London's Festive Chinatown

"A smile will gain you ten more years of life." - Chinese Proverb

The lanterns weren't lit but they ignited a spark that uplifted our spirits. Perhaps it was the decorations or maybe it was my mood that made Chinatown distinctly cheerful.

People gathered all over London, including Chinatown after the Queen died, as if in instinctual group therapy to console one another and also to acknowledge a long life well lived is something to celebrate. Not everyone has the luck to live long and well.

With dangling paper lanterns overhead we gladly signed a book of condolences that would be presented to the Queen's family. We saw a lot of heart in Chinatown, which began in the 20th century in East End London by the docks where businesses catered mostly to Chinese sailors and their families. The enterprise eventually moved West.

Chinatown nowadays is prettily situated in Central London and, although affected by earlier pandemic restrictions, typically caters to millions of visitors each year who want to savour the many delicious foods, explore the arts, gift shops and more.

A striking not-too-scary dragon mounted on the wall of a building grinned at passersby.

The relatively new gate completed in 2016 was stylized after the Qing Dynasty, the last orthodox dynasty in Chinese history. I learned Prince Andrew officiated at its opening.

Snake depictions at the British Museum in the Asia section seemed a bit like what I saw on the gate's design. Was that a dragon's head on a snake's tail, I wondered?

From the regal entrance of a towering gate to the obscure alley away from the bustling crowds, each corner I turned and nook I spied held some delight or sweet surprise.

Explore more at SKYWATCH and check out my sites: Postcards from Penelope Puddle and Musings of A Puddlist In B.C.

Postscript, Sept. 30, 2022: 

Surviving devastation is a reason to smile but there is also great sadness. Mine and many hearts go out to Floridians experiencing loss and trauma in the aftermath of a wildly damaging storm. Ian tested the imagination of how extreme weather can get.    

Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the  Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report.

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Real & Imaginary Creatures Of London

I was on cloud nine meeting a pelican for the first time in person.

I had seen them only in film and photos or sometimes I imagined seeing them in the clouds. Although spotted in parts of B.C., pelicans are not usually seen where I am along the coast or, for that matter, in Britain. Perhaps the fellow (below) comes from a line gifted by a Russian Ambassador to St. James's Park in the 60's. This particular one was discovered by itself at a local garden and, in 1996, the park took it under its wing.

It was quite a character (pictured above and below) with personality plus. No fence could contain what likely is one the most photographed birds in St. James Park.

Passersby, with groceries in hand, could not resist stopping to take several photos.

The bird seemed to preen and understand full-well its special status.

Swans lazily floated under the picturesque Hammersmith Bridge, one of 35 bridges in London over the river Thames. Soft blue cloud-filled sky hues bounced on the water.

Skies seemed lighter in texture and tone than at home. I wondered if the Tube so heavily used in London suppressed vehicle traffic pollution somewhat.

Below, a stoic palace guard sat atop his well behaved and meticulously groomed horse.

Nearby, a horse of a very different sort was displayed at the Buckingham Palace gates.

The unicorn (above) was likely chosen by Scotland (thus far remaining part of the United Kingdom) as its official national animal due to its mythical whimsical charms, super-strength and powers. The whimsical artifact (below) at the British Museum was a minuscule part of a vast Asia collection. The ornate container had birds for "legs".

The incredibly well preserved diorite statue (below) is thought to be from 4th century BC. It possibly represents Khepri which in ancient Egyptian mythology is the god of the morning sun transformed into a scarab beetle each dawn to be reborn at daybreak.

It was in the morning sun that I spied a large lion at Highgate Cemetery having a nap.

One hoped the person beneath this grand monument was also peacefully sleeping.

For the living in London there were overwhelming amounts of things to do and see. I could have spent more time in this vibrant rain-washed city. But the butterfly painting at the flat where I stayed saw me flutter away ... perhaps to return another day. 

Explore more at Skywatch Friday and Saturday's Critters. You can also check out my other sites at: Postcards from Penelope Puddle and Musings of A Puddlist In B.C.

Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the  Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report.

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Do Something That Scares You

The beach umbrella reminded me of a rocket ship so I gave it the "star" treatment. I'd obviously never make it to Mars because even the prospect of a long flight overseas scared me a bit. It was over a decade ago since I last visited Europe. Now, amid Covid concerns, we soared through space in an elaborate "tin can", praying for safe landings. Relying on competent pilots and maintenance crews, my London trip with a friend did thankfully unfold well. Having not set foot in England before, it was still familiar. The queen, now king, is Canada's constitutional monarch, albeit playing no political role.

Leaving Vancouver, we could not imagine Queen Elizabeth would die the week we were there. The historic event swayed our plans and drew focus from much of the world. The sudden urge to flock together was intense. Thousands gathered near palace gates. My friend and I lingered with the crowds as well. Chatting with locals, it was clear that the love and respect for the Queen was real. I wondered if Elizabeth was scared when first getting the job she did so well. For seventy years she was stability in a changing world.

Along the way and throughout various lineups, there was gentle crowd control.

The weather, too, was familiar. Clouds, rain, and sun alternated hour by hour.

London is a vibrant sophisticated hub where cultural diversity abounds. Amid Victorian homes and fairytale palaces, cozy pubs and elegant restaurants, we found marvelous ways to get around, including the underground, thanks to the Tube, one of the oldest metro systems in the world that is ofttimes written about by blogger Fun 60. Here's one of numerous entrances below. It helps to be fit when hopping on and off.

Wherever one wanders, there's no escaping the monarchy woven into the British fabric. Street names and more reflect the royal past to outlast the poor and the regal.

St. Margaret's Church was not only for prayer. It stood alone as an opulant work of art.

Whether notable like Karl Marx, (headstone above), or unnoticed, there is limited time.

This was made poignantly clear at Highgate Cemetery in grand and beautiful disrepair. Those who once cared for the resting places of family died. Trees seeded themselves.

I was easily lost in the British Museum. The enticing maze of confusing locations held artifacts (below) from around the globe. I was drawn to Buddha sculptures and more.

But this post is not about death and ancient things. It is about taking occasional risks, stepping away from comfort zones and remembering to be alive on our circling ride.

Life is short and sometimes long but even a Queen is destined to give up her crown.

So I'm glad I took the trip and lots and lots of pictures to share in future posts ...

hesitantly adventurous until the most mysterious journey departs for stardust.

Explore more at SKYWATCH and Mosaic Monday. Also, check out my sites: Postcards from Penelope Puddle and Musings of A Puddlist In B.C.

Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report.

HOLD ONTO THE LIGHT