Enjoying London's Clear Autumn Sun - II

Text and photos by Chen Chi-Hsiang. At the XLVIII AICA International Congress in London (2015), I spent the entire morning at the Canadian Embassy participating in the International Association of Art Critics committee meeting. Taiwanese member Tsai Jui-Lin proposed a cultural exchange plan between Taiwan and Africa. After three hours of discussion, the embassy hosted us for lunch around 2 p.m., serving a series of sandwiches, fruit platters, coffee, and tea. During the meal, Tsai introduced me to representatives from various countries he knew, facilitating interactions and business card exchanges with friends from around the world, effectively opening the London annual congress.

London is famously known as the "Foggy City," so such clear and charming weather was rare. The bright sunlight outside the window captivated my attention, bringing me unexpected joy, especially since I did not need to participate in the afternoon chairperson and committee meetings. Tsai, accompanying translator Tang, and I decided to take advantage of the crisp autumn weather for a walk to welcome the bright sunshine. Led by Tang, we started from Trafalgar Square, passed through Admiralty Arch, and arrived at St. James's Park, London's urban idyll. Amidst the natural symphony of red, yellow, and green foliage, white swans, and ducks playing in the water, shimmering light and watery reflections delighted the eyes. We strolled in this picturesque setting, surrounded by leisurely tourists and citizens.

We bypassed Buckingham Palace, walked along the tree-lined avenue toward the Houses of Parliament, and gazed at the world-famous Big Ben. We then arrived at Westminster Abbey, the solemn resting place of literary giants. Crossing the street beneath Big Ben, we reached the magnificent London Eye on the bridge over the River Thames. Following the crowd down to the riverside, we enjoyed a leisurely time along the Thames until having afternoon tea at the National Theatre. Unburdened, we discussed our beloved art and philosophy, feeling as if time had stopped in the present moment. In this self-forgetting state, we happily enjoyed the warm, clear autumn sun of London.