The river people

Two weeks ago, South Bank was deserted. The only people there were the ones who had little choice - the beggars who huddled in sleeping bags under Southwark Bridge, or who sat with plaintive signs scratched on cardboard requesting food or change. There were a few runners, pounding the pavements after work and a handful of businessmen on their way to or from some appointment or other.

Fast-forward a few weeks and the scene is nothing like the riverside I had come to know through the winter months. the sun is glinting off lamp posts and windows, putting smiles on the faces of tourists and locals, making the river glisten as it races between the bridge supports of the thames. The sunshine transforms London and Londoners. The pubs overflow, punters spilling into the streets. Overcoats are traded for t-shirts, sleveless tops and short skirts. Flip-flops are dug out from the back of the closet. Ice cream vans replace the chestnut stands. Bikes, skateboards and strollers abound. Even the colours change. The black and grey winter uniforms are replaced with bright greens, oranges, blues, reds and pinks. The ferries are suddenly packed with tourists and performers line the riverside walkways.

Winter: exit stage right.

Written April 2006