Post Four: Redruth to London

December 2023

I had just retired and to mark the occasion, been given a splendid send off by my wonderful colleagues at The Writers' Block, when I spontaneously decided to jump on the train in Redruth.  Or rather, I didn’t because the flooding was so bad between Plymouth and Totnes that all trains were cancelled until further notice.  However, by afternoon, they were saying that the trains were running. The advantage of being retired, I observed, is that small things like delays, matter less.  And we were off … Many people on the train seemed to be going to London to see shows or concerts with friends or family.  Our stop-starting caused them a lot of consternation as the curtain up time approached but London didn’t. 

My being late meant that my son was able to meet me at Paddington and guide me on to the spangly Elizabeth Line (the previous day travellers had been stuck on a train, in the dark for hours due to electric failure …).  By 8.30pm we were tucking into the most delicious curry in Brockley with Jessy. I was also introduced to the enchanting Pam Puppy who was staying with them.

There followed three fabulous days enjoying the London Christmas atmosphere on offer, being a culture vulture, shopper and meeting with friends & family.  A reunion at St Pancras was followed by a long lunch at The Lamb in Conduit Street - an old student haunt.

At my brother’s suggestion, I spent a wonderful Sunday in the City at the Guildhall Art Gallery and its great collection of Victorian paintings as well as a Roman amphitheatre.  Then the London Mithraeum – a Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras. Both a revelation. 

Had a great rendez-vous in the beautifully refurbished National Portrait Gallery with an art historian friend who was able to give the back-story to every Elizabethan painting.

I was enjoying the fascinating Horniman Museum in south London, though getting a little overwhelmed by the collective stare from the flocks of stuffed birds, when my phone rang. It was my friend Mary who lives near Strasbourg, saying she was on the Eurostar and would arrive at St Pancras in the next half an hour.  Would I like to meet at the Wallace Collection?  I would and did. The interior was bedecked in sumptuous Christmas decorations, in keeping with its luxurious collections from the European courts; portraits of mistresses, or court spies, rococco furniture.  We joined a guided tour and were delighted to encounter Marie Antoinette’s writing desk which I would have drifted past on my own.

We definitely made the most of the wonderful Christmas offer!  Including going out for breakfast in lively street cafes.

This journey marked a real full stop from 40 plus years of work to whatever the next phase brings. 

Thank you to all for your warm hospitality and company.