Punks in London
London, England, 1986
I can’t recall exactly where this was, possibly Trafalgar Square. I do remember taking it on the sly after seeing a tourist hassled for a few quid for taking their photo.
Snake charmer in Jaipur
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. 1 June 1986
A king cobra “charmed” by the swaying instrument – snakes can’t hear.
The practice has come under criticism by animal rights groups and appears to be less prevalent in India now.
Cotswold Way
St Johns church, Old Sodbury, England. 18 April 1987
Day 2 of the Cotswold Way having left Bath in Somerset county and heading north.
Filled up with water at Old Sodbury and spoke to a lady cleaning graves in the churchyard. Up the hill one mile to the large fort site of 11 acres. There were two large outside walls of earth, the grass was nicely cut. Met four hikers in a group coming from Chipping Camden – the only other walkers I’ve met.
I’m camped on an Iron Age Hill Fort near Little Sodbury Manor, now twenty miles from Bath. Once more balloons are floating quite near. It’s 7.30pm and the sun is going down on another perfect day. I actually have a sunburnt face. Cooked myself a vegetable soup meal and feel content.
On top of Hahnenkamm
Kitzbuhel, Austria. 26 November 1986
Went for another long walk. This time with three other Aussies, Cathy, Gaye & Dave. Up to the top of the Hahnenkamm mountain. Very steep, followed the famous downhill ski run virtually all the way. Feet were sinking into the snow and slipping over.
Made the top after 2 and a half hours. Had lunch on a bench with commanding views [altitude 1,712m]. Beautifully fine and clear. No one else was there, a rare sight. Walked along the ridge to a church.
Back down leaving at 3. Followed a road this time. Much longer, less steep, feet drier. Back in the darkness at 5pm.
Astride the prime meridian
Greenwich, London, England. 8 June 1986
Took a ferry from near Tower Bridge down the Thames to Greenwich. An interesting commentary on the history of various buildings and docks. Saw the Cutty Sark, didn’t pay to board it, did so for for Chichester’s “Gipsy Moth”, 20p.
Walked into the parklands, past soccer players, frisbee throwers and cricketers. Very pleasant surroundings. Up to the observatory and GMT. Astride the east/west meridian [0 degrees longitude] for a photo. Back past the Maritime Museum (closed at 6pm, another visit surely) and a train back to St Pauls and the YHA.
Newly arrived to London, I look a bit bedazzled, wearing my Kathmandu clothes. It wasn’t too long before they were ditched in favour of Doc Martin boots and a long black trench coat.