Meet me at the Eros Statue | London's changing charm










I recently watched the movie Paddington and, immediately, Paddington 2. I couldn't believe I hand't seen such a well made movie. They came out a while ago so a lot has changed in London since then. Already, the "London" depicted there was from the 1960's, before the LCD screens, so things really did look quite different. The West End, especially the Piccadilly Circus bit, has probably changed the most.
Anyhow, I hadn't been to Piccadilly Circus in nearly two years at the time of taking these photos, so even in that short time I could see all the changes. There were brand new buildings that have been put up in just as little time. There were classic little shops that no longer exist, replaced by bizarre out-of-place "American sweet shops". I saw something in the news recently about those shops not all being above board. They are bright and colourful and add a lot of light to the place but, maybe it's just me, but London's kind of meant to be dull. lol. That's the general vibe of the city.
One constant over the decades is the Eros statue. That has got to be one of the most popular meeting points in the world. "Meet me at the Eros statue". I don't know how many hundreds of times I've said that phrase. Other popular meeting places in London that could almost rival this one include Trafalgar Square (under Nelson's Column and The Serpentine at Hyde Park. I'm sure these are all hot spots on those dating apps.
The times are changing and so is London. As time progresses, things will get progressively modern here. It's not the same umbrella and bowler hat charm of the past, but it's charming in a new sort of way that is a mix of the past and present, with a glimpse of what's to come.
Peace & Love,
Adé
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I've not been around Leicester Square of Piccadilly Circus for a while. The face of all cities is changing. Lots of vape and charity shops. Others being pushed out by competition, especially online. One of my favourite bits of London is Denmark Street as it's full of guitar shops, but some of those have gone in recent years. The rents around there must be ridiculous. I think last time I was there it was a building site for the new tube line. Not been on that yet.
I should go there and take some photos on my next trip to see how different it is now, if it's still there at all
I found some nice paintings a guy did a few years ago. It was a fun place for musicians and I hope it does not get lost forever.