Where is the logic???

Could someone please explain to me the logic behind why Londoners can't seem to walk consistently on the same side of the pavement??? With a city this size, you'd think there would be some sort of protocol to keep pedestrians flowing smoothly. But nooooooo! Instead, it's like being in an ant colony, with people going in all sorts of directions - some walking on the left, some on the right, some darting back and forth to keep out of the way of others. Inevitably, people are constantly running into one another (saying 'sorry' as they walk along). What's with this? Why can't everyone keep to either the left or right so everyone is moving along with no hassle?

In America, it's just a given that pedestrians always keep to the right. Same as on the road. Whether it's on a staircase, sidewalk, hallway, whatever, everyone automatically knows to keep to the right. Makes perfect sense to me. Over here, even though everyone drives on the left, they do not keep to that same logic when walking. Unless there is a sign posted to specifically say 'keep left' or 'keep right', people just go in all directions. It drives me absolutely insane!

On the escalators in tube stations, you'll see signs posted for people to stand on the right so that those who want to pass can do so on the left. Fair enough. (Even though it is completely opposite from the rules of the road - where the slow movers stay on the left so those passing can do so on the right).

I just don't get it. But then again, perhaps this is just another way for the Brits to 'take the piss.' They must get a kick out of seeing total mayhem on the sidewalks (or as they say here, pavements). But that's another gripe for another day. Pavement (to me) means the road, not the sidewalk!

Wimbledon fever

Wouldn't you know it? After spending around £80 million on the new retractable roof at Wimbledon, the 2-week tournament saw practically no rain this year. Instead, we had a heat wave! (These fans are using their brollies to shelter themselves from the sun, not rain).

Although the officials couldn't resist trying out the new roof at least once - and decided to close it at the first sign of a drizzle one day. Then everyone complained the humidity was too unbearable and said the breeze would have been better!

The biggest attraction this year, however, was Andy Murray. Murray fever was everywhere. Unfortunately the Scot was unable to become the first Brit since 1938 to advance to the men's finals. Instead, Andy Roddick kicked ass to beat Murray, and then put Roger Federer through one hell of a final. At least Federer was able to set a new record to reach 15 grand slam wins, with previous record holder Pete Sampras there to see it.

And once again - the Williams sisters dominated the ladies! Serena beat defending champion and sister Venus.

Heat wave

We've had a heat wave here in England for the past week. (Although, coming from Florida, these people don't know what a real heat wave is)! It has been pretty hot though. The high got to around 90F (32c), albeit 10F below the all-time record of 100F set in 2003.

We also experienced the hottest, driest and sunniest month since July 2006. Keep in mind the average temperature in London this time of year is just 73F. Even worse, air-conditioning is a luxury and certainly not the norm here. Most homes do NOT have it, so you just learn to cope. Thank God this country is as breezy as it is.

The Brits do make me laugh, though. At the first sign of sunshine, everyone starts to dress like they're at the beach. And everyone wears flip flops - even people commuting to work. It's an obsession with these people. Workers flock outside during their lunch hours to get some sun and possibly a glance at some 'posers' like these Chippendale dancers walking through Hyde Park.