Sunday, October 29/2023

 « When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, » said Dr Johnson. Gender inclusive statements weren’t a big thing in the eighteenth century. But it was and is true that London encompasses more than can be appreciated in one lifetime. One of the pleasures - first noted on a visit in 1989 - is the variety of impressive cars. On the walk over to the supermarket we pass Jaguars and Porsches. Even a Rolls Royce and a Tesla. The ordinary cars are the various Mercedes and BMWs. As well as less common models of more modest makes that we don’t run into at home. Though maybe if we lived in Vancouver. Would half tons seem exotic in London or just unsophisticated?

But not far from where we are staying now and in the heart of some of the places we have stayed in the past there is a different world. No Jaguars and people without homes let alone cars. The sign in this window in Kilburn High Road says SHOP TO RENT. The vacancy doubtless to the advantage of the rough sleepers who would not have been an asset to business. Looks like at least two regulars. Their temporary absence allowing me to take this photo without violating their privacy.