We set off for Salt Spring Island, the largest and most populous of British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands, renowned for its vibrant arts community, organic farms, and natural landscapes. The ferry was late in arriving but we were happy waiting…sun shining, birds singing! The only thing interrupting my serenity was the ichiness on my arms, and back. Called my hotel to discuss whether there could be a bed bug issue…’I’ll call my manager’ was Irena’s response, from reception.

A 20 min journey by ferry and we soon driving to Baynes Peak (on Mount Maxwell), which involves 4kms of bumpiness – on a steep, narrow, and unpaved logging-style gravel road featuring large potholes and rugged stony terrain. Us brave ones, with Jacqui driving the dependable Subaru Crosstrek, made it ….to see the amazing vistas.

Saltspring Island Cheese was our next stop – to sample goat cheeses, as you do. Jacqui loved a truffle chevre (she had sampled previously) and I loved a soft-washed rind cheese called Romalia, paired with onion and thyme jam – delicious. So we got some of both to take home.

We lunched @ Wild Cider on a terrace with a delightful view of the picturesque farm, overlooking mountains. Jacqui and I sampled a float of ciders, she loving the Happy Apricot and I, the Saskatoon Berry. Jack tried Fentimen’s Cola. And we had a delicious lunch from the tapas menu – mushrooms, pesto on brioche; cauliflower bites and chicken karaage – yummy.

Arrived at the ferry half an hour before its scheduled departure, as had a lot of other cars, trucks and RV’s. We were one of 2 last cars that were squeezed onto the back of that ferry – so we luckily didn’t have to wait in a queue for another hour or so for the next to arrive. Just as well, as there drama back at my hotel.

I discovered the hotel maintenance man HAD found a bug problem in my room. And, there was no other available room at the (Buccaneer) Inn. I packed up my luggage and took up Jack and Jacqui’s kind offer to stay with them overnight. Leaving my suitcase on their patio, I took all the clothes out and put them through a double hot wash and dry. Jack drove to the local hardware and got me a can of bed bug killer to spray into, and onto my luggage. Also picked up a couple of pizzas for us for dinner, which we munched while watching Canadian football.

The following morning, journeyed to Ladysmith Old Town bakery for breakfast – I had a jalapeno cream cheese danish and mine hosts had scones. (The scrolls were huge and were dripping with icing – too much for the 3 of us). We love this artwork on the wall of the bakery.

Next, we visited the Westholme Tea Company so Jacqui could buy some green tea (she’s not a coffee drinker). We were offered a sample of the daily ‘special’ green tea, the smoky flavour of which, Jacqui loved. Bargain, tea bought! I loved the rustic Cowichan tea cosy display. And the garden around the tea house was a delight.

Jacqui and Jack wanted to introduce me to another bakery they love at Cowichan Bay – ‘True Grain’. Had to try their apple strudel and energy bar – took them home to share later on.

Last stop was at Chemainus, a scenic seaside town famous as the ‘mural capital of British Columbia.’ Historically a logging town; facing severe economic collapse in the 1980s, the town re-invented itself by progressively painting massive outdoor murals on its buildings, now 50 of them.

A delicious lunch was had, sampling the products we had purchased at Salt Spring Island yesterday. And it was time to catch the Hullo ferry back to Vancouver for the last leg of my holiday. Thank you Jacqui and Jack for a wonderful time as always.

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Jack and Jacqui have the ‘day off’ today :).

I hired a car so I could travel south to the capital Victoria. Along this pathway, the Skywalk is an uplifting coastal forest-to-sky experience, a place to wander at your own pace….and it’s accessible to all. 360 degree views from the top of the Mt Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula and islands stretching into USA as well as Canada. And there’s a 20m spiral slide (‘the sizzler!)….you hear periodic screams from those unprepared for the fun and fast ride….. :), and that’s a bit unnerving.

Artist Tanya Bub glues together thousands of driftwood pieces to create her striking sculptures – cougars, bears, an owl and bald eagle – all native to Vancouver Island and part of Tanya’s Wild Art collection – they are nestled throughout the Malahat SkyWalk experience.

