Things seem familiar but not quite.  Like meeting someone you know from work in an out of work context.  It’s not like seeing things for the first time but rather seeing them from a completely different perspective.  I feel very much like a visitor.  A visitor that’s having loads of fun.

A few days in London brought us back into the land of lots of people with a jolt.  Everywhere you looked there were houses, people, cars and life moving at a fast pace.  It was an intense experience.  The strangest thing was that although I speak the language I did feel like I was a foreigner.  Fumbling with what notes and coins to use to pay.  Not being entirely clear how the system works.

Our first London outings were to get clean clothes to wear.  Once we were kitted out we could finally think about the fun stuff.  A walk around the park with our nephews and then a trip to central London. After a bank holiday crush at the Natural History Museum for my nephew to see the dinosaurs we headed to Hyde Park.

I love Hyde Park.  It’s expanse of green breathing life into the city.  People have been visiting Hyde Park for pleasure for centuries.  Although the trappings of people may have changed.  Fundamentally people still go to walk, to sit and to relax.

The thing that has struck me most about being back in the UK is the sense of history.  Living in the new world it’s a completely different feel.  I liked the fact that there were big monuments and buildings that are very old.  It was a comforting feeling.

There is no point trying to compare Wellington, Shanghai and London.  The differences are just to great.  Each has it’s own sense of place and time.  London feels solid and dependable.  Changing with the times but not trying to be trendy.  Shanghai is in over-drive right now rushing to make something of itself.  Wellington is laid back and taking life as it comes.  In London there is a sense of rhythm like a steady heart beat.

As we walked past the Albert Memorial to reach the Diana, Princess of Wales, Children’s Playground it struck me that it was a clever memorial for Diana. Something that reflected her short life.  My nephews thought the playground was wonderful as I did – there was so much for them to climb on, play with and although pretty full with bank holiday revelers it was a fantastic place for children. It wouldn’t have been right that she were recognised by some great statue even though this great statue is truly beautiful in a gothic victorian sort of way.

There is no doubt that London has bright lights and shops but they are for now not an attraction I’m that keen to follow.  I’m sure by the time we end up back in London I’ll have got an appetite for a trip to Oxford Street and Bond Street but for now I’ve enjoyed a slower pace of London.  A stroll in the parks and reconnecting with family.

Right now I’m feeling freedom to enjoy what we see and do without having to worry about whether we have food in the house for dinner or whether there is something else that needs doing.  It’s that on holiday feeling where nothing else really matters other than having yourself a good time.

I’m intent on making the most of the time we have hear but I refuse to dash about.  This trip is about savouring every place and the people we’re with.  Next stop Hereford.