A few days ago, when lunching with a girl friend, (COVID NOTE: the table between us was was very wide and all the windows in the room were open) we started to discuss  our London living experiences over the forty odd years we have known each other - and London. We both agreed that London was a nicer place to live in now...the Londoners were so much friendlier, helpful and generally good news. For example, it seems as though bus drivers now make an effort to park closer to pavements when picking up, or letting passengers off the bus. So less risk of twisted ankles for the elderly.  I have taken to shouting 'thanks' as I get off the bus, stick first.We we paused our conversation to reflect on our observation, then looked at each other and said (almost simultaneously) - but so few of the people we mentioned were English.