An early evening walk out to Vauxhall and back. Having spent three hours on a stupid train, I was in need of a leg stretch.
I headed up South Lambeth Road, through Little Porto and past Vauxhall Park.
I did think of stopping off briefly at South Lambeth Library. But I’d only end up flicking through the local history section.
Why read about local history when you MAKE IT?
Forward ever, backwards never, etc Comrades.
The Transpontine skies were dark, only punctured by the GAWD awful fireworks. I’d forgotten how shitty 5th November can be around these parts.
You don’t look towards the sky, but keep an eye out in front of you instead. Fireworks were meant to be launched, not thrown, fella.
I reached Vauxhall Bus Station. It’s an apocalyptic setting that seems to change each month. I’ve long since lost count of the new towers that appear on the horizon around Nine Elms.
They’re not to everyone’s architectural tastes, but I rather like them. You can’t stop progress. London is never finished. It would be pretty stale and shitty if that was the case.
I’d add in the usual disclaimer about foreign investment, empty luxury apartments, a soulless enclave etc.
But Nine Elms was a wasteland fifteen years ago. At least we’ve got a skyline that has a little character. Please stop now though. No more obscuring of those proud four chimneys of Battersea.
I bloody LOVE Vauxhall Bus Station. Which makes me sound a little further on the spectrum than I suspect I already am.
I would say that the S Ldn ski slope is not long for this world. But it’s been that way for over a decade now.
I lose touch with the various developer plans and deals. I do recall reading recently though that TfL has finally done a deal that will involve some form of land swap with a developer.
This is all such a shame. Vauxhall remains futuristic. The ski slope hasn’t aged one bit.
The only downer for the area is the public male toilets. They would make even a Frenchman blush, such is the lack of modesty afforded when you board a bus and have sight of a gentleman syphoning his python.
They REEK of piss as you walk past as well, natch.
Time was a little tight for me. I had plans to cross the Old Father at Vauxhall, and then back once again over Lambeth Bridge.
I kept it Transpontine and did something of a detour around the backstreets of Kennington and then through Lambeth Wall.
OI! etc.
