London calling

After three trips into the Big Smoke in two weeks, I have fallen in love with London all over again. The last time was no whirlwind romance: I lived there for 14 years and loved almost every minute. The buzz, the fashion, the irreverence, the chaos, the humour, people from all countries stuck there like bees clinging to an irresistible honey pot. Down points: the anonymity that feels so refreshing when you arrive can make you feel alone; handbag thieves; burglars; living on the "murder mile"; people in suits that don't give you their seat on the tube no matter how pregnant you are... oh yes, London has lots of foibles. And, just like any great love, there's a moment when passion is dampened by reality:  the equivalent of pants on the floor, socks on the sofa and stubble in the basin... After all, no love is perfect. But, with London and me, absence has definitely made the heart grow fonder.