London bus route number 87

I love this bus route. Why pay for a tour bus when the top deck of any bus in London can provide amazing views of our wonderful capital city? I have never lived here but visit frequently and usually find something new to see, examine or admire. The architecture I’ve seen today is stunning.

I’m usually with at least one of my children but today is a very rare trip on my own. A leisurely ride on this bus (love the Oyster card as I do not have a contactless bank card!) was the perfect start to my day. Bridges over the Thames; Westminster; horseguards parade and Trafalgar Square are all highlights of this route for me.

National Gallery next.

Fabulous couple of hours at the National Gallery. Disappointed that they will allow cabin sized cases if visiting a paid for, pre-booked exhibition but only smaller rucksack or handbag types if only visiting the free part of the gallery. Cost me £7.50 to leave bag at the Charing cross baggage storage, money I would rather have spent in the gallery shop. Security concerns I understand: to allow medium sized baggage in one part but not another baffles me.

Remember to look up.

Finished my time with a free gig outside the station. #GigsBigBusk Excellent initiative.

#lovelondon

Look up….

When I’m suffering really badly with anxiety and/or depression then I forget to look up.

If I spend any time out of the house (my safest of safe places but also, paradoxically, a reminder of my trigger) I look at my feet/the pavement/ the dog/the children’s heads (worked better when they were smaller), walls (definitely NOT any mirrors!), did I mention the pavement? It’s a tried and tested technique of not catching people’s eye and therefore avoids talking to people.

I’m really good at spotting litter and if the dog didn’t object to me dropping regularly would pick more up then the one piece each walk that I currently do.

Making the area better one piece at a time is a realistic aim for me.

But time spent looking up is marvellous! The trees – their differences and their similarities, the things they can reveal if you look properly . A beautiful building in a state of disrepair as an ageing star of screen and state might age. An old cottage being renovated lovingly and carefully one hand-carved stone at a time. Birds are beautiful and their songs uplifting (okay, not all their songs are great)

Local trees here are already showing signs of shortage of water. Their leaves are brittle, some are brown and beginning to look like early autumn.

If I’m in a city then looking up can be very rewarding. Old buildings often retain their original features past the first floor. Stained glass windows can often be glimpsed.

Just need to remember to look down occasionally so I don’t bump into people or walk through thoughtlessly left dog poo. Always, always pick it up!!!!!!