logo
Dilettante: On embracing hometown glory

Dilettante: On embracing hometown glory

New European12-03-2025
What did I do last weekend, I hear you ask? Christ! What didn't I do! On Friday I finished work early and went to exercise at my studio near Old Street, in east London. After that I decided to walk, meanderingly, all the way back to Soho. I went through Clerkenwell, and visited the Museum of the Order of St John, in the City of London, as well as St Peter's.
The church is Roman Catholic and gloriously Italian; a hangover from when the area was known as 'Little Italy', and home to a 12,000-strong community. Joseph Grimaldi, the famous 19th-century clown, was born there; every year, they still host a procession for Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
From there, I ended up at the Contemporary Ceramics Centre, because I'd originally wanted to go to the British Museum but realised, once there, that I couldn't really be bothered with it. I'd never heard of the place before, but found it charming. Finally, I walked to the Photographer's Gallery, in the heart of Soho, and looked at Peter Mitchell's beautiful pictures of Leeds.
On Saturday I looked up, realised it was wonderful and sunny outside, and decided to take a boat along the Thames, from Vauxhall, near where I live, all the way to Greenwich in south-east London. Once there, I lovingly gazed at the Cutty Sark, the great clipper ship now serving as a museum, then went to walk around the Old Royal Naval College.
On Sunday, I travelled east again, this time towards the Isle of Dogs. I walked through the metallic, unfamiliar lands of Canary Wharf, and eventually landed at my destination – Mudchute City Farm. There, I petted the cows and the sheep, and watched the pigs grumpily eat their slop, and the chickens merrily run around their enclosure. After that, I walked along the Thames path for some time, eventually ending up at the oddly charming Isle of Dogs sewage pumping station. No, really, Google it.
By the end of the weekend, I was exhausted and content. The weather had been nice and I'd made the most of it. Perhaps most importantly, my jaunts had reminded me of just how much I do actually love living in London. It's an easy thing to forget, isn't it? It applies to wherever you happen to be living; like an old marriage, you become so used to your spouse's presence that you start taking them for granted.
Hell, you don't even really see them any more. They've become such a part of your life that you nearly forget things could be different. If anything, you end up mostly noticing the negatives; the annoying things, and the things you wish were better. If you've been reading this column for a while, you'll know that this is something I've been feeling quite acutely for some time now. In 2024, I escaped to New York for a few months, because I just felt too bored; earlier this year, I ran to Marrakech for a while, for similar reasons.
This time, however, I've decided I need to make my marriage work. In order to do so, I started looking back at times when I've truly loved London. What many of them had in common was that I was showing the city to visiting friends or relatives. Able to look at London through the lens of tourists, I suddenly found it thrilling, beautiful, and full of promise. My question was: why couldn't I do that by myself as well? What was stopping me?
Armed with this epiphany, I started walking around neighbourhoods I know like the back of my hand and really, truly looking at my surroundings. I looked up at the buildings, and I peered into the windows of old, little independent shops. I walked along the Thames and gazed at all the bridges, and I made an effort to visit all the attractions I'd previously dismissed as basic, overly done or simply too far away to bother with.
I went to a city farm despite not having any children to bring with me, as cover, and after I finish writing this column I'll be joining a friend and going to another one. Apparently there are no limits to the number of animals I'm willing to pet in the space of 24 hours. All in all, I'm having a great time, and am now hugely looking forward to the days getting longer and warmer, so I can do even more.
At risk of stating the obvious, my new approach to life doesn't have to be centred around London at all. Whether you live in a city or a town, or even in the country, there must be places and things you know are near but never really think about. My question to you, then, is: why not? Why not treat your own surroundings like you're proudly showing them to people you care about? It won't cost you a thing, and I can guarantee that it'll make your life better – heaven knows we need all the cheap joy we can get right now.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ibiza Rocks hotel guest 'nearly has nervous breakdown' over disgusting 'giant petri dish' pool
Ibiza Rocks hotel guest 'nearly has nervous breakdown' over disgusting 'giant petri dish' pool

Daily Mirror

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mirror

Ibiza Rocks hotel guest 'nearly has nervous breakdown' over disgusting 'giant petri dish' pool

