The last days of summer are dawning in London, and the winter is marching in. I’m glad though. We all look forward to hot summer days, lying in the parks or sitting by the river, but in reality that never happens. This year every time there was a nice day I tended to be in the office. When I’d finally escape, the beer gardens would be packed, and the crowds and crowds of tourists would be everywhere, shuffling their feet and stopping to photograph everything. Summer in the city may seem the perfect thing, but everyone forgets how much it smells, the Thames, the drains, the rubbish.....
Now it’s October, and it’s still pleasant outside, not too hot or cold, so far not too much rain (although London could do with some to wash away the dirt and grime). And the tourists have left and this makes me very happy, I can now walk to work/the gym/the supermarket without getting pushed around and having to step into the road to get through. Unfortunately it is starting to get dark earlier, which makes me sleepy and wanting to go to bed early, this is the only downside.
But mostly I love this time of year, Autumn/Winter. Getting into pjs/jumpers/slippers early, curling up with a good book and a big mug of tea, tucking the blanket round me and enjoying the hibernation time. Everything slows down. The woolly boots and Uggs come out, making it acceptable to visit the theatre/cinema in your slippers. Going swimming and then the sauna, and emerging all warm into the cold air. Watching your frozen breathe all misty and warm. Playing in the fallen leaves. Snow falling, sending the entire country into chaos. Yes, I cannot wait for winter. I can’t wait to hibernate and ignore the world for a few months.
