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One Day More....

lindaglamour
Nov 16, 2016
3 min read

I read today that the great Australian performer Simon Gleeson is taking on the role of Jean Val Jean in the London West End production of Les Miserables. Having seen his performance in Melbourne I can imagine he will take London by storm! But the story reminded me of my last day in London.

London is a joy. Samuel Pepys once said that when one is tired of London one is tired of life and I am not tired of life nor London! Despite my familiarity with the city it always has a surprise for me. On my last day in the UK I travelled into London by train from Esher to Waterloo Station. Despite the slightly grey day and drizzle London gave me a sunny welcome.

Walking up Regent St I stopped at The Cafe Royale for a coffee - probably the most expensive by far at 5GBP but as I sat with the smiling faces of David Bowie, Mick Jagger and Lulu above me in a picture from their days at the Royale, I gazed with pleasure through the window to the ornate marble work of the building opposite.

Burberry beckoned so I crossed the street and purchased a gift - how sweet the packaging and bow.

The Christmas lights of London are in place but not yet turned on. The large angels spreading their wings down Regent st are breathtaking and made me wish, once more, that I was staying longer...that I was here for Christmas...that I was staying....always.

Lunchtime approached and I met up with my friend of many years @apostrophewoman at Bob Bob Ricard restaurant. What a place! Set into Soho and just around the corner from Carnaby Street, the restaurant beckoned and promised a luxury experience and we were not disappointed.

Past the art deco swinging doors and reception, I was taken through into the restaurant. Each space is a velvet clad booth. It is renown for its express button "Press for Champagne". A rhubarb gin and tonic, a glass of champagne - beetroot and goats cheese salad, Devon crab salad, a side order of fries and corn. Such delicious bites. How fabulous to share lunch in London with a friend I have known for over 30 years.

Saying farewell and heading our separate ways, I had another dear friend to say farewell to. My mother's Aunt advised me on my very first trip to London to pat the lion's paw at Trafalgar Square and it would ensure I would always return and for all the times since that first time, I have patted his paw and I have returned. Today I would ensure my return once more.

No matter the crowds I seem to be able to find a small space where it is just my lion and me. I pat his paw. He smiles down but with typical English reserve. We acknowledge our connection and his promise swells in my heart and mind. I am satisfied and happy.

I catch the tube back to Waterloo Station. Standing in the crowd gazing up at the signage searching for my platform and train that will return me to Esher, it all seems so familiar, so real. So as it should be. From the train window I watch London recede....the M5 building, the London Eye, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster disappear from my view. While it would be easy for me to be sad, to succumb to the grey sky and mood I do not. I shall be returning. I shall come home once more. My Lion has promised.