"Chronicles of a Tour" -- GMT(Greenwich Mean Time)

You are about to step on an imaginary extension of the Prime Meridian. I was told so by our younger daughter-in-law, Archana.  It was our first day in London and we went for a walk on Thames Path. The above was spoken when we were in front of North Greenwich Underground Station. To tell the truth, I was awe struck because I could not believe that life was about to teach me another lesson; a lesson based upon the universe, a creation of the God Almighty; a creation which the mankind endeavor to unravel by their imagination and submission.

What a beautiful way to learn a lesson?  I thought. As beautiful as God’s own creation was the reply. World is a classroom and life is your teacher. It added. 

My thoughts still immersed in the beauty of God’s creation, I went along few black and white lines which were supposed to be the imaginary extension of the Prime Meridian or Zero Degree Longitude. Written towards the end was something which made me bow in front of an invincible power called Time.

What strong hand can hold Time’s swift foot back? 

                                                                  --- William Shakespeare

Taken from Sonnet 65 written by William Shakespeare, it brings out a time tested universal truth; Time is invincible and no force can hold it back. Towards end of the Sonnet, Shakespeare explains that there is a chance of a mortal being facing time without being destroyed, which in his case is through his verse.

Deep Thoughts once again! The power of Kaala Chakram (Wheel of Time) and Kaala Garbham(The immense magnitude of Time) has been amply explained in our vedic scriptures. It will not be an exaggeration to say that there is no element in this universe which has not come face to face with Time in one way or the other; as the ultimate conqueror, creator, destroyer or healer. Vast empires and vibrant civilizations which were thought to be permanent could not withstand the test of time and had to be engulfed in Kaala Garbham to come up again in some other form in conformity with Kaala Chakram. It was made clear from time immemorial that all that which a mere mortal builds through generations and lets his ego inflate, can be brought to a naught by Time in a split second.

Time is benevolent as well. If it wishes so, a new generation and a new civilization can take birth and flourish out of nowhere.

Truth is Simple. Every life is governed by Time and is embodied in the bodies itself. Even those creatures which cannot read time through machines read it through nature and go about their routine with clockwork precision. That is the all pervasiveness of Time.

The above thoughts were very young in my mind when I visited Royal Observatory and stood next to the Prime Meridian or Zero Degree Longitude and the origin of Greenwich Mean Time.  I kept standing there for a long time thinking of the contributions of mathematicians, astrologers, astronomers, mariners, voyagers, seafarers and knowledge seekers of the world who helped in devising a common system of time; connecting humanity without any barriers of boundaries or belonging; of establishing time zones for use and comfort of people to learn and earn and to travel through continents and time zones as easily as one does from one room to another at his home.

Last but not the least, the larger than life role played by the Time in our lives was made evident through their endeavors.

The Sun Dials, huge chronometers with pulleys and gears, some basic and some advanced, which led to the modern digital watches were all there to see and take a  flight into the past.

More than going into the past, I visualized being drawn towards a huge globe with the Prime Meridian prominently etched on it and there I stood having a bird’s eye view of the Earth. I floated across Longitudes, Latitudes, Continents, Countries, Oceans, Seas, Rivers, Mountains and Forests.

Is it possible? I asked.

Certainly. Did you ever imagine that one day you will be standing on the Prime Meridian? I am sure you did not. Likewise, you may be able to do so. Keep your imagination healthy. A voice answered.

Above all, learn to respect the power of Time. It will respect you said the voice and became silent.

I stared into the sky and nodded my head. The heavenly bodies who were in the know of everything about Time read my thoughts silently.

"Chronicles of a Tour" -- Beautiful Benefield

Countryside, Soul of the Earth!

 “Country Roads, Take Me Home …” The soulful voice of John Denver and closer to heart lyrics of the song were on the tip of my tongue when I boarded a train from London to Peterborough. I heard the song for the first time in the 1980s through my dear friend Surendar Pavamani and it remained in my heart ever since.

