Wednesday 2 April 2014

A Week in Spring in London


Haven't done much this week, except clear out and think and talk to people and help with the babies. And actually it is so lovely to see the Spring that I would be happy to stay in London, specially if the weather was okay. However, I'm off to Greece soon (which I am sure will be fun) and have just confirmed a cycling trip in Karinthia, in Austria.   

Made me think of the last time I was in Karinthia, in deepest winter, hands-sticking-to-railings cold.   I took K, then 14, with me. She reminded me the other day of the genial old woman in a snowy chalet in the mountains who offered us both huge glasses of schnapps. I declined, and didn't notice that K had gulped hers down at top speed, just as the old dear showed her   Oh dear. Naughty old woman.  K confirmed that her memories of the rest of the visit were very hazy!


I've also been clearing out ancient files and found the tape and transcript of a day I spent at the home of writer Roald Dahl, creator of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."  My piece about him was published, he died not long after, and the transcript has been sitting there ever since. I'm sure students of children's literature will be interested, so I've asked his literary estate if I can publish it as a short and low priced e-book.  I'll let you know what they say. It seems I own the copyright of the interview, but not the right to use it anywhere - what a legalistic situation!

Here is Quentin Blake's wonderful image of Willy Wonka, from Dahl's book.


And here are a few pictures of things I've seen while out and about.  First, a weird jumble caught my eye as I walked past the slanted funnels of the warship HMS Belfast. (which by the way I recommend visiting). You will see behind it the weird, graceless "Walkie Talkie Building" which now ruins many an iconic London view. I can't imagine how they ever got permission to build it. ( And it sets things on fire with its "death rays"- see this.)


What a mess! I really loathe it.

Nearby this protest bike from People Against Profit was parked. They fight those who are being allowed to do whatever they like in London for profit, at the expense of local people (such as those who build hideous Walkie talkie buildings that melt cars).  Here's their website 


Saw these two odd vehicles at London Bridge.


Here is a close up of the green one.  Scary, eh?  :) 


And I also saw this very interesting and innovative child's wheelchair in the Design Museum's Designs of the Year 2014. (I hope to tell you more about that show in a later post).  It is so rare to find well designed mobility aids that I voted for it as my top design.   It's called the Chair4Life and it's made by Renfrew.


Back home,  I looked up and thought, "hmmmm. That helicopter's rather low. Anyone would think it was going to land in the back garden!"



And then it did.



There was unfortunately an accident nearby and our communal garden was the nearest landing spot identified by the air ambulance.  When the copter landed, deafeningly, it generated such a wind that it lifted up a huge iron wheelbarrow full of clippings and hurled it across the lawn. Obviously everyone in the garden had got well out of the way by then, so nobody was hurt. Which was just as well, otherwise they'd have had more casualties to deal with.


Everyone of course was very interested, including me. I suppose the air ambulance crew deal with gawpers all the time. 

57 comments:

  1. Interesting about he interview transcript. I hope you are able to publish it.

    I bet the helicopter med staff hardly notice onlookers since they have to be so focused.

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  2. As usual, your post is filled with interesting news and pictures. Your life seems full of adventures and lovely scenes.

    I do hope you get permission to publish that e-book.

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  3. Hello Jenny,

    We can empathise completely with the feeling that one could enjoy simply staying at home rather than travelling when the weather is so beautifully Spring like. However, your trips sound as if they will be huge fun and you are bound to thoroughly enjoy it all once you are there.

    We have long since thought that the London skyline has been ruined by careless building. What we always feel about the Danube panorama in Budapest is that they have kept the integrity of the look of it all by keeping the buildings in proportion. This is definitely not the case in London. Perhaps it is the case of money talks?

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  4. I enjoyed your tour of London oddities - I miss all the sights and sounds from when I lived there. Totally agree, that 'death-ray' building is awful. I hope you get to publish the Dahl interview, would love to read it. Enjoy your latest travels. x

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  5. Between the Walkie Talkie building and the helicopter landing in the garden I'm a bit stunned. You do live an interesting life in an interesting place.

    Darla

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  6. It hadn't occurred to me that an air ambulance could actually be a serious hazard to anyone standing in the vicinity when it lands! I'm surprised I haven't heard of any unforeseen casualties.

    Always good to see groups like People Against Profit spreading a dissenting view in the midst of big-business dominance.

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  7. I had a helicopter land nearby, because of an accident. It was fascinating to watch until the noise and dust were too much. I called the dog to come in, the bold little Cairn. He held his ground against the intruder until the last instant, when I said "Do as you wish; I'm going in." He was rather relieved to relinquish and follow me.

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  8. Oh by golly you have packed so much here that I will have to comment twice. First, wow you were inside Roald's house?! James and the Giant Peach and other greats, although his Charlie is in the movie anyway a bit dark for me, but he is magic to words in print! Mentioning Schnapps reminds me of my 20's with co-workers at a frozen football game for our home town. It's what kept us warm!

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  9. I'm sure they do! Wow what a mess for sure, the famous Gherkin building can barely be seen. I love visiting our downtown here in Minneapolis, and catching the unusual and interesting things only seen there!

