Leicester Square, London

Arriving at Leicester Square I find that large black hoardings are surrounding the small park at its centre: “Getting ready for 21012,” reads a sign. There’s no mention of the Olympic Games, which start in east London in July next year, but there’s the implication that the work going on behind the screens is part of the preparation process. Getting ready for 2012 is becoming London’s great get-out phrase. “Sorry I haven’t done my homework, sir, I was getting ready for 2012.”
The King’s Speech, the UK’s Oscar hope this year, continues at the Odeon cinema in the square. My wife went to school with Helena Bonham Carter when they weren’t much taller than an Oscar or two. It will add to the excitement when the awards are announced.