Cabmen's Shelter - London & Around

One of London's last remaining Cabmen's Shelter- Standing against the busy streets of Russel Square, this small shed cuts a delightful picture. I visited one in Russell Square in July this year; another one of my vintage hidden London quests. These small green boxes which resemble garden sheds have been around since 1875 offering hot meals for men who drove hackney carriages back in those days at odd hours. 

Because of their busy locations, the shelters were restricted in their size: they could only take up as much space as a horse and cart. Today there are 13 such shelters around London serving subsidised meals to cabbies as well as public. I missed a chance to have a look inside since it was closed. Next time when you spot these, grab a bite and make sure if you're in the queue let the cabmen have a preference. #victorianlondon 

Story of a Seaman

Here in this picture --- one of his poems , me with Mr. Gates and bottom right him as a young dapper seaman. — at River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf, Godalming

Story of a Seaman (11th May 2015)

There are people whom you come across who remain unforgettable for the stories they’re attached to. While strolling around the Dapdune Wharf and the museums, I came across this gentleman at the Gunpowder exhibit room. It was a delight to meet this 83 year young dapper ex-seaman Mr.James Gates and listen to his seafares and stories. As a lover of stories- big and small,the nostalgic -me was all ears to this story of a seaman. When hubby quipped that I’m an old-time buff , he was more than happy to share the album which had snapshots and a fascinating selection of tales and excerpts of his nautical sojourns as a young seaman; of what it takes to be a seaman - to be away from a newly wedded (one-day old) wife for 18 months, the stark secluded journeys, the distant infinite horizons of sea, captures of waking up to the beautiful splendid sunrise, the longings, the loneliness , the dreams.

It was heart-warming to see the different version of poems written on the same subject - a Seagull by Mr. Gates and his wife. While he attributed his verses to the independence of being a free bird himself and soaring the skies, his wife seeked pride in her brave blue-eyed saliorman husband noting her sacrifice as negligible, for if he were bound to the mundane life of land, he would have never been of what she’s proud of.

As Mr. Gates aptly put it on his album —
Without the Sea there would be no ships,
Without ships there would be no seaman,
Without seaman there would be no England.

Salvaging the roots...

Blessings of the hometown Goddess is mandatory whilst in Kolhapur. This was a quick visit on a Friday noon and it being the day of the Goddess had long queues which meant only 'Mukhdarshana' - say hello from the exteriors. On my way back I spent some time observing these intricate carvings (unfortunately I never did before ) on the exteriors of the temple that left me quite intrigued and led me to the research I did during my last visit to Talakadu temple down south in 2013, another excellent specimen of history. A quick search on these carvings unleashed rich historic references from the Chalukyas to Adi Shankarachrya , Hoysalas and further to Cholas.

While I spend time exploring architectures and monuments in my European travelogue which I reckon as equally enriching that add to my globetrotting experiences; I regret that there's a lot that I have left behind to accumulate - - the roots that I hail from, the rich culture that is manifested in such monuments and the heritage unbeknownst. Rather late than never. While I strive to learn more about the history back home in my spare time, I plan to revisit Khidrapur and Badami temples in the proximity with similar historic settings. #kolhapur #hometownglory #historyenthusiast

PS- Please excuse my vile photography

One for Keeps ....

One of the most cherished gifts - these beautiful traditional pearl gold 'Bugadi' gifted by Akka, my dear maternal grandmother; passed down to her by her paternal grandmother which in turn was a gift from her maternal family when she was young. These will remain close to heart as they were Akka's last gift to me.

Over 150 year old this timeless and classic piece is to be worn as an ear draping in the upper most ear hole and is lined with a row of small raw oval pearls that beautifully hang from its base to add a touch of elegance .Most pearls sold today as we know are cultured pearls with the exception of vintage and heirloom pieces that are more than 80 years old. And being a pearl admirer myself,these are one of the most prized possessions I have today ....waiting to be passed down to someone in the family who deserves them. #heirloompiece #vintagejewellery #maharashtriantradition