Messing About on the River

It’s holiday time, the sun is shining, and we had a house-guest to entertain. What could we do that we’d all enjoy? Somebody came up with the excellent idea of taking a boat trip along the Thames.

I LOVE a boat trip. Wherever I am, I will always look to see if there is such a thing: it gives a whole different perspective of surroundings, and the pace is relaxed and gentle, so, as the banks glide slowly by, there is plenty of time to take photographs or simply just enjoy the views.

One of the best boat trips I ever had, came as a gift from my husband several years ago. On the day of my birthday, he gave me four envelopes: I was to choose one of them and open it to find out what was inside. Exciting! All I had said to him was that I didn’t need any more “things”, that I would prefer he buy me an “experience” for my special day.

I had no idea what any of the envelopes contained, but each had one of the elements written on the outside: “Earth”, “Fire”, “Air” and “Water”. What could they be? I was perplexed. Then I became wary. We had always joked about my lack of appetite for adventure. When we first met, I made it quite clear to him that if he wanted to go hang-gliding or white-water-rafting, he would have to do it alone or with friends. I would not be joining him.

What if “Air” or “Water” was his devious way of getting me to try one of these adrenaline rides? And “Fire”, what was that? Might I find myself attempting to walk barefoot over hot coals? My husband laughed at the very idea and assured me that each of the experiences in the envelopes were ones he was pretty sure I would like to try.

After much speculation on my part and that of the four friends who were with us, when the paper presents were handed over, I plumped for “Water”.

It was a good choice: a month or two later, we enjoyed a posh dinner with a band playing smoky jazz music as we cruised gently down the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich. As the autumn evening darkened, lights began to twinkle all along the river-banks and we admired the sights of the illuminated skyline and waterside dwellers silhouetted against the lights in their smart apartments. It was all quite magical.

Yes, of course, I asked what was in the three remaining envelopes. “Earth” was a “Skidpan Training Course” where one can learn the skills to correct a skidding car "and become a safer driver in the process. I’m not sure what my husband was insinuating about my driving. “Air” was a trip in a glider. Not something I have any desire to do. And “Fire” was a stand-up comedy course. To be fair, I had once, after too many glasses of wine, said I would love to do one of these but, once sober, decided it would be too terrifying. So “Water” was by far the best choice for me.

Anyway, back to the cruise we did last week. One of the Thames sailing points is close to our home and boats take passengers either up the Thames to Hampton Court, or, in the other direction down to Westminster. We have done the Hampton Court trip on several occasions, so decided to travel to Westminster for a change. What better way to spend a sunny day?

We sat out on deck in the sunshine and drank gin and tonic as we passed under Richmond Bridge and cruised along past Kew Gardens, Syon Park, the London seat of the Dukes of Northumberland, and the picturesque period terrace at Chiswick’s Strand on the Green, once a small fishing village way back in the 1300s.

Soon, the lush green banks became more built up with expensive waterside apartments and office blocks. We passed under 11 (I think) bridges, each one different in its architectural style, from the grand glory of the old suspension bridge at Hammersmith, built in 1887 and now closed because of traffic damage wrought over many years, to the much more utilitarian spans at Wandsworth and Vauxhall.

The Albert Bridge is one of the prettiest, especially when lit at night by 4,000 lights. It became know as the "Trembling Lady" due to its tendency to vibrate and has a sign instructing soldiers to break step when marching across it to prevent structural damage.

The river offers fabulous views of many iconic London sights: the MI6 building at Vauxhall Cross and the new American Embassy at Nine Elms, the newly converted Battersea Power station and, when the boat arrives near its destination, The Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.

We disembarked at Westminster, scurried down to the London Underground district line and came straight back home to go out for dinner locally. Our house-guest loved it all: she lives in Spain and drives everywhere, so the novelty of travelling by bus, boat and train all in one day, with the people watching it affords, was all fascinating to her. All in all, great fun.

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FOOTNOTE

You’re reading Home Truths, from me, Susy Smith. I write here on an eclectic mix of subjects about home and lifestyle. I am many things: a parent of grown-up kids, a dog owner, a gardener and a compulsive mover of vases (I worked for years as a stylist). I am also a writer/editor and former Editor-in-Chief of British Country Living Magazine.

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