I chose to see the Abkhazi garden this visit, as I saw the incredible Butchart gardens last time. Amazing history too – in 1920’s Paris, Marjorie (Peggy) Pemberton-Carter meets the exiled Georigian prince, Nicholas Abkhazi and they form a firm friendship. Both were separately interned in prisoner-of-war camps during WW2. Peggy made her way to Victoria post war and bought the large treed and rocky lot that would become Abkhazi garden. In Jan 1946 she received a letter from Nicholas…they reunited and soon got engaged and married in Nov 1946. They worked together on the garden for over 40 years…they called it ‘their child’. I particularly loved the Rhododendron Woodland section and water lily ponds.

Fisherman’s Wharf in Victoria, is a colourful floating village just a short walk from the Inner Harbour. Each painted in bright hues and boasting quirky designs, each house is unique in its own way, and as you walk up and down the marina, you wonder about the local lifestyle and what it would be like living in the interesting tiny homes. Then, there’s the marine life. I kept my eyes peeled for harbour seals but didn’t see any playfully bobbing in the water…a common sight apparently, but not for me today.

Took a drive down Belleville St to see the Houses of Parliament and Fairmont’s Empress Hotel – wow, they are both as I still remembered – so impressive in their architectural impact.

Really enjoyed the day, and keeping the steps up…7,101 today.

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It was a fab 9 hour flight from London to Vancouver by British Airways. My AirB&B accom was finally okay, but had to negotiate a different room from the initial assigned, with resident onsite manager.

Caught the Hullo ferry to Nanaimo the next morning. Jacqui and Jack are my hosts for the next few days and they spoiled me with a lovely lunch (see below) and then a ‘smoking’ dinner. Jack cooked smoked ribs, Jacqui the salad and potato salad, Yummy, yum, yum!

We headed for Comox the next day, a one and a half hour drive north. Jacqui and Jack wanted me to see the Filberg heritage park. In the 1930’s, Comox timber baron, Robert Filberg built Filberg Heritage Lodge (now Grancuna Lodge), as a summer home for his wife and 2 children. Spectacular view of the Goose Spit, the Strait of Georgia and the magestic Beaufort mountains (still with some snow on the peaks). Its a real gem – nine acres of breathtakingly landscaped waterfront gardens. The park features 130 varieties of trees, seasonal gardens, and hundreds of rhododendrons. It’s become a popular venue for picnics, weddings, art shows and special events including the popular Filberg Festival held in August.

Wow, an absolutely beauty of a day, and park. Blue skies, green grass and trees, flowering bushes and more peonies (I think I’m getting obsessed)…water views galore.

Jacqui, a very bad influence :), introduced me to yummy ‘Empress 1908 gin’. Love the purple colour. And Comox marina.

View from the Oceanside route on the way back to Nanimo…

Deep Bay….

Enjoying a lunch @ the Bluefin pub in Comox (tide out) and then in late afternoon…back at Nanaimo, the Irish pub, ‘Carlos O’Bryan’s’.

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Hopped onto the no.88 bus, for a 50 minute journey, to Clapham Common. There was an annoucement mid route that the bus was terminating at Stockwell ….and passengers patiently waited there for another no.88 to come along. Arrived at friend Diana’s home and we had a lovely catch up and lunch in the local Abbeville village.

I booked a ticket to see ‘Inter Alia’ @ the Wyndham Theatre last night. The play has been written by Susie Miller (who previously wrote Prima Facie) ….and looks at what happens when a top criminal court judge’s own son is accused of rape. Miller’s writing uncovers the hypocrisies and horrors at the heart of our courts — how the issue of consent in sexual crimes is used by defence lawyers to tear down victims, and an unpoliced internet hellscape is poisoning the beliefs of young men.

Rosamund Pike does an incredible job with the role – she is Jessica Parks, a judge trying to be everything to everyone: a mother, a feminist, a staunch supporter of women in the courtroom, and an accommodating wife to her lawyer husband. A good friend, a kind neighbour, a fun dinner party host – the juggle and balance that successful women attempt in a world not designed for them. As an audience, you get to hear what’s going on ‘inside her head’, a remarkable feat crafted by Miller’s prose and Justin Martin’s smart directing. A searing examination of motherhood and masculinity.

