A spiritual journey on River Thames -- Prelude

Today is my big breakthrough. I suddenly realized what's my purpose in London. That didn't mean I don't have a plan to come here, but the plan had been thwarted due to my intervewees all moved to Bristol for the Cop 15. Fortunately the water taught me a lot, and it is the river Thames that enlightens me in big ways.

For almost two weeks in London (except the weekend to Bristol), I was puzzled and confused, trying to find out what to do in this big city. The situation is like I was dropped in the midst of sea, lost my senses of direction. Many people provided many information to help, but somehow I felt it would exhaust all my energy and focus if I just run around after these events. I was trapped in the house, not going anywhere for quite a while except necessary excurtions and meeting friends.

On Sunday afternoon when Bernie took Eva and me to Texco extra, I asked him where to go for the nearest waterside. He told me the locations and I decided to give a try.

I missed the days when I can walk along the waterside either in Bristol or Totnes, even in Exeter. Now I yearn to take a walk along the Thames, the main river that flowing through the city. In fact it is a salvational decision.

The first day I tried taking buses to Canary Wharf and failed the section between Cunning Town and Canary Wharf. But never mind. I walked along the water, made a big circle, came back disappointed, because I didn't get to the riverside of the Thames. All I walked about is the wharfs of the dockland. Next day I came up with another resolve, taking Westminster as the starting point.

Out from the underground, the big crowd of tourists surprised me. Even in this chilly weather, flocks of people from everywhere of Europe come to visit the city. London Eye is one of their favorites, full of parents and kids and youngsters. I avoided the crowd, taking a route on the south bank and walking towards west. This proves to be fruitful.