From another European journal, this time while on a paid library internship in London:
Sunday, June 2nd 1991
Clapham, Lambeth, London SW4
A new phase begins with my arrival here with the Adams family. Their dynamics were at first too complex to unravel, but I think the general emanations are good. John Adams has a dry, sophisticated wit, and the rest of the family to suit. Working for English Heritage begins officially tomorrow. . . This house, built by these architects, the Adams, is located at . . . Macaulay Rd., a short distance from the northeast terminus of Clapham Common, a huge common area.
Clapham the area, around Clapham Common tube station anyway, is dilapidated. The tube station itself is shabby and in need of an uplift. The rejuvenation of London apparently hasn't reached the outer perimeter. One hopes it will some day. (John characterizes these things as "dodgy" and "patchy").
Monday June 3rd . . . It's still chill & rainy out, though maybe the rain has stopped for a while. I walked around Clapham, saw the Indian and other restaurants, had an ale at the Prince of Wales after walking toward Chelsea Bridge, saw the factory at Battersea with the four great chimneys, now saved from extinction. Must always remember the diesel fumes from car and bus exhaust and never be dulled to it. Dirty old town, God save this mad parade. I took the packed tube to work, most of the way with John, and on the way back, I took the 137 bus down what John suggested would be scenic, but I thought was gray and polluted. Woe the day I think it's scenic!
What is great about living in London as an American is this: you already know a lot of places from pop songs, history, movies and books. Clapham definitely makes the grade. Take the Squeeze song "Up the Junction" (1979), composed by Chris Difford and Glenn Tillbrook:
I never thought it would happen
With me and the girl from Clapham
Out on a windy common
That night I ain't forgotten.
I ain't forgotten either, but I'm glad I kept a journal.
Today's Rune: Joy.
6 comments:
I am just glad that I ain't got the dementia yet for there was never any journal kept.
I suppose we're not going to see more about the girl eh? ;)
I don't like London much. It usually gives me a headache. My husband says that Soho is the best place to visit there. He used to live in London for several years and knows it like the back of his hand.
Nice London post.
LONDON IS A GREAT CITY, SO MANY THINGS TO SEE AND DO. MY DAUGHTER AND I BOARDED A DOUBLE DECKER BUS AND DID A TOUR OF THE CITY WIIH A BIRDS EYE VIEW. THE BA AND B WE STAYED AT WAS OK, CONVENIENT TO VICTORIA SATATION. WE JUST DID NOT KNOW THE HEAT WOULD BE TURNED OFF IN THE NIGHT TO SAVE FUEL AND FROZE OUR BUTTS OFF. LIVE AND LEARN BUT AT LEAST IT WAS A PLACE WE COULD AFFORD.
Erik, Once in a while something will jog an old memory. I LOVE when that happens..
Thanks for all the comments, y'all! Charles, I'll save it for "stories." Middle Ditch, that sounds about right. Anon, you betcha. And Jodi, love those moments, too.
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