London Perpetually attracts, stimulates, gives me a play and a story and a poem, without any trouble, save that of moving my legs through the streets….To walk alone through London is the greatest rest.
– Virginia Woolf
Although I am not a true Londoner, in that I wasn’t born here, after 25 years of living here, London has as much a part of me as I am of it. I feel it beneath my skin, coursing through my veins, as intrinsic as a heartbeat or a quickly drawn breath. London whispers secrets in my ear, and leads me to hidden places. My love for this muddled up, confusing, staggeringly beautiful city knows no bounds. Both passionate and protective, this depth of feeling is buried within and yet ripples just beneath the surface, stealing up on me, reminding me anew why it stole my heart.
The quieter side of London is the one I love the most. Seeking out the peaceful tree lined streets of Hampstead, the hidden shops of Marylebone, the calm garden squares of Kensington or gentle stretches of The Thames, the cool interiors of churches and museums. All of it brings the greatest pleasure and moments of calm.
It is the stark contrast of these places to the bustling roads and sights so popular with tourists which bring me joy. And yet, just a few days ago on a warm July Saturday on a walk across Waterloo bridge I was encumbered by un unexpected heaviness of heart. With the London I know and love stretching in front and behind of me, and streaming beneath me, a sadness settled. It gathered pace as I walked along Piccadilly through China town and theatre land, to Covent Garden and beyond.
Piccadilly was empty, The doors of Fortnum and Mason flung open, and yet only a trickle of customers entered. Hatchards, is one of the best and the oldest bookshops in London, popular with Londoners and tourists alike and yet during peak shopping time I could count the number of customers on one hand as I wandered the carefully curated shelves.
Covent Garden, the first stop for so many when visiting London, fizzes with busy shops and quirky market stalls, and numerous places to eat and drink. The melting pot of people marching towards restaurants and theatres usually draw the crowds of people watchers
Currently The Royal Opera House stands proud but closed. Many cafes and restaurants have dusty ‘Temporarily closed due to Covid-19’ signs in their windows. Some I fear will be permanently rather than temporarily closed. Many of the coveted sets in the piazza and beyond are now empty. The famed performers cannot draw the crowds. Whilst some persevere valiantly in front of a handful of observes, other it seems have gone. Even for me, London has become uncomfortably quiet.
Where once the streets thronged with people, now it is hand sanitisers and 2 meter distancing signs which line the streets. London might be open for business but as of yet, it is not business as usual.
