The big city

Whilst little man enjoyed fun packed days of adventure and heroics, 

the VJ’s spent a few grown up days in the capital.

They had booked an early morning train,

but arrived at the rural station to find it had been cancelled.  

With an hour to wait for the next one, 

they took pleasure in the unexpected ‘spare time’

and read their books on the quiet platform.  

Rare autumn sunshine warming, 

melting the frosty blanket covering the neighbouring fields.

From London Paddington and on through Hyde Park, 

admiring the moneyed of Mayfair, 

smiling at the tourists surrounding Buckingham Palace.

Admiralty Arch -

recently sold to a Spanish property developer,

who plans to turn it into a luxury hotel.

The new war memorial in Green Park, a 9ft high bronze sculpture,

dedicated to the 55,573 young men of Bomber Command,

who lost their lives in WWII.

A lump rose in her throat as she watched a frail gent

 place a hand written dedication onto the plinth - 

heartfelt words to a long lost friend,

along with a small bottle of Guiness.

 A sea of poppies outside Westminster Abbey.

V&A image

As the air dampened, they retreated to the splendour of the V&A museum.

She spent time on her own at the Ballgown Exhibition.  

Chiffon, lace, silk, taffetas and foil.  

Velvets, feathers, sequins and fur.

Elegant, revealing, demure, surreal.  

Traditional and contemporary from the 1950s to the modern day. 

The talent of Rhodes, Hartnell, McQueen, Chalayan and many more.

Wandered the fashion hall.  

Adored Dior. 

 

Later that evening they wandered across Westminster Bridge ...

Jostled with party goers and revellers ...

... and stumbled across an interesting Indian restaurant,

with double decker booths.

They climbed a ladder.  Perched aloft with hi-line view. 

Consumed poppadums, dosa, rogan josh and sides, with a beer or two.

The next day dawned bright.

They puffed their way to the top of Hampstead Heath.

London's skyline stretched out for as far as the eye can see.

Running down the hill like children,

joining the crowds in Camden Town ...

and Carnaby Street ... 

An hour spent in Liberty.

 

The London rush ...

Christmas lights glow.