Somewhere I remember reading that the best place to eat in a city is where all the cabbies get their meals. I stumbled on this Italian take out or eat in place deep amongst the tall buildings above St. Paul’s while following a map of gardens in the central city.

The menu was reasonable and the aroma of garlic sucked me in. Without thinking, I ordered up the linguine with roasted vegetables for £5,50 and wandered off to the benches around St. Paul’s, settled on a bench and took my first bite, which was loaded with slices of bright red chiles, duh. Will I never learn?

Near me on another bench sat a husky bald man who was conversing with a squirrel–in squirrel language, and laughing at the response.

This inviting path went right by where we were sitting, only it didnn’t go anywhere. People kept sauntering by, then coming to an abrupt halt. It was a most amusing garden design.

Over by the fountain, the garden has conical trees made from balcon geraniums, and a long border of soft pink geraniums interpolated with various othe sheds of pink.

Ike so much else in this commercial world, even the public plantings have tags advertising the source.

My favorite so far is Postman’s Square, a narrow, shady garden made from ground that was ancient cemeteries. There i found the Watts Memorial to heroes who gave their lives in saving others. It dates from the 1800’s and is very unique, and moving.