As another tragedy unfolds at the Ibiza Rocks resort, footage has emerged showing the grimy condition of the hotel pool, which apparently left some guests too fearful to go in barefoot Amid concerns over the popular Ibiza Rocks resort, following a fourth tragedy, footage has emerged which shows the allegedly grimy condition of the hotel pool, which one holidaymaker likened to a "petri-dish". ‌ In a TikTok video some have dubbed "minging," user @ showed followers the less-than-gleaming pool at Ibiza Rocks; an Ibiza-based hotel and event space long favoured by partygoers. ‌ The self-described "germ freak" wasn't best impressed by the mucky-looking pool, which was strewn with debris, including drink cans left behind by revellers. Giving fellow TikTok users a closer look at what she was dealing with, the content creator lifted up her Barbie pink Croc, which had been left grubby inside. ‌ Commenting, "SOS send help", the Ibiza tourist, who visited the resort in August 2024, shuddered: "The germ freak in me having a nervous breakdown in Ibiza Rocks". A number of fellow germophobes felt her pain, taking to the comment section to express their sympathy. One person wrote: "I stayed there last time I went to Ibiza and you should see the colour of the water once it's closed and everyone's gone." Another advised: "You would need a tetanus after being in that." ‌ In response to a third commenter, who declared that this was the reason they would "never have pool parties", the original poster agreed: "I never put them together?! It's like a big fat Petri dish." It wasn't all doom and gloom, however, with one follower revealing that: "My mate found a €20 note in there so worth the disease." On this front, @ laughed: "I'd love a list of everything ever found in it". She also urged future swimmers to wear their trusty Crocs while taking a dip, urging, "Don't take them off you." ‌ This comes as politicians call upon the San Antonio mayor and tourism minister to visit the area of Ibiza Rocks, following another tragic death at the resort. Since April, four people have died at the hotel, which made headlines again this week after sportsman Gary Kelly, 19, from Scotland, plummeted to his death after falling off a balcony. This tragedy occurred just two weeks after the death of 26-year-old Evan Thomson, from Aberdeen, who fell to his death from the same hotel. In the aftermath of this devastating incident, Evan's family and friends criticised safety precautions at the four-star venue. On April 27, a 19-year-old Italian tourist of Turkish origin plunged to her death from the fourth floor of the adult-only hotel, while a British guest, aged 33, died in her room after going into cardiac arrest. ‌ There is no suggestion that the Ibiza Rocks hotel is to blame for any of the four tragedies that have unfolded on the premises. However, the PSOE party, which leads the opposition both in San Antonio and in the Balearic Islands region, has issued the following statement on the matter: 'The PSOE of San Antonio publicly denounces the worrying increase of tourism of excesses in the municipality during the two years of Marga Prohens' Partido Popular Balearic Islands Government with the direct complicity of San Antonio mayor, Marcos Serra, and Vicent Mari's Ibiza island council. "It also demands urgent measures to stop the deterioration in co-existence, security and image. The PSOE regrets the death of yet another tourist and, with the lack of direction the municipality is suffering, again asks the mayor to convene round-table talks to work on the change of tourism model we need.' ‌ It continued: 'What we are experiencing today is the confirmation of a deliberate policy of permissiveness on the part of the Partido Popular, which puts the interests of those who benefit from the lack of control before the well-being of citizens. The PSOE denounces that the Balearic PP government has chosen to protect excesses and progressively dismantle the tools of control.' In light of Gary's death, Ibiza Rocks has paused its events programme, with a spokesperson giving the following statement: 'We are deeply shocked and devastated by the recent incidents that have tragically occurred. "Our priority is to support those affected and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, and to fully assist the authorities with their investigations. The safety and wellbeing of our guests has, and always will remain, our highest priority.'

Nova's Skyline Sessions at Rooftop at QT
Nova's Skyline Sessions at Rooftop at QT

