It’s been a long time since I was a tour guide, but after about four years, and given the chance by Helia, my colleague who is on placement in London from Shanghai for six months, I seized the opportunity to dust off those strange stories of historic London that lie lurking at the deepest darkest corners of my brain in order to let the fairy tales live again.
Well, they might be tales, but how ‘fairy’ particularly when the Tower of London is involved, I could possibly use another descriptor.
Nonetheless, an unusually sunny October day was perfect for sightseeing rather unexpected sights.
Apart from the usual sights (tier 1 ones, I call them, such as the Tower / Tower Bridge, London Eye, Westminster, Buck House, Covent Garden, etc), we did stumble upon the filming of The Children of Men, a futuristic movie starring Clive Owen in 2006. It may be the same movie that caused me so much trouble in finding a parking spot three weeks’ earlier, but I won’t know. This time, the filming took place on the Mall, and in a true British example of efficiency, we stood there for an hour and a half as they struggled to rig up a camera to a Bentley, before “Action” was called and we proceeded to watch a minute of action before they would repeat the take again…
Our trip round London would also include a street performer on the South Bank escaping from a straight jacket with the technique of a simultaneous double shoulder dislocation, and a string quartet and opera singer at Covent Garden.
On reflection of our trip round London, it did occur to me one thing. How absolutely unique London is and how no one could recreate it anywhere in the world. I’m absolutely proud of this city and proud to show it off to Helia! This is one amazing city and for so many to enjoy.
Happy Birthday, Davinia
Hope I didn’t murder the Eagles’ Hotel California too much on Friday. At least I proved I’m as good as a Crash Test Dummy. Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm….
Tagged: Friends