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  10. The Roald Dahl interview sounds interesting, hope they let you publish it. You're right, that's a hideous building. I wonder about people who are against profit (I understand being against obscene profits), how do they thing their bicycle got built.

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  11. I really hope that you will be allowed to publish your interview with Roald Dahl as an e-book. That would be very interesting.
    You never fail to amaze me with all the wonderful (and sometimes wonderfully weird) sights in London. I definitely agree that the Walkie Talkie Building is an eyesore. But I like that scary green vehicle. It would be great for Halloween. And I especially like the very green grass and trees (something I almost never see here in West Texas).

    I envy your upcoming trip to Greece!

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  12. Interesting things seem to be happening all the time in London. I need to plan another trip there.

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  13. You begin by telling us you've not done much - and then you've done all that!! And it's wonderful what you see - these lovely, unexpected skylines and vehicles - just by making a point of looking!

    I hope your lovely garden recovered from the shock of the helicopter!

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  14. "spooky" would be my word for that green vehicle ;)
    and wow, that looks like a tight spot for the helicopter to land! ... judging from your last photo it almost looks like it parked under the tree! ;)

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  15. That building is really hideous...could not The Belfast be persuaded to open fire on it...

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  16. Loved this photo essay. Thanks for sharing!

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  17. You lead the most interesting life, dear lady! I love to pop by and see what you've been up to and where you've been. :)

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  18. Schnapps can be very powerful. It's little wonder K's memories of the visit were hazy!

    I'm sure there would be many adults who'd be interested in reading your interview with Dahl, too. I hope you get permission to publish it. All the best with that. I look forward to hearing the outcome.

    Helicopters are incredible machines. I've had only one opportunity to go up on in one...and I was over the moon....not literally, of course!

    I'm looking forward to your trip to Greece. When do I start packing, Jenny? Just drop me a quick email...I've got my backpack out ready! :)

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  19. I agree wholeheartedly with you about the child's wheelchair. If you have got to use an aid then it might as well be fun and attractive and not utilitarian.
    So much going on in your neighbourhood, imagine a helicopter coming down so near to your property. I would have thought it could have been quite dangerous. The garden looks very neat and well tended.
    I am heading off to Greece soon too, enjoy yourself.

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  20. Do you avid bicyclers call a return trip down a familiar path recycling?

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  21. It sounds like a busy week as you ready yourself for your trips. Those vehicles are certainly unique, they make me wonder what they were about.

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  22. Your description of the "Walkie Talkie building" reminded me of a building here in Tampa. It is tall and round and, well... very odd looking. People in Tampa lovingly call it "The Beer Can."

    Having a helicopter land in my back yard would freak me out. But I certainly would run for my camera and snap some pictures.

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  23. Wow! That was quite the Magical Mystery Tour you led us on! You'd give Willy Wonka a run for his money any day (and I mean that in the nicest, most appreciative way).
    ;-)

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  24. Very interesting photos and post! I do hope you can publish that interview x

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  25. You lucky thing, you lead such an exciting life! From Schnapps up mountains to helicopters in the back green! Let alone the London tours! You are of course right about the building, almost all should be knocked down the way we now remove 1960's hideous ides from the streets.

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  26. Hi human, Jenny,

    Those photos, as usual, are amazing. The helicopter one certainly captures my attention. It's a good thing you took the photos when you did. London today can barely be seen, what with the sands coming in from the Sahara desert.

    Be well, dear human friend.

    Penny, the pawsitive host of the Alphabark Challenge, 2014!

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  27. To clear out and think and talk to people and help with the babies does not sound like "not doing much" to me, quite the contrary!
    The Roald Dahl interview sounds intriguing, I would very much like to read it.

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  28. Hi Jenny -- fun and fascinating stuff here! I love seeing London through your eyes. When I was last there, it was only for a full day (and half another) and the weather was rainy, dismal and while not cold in a winter way, that cold, wet spring way. Those tulips in the first picture made me smile big. It'll be a long while before our tulips come! I love that wheelchair design and how alarming to hear the helicopter. Nice to have a communal garden in the city -- but I'm glad he landed now before the planting was going!

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  29. Hello, Jenny! You packed various different oddities and interesting news as well as spring colors in one post. Your communal garden is beautiful.

    Yoko

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  30. Hi. I just discovered you, Jenny, via a comment on Jerry's sites to see. I'm fascinated and glad to be a new follower. I'm with Librarian - please tell us about being in Roald Dahl's home! He was a phenomenon. The description of you book about Lewis Carroll's account makes me laugh. You've one sharp wit.

    Happy weekend.
    xoRobyn

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  31. I am surprised that you had no warning that the air ambulance was going to land in your communal garden. They could have had more than one accident to attend to!

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  32. A fine post indeed! You're never sold short when it comes to your news and reviews Jenny!

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  33. Hi there Jenny, another fun packed post. Wow, the things that are around to be seen. That helicopter certainly caused a lot of excitement, pity about the wheelbarrow full of plants. The green car is a one-off and I can just imagine the joy of freedom for someone who may end up being the driver of that cool wheelchair.
    Cheers now and thanks for your collection of interesting stuff! Enjoy your upcoming trip too :D)

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  34. Why would anyone need to leave London for excitement elsewhere (except for professional reasons)?

