Already, it is three years to the day since I retired. My 2018 World Voyage was “in the bag” and no way was I going to let something trivial like a quadruple heart bypass operation stand in the way of my first trip to Australia. Today, the weather emulates that so often depicted down under.
I have just been for my annual diabetic check, and like every previous year, all is satisfactory, and not even a sign of disapproval from the nurse, of my weight, although the internet tells me I should be 3 stone lighter.
Walking back from the surgery, I called at a pavement cafe for a celebratory cup of tea, and a glass of water, in preparation for the up-hill slog back to Harpur Hill. The cafe is nice and welcoming. Location location location – it’s right next to London Road Lights, (Fiveways) probably not much less quiet than the Catford Giratory – Google it if that analogy is somewhat obscure. I failed not to be led into temptation. I nice green bus manifested itself at an adjacent bus stop, and I availed myself of its welcome service, on what was probably the hottest day of the year. This was my first time on public transport since sometime last year. Despite being located at possibly the least desirable place in the Country, this charming eatery seems to do rather well. Covid restrictions rule out eating in the small area inside, but the incessant and deafening rumbling of passing lorries, cars, and the roar of motorbikes from a “standing start” at said traffic lights, precludes a peaceful lunch al- fresco. It was far too hot to walk home, but I did manage a further 30 minutes’ walking during the early evening, as a cool breeze sprung up.
Strawberries and cream on the patio were the order of such a lovely hot day, but not until around tea-time. As darkness fell, the sounds of numerous social gatherings filled the air with celebratory joy. But beneath the apparent conviviality, the dread of what might be to come, whether it be the worst recession ever, a dangerous spike in a possibly changing virus, or both. But at the moment, the shops are open and the once deserted towns and villages, are again full of people as if exploring an abandoned film set into which new life has returned. But nothing feels the same as before.
I tried to contact my sister early this afternoon. Her husband told me that she would call be back shortly. She was listening to the News….in German….”as you do”. I am assured that I, too, could take up a second language if I so wished. But, she did get back to me within minutes. Each day of hers is filled productively but even so, the pandemic has put paid to many things she expected to derive pleasure from for some years to come. It then occurred to me that there are things which I miss, too. Live concerts. Railtours – I don’t go on so many these days. If last year’s HST Farewell was the final railtour I would go on, it did make a fitting last journey which I would not have missed for the world. (Ref: earlier blog, around 21st Dec 2019). But I did ride a local bus today, so things are looking up!
Once again, it’s 1am; time to hit the hay
Thanks for reading, David. 01.09hrs Saturday 1st August…already!
David's Cruise 