In case you haven't heard, Oxford Circus has been re-tooled, Tokyo style! Up until yesterday, the place resembled an old-fashioned demolition derby, where tourists and locals alike could come together (literally) in an exuberant and considerably martial way. Personalities were asserted, shins were bruised, honour was defended. In short it was fun. But progress marches on. Two diagonal crossings have been introduced, and the results, at least so far, are amazing. Pedestrian circulation has improved discernibly, which is nice and everything, but the real boon has been to the people watchers. At the moment there are few sights in London more entertaining than observing people trying to decide whether or not to make a run for it on the diagonal. You can actually see beads of sweat springing from foreheads, and I take great personal inspiration from watching people's eyes dart from the little red man to the foursome of idling buses waiting to gun it from every direction. I wouldn't be surprised to see someone stretching on a lamppost, trying to limber up for the big race. It's like a cartoon, only better.
I made my first crossing yesterday morning, opting for the route that took me from southeast to northwest as it happened to be the way I needed to go. The lights were red all around, and I felt a small, oddly satisfying, rush of excitement as I legged it through the intersection, buses and caution be damned. It was a nice little thrill, and I plan on spending my afternoon working up the courage to traverse the northwest passage again. Someday I might even explore the southwest, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
