The two weeks after my arrival in Britain were a flurry of activity that, as expected, began and ended with family. But when the matriach of my family arranges matters, the process may be convoluted but the result is rarely accomplished 'as expected'.
Thursday, June 3:
Within 24 hours of my arrival in England, Mom and John were again driving me, through rush-hour traffic.
This time we travelled from Buckinghamshire to England's capitol city where I was duly deposited at the front entrance of the British Museum. John had a lengthy errand to run that day, and so would not be able to join us at lunchtime. But Mother arranged to meet me outside the Museum at noon. Moments later, the morning traffic swallowed them whole.
This time we travelled from Buckinghamshire to England's capitol city where I was duly deposited at the front entrance of the British Museum. John had a lengthy errand to run that day, and so would not be able to join us at lunchtime. But Mother arranged to meet me outside the Museum at noon. Moments later, the morning traffic swallowed them whole.
The British Museum
Having been in Canada when the troubles in Ireland began to have physical repurcusions in England, I had not been aware that stringent security measures were in effect throughout public buildings in London. I was thus very surprised when a cheerful security guard bid me a hearty good morning, all the while noting my clothing and manner, and then respectfully enquired if I was a "Reader".
I was shocked into silence by his question! How could he possibly know that in Canada, I had been a "Reader" of other people's Astrology charts and Tarot cards to supplement my income while atttending SFU. And why, on earth, should he care to know?
But before I had a chance to recover myself, this most deferential fellow begged my permission to examine my bags. Luckily, that day, I was carrying only a lightweight tote and not my full backpack. This guard was so exceptionally polite that it wasn't till later that I realized he'd been looking for weapons and incendiary devices. He had made the invasive act of being searched for contraband an almost painless experience for me.
Present-day examining authorities
please take note!
White Gloves
Mother later explained that in the Museum Reading Room Archeology graduate students, authors or professors wear 'white gloves' to reverently examine ancient rare and precious documents. No wonder the guard had wanted to know where my white gloves were!
What a rare opportunity I had missed to actually touch an ancient book or authentic relic - not to read its contents with my eyes, but to psychically glean information about our world's ancient past. Since childhood, with or without white gloves on my hands, I have been able to glean historical information about the objects I handled.
What a rare opportunity I had missed to actually touch an ancient book or authentic relic - not to read its contents with my eyes, but to psychically glean information about our world's ancient past. Since childhood, with or without white gloves on my hands, I have been able to glean historical information about the objects I handled.
photo by kind courtesy of guardian.co.uk
Though chagrined that I'd been unable to see, first-hand, the manuscripts of the Museum's vast round Reading Room, I was determined to enjoy the rest of my time at the museum.
For the remainder of the morning, I wandered, completely alone, through cavernous rooms filled with artifacts from the civilizations of Egypt, Greece and Rome. Press here to see the treasures housed in these rooms online.
Yearnings
So many whispers emanated, energetically, from the artifacts that loomed over and around me, I felt as if I were eaves-dropping on private conversations from ancient times. And though I did not understood their language, their 'messages' were abundantly clear. Some artifacts conveyed feelings of such intense yearning that I became overwhelmed and had to leave the Museum, lest I softly and suddenly vanished away. Ancient objects ofttimes exert a very real pull on those with ears to hear and eyes to see.
So many whispers emanated, energetically, from the artifacts that loomed over and around me, I felt as if I were eaves-dropping on private conversations from ancient times. And though I did not understood their language, their 'messages' were abundantly clear. Some artifacts conveyed feelings of such intense yearning that I became overwhelmed and had to leave the Museum, lest I softly and suddenly vanished away. Ancient objects ofttimes exert a very real pull on those with ears to hear and eyes to see.
photo by kind courtesy of Jon Sullivan of PDPhoto.org
Outside I grounded myself by sitting on the Museum's reassuringly solid stone steps, my back against the base of one of the lofty Ionic columns that grace the entrance.
I waited there for the return of my Mother, and let the city noises slowly re-connect me to the 20th Century.
As usual, Mother was late, so late that I wondered if I'd correctly remembered where we should meet. But before I could further second-guess myself, I spotted the familiar blue Mini slowing down outside the Museum gates.
Lunch at a small but elegant restaurant off Oxford Street was to be Mother's treat. To get there, while obeying traffic laws, we were forced to navigate three sides of the vast edifice that is the British Museum. But behind the museum Mother slammed on the brakes and ordered me to get out of the car!
Chance Encounter
Perplexed by her command, yet ever the obedient daughter, I did as I was told. But when I looked into the car to ask why I was standing on the pavement instead of sitting in the car with Mother, she merely pointed at the windscreen and mouthed "walk".
