Podcast Summary: Strangers on a Bench – EPISODE 16: The Reluctant Flaneur
Host: Tom Rosenthal
Guest: Retired Wanderer
Release Date: December 30, 2024
Introduction
In Episode 16 of Strangers on a Bench, host Tom Rosenthal engages in a candid conversation with a guest he dubs the "Retired Wanderer." This episode delves deep into the life of a 59-year-old Londoner who has embraced the flâneur lifestyle following his retirement. Throughout their dialogue, the Wanderer shares his daily routines, reflections on retirement, personal relationships, and his unwavering love for wandering the streets of London.
The Life of a Retired Wanderer
Daily Routine and Love for Wandering
The conversation begins with the Wanderer detailing his typical day post-retirement:
"I'm retired so I don't really have [a favorite day]. During the week, I like to walk around London... I took the northern line up to Archway and now I'm in Hampstead Heath... and then I'm going to walk home back to Battersea and that's my day."
— Retired Wanderer [00:46]
He emphasizes the simplicity and freedom his retirement has afforded him, allowing him to explore London at his own pace.
Embracing the Flâneur Lifestyle
Understanding the Flâneur
Tom introduces the concept of a flâneur—a term borrowed from French literature describing an individual who strolls the city in search of aesthetic pleasure. The Wanderer confirms his alignment with this term:
"In France there's a word for this wandering around aimlessly. It's called flaneur... but a lot of people have written books about and that's what I would like to do."
— Retired Wanderer [02:12]
He expresses a desire to capture the essence of his strolling experiences, both in London and during his visits to Paris.
Skepticism About the Term
Despite embracing the concept, the Wanderer admits a degree of skepticism regarding the term's pretentious undertones:
"I'm not sure if I like this term flaneur because it seems that the implication. It's a little bit pretentious."
— Retired Wanderer [03:31]
Reflections on Retirement
Decision to Retire
The Wanderer discusses his decision to retire, highlighting that it wasn't a sudden choice but a gradual realization:
"Over a period of a few months, I was wondering, what am I doing this for anymore?... Why not?"
— Retired Wanderer [04:33]
First Day of Retirement
Contrary to romanticized notions, he downplays the significance of his first day, suggesting that the reality is less dramatic:
"The reality is it's not like that. Three weeks later, they probably don't even remember who the hell you are."
— Retired Wanderer [04:54]
Enjoyment Over Missing Work
He clearly states that he doesn't miss his working life:
"I enjoy being retired. On the whole, I'm not saying it's perfect, but it beats waking up and going to work every day."
— Retired Wanderer [04:29]
Personal Relationships and Family
Independence and Contentment
The Wanderer revels in his independence, noting that his solitary lifestyle suits him well:
"Every day I wake up, it's pretty much my time is my own... I don't have any kids."
— Retired Wanderer [06:50]
Views on Relationships
He shares a somewhat cynical view of relationships formed through work:
"Basically he said 15% of people you hate, 15% of people you like. And the other 70%, well, it's just indifference."
— Retired Wanderer [06:10]
Family Dynamics
Originating from New Zealand, the Wanderer discusses his familial relationships, admitting a lack of closeness with his parents:
"Probably not too much, I would say. I don't think we were very close... I don't think we were very close."
— Retired Wanderer [22:28]
He also touches upon his father's passing, expressing a detached sentiment:
"He was driving a car and had a stroke and died... That's a good way to go. Right? To die relatively painlessly."
— Retired Wanderer [24:20]
Views on England and London
Preference for London Over the Rest of England
The Wanderer unabashedly favors London, critiquing England's transportation and expressing disdain for other cities like Bath:
"I've got at least 20 more years and I've got a lot more place to see, basically... I suspect they're pretty unhappy... England, England's a very, very strange place in terms of travel."
— Retired Wanderer [20:38]
He humorously remarks on the impracticality of traveling within England compared to countries like China:
"In China, we have excellent public transportation... But in England, that is not practical."
— Retired Wanderer [19:25]
Love for London's Walkability
Highlighting London's walkability and aesthetic appeal, he praises its parks and historical sites:
"London is a wonderful city for wandering around. It's very walkable, there are beautiful things to see... I'm just trying to take advantage of that."
— Retired Wanderer [03:39]
Future Plans and Legacy
Travel Aspirations
The Wanderer shares his goal to visit 100 countries, acknowledging that his journey is far from over:
"I think I'd be pretty happy if I'd made it to 100 countries."
— Retired Wanderer [09:37]
Minimal Concern for Legacy
He expresses a lack of interest in leaving a legacy or being remembered:
"It's just for my own when I'm in the nursing home 25 years from now. You think that was great to have been there. It's a very personal thing."
— Retired Wanderer [12:06]
Funeral Wishes
The Wanderer outlines his unconventional and modest funeral preferences, aligning with his atheist beliefs:
"I'm an atheist so there's no point putting me in a church... I'm trying to be honest."
— Retired Wanderer [12:23]
Conclusion
Tom Rosenthal wraps up the episode by asking the Wanderer about his immediate plans, to which the guest humorously responds:
"After I leave you, which is going to be fairly shortly, I'm going to walk down Parliament Hill and I need to use the loos at the bottom by the cafe..."
— Retired Wanderer [27:27]
The episode concludes with a poetic monologue, "Monsieur Flaneur," encapsulating the Wanderer's free-spirited approach to life and his contentment in solitary wandering.
Notable Quotes
-
"I'm just wandering around because I like it. There's no deep psychology to this."
— Retired Wanderer [02:18] -
"If you're sick of London, you're pretty much sick of life."
— Retired Wanderer [20:36] -
"I'm pretty much a miserable git... He's better on his own, I think."
— Retired Wanderer [08:05]
Insights and Reflections
The episode offers a profound look into the life of someone who has chosen solitude and personal freedom over traditional societal structures like marriage and family. The Wanderer's reflections on retirement challenge conventional narratives, presenting a scenario where freedom surpasses routine and obligations. His candidness about personal relationships and lack of desire for legacy provides listeners with a unique perspective on contentment and self-sufficiency.
Moreover, his staunch preference for London over the rest of England sparks discussions about urban satisfaction and the disparities within a country's infrastructure and cultural offerings. The Wanderer's unapologetic embrace of his lifestyle serves as both inspiration and a catalyst for listeners to reflect on their own life choices and definitions of happiness.
Note: All timestamps correspond to the provided transcript segments, ensuring accurate attribution of quotes and discussions.