Cherry blossoms welcoming pilgrims to London by the Thames
Vibrant flowers and plants flourishing beside the magnificent Palace of Parliament in London
The serene waters and lake views of St James Park
Flowers and plants nurtured by spring rain
Emerald green weeping willows by the lakeside of St James Park
Two vibrant tulip gardens adorning Buckingham Palace
Tulip gardens before Buckingham Palace resembling Persian carpets
A colorful small park in Soho, London
A lively avenue of plane trees along the Thames
Spring melodies on a slope in a park near London

Text and photos by Chen Chi-Hsiang. Over the past two years, every time I return to Paris or leave Paris for Taiwan, I visit my daughter in London. I make it a point to tour the Tate Modern, see the classics at the National Gallery, and explore other museums, never forgetting to investigate new British art at the Saatchi Gallery. Strolling through London is natural; along the magnificent Thames River or through lush green parks and gardens, browsing shops, tasting British fashion and lifestyle atmosphere, London has fortunately become another familiar European city close to me. Thanks to my daughter, who currently lives and works in London, each visit feels warm and filled with deep affection.

I returned to Paris during Easter holiday, and over a week later, my wife and I went to London again to visit our daughter and celebrate her birthday. This spring’s weather has been consistently gloomy, wet, and cold. Europe continues to endure a harsh winter. Although cold, nature bathes in spring rain, and spring slowly awakens; day after day, the treetops turn emerald green, becoming dense and lush within a week. Due to the continuous drizzle and being busy with other matters, this year I did not see the colorful cherry blossoms and plum blossoms in the city, nor the enchanting tulips. It seems the Spirit of Spring did not dance romantically in the City of Flowers.

The situation in London was similarly rainy and cold. Outdoor strolling could only be done when the rain paused or while wearing a raincoat, so art museums and museums became our visiting points. The whole family went to the Portrait Gallery to see Francis Bacon’s brilliant retrospective exhibition. As we exited, there was a brief break in the clouds, and we went for a walk in St James Park. We saw trees and flowers full of vitality and energy displaying their charm under the spring rain. Especially by the lake, the vibrant green weeping willows, the colorful flower beds, and the groups of ducks playing in the water were delightful. Cute little squirrels played hide-and-seek with people under the trees, asking for food. We then headed towards Buckingham Palace, where two large, colorful tulip flower beds embellished the palace. Turning towards Green Park, we strolled along the shady path of lush plane trees, pleasing to the eye, completing a ritual of leisure for body, mind, and spirit, which was truly enjoyable.

During this stay in London, whenever it didn’t rain, I strolled along the Thames. Both London and Paris are excellent places for walking. I most often exit the Tate Modern and stroll along the shimmering Thames towards Tower Bridge. This is London’s most beautiful walking route. Along the way, one can enjoy the beautiful scenery on both banks, such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, Southwark Cathedral, HMS Belfast, Hay’s Galleria, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. Of course, one can continue to Bermondsey, where there is an innovative Design Museum. Tired, one stops for a cup of coffee or British afternoon tea with snacks, spending wonderful times under the joy of pleasing the eyes. London expands my horizons and offers another life context.