I arrived back in London on Wednesday morning. This time I left my bike at the airport and made my way to South West London by the Tube. This may seem to be an irrelevant piece of information. The reason I make note of this is that last year my plan was to ride from LHR to SW18. I unpacked my bike and donned by ride gear. When I emerged from the arrivals area I was greeted by hosted doubled up in fits of laughter. He found it extremely amusing to see me coming off the plan in such a state. He dined out on that story for many months- in fact he is still talking about it.
Best Croissants
I arrived in SW18 and headed straight to the French Patisserie near the station to buy three croissants – one for me and two for my hosts. I am serious creature of habit. It is great shop. The staff insist on speaking in French. Most of their customers oblige. My conversation with them is very limited. I have say however, that their pastries are sensational. If they were to move to Balmain, Adriano Zumbo would have serious competition.
Hosts Briefed on Preventing Overstays
I then descended on my hosts. They have been well briefed by my Canberra host, who in turned has been advised by my Balmain host, as to my propensity to stay longer than planned. They seem not to have got the message, having refurbished the guest bathroom just in time for my arrival. It has made to place even more desirable.
Watching the State of Origin
After a quick shower, I was off the Slug in Wimbeldon to watch the State of Origin (SoS) game being broadcast from the Olympic Stadium in Sydney. To my horror, they were not showing the game. Apparently, Sky (i.e. Murdoch) charges pubs exorbitant fees to show live sport. My host later advised me that this part of their cunning plan to force people to subscribe to pay TV. Bad move Rupert- big games like the SoS and Rugby Test Matches are best watched in pubs. As an Australian (albeit lapsed) you should know that.
The game was being shown at the Slug in Fulham. I made it there to see the start of the second half with NSW leading 14-0. The other customers were mainly Queensland supporters all decked out in maroon jerseys. Why is that they are so keen on advertising their allegiance? Two years ago when I was in Hong Kong at the time of game three, I was confronted with the same spectacle – about 50/50 NSW and Queensland supporters, but 90% of the ‘cane toads’ in maroon.
It was so good to see NSW win.
South Kensington
After the game I took the tube to South Kensington. This is special place for me. At this stage all I will say is that it is an excellent example as why London is such a great city. That area is all medium high rise – 4 to 6 story terrace houses. A good example is Sumner Place. The buildings are used for many purposes. In the same street you will find: a hotel with say 20 rooms, five large flats, up to 10 one bed room flats, all using the same basic structure. You will also the see occasional terrace that is owned and occupied by on family – all five levels. These houses are worth several million. The key point is that all these dwellings are close. The various people that live in the different dwellings socialize to some extent. They do not live miles apart as similar people do in other cities. The physical infrastructure in streets like Sumner Place encourages social cohesion. It is not perfect but it works.
I walked from Sth Ken to Knightsbridge and walked through Harrods. I once heard the actor, Richard Burton say that you see the most beautiful women in the world in Hans Crescent which is on the eastern side of Harrods. Dick you are so right – wherever you are.
Centre of the World?
I then made my way up to Piccadilly Circus – possibly still the centre of the world.
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