darlings
we’re HERE!
and being ever-so-prudent with the Lodgings so we’ve found a Charming (former butler’s pantry next to the back kitchen perhaps?) room with a single bed and a small window looking out onto drainpipes of the next door similarly appointed 1800s listed building in an unfashionable side of Bayswater.
and it’s glorious.
we just took a walk at Dusk and the grown-up camera was Thrilled to be back in London too.
the Most Amusing thing about London (when one has lived Abroad for almost Thirteen Years) is that it feels strangely reminiscent of a film starring Mr. Colin Firth and Mr. Hugh Grant in that everyone is speaking with a Jolly nice accent, slightly diffident and bashful when crossing the road to the local hostelry and buying the Daily Telegraph (printed form seems to be popular in the unfashionable side of Bayswater near Hyde Park still it seems) or while weighing bananas (we are eight hours behind everyone else here so it’ll be curious to see whether we can sleep through the night or might require a mid-night-or-thereabouts snack).
luckily there’s a kettle and Tetley’s tea bags and small packets of UHT milk on a small white plastic tray (not shown) in the room by the power adaptors.
and just when one feels a Tiny bit lost (and weary) and alone, there is always a sign from the god(s) to remind one There is Magic Afoot.
we’re not that tall so it was hard to zoom in or get near enough but safe to say – this was the front door that MR CECIL BEATON walked through in the late 1920s after a day languishing in the hot studio lights with grande dames and duchesses who desired a kinder lens and the chance of a spot in Vogue.
and one hopes he Never fastened his bicycle at 223 Sussex Gardens to the railings either or it surely would have been removed as he clicked away upstairs, age 20 or thereabouts, in his first photographic studio at Home.
whenever one travels, it is always good to look up and observe the blue plaques – one can then Imagine the footsteps on the pavement – with a purposeful stride – heading to the Tube – and follow in their wake, a cloud of cologne on the breeze still clings.
and we’ve only just arrived.
*shivers*
tomorrow – Brighton!
to the Seaside!
You’re there! How gorgeous, that cool blue northern light…
tis a very different part of the globe indeed – light-wise – and in Other Ways…
I did not know Bayswater had an unfashionable side, but it was at least a tiny bit chic while you were in it. Meanwhile, I only wish I could be in my favorite town in England and walk with you to the Pavilion, my favorite royal residence. Waving longingly from the sunny west…XXX
thank you for the sunny comment – alas not much here today – we had to adjust the contrast and up the exposure on the pictures to hide that fact ;-)
I LOVE the pink building in the 3rd photo. Beautiful!
Thanks for posting the photos re: Cecil Beaton. I’m not that familiar with his life or work, but you’ve prompted me to do some online research.
ooooo, splendid.
you shan’t be disappointed with Mr. Beaton.
You were only several blocks away TG! Have fun in the seaside x
gosh!
how lovely!
we do hope to meet one day. it would be ever so nice.
particularly if we brought a stack of magazines to a cafe and you took us through them In PERSON – because you’re ever so good at that :-)
Dusk in the spring has a special glow.
it does indeed.
and how splendid of you to notice.
Shivers indeed…
And no problems with the Saharan dust wafting over London?
actually yes – plenty – see post just now – heading out of the city and to Rest by the sea…
Hyde Park and the Fountains…… Seen only a week ago in the same late afternoon light! Have a glorious time on your travels xx
thank you!!
*wavingMadly*
The back alley with the pink building is so charming.
it truly was.
oooooh :) love accompanying you digitally. have fun in Brighton and make sure to wave in my direction :)
we DID!
I hope you are off for a night at the Gateways club, I think you’re probably very close. If only it were 1969.
Can’t wait to see you. Please send note of what snacks, drinks, fruit,
and breakfast type things you want so I can be all properly stocked up with the correct goods.
Have just had my new neighbours round. You may be in a Richard Curtis movie, but I am definitely in an Archers episode.
Xx
gratefully heading to the Archers Episode Tomorrow…..
Reblogged this on hocuspocus13.
London! Yes! I was there once on a whirlwind visit to the museums. It seemed very crowded and busy in that part of town. Where you are looks very conducive to wandering. But Tetley tea? Hmmmm, if memory serves I do remember that, ironically, the tea selection wasn’t quite up to snuff on that side of the pond. Though I have stringent tea requirements and making it in the morning is my most cherished daily ritual. Don’t drink the stuff during the night! And no computer time when you can’t sleep either! Both are sleep killers (yes, I am a mom).
*smiling*
thank you Judith :-)