London in the heat

London in the summertime is first of all an overcrowded city with millions of tourists arriving from every part of the world to catch a glimpse of the oh-so-famous sights along the river Thames and to throw themselves into the masses wandering down the shopping streets in the centre of London. And while the ordinary Londoner tries to enjoy as much of the sunshine as he can by lying in the park or in the garden (the lucky ones), everyone is fearing that it's not gonna stay summer for long.

We decided to join the masses along Southbank and strolled down to St. Catherine's Dock which is an island of peace in the restless city, just around the corner from Tower Bridge. The rich Londoners have their yachts lying there and enjoy some sparkling wine on the decks while the normal people join the crowds on the terace of one of the cafes nearby.


One of the architectural highlights of recent years is certainly the London City Hall, with its spiralled staircase and a great view all around London. In the basement there is a huge map of London, featuring the new olympic site to be built for 2012, and with all of London spread out on the floor. We managed to find our place, although it took some time ;-)









After a long walk in the sun along the river it was time for some relaxation and we entered Green Park near Buckingham Palace for a picknick in the grass. It seems like the city's population favours the park above their local balcony - or is it just that only a minority of people can afford a garden in the middle of London?

We spent the evening indoors in a lovely pub in Soho, chatting and having a couple of refreshing drinks in the summer heat before we left for home with a personal cab service. How nice is that, to have your personal chauffeur! Apparently, the driver knows the way back home already, so no need to give directions...;-)

The weekend finishes with a chill-out walk alongside the canal and some delicious smoothie in a cafe near Angel station. It seems that the Brits, who have so long built up their reputation for having the worst food ever, are now obsessed with healthy and great food in all varieties. As I think about it, I realise that I actually had the best food ever in London. The huge selection of restaurants from all over the world has made London a fun place to taste different specialities and regional foods. And Borough Market really is a great place to tuck into fresh fruits and vegetables!


Back in Brussels after a slow train ride through the Tunnel, there is just some more summer heat to enjoy...but let's recall that this is Europe: By Monday afternoon we are back on rainy summer days. At least this makes it easier to spend time in the office ;-)