A Soho flaneur.

For years I have enjoyed being a - flaneur - someone who just strolls along with no apparent purpose other than to walk and look. I have made it into an art form. My top first stop and watering hole in Soho is the infamous Bar Italia on Frith Street. I have been going there since 1959, it hasn't changed much apart from of course the staff, who are still as grumpy and rude. In London town we are indeed blessed with a multitude of things to catch the eye. Branching out from number nine beat - I was a policeman in Soho in the 1960's when being a flaneur was a dangerous business and could if not very careful lead to some nasty things. But that is then, this is now when it is so much more civilized and pleasant. The best thing about knowing an area really well is to know were you can go to the toilet. I have for years used hotels or cafe - then never ask "where are you going"? At least not until now, perhaps my luck will no change? The other enjoyable part of town is in and around the Royal Academy in Piccadilly. There are of course a vast number of art galleries, shops especially the new enormous Waterstone's where Simpsons uses to be, Fortnum & Mason, Burlington Arcade and Old and New Bond Street. Then the part of Oxford Street than contains Selfridges. I invariable pop in for my favourite snack, salt beef on rye bread and English mustard plus a cold English beer. Then to peregrinate down Park Lane to Hyde Park Corner and over to the park itself. At the Serpentine to sit in a deck chair and watch the people rowing on the lake is pure heaven. I have an old photograph of my father breaking the ice on a cold winters day and then diving into the icy water. He was a member of the Serpentine Swimming Club for years. He also enjoyed being a flaneur - perhaps its hereditary?