The Happiness of London

I finally find what Johnson called 'the happiness of London'

Yesterday at the Museum of London I found an another quote from Dr Samuel Johnson.

Despite calling London the “sewer of Paris and Rome” Dr Johnson was also very passionate about the greatness of this town. The esteemed dictioneer proudly declared,

When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.

I’m reminded of a friend’s insistance that everything you could want in the world could be found in London. I stubbornly argued that may be true, but London is not livable (my home town of Melbourne consistently tops the most livable city in the world list).

In the last week though, I’ve been bewitched by this city. The weather has been sublime and I’ve been drawn to the many lovely courts, flowering gardens and green squares.

I’ve also visited the Museum of London which was wonderful because it helped answer some pertinent questions I’ve had about London since day one. I’ve had a petty gripe with the city which I’m sure so few people care about, but it’s always puzzled me as to why signs are flat to the wall of a shop instead of perpendicular (and visible walking towards said shop, instead of only when standing in front of it). As a newcomer it’s always been difficult for me to find shops quickly while walking on the street.

According to the Museum of London, after the great fire of London in 1667 (which destroyed 13,500 houses and displaced almost 200,000 people across central London) new building regulations were implemented to avoid a repeat catastrophe:

No jetties, windows or anything of the like sort shall be made to extend beyond the ancient foundation line of any house.

Thus, signs are flat to the wall. Understanding this trifle matter which had previously caused much pericombobulation helps me appreciate London.

When I visited the V&A today and saw the collection there, I called up my friend and apologised. He was right, London has more to offer than I’ve ever seen anywhere else in the world.

London is truly amazing. As Dr Johnson eloquently puts it,

By seeing London, I have seen as much of life as the world can shew.

London… Common Sewer Of Paris And Rome

It’s been a bit difficult getting into the London rhythm.

Before coming here, I naively thought that London would be like Melbourne, only a million times better (after all Melbourne is just an outpost of the Great British Empire). I also imagined that London streets would be paved with gold and diamonds. The London in my mind and the real thing are somewhat dissimilar.

Perhaps there is some small truth in the words of Dr Samuel Johnson:

“London! The needy villain’s general home. The common sewer of Paris and of Rome!”

Mind you, I’ve not been to Paris or Rome. Also in all fairness I arrived in London during an arctic winter (the coldest days in recorded history). As the weather thaws, so too does my icy feeling towards the city. As I start adventuring again, I’m finding more gems.

Here is my pledge, I’m hitting the reset button so that I will enjoy London anew. I will go to more theatre, enjoy the spacious parks, indulge in the great food, etc.

I will love London.