The connection between countryside and elements of the nature makes my heart long to be among lush green fields, grazing cattle, benevolent skies and friendly streams,when my childhood; my treasure comes to the fore and beckons me to hold its hand and become a child again.

“What will I be without the sweet memories filled in my Heart”? I ask myself and answer in the same breath “Life would not have been worth living”  

Accompanied by my wife, Lakshmi and elder son Sandeep, the journey to Peterborough was an eventful one. Ever happy to click my camera, I sat glued to the window seat. Not minding speed of the train and many bushes, poles and other obstacles which obstructed my view I clicked anyway.

We were received by Dr P Vijith Reddy, a close relative and person very dear to us, along with his cheerful young daughter Vedika.  The drive from Peterborough to Benefield via Oundle amply fed my appetite for nature but, more was to come.

Benefield, picture perfect!

I was invited by quite a few things on arriving at Benefield; calmness resembling welcome through a smile; well laid out houses speaking of orderliness; trees of apples adorning hedges of some houses offering their hospitality; wooden gates, pebbled patios and neatly tended gardens speaking few good words about quality of life in the country side; all in one go.

The house of our host had all the above ingredients and had few additions as well. An apple tree in the courtyard tempted me to pluck some fruits and savor them while waiting for some wild rabbits to make their appearance;a big willow tree shared few of its secrets with me. “Can you tell me how I might look during the nights especially in full moon nights”? It asked.  Putting up my best poetic imagination I said “I can see you looking beautiful standing strong and tall; silver white leaves hanging low as if a fairy has loosened her hair and dropped it below her shoulders; your strong branches resembling outstretched welcoming arms”. A chuckle escaped from the mouth of the tree giving an indication that it was amused. “But” it said “there are people who get scared of me, they say that I look like an evil spirit coming to life on a full moon night” It seemed to feel bad about it. I put a hand on its strong trunk and said “don’t you worry. Such stories abound the countryside. What is life without a bit of spice”?

“It has been ages since someone had few kind words for me. Let me have few photographs with you for memory sake” billowed the willow.

”Time to go for a walk through the village” our host announced.

Upper to Lower Benefield!

Going between neatly laid out terraced houses; we cut across the road and took a beaten track behind a huge house. A big friendly canine jumped over the fence and vied for our attention and to tell you truly, I was taken aback by its sudden appearance. It was a bright sunny day and the fields glistened with the morning dew. Cattle and sheep could be seen grazing on the slopes while a barn, few tractors and farming equipment greeted us from our left. A cricket club at a short distance sent a gentle breeze to us with a message “Leisurely pursuit; in the most reasonable manner. Play on my carpet, rest on my stands, be a cheer leader or a team leader, you will enjoy my hospitality”.

Stepping on the lone road of Lower Benefield was like entering a bygone era; where time stood still except for the town hall where some people could be seen. We crossed the road and entered a church which withstood the test of times and stands proudly as a testimony to lives of the heroes of this land; some rewarded and revered; some in to the oblivion unnoticed.

Idyllic! In a true sense.

We were in for a feast of blackberries plucked straight from the bushes on our way back and not even a ton of fruits bought from the market would have  equaled the joy of getting underneath the bushes; stung by thorns; bending the branches; excitement of finding a bunch of fully ripened fruits and so on. A rich experience indeed.

We were hungry when we reached home and excellent food by Rachna filled our empty stomachs. We had a chance to meet her parents as well. I decided to give some rest to my body and mind and got up only when the Sun was setting.  Winter brought early evening and after a hot cup of tea we headed back to Peterborough and our train journey to London.

Getting in to the Grain!

I was richly rewarded by a bit of research about the name of Benefield. Information available on the web told me that Benefield is a distinguished surname of a family dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era. One branch of the family had probably settled down in this place and hence the name Benefield. The lineage has been traced to many people bearing the surname who made a mark for themselves in the UK as well as its erstwhile colonies.

