Winter’s come—if we're lucky—and this might be the year to take up a new hobby. 

    After a trip to Europe, a friend mentioned he met a young Italian who had never gone to see the Coliseum—one of the greatest sights in Italy. We both thought it strange that people travel around the world, but often never pay attention to the sights in their own backyards.

    Embarrassingly, that strange group of people included us.

    London, Ontario may not be Paris or Benares, but there's enough history around to keep a person busy for a few afternoons at least. One of my favourite ways of getting to know my hometown is walking tours. 

    The Municipal Government, University, local historical societies and others, all publish brochures and books that lead you on self-guided tours around some of the more interesting parts of the city.

     And, nicely, they're all free. 

    While I may not get around to all of them, since it's winter again, I've made plans to get through a few of the tours I've collected during the summer.

    The best one is the London Downtown Discovery Trail. It's historical in nature, and describes the development of the city from the first log cabin at the Forks, to the modern day by taking you on a wander around the core. The pamphlet is available around the city, at the central library or from the Tourism London office.

    Another interesting tour is of the public art at the University. UWO  publishes the MacIntosh Gallery Art Sites pamphlet, and is meant to introduce you to all that totally incomprehensible—but so very expensive—art and sculpture in the various parks and buildings of the University.

     Finally, there are several conservation areas inside the city limits I'm hoping on getting to see. Warbler Woods, Sifton Bog, Meadowlily Woods and others, are nature preserves where hiking is permitted. It's a strange experience to be walking along alone in the silence of Westminster Ponds, and suddenly realize that you're basically across the street from the White Oaks Mall. Some of these areas are very peaceful, especially if you go during the week. The City publishes a  Walking Map of London that shows the entrances and trails to all these areas, as well as the pathways that run along the Thames river.

    So, TV might get a bit boring in the next few months. You might want to get out and go somewhere. Why not take advantage of some of the history and nature that lies on the other side of your front door? 

It's not the Coliseum, but it is free. And everyone loves free stuff!

Copyright © 2004 Rob Elver

Rob Elver is a freelance writer, and writes on a variety of topics. He lives in London, Ontario.

reply to: ain_ain_soph@hotmail.com

though he occasionally declares a moratorium on being online!

see also Bus Stop Zazen