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  35. I've had an interesting (if not very far travelled) life but having a helicopter land in your garden is not something I could ever hope to top with a story of my own!!!
    I wonder if K still enjoys Schnapps or did it put her off it for life?
    That building does look horrific. We have many new buildings by the Pier Head in Liverpool and one of them is equally appalling. Not only that but it blocks a traditional view of the Liver Buildings. It is annoying how these buildings get past any sensible ideas of what is acceptable.

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  36. That walkie-talkie building is just plain weird ... and dangerous. I'm surprised the powers-that-be allowed it to be built.
    Exciting times with the helicopter. Just glad that the pilot hadn't duplicated K's trick with the schnapps.

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  37. Hello Jenny

    What a most interesting post and what one says when they get out and stroll the city.
    I so agree with you that this ugly building must go!! Can we start a protest?
    Wishing you a positive outcome to the e-book containing you interview with Roald Dahl
    Happy travels

    Helenxx

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  38. Thank you for the welcome comments. It might sound when written down as if it was an eventful week but really the only amazing thing was the helicopter, though of course it is always interesting to cycle through London and good to visit the Design Museum. I did visit Dahl's house and had lunch with him and his family. What I particularly remember is the charming manners of his son, a most remarkable man I thought. I haven't heard back from the estate yet. Jon, I think that car is absolutely ideal for Halloween!

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  39. Full of interest as always Jenny. We are used to the air ambulance landing in Tywyn on average a weekly occurrence as it is so much quicker than by road in Wales. The wheelchair is brilliant.

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  40. Roald Dahl? wow how fascinating....good luck!!

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  41. Now I've never read a post where someone has talked about a helicopter landing in their back garden! Great shot.

    As much as the wheelchair is great I can't say I like the fabric on it. It will date really quickly and looks a bit tacky. Do you remember those brightly coloured chairs that they used to have in Argos for people to sit on whilst they waited for their item to arrive? It reminds me a bit of that! :D

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  42. I can't wait to "see" Greece through your eyes! It will be stunning. It seems as if you have done so much and have your finger on the pulse of everything!
    Sending the babies a hug from the States!

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  43. What an adventure. I'm with you on the ever changing city skyline, it looks like a few more buildings are sneaking their way up to the skyline. How on earth they fit them in is beyond me. Have a super time in Greece.

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  44. How exciting though to have a helicopeter land in your garden! It’s nice to see that Spring has finally arrived.

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  45. Oh dear. A helicopter landed in your back garden! It's something equally scar y but then once there's no casualties confirmed, it's a pretty exciting thing to happen.

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  46. Hi

    This post is full of interesting and fantastic things! I love how you see London. I like the city very much, particularly its spring and early summer scenes. Good luck with the e-book. I do hope you can publish it in the near future. Since Roald Dahl is one of my favorite authors, I really want to read the interview!
    And your last post! It was really really fascinating!!

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  47. You certainly had a full week! So many interesting things to see in London – those cars are unique. But to have a helicopter land in your backyard … well that would shake anyone. Thanks for showing us your week. I hope next week will be as interesting.

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  48. Lovely pics. I, too, hope you are able to publish the interview. Happy Easter,x

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  49. Very interesting post! I confess to chuckling at K's downing of the schnapps. I really hope you are allowed to publish your Roald Dahl e-book as that would be fascinating.

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  50. I agree with you about the awful buildings that now seem to be popping up all over the city. The shard, the walkie talkie and the cheesegrater are particular loathes of mine. I hope you manage to publish your interview.

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  51. I hope you get permission to publish the Dahl interview. And I absolutely HATE it when some ridiculous piece of architecture despoils an otherwise iconic skyline. Ugh!

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  52. Lots of interesting things to see and read as usual! I wonder what Schnapps is like. Sounds like alcoholic beverage but if so drinking at a stretcch could do her harm for her age, I'm afraid. No worry at all?
    I think to see a hericopter landing at an unexpected place is not the thing that happens often but is there any warning about where to land beforehand? From your description, it could cause another mess.

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  53. What a wonderful post! I am so envious that you met Roald Dahl. I do hope the interview can get published. Isn't Quentin Blake just awesome?

    I saw a chopper land in Victoria Embankment Gardens once!

    Enjoy your holidays!

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  54. Well, your post confirms what I suspected: life in London is never boring. Between you and me, I think that I am addicted to it now...

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  55. I'm really looking forward to reading about your cycling holiday. I'm starting a bike club in my school and I can't wait to get the members to join me in short trips in our area.

    Lovely photos as usual.

    Greetings from London.

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  56. Jenny, How I'd love to read that interview. And hear more about your thoughts and impressions,
    did you go to Gypsy House? Goodness.
    In case you might not know, he and his second wife wrote a cookbook, its so fabulous and there are quips by RD , little asides of stories and not just food recipie's , though they are very good, and the photography is superb.

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  57. Oh, and I am glad that you had such a lovely time in Greece. I could do with a trip right now, actually.

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