“A strong man and a waterfall always channel their own path”

One the second day, we bought a small booklet on 10 walks around Ambleside. Picking the easiest yet interesting one, off we went. Soon after walking up a hill, we saw a hint that there was a waterfall nearby.

Walking further on, we saw a mini-fall. Our Oooh's filled the air. Not only was this view pretty, but the architecture of the houses around were too. Most of them had a set of steps that led to a small platform overlooking the fall and stream. We can only dream that the platform is for putting chairs and a table down for a Sunday morning breakfast or a cup of tea in the evening, weather permitting ofcourse.

Ohh! Almost there! This scene reminded me of a wallpaper picture we had in our bedroom when I was a kid in Calcutta. The similarity was astonishing! (Mummy, what do you think?)Also, notice the strikingly beautiful green moss?

Ta Da! Let the drums roll! Let the trumpets blow!

We walked all the way up to the top of the fall and across. On the way down, I saw the strangest tree stump. Can you guess what lay embedded in the stump-face? Notice how the sun shines in all its glory?

Remember the picture of the mossy rocks? Well we walked back down on the other side of the fall, where there was a picnic table. How could we possibly not have a picnic? What about food supplies? Ha ha! We had come fully prepared for unexpected picnicing opportunities. Enjoying the beauty that surrounded us, we indulged in fresh Ambleside bakery bread, cranberry wensleydale, apple and cinnamon wensleydale (which is even better!), water crackers and some (western) chutney!! Perfect!

Two minutes after the photo was taken, it started snowing heavily and we had to dash off back into town. Weren't we lucky, lucky, lucky? The weather had the patience to let us have our lunch!

Our first holiday together

Mostly in Pictures, for that's easier.

As the journey rimwards started, she dreamt of how the place would be and how much fun they would have. The thoughts put a smile on her face as her eyes were lost in a little dream.He on the other hand, was deeply engrossed in reading legends in comic form. These comics were gifted to him a year ago but he needed her to explain them. She knew them by heart for she had spent several years reading and re-reading them. He could not help chuckling at the exploits of Lord Krishna.
His kindred spirit drew forth as soon as he saw the bus at Ambleside. We had to sit on the top deck, whilst the chilly wind froze our bones. But how did that matter when you could see the trees around the countryside, the rolling hills and catch glimpses of the lake from up above?
The two brave people even ventured out to the lake side, taking in the view of the lush green grass, swinging trees, dancing daffodils and the serene lake.
One could not help but flutter.
The tale continues in the next epipost.

Going back in time Part 'Greece'

My sister is back home this morning and after 3 weeks surrounded by my family, the hustle and bustle, the countless of daily small affectionate gestures, the visiting people and places, I have my room to myself again. Now surrounded by the sound of silence and no place or people to run to this Saturday, I thought what better way to resume what is 'my normal life' by recounting what my sister and I did in the last two weeks (and also to make clear why I am having an affair with this city of London)

One freezing afternoon, we decided to visit The British Museum. Walking randomly towards it from Holborn Tube Station, we came across a charming avenue.

Walking on further and round the corner, stood the signature 'You are in England' signposts.

(I mean phone booths)

After going down the wrong way, and coming back a block and down another street, we finally found it, a majestic building - The British Museum.

This building houses treasures from all over the world. I wonder how much of this comes from the riches STOLEN, SNATCHED by the British explorers and rulers from their colonies in the last few centuries. I think they should mention that. It is only fair. And to be equally fair, I will say that every piece has been beautifully installed, preserved and looked after and couldn't possibly be retained in such good condition elsewhere.

As there were numerous rooms, I will be giving you snapshots of my favourites - one country in every post. Pull your kids to the computer.

GREECE

Note: It is illegal to use these photos for commercial purposes.

A statue of Venus

Reconstruction of a section of a Greek building and statues in front of it

Beauty in pieces

Five of the greatest philosophers (Can you guess who are they? 1 Prize for all correct answers)

Cupids in marble
Statue of a Greek woman/goddess

These were a few of the numerous works of expert craftsmanship capturing beauty not only of beings mythical but also of real people, who once lived, walked the earth and did great things. I do not go into words to describe these for every person has a different perception, different feeling that sprouts when standing in front of these works, looking up at them and wondering, just wondering and absorbing a small fraction of time long gone. I know what mine is. I write it on to a cell in my brain and tuck it away in a small fold of my heart.

Read about:
Greek Sulpture
Greek Sculpture - Function, Materials, Techniques (adobe acrobat reader required)

Moving on to 2008

My dear friends,
First of all, let me re-introduce Aakanksha who has long been absent from this space:

This is me after a year in London. Happy, enthusiastic, at peace, very busy trying to lead a balanced life between work, sport and play, brimming with optimism, overflowing with poor jokes and cheekiness, with my laughs coming easy, coming quick.

The last year gave me a lot of what I needed. New place, new work, new friends, new colleagues, new environment. Though I missed my family, good friends and Mark, a lot, it was a year filled with phone calls, video calls, cards, postcards and parcels from those who love me dearly, a constant reminder they are with me and I am in their thoughts and vice versa.

The year was full of visits too - meeting an online friend of 4 years who also lives in London, Davo (in the first pic) paid me a visit on his way to Canada (ski team coach at Mt. Whisler) (he just told me yesterday that he sadly lost all our photos of Davo's Day Out in London), I flew home twice in the year - in August and December, and the year ended with my sister flying in from Chicago and spending new year's with me.

New Year's Eve and Day

Two of my colleagues (a lovely French couple), my sister and I had an evening of cocktails and finger food in my apartment, watching videos of old songs (that we now find extremely funny) and singing and dancing along to a good few. We started quite early in the evening and as three of us were jet-lagged, we were quite sleepy by 10:30 but my sister (running on US time) was wide awake and upbeat. Though it was a struggle, we managed to make it to midnight!

Wishing you the best for 2008!

The mic was for communicating with another member of the party:

On New Year's day, in the evening Ruchi and I headed out to Southbank (with the hope that the mess of New year's eve had been cleaned up). We got out at Westminster Tube Station right in front of a well known clock.

Ruchi in front of _ I_ _ E _

The houses of Parliament are right next to it. (Can you spot me in this pic?)

From the bridge, we had a lovely view of the Thames and London Eye

We walked down Southbank, along the lane next London Eye. Soon after we passed it we spotted a delightful ride, one of my favourites. How could I possibly resist? I coaxed Ruchi into joining me in some New Year's Day silliness. Yes, I did a few amateur stunts too. No, I will not put those photos up.

Next to the carousel was an amusing street performer - Hitler in a ballerina's skirt. The kids loved him.

We walked past the Royal Festival hall and took the tube from Embankment to Leicester Square (it was too dark and too cold to walk the distance). In the garden at Leicester Square, food stalls and rides had been set up.

Further on, I manouevered her towards Trafalgar Square where sits this beautiful building
full of art,
The National Gallery.

Also marked by the well known Nelson's Column (Mark, remember your promise?)

The Christmas Tree at Trafalgar Square was still up.

Clearly, the festive spirit is still in the air. I hope you have a lovely year!!

With Affection, Aakanksha