Sunday, April 20, 2008

Back in London

I arrived back in London this morning. Typhoon signal number 3 was hoisted when I left Hong Kong and water was pouring from the sky. I love that type of weather but it made for a bumpy start to the flight. The biggest disturbance occurred as the first round of drinks were being served and the man next to me ended up with a very wet lap.


No such exciting weather when I landed in London. It was gloomy and cold and the trip home from the airport was painful. Sunday morning is probably the worst possible time to arrive in London. The city is covered with evidence of the night before and the drunken perpetrators are still stumbling home.

Walking along the pavement, I had to pick up my rolling suitcase repeatedly to avoid bottles, spilt food, vomit and dog poo. It didn't get any better when I reached home - a bag of rubbish had been emptied in front of the apartment building and a bottle of wine spilt across the floor of the lobby.

I thought I'd seen it all but then I went out shopping and spotted this on the street...


Yum! I was marvelling that I've lasted two and a half years here.

Things started to look up though. I had a cheap and delicious Turkish breakfast in Dalston followed by a walk in the park. A little later I was in the front window of a tea shop with a pot of tea and a slice of gluten free chocolate cake.

As the caffeine started to kick in, I watched people passing by and realised how much I feel at home in this city of huge variety. It may be grotty but it's good to be back.

6 comments:

Cal said...

And we're glad you're back too.

Jean said...

Welcome back Joe! Let's catch up soon, looking forward to hearing all the Sydney / HK stories.

Joe said...

Thanks!! Will be great to see you guys again. Btw, I'm thinking of forming a Sunday morning Dalston breakfast club.

Cal said...

We'll be Sunday morning's Gilbert and George.

Joe said...

Yes! I'll have to get a suit :)

j a s o n said...

I got soooooo drenched, like i'd thrown myself into a pool...

I loved it though walking in the warm tropical rain is excellent fun. Feels good to be alive.

PS I dont miss London...

PPS I actually am appreciating HK from Beijing...I actually miss the hustle and bustle - WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME?

was great to see you guys in town - cant wait to next time!!