So I walked. And suddenly my younger sister appeared, out of nowhere, grinning from ear to ear as she approached me, arms outstretched. Mother had obviously arranged this 'chance' meeting between us. And, once we were both safely inside the mini, she explained that Viv would lunch with us and then she and I would go shopping to purchase my travelling 'wardrobe' and other "Grand Tour" needs.
The Shopping Trip
After a delicious lunch of catching up on my sister's news and views over delightful French cuisine, Mom chauffered Viv and me to Regent Street. There we had the entire afternoon to shop, and the best shops in the world at our disposal, within easy walking distance!
After a delicious lunch of catching up on my sister's news and views over delightful French cuisine, Mom chauffered Viv and me to Regent Street. There we had the entire afternoon to shop, and the best shops in the world at our disposal, within easy walking distance!
Regent Street, London
My sister had wisely ignored Mom's grooming, studying modern fashion trends instead. From her early teens, she designed and then created her own stylish clothing choices. I had always admired my sister, Viv's fashion sense, and so was more than delighted to spend the afternoon with her.
As expected, Viv was both efficient and diligent about choosing the correct attire for me. Three hours later I emerged with all that a lady could possibly need for a 3-month tour of Europe that would include browsing Europes many museums and art galleries, hiking in Bavaria, vising family in Scandinavia and sightseeing whilst cruising the Greek Isles! Yes, I had everything, except one all-purpose skirt.
Travel Wardrobe:
My big ticket item was a navy blue gaberdine Burberry trench coat, with a detachable hood - for those unexpected mountain squalls. Though it never encountered a drop of rain during my entire trip, this coat was my most valuable purchase in a myriad ways - as you will discover in future chapters!
Burberry Trench Coat 1976
photo by kind courtesy of www.etsy.com/listing/82835351
Any shoe, sneaker or sandal had to be as lightweight, practical and elegant as possible. In addition to being physically able to run for trains while carrying a 30lb back pack, I also needed to climb mountain trails in Leichtenstein, sit in a concert-hall in Vienna, dance wildly in Paris, and tour Athens. I thus required the spring of a sneaker, the sturdiness of a hiking boot and the romance and sparkle of a dancing shoe. And clearly, the qualites I sought could not be found in one single pair.
With my new, lightweight trench coat in tow, I eventually decided on three quality pairs of foot-gear.
- Heavy duty sneakers would negotiate trails, shopping trips, and museums.
- Flat leather sandals for seated travel, casual occasions, indoors, or on the beach.
- One pair of navy blue, open-toed sling-backs, with 3" heels for dancing or special occasions. If sparkle was necessary, I'd decorate each shoe with a clip-on rhinestone earring.
My blue suede shoes
photo by kind courtesy www.colehaan.com
My colour theme was to be navy and white, with an accent of peppermint green. So the purchase of my classic coat and selection of sensible shoes were quickly followed by the purchase of appropriate separates to mix and match according to activity and mood.
And after a refreshing cup of tea, my sister and I shopped for those ever-important accessories. Scarves, costume jewelry, beret, gloves and even nail polish must all coordinate. Happily, my sister was well versed in all the details that can transform even the simplest outfit into a knock-out.
Vivienne did me proud! We were bone-weary but very happy that the day had gone so swimmingly. At 5pm, Mom and John arrived to drive Viv to the station for her train back to her Luton home. I bid my sister a fond farewell and then napped while John and Mom chauffeured me back to Buckinghamshire.
Friday June 4: Domestic Day in Buckinghamshire
Had my hair cut, and got my antihistamine prescription, did my laundry, wrote postcards, chatted with mom, ate pizza and played Scrabble. Still
very jet-lagged.
Saturday June 5: to London Crematorium with family
I shopped at Mothercare the played the piano at home. Viv, husband Ron, Mom and I drove to Crematorium to honour Dad, who died on this date in 1964. This Golders Green Crematorium is the site of Amy Winehouse's creamtion. Others cremated here inclue Keith Moon of The Who, Sigmund Freud and Bram Stoker. Dad's got interesting souls there to keep him company.
Hoop Lane Crematorium from 1976
photo by kind courtesy of http://www.zimbio.com
We all shared supper with relatives in Finchley then my Mother, sister and brother-in-law left, while I remained in London with my Uncle and his family.
Sunday June 6: from London to Peterborough and back again
Travelled with Finchley
family to Peterborough where 9-year old Cheryl and I went for a cycle ride in LongthorpeWoods.