“It is always so” I thought. “People bring name to a family, society and place”; then my poetic mood took over.

“History of people and places,

tells how they fared through the times;

not through loud voices or blowing their own trumpets,

but in  their humble soft voices;

What they leave behind makes us move forward,

In to better times, riches and reward”

Happiness dawned upon me when I completed the above poetic endeavor. A travel through history of the mankind pronounces their invaluable contributions to the progeny in a very humble manner without laying any claims to glory as if they just did their duty and nothing more.

“All of us are travelers; a foot here, a foot there, finally a print and then in to history”

"Chronicles of a Tour" -- Serene Scotland

Kilt and Pipe Band! My early images of Scotland and Scots were their traditional dress called “Kilt” and the Pipe Band. The images were strongly woven into history and tales of their chivalry, sacrifice, loyalty, love for fun and music. Having witnessed many parades with the pipe band in toe, I was thrilled at the prospect of visiting Scotland to have a glimpse of the Highland Piper. The thrill was also at the prospect of experiencing the rich cultural, literary and military lineage through what I will see, listen, observe and interact.

Kings Cross to Edinburgh!  18 Oct 2014; comfortably seated in a train, I was rearing to have a glimpse of the countryside known for its undulated green meadows, grazing sheep, ever changing climate, and terraced houses.

Keeping my camera handy, my mind was reminiscing those earlier occasions when I was lucky to travel through the country side, a bounty of nature; stoic, strong and people of good nature, rare and pure air, treks through beaten and self made tracks, a cup of hot tea at a wayside tea shop; glimpse of the mountain peaks and valleys from a view point, low hanging clouds, howling winds and winding roads.

Keenness within brightens the countenance! I did not know that a big smile was beginning to brighten my face until I was asked for the reason by my dear wife. “It does happen when one is totally immersed.  It is like the exterior of a mighty river. The richness of the soil underneath, its depth, undercurrents and the myriad lives that prosper inside manifest themselves as a surface full of smooth flow, song and dance” I say.

“Various moods we experience and express are a direct indication of what we are within and how we connect it with the exterior” I summed up.  

Keep me alive my memories! As the train chugged towards Edinburgh, we passed through York, Darlington, New Castle and few names struck a chord within me. Was the name “New York” taken from York when people from one part of the world migrated to another?  Though I had not visited New York, images of migration through mighty Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, touching new shores and naming those places with some they are already familiar with, came rushing in front of my eyes. Could it be true? May or may not be.

Edinburgh, the UNESCO World Heritage Site!

A magnificent skyline filled with old monuments and a Castle greeted us the moment we came out of Edinburgh Waverly railway station. I was to learn later that their exterior was not allowed to be modified, remained in the same shape as they were built and is named “UNESCO World Heritage Site”.

Going through the capital city of Scotland in a hop in – hop out bus was a real treat to the eyes. The St Andrew Square was milling around with tourists ever eager to get more out of this beautiful city. The traffic except at the railway station was relaxed and we went around the city accompanied by exceptional audio commentary.

Numerous battles for supremacy of Scotland right from Romans to Scots shaped it into an architectural, cultural and intellectual hub. A chord of familiarity was struck when the guide took names of Sir Walter Scott, William Wallace, Robert the Bruce King of Scots, Sean Connery, Andy Murray, Tony Blair, Arthur Conan Doyle, John Napier and many others who belong to its rich lineage. It was interesting to know that J.K. Rowling wrote her first Harry Potter novel while in Edinburgh.

It was icing on the cake when on my return to London I watched “Ivanhoe” a movie based on the novel by Sir Walter Scott.

The bus took us through St Andrew Square, Princes Street, Bank Street, Hollyrood Palace, New Parliament Building, Cow Market, Edinburgh Castle and so on. The guide’s narration of tales of valor, crime and intrigue enhanced our experience of seeing the places.

If watching the movie “Ivanhoe” was icing on the cake, visiting Napier University, where our elder son had pursued his Masters Degree was like a child trying to open the birthday presents even before saying thank you to the presenter. It took us down the memory lane by more than a decade.

