I rarely go to Oxford Street, however, I needed to buy a few things in good old John Lewis and so I braved the crowds the other day and headed for the Mecca of high street shopping.
I took lots of interesting pictures, mainly shop windows adorned in Christmas attire which I will share with you in the next few days. For now, I am posting the tacky lights from Regent Street and Oxford Street in Central London.
Firstly, this was my view from the bus, on the way to the shops. The sky was dramatic and so one of my favourite buildings in London looks even better than usual. I've lived in London for over 20 years and I passed by this building probably a million times at least, but I have to admit, the architecture and the grandeur of it still amazes me. I know, it is a touristy place, but for some reason, it doesn't seem to matter. The building seems to be untouched by the tackiness of the stuff around or the going ons inside the house. See what you think (click to enlarge the pictures):
Yep, you got it, it is the beautiful Houses of Parliament. Years ago, I promised myself that whenever I pass by this building (my bus that takes me to Central London goes by), I will look up from my book and look at this historical building. And, I always do. In a small way, it still gives me a thrill when I see it.
Up to road, just before you turn into Regent Street, you will see this amazingly tacky sight in Piccadilly Circus:
Yes, we are getting ready for the Olympics next year. The most obvious sign is that every, and I mean EVERY road in London has some kind of repairs going on. The traffic is slow, new buildings are springing up, all the roads are dug up,... looking at it, you wouldn't think that recession is going on. Lots of money spent on every corner. Many people I know get very annoyed by it. As for me, I don't worry about it - it'll pass. There are other more important things in the world to think and worry about.
And once you've turned the corner, it's Christmas lights galore. Now, don't get me wrong - I love the superficial side of Christmas as the next person, but even I think that it's too early for the lights to go on. They switched them on, on the 1st November. That's at least a month too early, in my humble opinion.
As you can see, there's that obligatory advertisement from one of the Christmas season's movies. The amount of electricity and money spent on this,... the mind boggles. Oh, well, I suppose, it at least brightens up the area (got to find the positives in everything :-), or do I?
The next decoration installment comes from one of my favourite places in Central London. It is the divine St Christopher's Place. I've been coming here for years and years; shopping, browsing around or having a coffee in one of the outside cafes. It is just off Oxford Street and it is a safe haven from the bustle of the shopping madness. And their decoration is more stylish and modest. More my style, I think.
And on the other end of Oxford Street, Bond Street end that is, a bright, shinning, slightly vulgar star:
And an umbrella, of course. What else????!!!
And what did I buy, I hear you ask. Well, I am not the biggest fan of H & M, although I don't mind it. I am more of a boutique kind of girl, but I quite liked this dress and thought, after braving the crowds, I deserve something brown :-)
Don't you, in particular, love the light switch in the background? I already worn it to a party, and can I just say, it is comfy!!! (I didn't wear the light switch, but the dress. Although, there's an idea!!)
Also, spot the use of the word tacky in this post. My wow words have escaped me today - I don't seem to describe this Christmas bonanza with anything but tacky!
I hope you have enjoyed this virtual tour of Central London and this season's Christmas lights. I was being a bit cheeky looking down on it, but in all fairness, it is not that bad. It is nice to see London bright, sparkly and ready to celebrate. It can often be so gray, I need to be more appreciative of the light coming in!!
Hope your streets are bright and you are ready to celebrate too!!!
Red xx
5 comments:
thank you for the london tour Lilly, enjoyed it very much.
we had snow falling troughout the night so it's all bright, wintery and cosy.
xx
Hello anon.
It sounds like a real winter idyl where you are. Jealous :-)
Xx
That St Christopher's Place does look divine! I wonder if I've actually wandered over there on my trips to London. The latest one was in April. (You can find pics about it on my blog...) London has a pumping beat to it that I love!
The roads are always being dug up in London, they don't need the excuse of the Olympics. The same as "Planned engineering works on the Underground". It's part of the urban entertainment budget that we subscribe to with our council tax.
I agree with you Owen, but it seems to me that it has been even worse this past year.
As for the "planned engineering works on the underground", that is just a continuos excuse we have come to know and love from the London Underground. That, and of course, leaves on tracks and snow :-)
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