First day in London
The first day in London is constant activity to keep our sleep deprived minds awake until sunset. First, we hit the main touristy places, such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Parliment, and Downing Street. Tony Blair is regretably unavailable to meet with us, but maybe next time. We then grab a quick bite to eat and head to the parks.
Today Hyde Park, the most famous of London's parks, bustles with people enjoying the gorgeous summer weather. There are many football games, but most just lay out in the sun. Others, however, come to the park for reasons besides leisure. Speaker's Corner is a curious but popular section where Londoners group around and listen to individuals standing on boxes or crates. This tradition is old, apparently begun to protest a decree that slandering the king on British soil is treasonous -- hence standing on boxes.
Despite the corner's political beginnings, today's speakers mostly rant about religion. There are Muslim fundamentalists, Christian fundamentalists, and enough mixed nuts to feed the park's squirrels indefinitely. But what strikes me about the corner is how the crowds often indulge the speakers by arguing, and sometimes by chanting bible passages.
One of the speakers has a refreshingly honest sign on his chest: "It's now or never. Come listen to me. I'm very clever. I know everything." Sadly, nobody listens.
The final stop of the day is Camdentown. There are masses of people shopping in the offbeat shops and outdoor stands along the streets. Many have wild, dyed hair, and wear 1980's punk clothes.
Today Hyde Park, the most famous of London's parks, bustles with people enjoying the gorgeous summer weather. There are many football games, but most just lay out in the sun. Others, however, come to the park for reasons besides leisure. Speaker's Corner is a curious but popular section where Londoners group around and listen to individuals standing on boxes or crates. This tradition is old, apparently begun to protest a decree that slandering the king on British soil is treasonous -- hence standing on boxes.
Despite the corner's political beginnings, today's speakers mostly rant about religion. There are Muslim fundamentalists, Christian fundamentalists, and enough mixed nuts to feed the park's squirrels indefinitely. But what strikes me about the corner is how the crowds often indulge the speakers by arguing, and sometimes by chanting bible passages.
One of the speakers has a refreshingly honest sign on his chest: "It's now or never. Come listen to me. I'm very clever. I know everything." Sadly, nobody listens.
The final stop of the day is Camdentown. There are masses of people shopping in the offbeat shops and outdoor stands along the streets. Many have wild, dyed hair, and wear 1980's punk clothes.
posted by Mike Rainey at 3:25 AM
