Sketches of London

18th century author Samuel Johnson once famously said, "Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford."

Indeed, with a small pocket camera and good pair of walking shoes, one might never tire of London.
















If one does tire, there are plenty of nice places to stop and rest, take for example the Royal Albert Hall. There's a huge lawn across the street with large stone steps and sitting walls. Just find a nice spot, put up your feet, and watch the world go by. And it will go by.

Who knows, you might even get some free entertainment. Maybe a street musician will play your favorite Simon & Garfunkle songs. How do you get to the Royal Albert Hall? Practice!

Or if you're feeling a bit more spendy, the music inside is also very nice. David Gilmour used to be in this band called Pink Floyd. He plays there sometimes.

 Everyone stands and cheers for David. Wish you were here, mate.

That's what you call a night on the town.


And then...

And then...

Kensington Gardens anyone?

It's Sunday afternoon in the park and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain is full of children laughing and playing. The fountain is a big circuit of flowing water, some parts calm and tranquil, other parts turbulent, much like her life some tour guides might say. Children run and play and giggle and splash and tire themselves out and I like to think she would rather enjoy that.

At nightfall they lock up Kensington Gardens. If you find yourself on the wrong side of the gate all you can do is make shadow puppets until you find your way out. And you will find your way out. 

Then it's back to the pub for a pint or few. Cheers! The Mad Hatter Hotel? Couldn't ask for a more London place to stay.