I left the flat with the intention of heading to the local cinema, however as I walked in the pleasantly warm evening air, I found myself being drawn towards the river and the pedestrianised gardens along its border. It is a hub of activity for joggers, cyclists, cycle taxis, holiday makers, social gatherings… a place for these to not only coexist, but to complement each other.
I found a place to sit along the river wall, and delighted in the seamless rhythm unfolding before me. Below, the flowing current developed into gentle waves as it danced with the winds. Across the river, a continuous stream of car lights glided at the forefront of city towers. The bridges, diverse in their design, both took on an elegant nature under a dim, carefully crafted glow. Above, bats swooped into view, my music providing an accompaniment to create an image of majestic, theatrical flight.
As I began to make my way home, I was struck by the juxtaposition of the brightly lit city wheel, setting a backdrop for a Nepalese Pagoda bathed in a gentle yellow light.
I passed the faint whispers of people lounging by the river, the rattle of flags in their poles. An ever constant buzz of traffic, set beside the tweets and croaks from within the bushes and the gentle lapping of water against the bank.
I returned home feeling utterly peaceful, feeling I had discovered a whole new side to my neighbourhood. Amazed at the calming beauty I had found, so close to the centre of such a vast, bustling city.
