, in such an old building. An old building rumoured to be the resting place of Queen Boudica.
An unlikely resting place for England’s warrior queen © A. Harrison
In Hyde Park , we walked awhile with the crowds enjoying the sunshine, before coming across many parts which are almost wilderness. I love all the daisies popping up in the lawns. Just offering a place to sit, and be for a while.
Daisies in Hyde Park © A. Harrison
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