My last play on this visit is Fran Kranz’s stage adaptation of “Mass” @ the Donmar Warehouse. The play is an unflinching, emotionally devastating, and essential look at grief, accountability, and restorative justice. Centred on two sets of parents, Linda (Monica Dulan) and Richard (Paul Hilton) versus Jay (Adeel Akhtar) and Gail (Lyndsey Marshal), meeting years after a shared tragedy involving a mass shooting, the play unfolds almost entirely around a table; one that slowly rotates, subtly shifting our perspective as the emotional ground beneath the characters moves far more violently. Aktar’s restrained fury and Dolan’s haunting grief were, in particular, extraordinary to watch. Despite the weighty conversations surrounding an all-too-real kind of tragedy, I left the theatre light on my feet, believing in the power of conversation and restorative justice, and what a beautiful message for a story to have.

Stepping out into the sunshine I walked past Seven Dials Market and monument…jeez, there was a lot of activity!

I decided I needed a gelato….I thought of Amorino on Charing Cross Rd. Oh yes, can highly recommend! Delish and beautifully presented in the form of a rose…a work of art.

I have my last fancy schmancy restaurant booking tonight @ Elystan St. Caught the Picadilly line to South Kensington and walked to the Chelsea area. The Petrossian caught my eye on route and I wandered in…goodness me, lots of different flavoured caviar, smoked salmon and lots of different vodka…had to try a small flute of spicy vodka…which was very acceptable.

Elystan St offered seasonal, gimmick free dishes which are full of vitality and flavour. I had a double-baked cheddar cheese souffle, with a trifle emulsion, leeks, mushrooms and a small green salad. Yummy!

Last night in London! Its been great and I’ll hopefully be back in December.

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Walked to Leicester Square and then past the Hippodrome to Leicester Station tube – easy to purchase a ticket, just a £1.75 flat rate for each trip by tap at gate entrance.

Love Magic Mike and great its fun that’s it’s still happening…the Hippodrome has incredible statues on its roof. Took the Picadillly line to Kensington and had a look at Harrods. Its the same labyrinth of a store I remember from decades ago. Cafe Erol in Kensington High St is new though – catering for anyone who loves middle eastern savoury and sweet flavours.

I booked to go to one of my fave (Polish) restaurants in previously experienced London 5 decades ago at least….’Ognisko’. It was like old home week…with a menu that had been jazzed up for international expectations. I ordered a delicious pierogi starter…..

and a pork schnitzel ‘main’, and spicy pear cocktail. Yumm!

I got notice that there’s an EID festival happening on Saturday @ Trafalgar Square, so to take a pic before the event management crew came in…… here it is…(note to self, must find a venue out of this area!).

You have to line up to see plays in London…this wasn’t a terribly long one, thank goodness. And I loved this 15thC chappy at St Martin-in-the-Fields wall.

‘Oh Mary’ @ the Trafalgar Theatre has rave reviews, billed as an uproarious black comedy about the life of Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of Abraham Lincoln, in the lead up to the time of Lincoln’s assassination. It’s panto, it’s big, it’s loud. And it’s won BAFTA awards. So I got a ticket. OMG, you can “see the jokes coming around the corner before the punchlines drop. The camp comedy contains less subversion, more American-pie level of puerile humour'”(thank you Guardian review). I endured 1.5 hrs of this and was grateful to leave. Despite Catherine Tate being one of the lead characters.

I discovered a lovely ‘hidden’ bar called Larry’s, (part of the National Portrait Gallery) just around the corner from my hotel. Loved the 1985 portrait of Michael Caine and Bob Hoskins…and 1983 of Annie Lennox!

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First cab off the rank was a visit to St Dunstan in the East, a church first built on the site of this garden in Saxon times. It was restored by St Dunstan in 950 AD and then rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire in 1697. Only the tower of the Wren church survives. The garden was laid out following severe damage in the blitz and made available to the public in 1967. Back on the main road, spied the incredible Sky Garden building, vaulting over the top of older buildings below. Makes quite an impression.

Happened to passby an ‘Atis’ food chain store, “real food that fuels your next move”. I looked them up and I believe there are 15 across London…all protein/veggie meals-focussed, that you take away. You order via computer on store entry, queue to confirm order with staff, then pick up bowls and pay at the end of the circuit…and either sit and eat at available tables….or go to benches in St Dunstan’s gardens over the road.