Edinburgh stood the test of time in preserving its core while donning a new cloak to effortlessly flow in to the new.

Early morning of 19 Oct 2014 saw us standing at the Hub in front of the Edinburgh Castle to board a bus on a trip to the Highlands. It was very cold with strong winds and except for tourists like us there was no one on the streets.  Our guide in a Kilt, the traditional dress of the Highlanders appeared to be perfectly dressed for the occasion.

The guide, a good humored and informed narrator went about his job in a great way in telling us that as in any other hilly region, the people of highlands took pride in their own style of living, culture and language. They spoke Scottish Gaelic, traces of which are still present.

As the guide’s rich voice recounted its rich history through middle ages to the modern period aligning it continuously with the landscape full of Glens, Ness, villages, forts and sign boards in Scottish Gaelic the tour was transformed in to an audio visual documentary.

What does it mean to be Highlanders?

“It means to closely embrace their traditions, fun loving when playing the pipe, courageous while yielding broadswords and battle axes, hardworking on the agricultural lands, close knit on the battle field and at home, poets of bards and singers of folklore”

Narration of the life of Clansmen, Napoleonic wars, Jacobite Rising, Industrial Revolution, Chain Migration to greener pastures, Change in life style from Highlands to Lowlands, Sparse Population was as if there existed a common thread in the history of the people from hills all across the world. “It could be true even in the case of people from Lowlands” I thought.

“Does Old gives way to the New”?

“Not exactly; Old remains intact inspiring the younger generation to reach greater heights than their ancestors; it does not matter whether one lives in Highland or Lowland as long as the spirits are high. As high as the land where their ancestors lived”

As if our Guide sensed my thoughts, he brought a legend amongst us; “Robert the Bruce, King of the Scots”. “Is there anyone who did not hear about the story of Robert Bruce and the Spider? He is the one who succeeded in enhancing the glory and kingdom of the Scots” 

“Oh! What a pleasure to meet you Sir” I said aloud.

By now we were high in to the Highlands and after recounting the valour of William Wallace and other legends, the guide halted the bus and announced “Those adventurous souls among you may step down for a taste of the Highland weather”.

I stepped down and was in for a real treat. In lashing rain, fierce wind and biting cold I had to summon all my strength to be able to stand on my feet but the effort was worth the while. A beautiful panorama of green mountain tops clad in clouds, sloping fields, a gurgling stream as fast as the rapids, far and dispersed country houses which resembled precious stones dropped from the heavens greeted us. I happily clicked few photos and was about to board the bus when I saw two young men get down from their car, gather a raft each, get in to the stream and speed away in their rafts.

The history of Ben Nevis, Glencoe, and Loch Ness was explained so well that it will remain fresh in mind forever.

Nessie,The Loch Ness Monster!  It was past mid noon when we reached Loch Ness and were made fully aware of the experiences, stories and myth related to the Loch Ness Monster “Nessie” which was told to have been spotted in the lake.

Our bus halted alongside a hotel opposite  the lake and those interested were asked to go down to the harbor for a boat ride on the lake. We thought otherwise and started exploring the gift shop in the premises of the hotel. What we found there substantiated all the stories, legends and folklore narrated to us by our guide. Placed in the shop were artifacts of Robert Bruce, William Wallace, Nessie and Scots in their traditional Kilt and we went back in to the history once again.

Inverness, on our return! The day was perfect, journey memorable, history revisited; clouds of the evening returning home after a day’s work, gentle drizzle capping our appetite for more; time to return and what could be more pleasing than a route through Inverness”

One more experience tucked tightly in my pockets we headed back to Edinburgh.

“Old and new; as hand-in-glove, memorized and kept in focus as the back of one’s hand, always eager to reveal, accept with a large heart, arms spanning as broad as the shoulders they come from, ready to welcome, share and learn”.

A well earned Learning!