Who knew

Parades on the 4th of July in London- !! I love the American influence!

What I love more than American influence is walking down the street
on a beautiful summer night hearing so many different languages being spoken. Perhaps their are some who would feel discomfort and a yearning for home. Not me. I think of how fantastically big this world is and I am now a part of it. I think whilst I am walking- I could live here!- just blend right in and not miss a beat.

I was the in the park earlier today as I looked around there were a Chinese couple and their toddler, a Swedish set of girls and from what I could observe regular ole' mixed bag of Londonites. We were all enjoying the day and apparently appreciating Gordon Park the same as Virginia Woolf and Vanessa Bell did in 1923. I am in the Bloomsbury area- the place famous for the controversial writers and economics of the group Bloomsbury and I was sitting on a bench in Gordon Park. The same as all the beforementioned being in the same place at the same time and having the same interest in the park despite the differences in our backgrounds. Gotta love a world class city.

Last night at the pub, so many voices again to be heard and appreciated by my Columbus Ohio ears. Alcohol may be the bond, but what brought them into that pub in the first place. Common threads amoungst us: the park, the parade, the pub. I find it all interesting, all friendly and fun.

I think the atmosphere here is generally good. The outlook positive- well, except for the old lady in the stripped shirt without a bra on and without several teeth on the street yesterday by the shops. As she passed the group of us I must have been staring and she did turn and ask me ( by then I had turned and started to mind my own business) and I heard her say "what are you looking at?" Ooops. I said nothing. But had contemplated which I would have picked - "your missing teeth or your breasts bobbing". I decided it was best left unsaid and reminded myself to be more mindful of my apparent non-transparent! (oops!) stares. Of course, I passed her again on another street. I didn't stare. I had learned my lesson.

Food not so good in Connaught Hall. Food at the outdoor Brunswick Mall amid the vendors- excellent! Wow what a fab Saturday set up. Pastries with the best cupcake designs ( when I make cupcakes at home now I will have been duplicating the London design!) and every nationality had a tent and a table with an extrovert managing sales. Sunshine, shoppers, savories and sweets....mmmm.

I found Diet Coke and I am sad to report I have indeed bought a six pack and put it in the refrigerator here. My cold turkey quitting of the canned chemicals did not happen yet. Perhaps I should try to be weaned instead. I have a coffee maker in my room.... maybe I should use it. Maybe.