Pepperpot supper in garden was followed by 1/2 game of Risk with the children. I then travelled back to London with Lilian at 11pm
Pepperpot supper in garden was followed by 1/2 game of Risk with the children. I then travelled back to London with Lilian at 11pm
photo by kind courtesy of www.etsy.com/listing/101770880
Monday June 7: to best friend in Ashford
After breakfast, Lilian
drove me to the North Circular Road. Thumbed a
ride to Ashford where I stayed overnight with girlhood friend, now single Mom, Gloria, my 8-year old twin God-daughters and their brother.
Tuesday June 8 to sister and family in Luton
I hitch-hiked to Luton
via M1 and my ride treated me to a pub garden lunch at The Farmer's Boy pub in Dunstable. Later that same day, I took Viv and Ron out for steak dinner at Red Lion hotel and pub, while Ron bought the drinks.
We Played
cards till 2am, then I browsed
my sister’s photo album before
finally able to sleep.
photo by kind courtesy of www.theredlionhotel.net
Wednesday June 9: Luton
Enjoyed time with my
sister in her town and country home, where we rescued a sparrow and a pheasant chick.
photo by kind courtesy of www.treknature.com/gallery/photo169068.htm
Thursday June 10: Luton to London, then leafy Bucks.
Caught 6.30am
ride from Luton to London with Ron then rode the rush hour Tube to visit with
my former
work-mates at the Govt. offices at Waterloo.
Purchased Youth Hostel Association card that would allow me more affordable accommodation on my upcoming Grand Tour. I then took the tube to Sloan Square for a reunion with my old school friend, Peggy, then better known as the model, Melissa.
Purchased Youth Hostel Association card that would allow me more affordable accommodation on my upcoming Grand Tour. I then took the tube to Sloan Square for a reunion with my old school friend, Peggy, then better known as the model, Melissa.
We enjoyed a delicatessen
lunch courtesy of Solle from Guys and Dolls and caught up on more of each other's news whilst
walking up and down Kings Road in Chelsea.
photo by kind courtesy of www.lth-hotel.com/images/london-guide/london_shopping/Kings_road.jpg
At 2pm, I bussed to Hangar Lane and
then hitch-hiked to wonderful welcome at Mom's home in Buckinghamshire.
Friday June 11: Buckinghamshire to Peterborough family
I visited the hairdressers while John
studied for his exam. Bought travel supplies
from chemist then returned home around noon.
After lunch, I hitched to Peterborough to spend the weekend with my
Uncle and his family.
Saturday June 12: Peterborough
Uncle took me
to his work club for lunch. Later, the adults attended the Church fete
and the evening disco with the children. And still later, we enjoyed drinks at the club
without the children.
Klondike Board Game 1976
photo by kind courtesy of http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/klondike-gold-rush-board-game-gamma-172407475
Sunday June 13: Peterborough
Simon and his
friend played Klondike board-game with me. Then I borrowed Simon's bike to
explore area till tea time. Cheryl was away all day. Uncle and Aunt
spent day together after a week's absence, as Lilian stayed in London, working during
the week.
Monday June 14: back to London and Buckinghamshire
Lilian, the kids and I
drove back to London so that Simon and Cheryl could attend school. Later, I hitched via the North Circular Road to
Buckinghamshire to spend some more time with Mom and John.
Tuesday June 15: Domestic Day and Neighbourly Visit
Domestic morning, washed and set hair, played variations of Patience (Solitaire) card games that Viv taught me. Then made lunch for John and self and later on visited Mom' neighbour for tea and delicious home-made scones. Returned at 5pm and made herb-roasted chicken for Mom, John and myself.
Home made scones and tea
photo by kind courtesy of: http://www.2stews.com/2009/12/please-come-for-tea-and-scones.html
Wednesday June 16: to London for Donna then back to Bucks.
I hitched a ride to Villiers
Street in London, where I
purchased a Youth Hostel Association card for my travel companion. John and I enjoyed a post-exam lunch before we greeted my travel-mate, Donna, and chauffeured her home
to Buckinghamshire from Victoria Station. Donna met
Mom, had tea and went directly to bed after supper and a bath.
Thursday June 17: Last minute pre-trip purchases in Bucks
Donna and I packed and
sorted our wares in readiness for trip. At 3pm, we
cashed some traveller's cheques then
John drove all four of us to Wycombe to shop: Donna wanted to buy a coat, Mom and John were looking for a new fridge. And I made the proprietors of Boots
the Chemist very happy indeed.
We returned home via the hospital, for my allergy
shot, then watched John's
European slideshow which
proved most helpful in the final hours of our pre-journey
planning.
NEXT WEEK!
June 18-20
Encountering Eurail Trains and exorbitant
exchange rates from England through
France,
Germany
Denmark
Germany
Denmark
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