When I think of London, I must have the memory of a goldfish. I grew up there and I loved it yet, in my twenties I spent all my money on air tickets to get away from it. When I'm elsewhere I think if it fondly but the moment that plane starts descending through the two thick layers of clouds, I remember how awful it is!
I'm sure it wasn't all that bad in the seventies and eighties. I still hop on buses and think a journey will only take 10 or 15 minutes when it now takes an hour. My brother and I took a bus to St. Thomas'. It runs along Wandsworth Road which has to be one of the grimest places in London. For some inexplicable reason, the bus stopped half way along there and an inspector got on and told everyone to get off. The bus stop was right outside these dry cleaners. Who would take anything to be cleaned here? We passed a housing estate with one of the 'blocks' called Lockyer House which amused me. I daren't take my camera out of my bag to take the photo though or I'd have been mugged! (I took the photo of the dry cleaners from the door of the bus after everyone got off and was running to get on one behind).
St. Thomas' is situated right opposite the Houses of Parliament and has views from the windows that only the wealthiest can normally afford. It was overcast and grey as only London can be and the windows were very dirty but I took photos anyway. It was so strange to be visiting Mum here as she's never been in hospital before but I visited Dad here many times (He had nine lives, like a cat.)
Same window, further to the right. (On my last visit, I went straight from here to the airport so I had a small bag on wheels. With all the paranoia about terrorism these days, it's odd that anyone can come and go anywhere in the hospital without question in a building within striking range of the Houses of Parliament). Mum looked much better yesterday morning thankfully and despite all the horror stories in the media about the NHS she's getting great care. The nurses were very helpful, always around asking everyone how they were and what they needed and generally keeping everyone smiling and laughing. I wonder if Mum will want to go home?!
3 comments:
WHAT GREAT PIX of London!! I hope your mom is doing well!
Thanks for sharing the photos of London Felicity. I think some of these sad run-down and neglected places probably have some of the most interesting social history attached to them. All cities have their dangerous and dark sides. I only have memories of London on a brilliant late Spring day and all the beautifully presented historical places. Wish I'd had time to get to see the place a little better. Glad you're Mum is doing ok.
I thought it was interesting when you said you daren't take your camera out. You know even in the grottiest most down-at-heel parts of London I don't generally feel like that. Maybe late at night, on my own, but not during the day. It's good of you to post these pictures - not just the tourist shots.
I love the hand drawing above.
I sympathise with you living in one country and having a sick mother in another.
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