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Published: July 27th 2008
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London Landmarks
Two of the most famous sites in London with the setting sun between them. OK - it's HOT! I don't mean mildly warm and pleasant. I mean hot and humid. What a contrast this is to last weekend. Sunday night, I was at the pub with friends. We were in jeans, jumpers and winter coats. Today? Shorts and golf shirts are almost too much to bear. I guess I shouldn't complain - it is July, after all. But, one of the reasons I live in England is so I won't have to deal with this weather.
Because it is so rarely this hot, very few places in London are air conditioned. So, everyone finds a tree in the park or somewhere to get wet and basically waits it out. The good news is we all know this won't last and we'll be back in fleeces before too long.
I woke up yesterday morning and my first conscious thought was that I needed to find a venue that was cool. The cinema! I wanted to go again anyway, so this was the perfect excuse. Now, those of you who know me will not be surprised to learn that I subscribe to about five different weekly emails that list the top cultural (and otherwise) events
Alfred Bridge
My favourite bridge in London -- especially at night. in London. For the first time ever, last week they all listed the same event as their number one. "The Dark Knight". Not being a huge summer blockbuster fan, I was a bit surprised by this, but decided it was worth a peek. To get ready, I had rented the first one a few nights ago and thought is was OK, but nothing special. However, the cinema will be air conditioned which was all the added incentive I needed.
What a film! It is a good story (it is great until about the last fifteen minutes), beautifully shot and well acted. I have read countless reviews that are talking about a posthumous Oscar for Heath Ledger. I don't disagree. He is positively brilliant and his performance alone is worth the price of admission. I have been a fan of his since "A Knight's Tale", one of my favourite films of all time. When one compares that performance, his performance in "Brokeback" and this performance as the Joker, it is obvious to me that the world has been robbed of a great actor.
I tore myself away from the cool as I had to get ready to go to
The London Eye
Even more special lit up at night. a 30th birthday party. What luck! Several months ago, my friend Daniela had decided to have her party on a boat cruising the Thames. It was probably the one cool spot in London last night - and what a gorgeous night. In spite of the humidity, the sky was clear and, as the sun set and the lights came up, the city looked magical. We were all very grateful to her for getting us onto the water. I hadn't taken my good camera, but my little one did capture some good shots.
This morning, I was sitting in front of my fan feeling particularly grumpy when Jeremy rang and suggested we get out of the sweatboxes that are our flats. I wholeheartedly agreed. We went for the usual coffee, then strolled through the open air market just down the road from us. We tried on shoes, ate fresh fruit, laughed at the tacky clothes and debated on the best smelling kebabs we had come across in some time. Deciding that it was still too early and too hot, we pressed on.
We walked through Regent's Park and paddled a bit in the lake. I was tempted to go
Tower Bridge
My second favourite. in, but the park police were about and dealing with them yelling at me was just too much to bear. After a very long walk, we went over to Marylebone High Street to find some lunch. We found a Moroccan restaurant where we could sit outside in the shade, have a cold beer and some salads. Perfect! We sat there for a fair bit until deciding that our sofas and the papers were a better idea than drinking all afternoon in the heat.
I sat in front of my fan, whining to myself, until about 7.00. At that point, I decided enough was enough and had a cold shower. Which, as you know, is all fine and good until you step out of it. Really OTT now in terms of being hot and miserable, I called Jeremy and announced that he had an hour to come up with a plan that was going to be cool.
Men! His plan was to walk over to Primrose Hill to meet our friend Alex at a pub.
"Walk??" I exclaimed in horror.
"Get over it, Bohner. It's faster than sitting in a hot taxi"
Realising that he was right (I hate that!), I went and met him and we made the half hour walk to Primrose Hill. (I may have whined once or twice on the way over.) By the time we got to the pub, I was in a right state. Hot, sweaty, miserable and generally just being a ... well, you know. Jeremy was barely looking at me, let alone speaking to me. Alex had a cold glass of wine and a big glass of water waiting and, before long, I was feeling much more like my normal, happy-go-lucky self. I apologised to Jeremy for being such a... well you know, and things greatly improved.
After a few drinks, Alex decided to head home and Jeremy and I went in search of food. We found a Greek place that was willing to serve us and feasted on Greek starters and fish. Not too much, just enough. Perfect - as we have a HUGE day tomorrow.
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