Morning:
10°c
I've decided that Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is just about OK, looks pretty at night and smells deliciously of caramel but who on earth gave permission for a boat house on the Serpentine to be turned into a lakeside gift shoppe selling toys and awful, wildlife-themed wares at eye-watering prices? I simply don't understand - London's parks are an escape from the dreaded shopping experience. They are to plunge into, to look at trees, green spaces, the sky, and people jogging with rictus expressions of purpose on their panting faces, not for spending. Whoever thought it was a good idea to build new shops in our parks when some of our oldest high street brands are perishing should be P45'd forthwith.
Speaking of parks, I was en route to my morning dog walk when I saw a helmeted David Cameron with two mounted outriders whizzing down a Bayswater street, en route to the House of Commons to prepare for PMQs. Normally, I would have responded to his hale salutation of "Good morning" (loved that - it was as if we were passing each other on a bridle path in the Cotswolds) with a vigorous wave of my own and maybe a bon mot about his poll numbers. However, I had my dog on a lead in one hand and, in the other, a highly fragranced plastic bag containing her business - and not a bin in sight. Given the number of politicians who have to be seen to either cycle or walk to Westminster, I - as one of the capital's many considerate (and we all know what that means!) dog-owners - would welcome advice as to the proper etiquette of meeting and greeting when thus encumbered.
If you're also finding it hard to persuade your children of the joys of a frugal Christmas (unlike the Jolie-Pitts, who are smugly making all their presents for each other - pass the sick bag), I do not recommend a trip to Asprey. When we went, there was a long line of Bonpoint-clad children and mummies in fur, waiting to see Father Christmas. I sneaked up to an attendant elf and asked what kind of pressies were top of the pops this year. "A day in the sweet mines with Santa," she said. "One of Cinderella's slippers, and, oh yes " She looked almost nostalgic. "A private jet!"
Reader views (1)
Yes, and while you're at it, please tell your big brother Boz to keep housing out of Crystal Palace Park, remove those infernal 'vans and rejuvinate the spaces for recreational and field sports [more than airy-fairy
'leisure'] uses.
Actively make use of all these 'precious' 'public' spaces!
At least 'your' damnable shops are only temporary, Rachel!
- Dave, cumbria, 18/12/2008 10:16
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