Diaries of an English Journey

My 4th Weekend

On Thursday, Akshay booked tickets for us to go to Salisbury on Sunday.
On the other hand, I had no plans for Saturday.

All I knew was that the Queen was celebrating her 'official' birthday. The rules are really wierd. The Queen has an actual birthday which she does celebrate and then she also has an official birthday in the summer months which she again celebrates. This rule was established when one fine day, in the archaic times, a certain monarch had his birthday on a winter day and since winter days in England can be really gloomy, he decided that he should have a summer birthday which he then proudly announced as his official birthday.

SO, how exactly does she go about this?

Well, there are lot of parades on horses and lots of bands marching in and out of parks. There are flypasts by the Royal Air Force and you can see a lot of colour in this grey city.
But the main attraction has to be the Gun Salutes by the antique guns used in the World War. The cannons are wheeled into St. James Park by a horse parade, much in the same manner as they were in the olden times. I stationed myself at Gun point, right in front of the guns and took some good pics. It was generally a joyous occasion for all, with laughter and joy and howling and squealing!
Well, then I made my way into the Natural History Musuem because I had time to kill. The place was humongous! The Earth Gallery was fascinating, but I felt like a small child for which I was in no mood.
It was home again and met up with Sita and Grace who were preparing some lovely meal.
More about them in the next blog!!
:-))

The next day was a disaster to start with.
Bus scheduled to depart at 7:15 am.
Akshay was to arrive from Cambridge at 7:05 am and we were supposed to meet at London Victoria Station itself.
These things did take place.
Well...It was just that I arrived at 7:18 am (almost sure of the time) and the bus had left without us.
The next bus was to leave only at 11 am.
We made our way back to my place, where akshay just fell upon the bed and slept.
and I...
I started reading 'Eaters of the Dead' by Michael Crichton and then also went through some notes on Digital Image Processing. I had nothing better to do.
Of course, the Discman was my saviour and it did help listening to U2.
I made some coffee which was another cataclysm in itself, because, I poured too much coffee powder into it. At this time, I was seriously cursing my bad day!!!!

It may sound strange, but With or Without you was playing and I suddenly had this small spurt of energy and decided that this day was not going to the dumpers!!
Akshay woke up at the right time, or maybe I only woke him up.
I made another cup of coffee.
Just a mere glance at the colour of the liquid convinced me that this cup was the best cup of coffee I could ever make. I was tempted to taste this cup, but instead handed it over to Akshay.
On having a few sips, he remarked, "Aah!, Jaan mein jaan aa gayee!"
I knew the bad times were over.
We made our way back to the bus stop and sure enough, the bus was there and we made our way to Salisbury.
Its incredibly wierd that every trip of mine outside England has made me wonder in awe at the sight of the countryside. But this trip was different.
For the first time in 4 weeks, I was not sad at all for not being able to go to Switzerland!
Of course, there was no snow! but the sight was downright heavenly!
I even, forgot that I had a camera at this point!

On reaching Salisbury, we made our way to the Cathedral which has to be the most beautiful of all England churches, although I wouldn't want to compare with Westminster!
hehehe

All this while, during my trip, me and akshay were having fun just talking and making weird statements. I was convinced that something was different.

We made our way to Stonehenge!
This place is my heaven. I want to be buried at this very spot, if that is possible!
The Circular Stones had stories to tell. Although Akshay was more involved in completing rounds of the stones, I was busy listening to the commentary and the sounds that were in the air. This place has adorned my desktop all through my England trip. I want to come back here and I will do so!

On our way back to Salisbury, we went to this old castle remains which offered spectacular views of the surrounding region. We loitered around a while on the top and took some windy photos.

On reaching Salisbury, we made our way to SUBWAY.
It is really surprising, but in this country, which has sandwich shops at like every nook and corner, it is this Giant that offers most value for money!...
The Veggie Delight for £1.80 gives me infinite satisfaction.

On our way back, we had a 1 hour stay at Southampton, the port city famous for Titanic.
Again, some nice photos!

Then, the luckiest moment of the day arrived when our tired legs brought us back to the bus stop.
The bus apparently has broken down and the carrier had called up this Taxi service to take the passengers by taxi!
So, we had an elegant VolksWagon taxi waiting for us!
The ride was simply fabulous, legs all around the place, the aching bodies had found a befitting posture to just admire the way, people can actually sit!
Me and akshay then talked about wonderful days in IIT Bombay!
about how I spent a few hours at the L&T Police Shed, about How I am crazy about Mocha!
about how H7 and H9 people play Road Rash with the local police!

I knew I had lost the tarantula.
I knew I had found someone with whom I can just be plain old myself again.
The fare was £220, but we had come on a £10 bus ticket!

Somehow, I feel the English life is manufactured in a way and I am tired of living according to the city! I admonished myself when I almost gave respect beyond belief to an English lady!
I would not have done anything like that in India!
I fail to recognize my behaviour!
UK has amazed me!
UK has dumbfounded me!
UK has failed me too!

I am writing this after having a pizza, a sandwich and an unopened pack of swiss chocolate with vanilla roll!

All I see are the 10 15" flat screens!
All I dream is for my wish to come true!
All I care for is a day of sunshine! &
All I hear is the speed of sound!

:-

posted by Rahul @ 8:44 AM