Prashant, 21 June 2011
United Kingdom , London 20°

Summer musings...

Summer musings...
In the beginning of year, Groundhog’s behaviour widely suggested that winter is going to end soon and spring would be early. Every year, 2nd of February is widely celebrated in the US and Canada as Groundhog Day (well, the movie came later!)... a particular behaviour of these creatures can bring joy or sorrow to thousands of people who believe and follow this century old tradition, I found it very amusing that, these generally neglected creatures can have such an impact on people’s mindset..future holiday plans perhaps! It reminded me of a Hindu tradition of feeding crows at the last rites. Usually, if these crows start crowing, people fret about some (mostly unwanted) guests ringing the doorbell. And, therefore, my mother would shoo them away even before they start crowing. But during the last rites of death person, everybody awaits arrival of these crows... hoping that these crows would eat the food offered to them believing that dead soul would be peaceful!!! Funny world and funny traditions!!
Atleast in England (especially in London) where we had historic levels of snowfalls (since the records begins, as the weatherman would like to shout!) just having a glimpse of sun once in a week, was a great respite! Everybody was very joyous at work the next day. High street was glittering with the boards of ‘Spring Sale’... eateries started offering ‘Spring Menu’... people started talking about planned holidays... But nature was taking its own course..slowly and nicely. Trees were still barren and tired from harsh winter. Summer clothes were still nicely folded back and warm cloths largely prevalent. The waiting game continued for long and people thought that the Royal Wedding Day is the only ‘summer holiday’s for this year..and weather is going to change to autumn again skipping spring and summer!!
And one fine day, a cherry blossom was seen...soon it spread widely...the effect was contagious! It welcomed the chirping birds. As usual, Blackthorn was among first to adorn itself with petit white flowers. Its elusive scent invited summer..slowly! Eventually, the sunrays started shining on new born leaves... trees looked happy and singing with birds. This year, I have been taking many more walks around countryside. One reason being, in July, I am undertaking a 100km walk. It’s for charity- Oxfam! We a team of four people who are planning to walk 100km in 25 hours ... in one go!
Going to Isle of Wight was like going to a very remote area. We used all possible means of transport- train from London to Portsmouth, Catamaran from Portsmouth to Ryde, a small train from Ryde to Shanklin and bus from Shanklin to Ventnor. Staying next to the sea was really magical. All I can see from window was the sea- going beyond horizon. Going to Isle of wight and especially staying in little towns like Ventnor, is like going back in time. Few small restaurants are open till 10pm... most shops are closed by 5 pm. A local shop providing an advertising space for somebody looking handyman, another trying to get rid of his car, another offering wedding service. Outside, an elderly man reminding his mate how his club won and offered his ‘friendly’ wishes for next game!
Though it was not a full moon night, clear sky has poured all the moonlight in the sea and it was spreading all over..bouncing gently. The wind was making sure that clouds do not hide the moon. Stars were blinking towards the earth...quietly. The sea and river...though the essence of both is water... they provide a complete different perspective. At Dartmouth – mouth of river Dart, in Devon- river meets sea through two small mountains. It’s a very quiet meeting point...I wonder who is meeting whom! Is it just the sea trying to expand his territory and bashing into river or it’s the river who welcomes this massive source of water. Indian literature is full of poetic reference about how a river (referred as female gender) is running towards the sea (referred as a male gender)... it’s running to fields..canals..under the bridges..anxious to meet her ‘love of life’ and finally finds comfort in his arms!!! I think, it’s the sea who is anxious ...being lonely ... roaring towards the shore..trying to make inroads..making way to meet the river...in desperation!!
Whether it’s river or sea, they bring life to civilisation. As is the case with a quaint city of Liverpool- on the banks of river Mersey. With distinct accent this city welcomes you...very warmly. No wonder few years ago, this city was awarded as cultural city of Europe. Home of music legends, artists and not one but two football club..well, being an aspirant fan of Liverpool FC , I should say the only FC in the world!!! When enquired about another nearest theatre, the guy came out to show us the directions! A passing lady was pleased to exchange her thoughts about paintings on the steps of Walker’s Gallery. Enjoyed the glory of Liverpool FC winning European Championships -not once but five times- at Anfield Stadium Museum.
Days have been getting longer. 21st June... summer solstice. First day of summer. The longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. As the days would get shorten, the sun would attempt to make most of the day..and shine brightly. Hopefully he does the same this year. Enjoy Summer and enjoy whatever you upto!!!