Happy Autumn!

 

Belgravia Saturday

Some of my very best days in London are spent in idleness. Maybe this is something to cultivate. A ride in the car, coffee on the street, a bath at leisure (thinking of a different day). This was Saturday with perfect weather, a couple of incredibly friendly Lebanesse men that worked in the oil business and had offices across the street from the coffee shop and then the darling lady from Parvin's that drove the old Panther. She said of her car-- "We are two of a kind- we look better than we are." She had great flair, joive de vie... And the guys were just back from Kiev-- what a hotspot.... like the Frenchman on the plane-- were thrilled to share that investment in the area was making them very wealthy.
Also charmed by the waitress, Julianne i think? She was studying English and a stately resident of the area, fluent in Italian, English and with some Polish, brought her books and checked on her progress. She asked me to check her spelling on the quick thank you she had scribbled out. It was a loely little vingnette of kindness between two people.

Thames

 

Henly on Thames and a lovely day with the talented Jo G! The web album gives you a peek at the architecture, river, sunlight..

Kiev

It is 10 hours later here in Kiev. There is a concert in the square across from the Hyatt. Stirring music, flags, bells, tympani drum and golden spires above St. Sohie's Church. They just finished Ave Marie which was a particular favorite of my Dad's. Ricardo asked on the way in, is this your first visit to an emerging country? And pointed out the duality of development and deprivation that is a hallmark of a country in change. This new team-- smart bunch. If I can survive the travel... it will be great. I am mindful... nearly everyone else with this travel schedule is male, multi-lingual, experienced in channels,with a spouse tending the home fires, and several pay levels above me. Time to step it up!
I spent the after dark portion of the concert with a singapore sling ensconced in the "Bar on 8". Well done up American couple, just a bit older than me. He talked on the cell phone for twenty minutes that I was aware of while she sat there in a state much worse than alone. Sometimes I want to shake people and remind them life is short. Be with each other while you can.

People here strike me as a bit grim. Granted, I am not as friendly as I am in England where I understand most of the language. ("That's pants" still short circuits in my mind. I completely get the sentiment but can't concieve of the origin.) Still, I am smile pleasantly at an adult and get a stare back.
In the photos you see a shop window that perfectly reflects the fashion sensibilities. You also see my new team at dinner in a traditional restaurant. (I sampled beef tongue. Guess what it tasted like? Beef.:>)
Enjoy the pictures.... these are from my phone.. since I didn't get my digital camera back. :>(