London Diary : Mind the Gap
by Arunima Kumar
"
Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." -Samuel Johnson Walk down the streets of London, and that is one thing you can do when here, anywhere that you fancy and each strand will tell a story. I love getting lost in London despite my efficient google map app. It feels as vivid and surreal as a fairy tale bed time book. Raw mornings with freshly brewed coffee in the air, the tube rush, lonely rainy afternoons with a smokey cup of tea, weathered facades and magnificent victorian architecture, pale evenings coloured by graffiti and excited evenings in pubs and comedy nights...there is a contradiction in every moment....from chaos to silence.To me it works as an inspiration. How can you not become an artist in London! Even if one can doubt the London weather, this summer London will come alive with some of the most innovative yet outrageous events. Some of my favourite and crazy picks this summertime include the Victoria Park's Lovebox festival, the scandalous World Naked Bike Ride, north London's rooftop beach, the Real Food Market at Southbank, the Royal Ascot race, and a high-tech geek-fest at the Barbican. The London Free Festival, a must watch as NOTHING is free in London, brings an impressive line-up with a four-day street party (June 4-8) of Latin and Caribbean food and fun. From June 23-July 6, enjoy strawberries and cream at Wimbledon, and music from July 9-25, with regular lunchtime and evening performances around all major Parks and venues. For filmy buffs, watch secret cinema, an immersive experience from the critically acclaimed to cult classics.There is something for everyone, even our beloved dogs and cats...See you in London where your spirit will come alive.
