London is a hoodoo city. Its everyday trajectories demand syncretism. Friendships flow from the meld that would be hard to start elsewhere. Anyone who fails to respond to the joy of possibility this offers has a hardened, heavy spirit I do not envy carrying.
The gravity of the capital has pulled people into my life from across the globe. Despite this, my friends here are still scattered across its measure. North and south of the river. East and West of the Prime Meridian.
Today we celebrate news and the new in Sardinia via Blackheath. Tiramisu, tea and champagne are consumed. Conversation ranges from modelling the future to working class food culture and the enchantment of In The Night Garden …
We laugh, share and imagine together. Take joy from each other’s reasons for happiness. This is camaraderie; this the splendour of having companions you love like family. It is not the triumphant tiramisu of Mrs. Saba that is the best pull-me-up, it being with such wonderful people.
Time dilates far too easily. Between glances at my watch, afternoon tea becomes eight pm. Amid grandparents and a child that makes me feel clucky, I feel such warmth that leaving to head home is beyond hard.
Our train back pulls towards Charring Cross, spoiling us with the view of Parliament haloed by the lights of the London Eye. The magic of London is manfold. Tonight though, its greatest expression is its ability to distort geography to better bless us with friendship.
5 comments:
What a rich repertoire of friends you happen to have. Tea and tiramisu-a concocted combination I have not thought nor thrived upon. Thank you for the sugary suggestion.
Maybe Earl Grey and tiramisu should not work, but the tiramisu of Mrs. Saba is sublime. Its transcendent nobility means it can rub shoulders with almost any beverage without conflict.
And how I love tiramisu-but alas, I have not had it in many years! I think I shall look for a recipe to make for sharing.
Just made homemade cinnamon rolls and the best part of them was sharing; that is why I enjoyed your recant of your night-money cannot buy such a good time with true friends whose company you immensely enjoy.
Cinnamon is my favourite spice. Of course you are right; sharing is transformative magic when it comes to food.
"[London's] everyday trajectories demand syncretism."
Oh my......
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