No.1 – Chick pea, harissa, tahini; No. 2 – Chicken jalapeno taco! No.3 – Green Goddess + Harissa Honey Thigh…and there are mnay, many more combos. You get dietary info also, cals and nutrient analysis.

Caught the no.15 bus to Aldgate East station and walked to see Brick Lane street art. Was a tad disappointed with the offerings as most of the ‘art’ was tagging. But nevertheless managed to find some interesting ones…see what you think.

Met Adrian Boswell in his studio…..he’s a well-known East London collage artist who mixes the surrealism of Salvador Dali with the humour of Monty Python. Adrian says about his work: “I enjoy collage, finding the right material in magazines and photographing objects. The exciting thing about surrealism is that you create a fantasy world where everything is right”. He’s exhibiting soon in Sydney and told me he has $6m in pre-orders – of which he gets 30% from his promoters, so he’s very pleased! 

When I got to Waterloo Place to go to dinner @Wild Honey, there was a fabulous blue hue to the light and the Crimea Memorial looked amazing…

I also noticed the ‘Iconic Image Gallery’ over the road…..so glad I went in. Such fabulous images. I didn’t take a pic of my fave because the lighting on it created streaks and shadows, making it ugly to photo…but an incredible shot of an iceberg/shelf calving. But for my and your pleasure…love these ones below!

Woo hoo…dinner tonight is at Wild Honey St James, a highly acclaimed, one-Michelin-starred restaurant located at the Sofitel London St James, which offers a ‘bistronomy approach’ pioneered by chef Anthony Demetre since 2006 – where British produce is prepared using classic French techniques. I had the Cumbrian lamb slow-cooked shoulder, celeriac fondant, with chermoula and walnut as my ‘main’. Tasty.

For dessert, I had to order the the signature “Custard Cocktail”, a creamy, indulgent blend of vodka, custard, cedro lemon, milk, and nutmeg, designed to be paired with the restaurant’s famous “It has to be Custard” dessert, which features a silky custard tart. The custard was heavenly and I loved the thin and crispy pastry base so much, I asked one of the wait staff about it… I soon got the chef himself Anthony D coming to my table (pâte sucrée he confirmed) ….suffice to say we got into a conversation about Australian gastronomy; the theatrical talents of Lesley Manville and one of her previous partners, Gary Oldman; Anthony’s soft spot for anything with dairy in it; the importance of bees; bicycling in the mountains; French auberges and his passion for aromatised wine. Wow, quite the wide-ranging conversation. He was delightful.

The Sofitel London St James offers afternoon tea in another area of the ground floor, especially designed for the event…what do you think??

Amazing news…Transport Canada ( after many weeks of me asking ‘what do I need to do to be able to fly my drone in your country’)…has finally sent me a link to an exam I have to pass, and told me then to submit the pilot certificate (if I’m successful), with the application form for a SFOC (Special Flight Operators Certificate), that I need as a foreigner. Well, you’d be pleased to know that I passed exam with flying colours, and am now waiting for the operators certificate! OMG! As my friend Christine said, “anyone would think you’re applying to fly a drone in the Ukraine, rather than over beautiful Mounties scenery and wildlife!”

Got news just this minute that I’ve been approved an (SFOC) Ops certificate…. Yay!…When I’ve left the country, I’m going to helpfully suggest some amendments to their existing processes.

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Another day of hiding ‘in art’…back to the National Portrait Gallery to explore …..left to right.. Letitia Wright is renowned for her acting and is such a stunning portrait. Next, Oscar Wilde, 1854-1900, flamboyant personality, a celebrated writer for his razor-sharp wit and literary masterpieces, imprisoned for homosexual ‘offences’. And then there’s Mary Seacole (1805-81), a pioneering nurse from Jamaica! She should be as famous as Florence in my opinion…for her brave nursing work and entrepreneurship on the front lines of the Crimean war. Overcoming intense racial prejudice, she established the “British Hotel”, to care for wounded soldiers and became an iconic Victorian heroine!

