It's a London Ting

Why is it I always get inspiration to write just before I go to bed??

My thoughts become so clear and the words flow so easily. Sod it, I now have a note pad by my bed.

So last night as I was nuzzling into my pillow, (trying to find that spot that is so comfortable that I’ll drift off to sleep instantly) I heard sirens, police sirens walling loudly down my street. Some how this comforted me and I thought to myself I love this town..

..London Town.

Hearing the sound of the sirens and the noise from the street below (I live on a main street with the 24hr flow of buses) I felt a sense of familiarity, a sense of home and I smiled. However to some people this is their idea of hell.

I suppose it’s a London Ting (or Thing depending on what borough you’re from..) it has to be – why on earth would someone enjoy or not even notice the sound of bus engine rattling while waiting at the traffic light – or the sound of the sirens from a police car or fire engine.

The sound of grown men shouting the odds echo throughout the night on a regular basis... and the best thing is the light and how its still bright when I turn the lights off.

The dim light of the street lamps and the harsh light from the windows across the street, slowly seeps through my wooden blinds, making everything so relaxing and safe.

I have travelled to many countries, cities and of course I always complain about London as every other proper Londoner does and how I want to live in another country.

But I’ve tried to sleep in the soundless, pitch blackness of other places and cannot sleep.

However I remember being in San Francisco once, sleeping soundly, then waking to hear the familiar noise of a garbage truck at 5 past early doors. Then easily drifting back to sleep with a smile feeling happy, feeling relaxed, because it all felt familiar…..

..it felt like home.