A short (ish) 30 minute walk —— (the full loop will reopen in Feb 2026) from Harringay Green Lanes overground or as I’ve now discovered an even shorter walk (10 minutes) from Manor House Underground station —- gets you to the wetlands and their great cafe.

I’ve visited almost everyday of my recent visit for their sourdough melted cheese sandwich and make friends with the wildlife.

I’ve marvelled at the birds, especially the family of swans with their rapidly growing seven dusky grey cygnets

I’ve met a lovely mix of people here, including the wonderful hosts.

An added treat this week was ….

Another friend demanded to be included

A pigeon with a penchant for melted cheese.

No way Jose can you have the ginger beer.

Stand by me

July 27, 2025 SFLeave a comment

Screening in north London at Woodberry Wetlands

From Bees to Birds

July 2, 2024 SFLeave a comment

I’m now in Firenze visiting the incomparable Maria, more later but first to the birds ….

… sharing my second breakfast

It didn’t take too long to attract many new friends

I’ve discovered a riverside cafe: great location, bargain breakfast. It’s a low cost place where the community of all ages (and some foreigners), and especially older people meet, chat, draw, paint, work, support.

WOMAD.

August 1, 2023 SFLeave a comment

The world music festival in south England

There’s a group of us that meets and camps together each year. Sharing cooking and news of our lives, supporting each other.

WOMAD 2023

Some of the same group eighteen years before… on the front row from left … youngest son Oliver, me, friend Louise, Liz mum of my boys, Ben, my eldest.

My son Oliver was visiting from Canada with his partner Rachel. Wonderful and rare opportunity to catch up.

This year I’ve been fortunate to meet a few friends, who are previous guests at Mysore Bed and Breakfast.

We’ve lost two from our group that’s MAnjula and Peter but they’re still in all our hearts.

‘Til later…

Manjula after cooking one of her gorgeous meals and overcome by the appreciation from our group. Wonderful memories from 2016 and 2017

There’s always time for new friends and stories.

Cool things to buy for the forever shopper. You’ll see this and similar around, as they’re significant.

Back home in Mysore

July 20, 2023August 10, 2023 SFLeave a comment

What’sapp between Ani and I

Manjula keeping her watchful eye, caring kindness and wonderful presence.

Ani arrives back from the US en route to Bylakuppe. After retiring as psychologist in the US she became a Tibetan Buddhist nun

Sowbaghya is in charge, looking after the house and menagerie while I’m away.

We’ve been waiting to see the beautiful flower, Manjula’s favourite but missed its full glory.

So here, from a few years ago, are the two beauties together

She loved it and we her.

Meet Emma and her beautiful home

July 20, 2023July 21, 2023 SFLeave a comment

Emma is a very very good friend, we met when working for Business in the Community.

Emma and I explored Kerala together after she visited Mysore

On first impressions you might think she’s very posh. Quickly you’ll realise as I did that she is one of the most down-to-earth, warm hearted and compassionate, caring people you can meet.

Next stop Bristol

July 17, 2023 SF1 Comment

Sally in Bristol.

Sally first visited us at Mysore Bed and Breakfast, years ago. She now leads textile tours of India.

Exploring the city, finding magic, public arts and engineering innovations.

Engineering marvels by Isambard Kingdom Brunel

Meeting Ruth

July 13, 2023July 13, 2023 SFLeave a comment

Ruth visited us at Mysore Bed and Breakfast over the years.

I’m visiting her again in Bath in England. Ruth is a poet and the last time she came to Mysore to collect material for her latest book

Last night I attended a reading of her poetry.

Visiting Jony

July 11, 2023July 11, 2023 SFLeave a comment

Jony visited us, years ago in Mysore, and I’ve now returned to him a few times at his home in SW England in Hilpertin village, near Bath.

He’s become a good friend and a place of stimulating political, insightful and personally intimate (family, relationships, grief) conversations.

The t shirt says it all. I’m no help with physical lugging and probably limited value on the emotional support. I’ve even lost the skill of making tea.

Jony hasn’t and bakes bread. I’m borderline embarrassed by my inaction.

Amongst his many activities and interests, he’s about to publish a second book of great photos from his travels. Profits from his first were donated a few years ago to Kaliyuvamane school where Kaveri now attends.