Wrapping up my London sojourn 2

Enough about the changes in London I observed. There're things that haven't changed.

Brits and those in London, England or the UK as a whole, rather, like to talk about various issues ranging from the weather of the day to international politics. I really appreciate this. I really missed this. I was really happy to see it again. I remember a long time ago when I arrived at Heathrow from Paris or somewhere I don't remember, a few ground staff members there were talking about democratisation in Africa. Yes a lot of people are aware of such issues. This was the same this time.

Went to see a lady up in the north. We've known each other for many years and now her son is 26 (still naughty). She helps people clean their houses, in short, she is a cleaner. Being half Irish, maybe because of this as she herself says, she's cheerful and talkative as well as loves smoking and drinking. This lady still likes to discuss social problems we face and so on and we had a great time talking about a lot of things.

Actually before I couldn't respond to what she said, sometimes. But this time it was different and I even taught her a few things that are hotly debated today. Progress! What I wanna stress is that even such an ordinary citizen like her loves talking, debating etc. She does have her own opinions about things and I do enjoy listening to her. Yet I this time noticed she sometimes talks as she pleases although it is definitely based on what she learns from the media. Maybe I should have corrected some of her understanding but people may have different standpoints.

Also the ads... on the station premises, on the trains, busses, streets etc etc... so witty and imply the general public's awareness of various issues including freedom of speech, assembly, rights to vote, equality, fairness etc etc. the values they ('try to') share and strive for.

Before I just took such ads for granted but this time I was so impressed to see them...

Another thing that is the same... there are some ppl who believe they are responsible for somebody else's problems. An example... the Olympic Flame Relay in London. I wasn't at the scene of the mass demonstration but did see a few women looking frantic carrying banners with messages on them against the Chinese govt...

I personally do not support such action. Leave the China men alone. Why do some ppl link politics (internal) to the games...? I do not understand this. This time I agree with Bush Jr. who will attend the opening ceremony.

Below: an ad on a train

end