is on the list to visit this year — maybe I’ll get there but meanwhile ..
I’ve discovered little Portugal in South London
In Vauxhall, a shortish walk from Brixton.
Its — Just around the corner from the very first place I lived in London in the early 80s
It’s changed a bit now
Visiting places from my first years in London
London has so many open spaces. Usually green but it’s been very hot this Summer.
I loved visiting the old places but also realised how forgetful I’ve become.
I’d stopped to chat with Goldsmiths students. They were elected to positions in the Students union.
The Union provides services to help support students and events for entertainment.
Watching people run…
and cycle
play football —- in a cage. 🤭
Climb trees
Pedal their ‘cars’ (semi -incumbents)
Walk their dogs
What a fun day, but there’s one or two problems.
BB— ball bearings help solve a complex worldwide problem — friction but it’s another BB namely Bad Behaviour, that helps create friction between the people.
An example of this is not following the rules.
I’m not talking of these rules
But these…
…. the people who rent electric cycles, often break the rules.
Cyclists are typically considerate of others — pedestrians and cyclists, obey the rules of the road, including stopping at red lights but in the last few years there’s been a big change.
The inexperienced cyclists who rent electric cycles are often reckless and unsafe —- ignoring the traffic lights and the general rules of the road, riding fast, weaving in and out at high speed,
It can be very risky …
But for now
Peacefully
There’s even a zoo and FREE toilets.
Clearly not an Eagle.
I’m staying with my good friends Angus and Gina in Brixton South London
Close to their house are lots of community facilities and a corner shop run by Indians that MAnjula discovered on her first visit here. In fact the whole Brixton area is a great diverse mix of people from all around the world.
I can hear people playing bingo in the community centre next to me.
…
The layout.
A great discovery close to where I’m staying on Harringay Green Lanes
A short (ish) 30 minute walk —— (the full loop will reopen in Feb 2026) from Harringay Green Lanes overground or as I’ve now discovered an even shorter walk (10 minutes) from Manor House Underground station —- gets you to the wetlands and their great cafe.
I’ve visited almost everyday of my recent visit for their sourdough melted cheese sandwich and make friends with the wildlife.
I’ve marvelled at the birds, especially the family of swans with their rapidly growing seven dusky grey cygnets
I’ve met a lovely mix of people here, including the wonderful hosts.
An added treat this week was ….
Another friend demanded to be included
A pigeon with a penchant for melted cheese.
No way Jose can you have the ginger beer.
Annual exhibition.
Another update for friends in India, showing similarities and differences, same and different.
Emma is a very very good friend, we met when working for Business in the Community.
Emma and I explored Kerala together after she visited Mysore
On first impressions you might think she’s very posh. Quickly you’ll realise as I did that she is one of the most down-to-earth, warm hearted and compassionate, caring people you can meet.
Me and MYCycle 