Time Out

time5 hours ago

  • Time Out

Nova's Skyline Sessions at Rooftop at QT

If you're a Spritz-sipping city slicker or live music lover (you're reading Time Out – you're probably both), we think QT Melbourne is set to rise to the top of your winter night out hit list. The beautiful CBD hotel is teaming up with the music moguls at Nova for a concert series kicking off in July that brings the heat. From July 5, Rooftop at QT, the hotel's – you guessed it – rooftop bar, is getting a little makeover. Think a pop-up front and centre stage backlit by Melbourne's city lights and the nighttime stars. Sounds pretty stellar to us. And hitting it will be some exclusive performers that you won't want to miss. You can expect intimate sets by the hottest up-and-coming artists from around Australia curated by Nova and its exclusive network. There's four nights for four stellar performers: The Voice winner Lachie Gill, indie pop singer-songwriter Jem Cassar-Daley, the beautifully chill Chris Lanzon, and beachy guitarist Sam McGovern. The best part is that entry is free (18+, no booking necessary), so come and uncover some talent before the rest of the world does. The live music kicks off at 6pm and goes all the way to midnight. We recommend arriving earlier though – the doors to Rooftop at QT open at midday – so you can kick back and get the party started with a fun tipple. The series is complemented by a groovy partnership with Italian bitter liqueur Campari and Espolòn Tequila (made from 100 per cent blue weber agave from Mexico) so you can bet the drinks are just as in tune as the music. It's not just bangers and booze at Rooftop at QT. The menu is a Mediterranean dream with plates like lamb koftas, chargrilled octopus and steak frites all designed to share with the crew. Splash out and settle in one of the comfy booths.

'We witnessed the Lionesses' jaw-dropping victory over Italy - and it brought tears to eyes'
'We witnessed the Lionesses' jaw-dropping victory over Italy - and it brought tears to eyes'

Daily Mirror

time9 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

'We witnessed the Lionesses' jaw-dropping victory over Italy - and it brought tears to eyes'

The Lionesses proved cats really do have nine lives after making another sensational comeback from being a goal down 96 minutes in - securing England a spot in the Euro finals England have won a place in the Euro finals after a jaw-dropping 2-1 victory over Italy. ‌ The Lionesses proved cats really do have nine lives after making another sensational comeback from being a goal down 96 minutes in. It seemed certain the Lionesses were about to crash out of the tournament. But then, fans blew the roof off the Stade de Geneva with thunderous roars of delight when super sub Michelle Agyemang saved England's bacon with 60 seconds spare on the clock. ‌ ‌ The 19-year-old, who is the youngest player on the squad, sent a rocket shot into Italy's goal, equalising in seven minutes of extra time. And after a foul on Beth Mead inside the penalty area in 119 minutes of extra time, Chloe Kelly scored the winner. Every player and FA staff member ran from the bench in wild celebrations at the miraculous result. Fans had been hopeful for a straightforward win after their nail-biting penalty shootout with Sweden in the quarter-finals but the England women seemed set on delivering some more drama. Moved to tears by the rollercoaster performance, Sharon Brown, 43, from Middlewich, Cheshire, said: "We were on the edge of our seats in the living room at home watching the penalty shootout against Sweden. "We were worrying at the time we wouldn't get to actually cheer them on in the stands if they got kicked out, so to be here and see them not only get into the final but to do it like that, it feels like a once in a lifetime moment as a family." Sharon, who has tickets for the final with husband Phil, 42, and their three daughters, Eryn, 15, Eliza, 13, and Eadie, nine, admitted they'll be celebrating by finishing their holiday in... Italy! ‌ And they've been forced to renegotiate bedtime rules for their youngest, who was determined not to miss any of the action. Sharon said: "There's no bedtimes out here. We're flying from here to Zurich for the next semi-final, and then after the final we have an early flight to Italy for the last part of our holiday so we might be asleep on the plane but we'll hopefully have some big celebrations as a family when we get there!" Pals Liz King, 60, and Sharon Rogalski, 73, from Peterborough, told how their home city is nicknamed 'Pizzaborough' thanks to a huge contingent of Italian residents there. ‌ Liz said: "It's nicknamed pizzaborough we have that many Italians, they are truly lovely people but there's not that many times we get one over on them so to get one over on them today feels like it was meant to be." The pair have been hoping throughout the tournament that the Lionesses would give them the chance to watch an England final together. And as their wish came true Sharon was moved to tears. She added: "I cry every time England score a goal so I can feel myself welling up, my heart is with England. We've never seen England in a final and now we are going to see one." Asked how they'll celebrate, Liz said: "We are going to the pub! It's just surreal we only did the group stages at the Australia World Cup so to get to a final and be out here for it together is amazing." Mollie Shurmer, 31, from Blackpool said: "The emotions have been all over the place during the whole tournament, I was expecting another emotional rollercoaster but I wasn't expecting that. She added: "We're off to go and find an afterparty."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store