Alan Turing, 1912-54, is widely regarded as the father of modern computing. He cracked the ‘enigma code’ used by the Nazis. He helped pioneer AI. He was arrested for ‘homosexuality’, tried and agreed to ‘hormonal treatment’ to avoid prison. At 41, he used cyanide to take his own life. SOO sad to loose such an incredible intellect and person. And then there was…Christine Granville (1908-52), aka Countess Krystyna Skarbek – the first and and longest serving British special agent of WW2. Granville’s contributions included securing the defection of a German garrison and smuggling out intelligence exposing Hitler’s plans to invade the Soviet Union.

I just love the spontaneity and ‘natural nature’ of the first photo ( the guys were trying to get away from dogs) and the Spice gals were below. And Elton (b:1947), such a great portrait!

And with his family…Elijah, David, Elton, Zachary (2025)

I wasn’t familiar with Catherine Opie’s works (exhibition at the gallery) but seriously loved these images. She takes images about contemporary American life, with a strong focus on identity, community, and representation.

Loved the serious demeanour of Charles Darwin….and the smoke-enshrouded Harold Wilson.

I was blown away by this image soon as I walked into the room….Aina (Sarah Forbes Bonetta, 1843-80, with an incredible history. Born in SW Nigeria, captured at 5 yrs by soldiers of King Ghezo of Dahomey, a central figure in the transatlantic slave trade and was given to Captain Fredrick Forbes as a gift Queen Victoria. Before sailing to England on the HMS Bonetta, Forbes had baptised as Sarah Forbes Bonetta. Became one of Victoria’s favorites and entered elite society, marrying a wealthy merchant James Davie and they went to Lagos. Died from tuberculosis at 37.

I had dinner booked at Lucky Cat…one of 4 restaurants in Gordon Ramsay’s new initiative @ 22 Bishopsgate. Sweet and sour prawns (tasty), duck papaya salad (meh!) and spicy fried chicken (yum).

A chap in a white apron saw me taking pics and asked if I’d like to get better ones, of course I said yes. Discovered Devon is the Executive Head Pastry Chef for the GR group! Took me up one more floor to the ‘Terrace’, which has not been opened to the public as yet – an issue with the roof. Lovely of him really. And his Mum is from Brissy.

The kakigori cocktail with vodka, passionfruit, spicy mango, pineapple and citrus served over a mound of shaved ice was delicious!

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When I arived in the late afternoon, went for a walk to check out ‘the hood’ Well, the National Portrait Gallery beckoned immediately, just to the right of the square. Saw these cheeky gals displaying a ‘maximalist aesthetic’ (a fun, highly personalized form of self-expression where layers, charms, and textures are used as wearable art) – they agreed for me to take a photo. And loved my pic so much, asked me to ‘airdrop’ it to them. Gorgeous things.

The National Portrait Gallery has daily free tours by staff who select particular portraits to present. Orla introduced us to Julia Margaret Cameron, 1815-79, a pioneer of the ‘new art’ of photography and considered one of the most important portraitists of the 19th century.

She was born in Calcutta, and after establishing herself among the Anglo-Indian upper-class, she moved to London where she made connections with the cultural elite. She then formed her own literary salon in the seaside village of Freshwater on the Isle of Wight. Cameron took up photography at the age of 48, after her daughter gave her a sliding-box camera as a present. She quickly produced a large body of portraits, and created allegorical images inspired by tableaux vivants, theatre, 15th-century Italian painters, and contemporary artists. She took around 900 photographs over a 12-year period.

Another staff guide John introduced us to the first chappy below – Samuel Richardson, 1689-1761, who published ‘Pamela’, the first best-selling romantic novel in English. It inspired Pamela-themed merchandise including fans and paintings.

The elegant and colourfully festooned chap, is George Villiers, the 1st Duke of Buckingham, 1592-1628, a leading Minister, influential courtier, Knight of the Garter and probably lover of King James 1. He was widely admired for his looks and wit but considered extravagant and corrupt, and blamed for military failures in Spain and France – murdered by a disgruntled soldier.

And the last dude, a self-portrait by Sir Anthony van Dyck, 1599-1641, the most influential painter in Britain in the 17thC, who developed the grand, shimmering style that was to dominate portraiture until the 20thC. The stunning frame is original and includes a sunflower – a symbol van Dyck used in his paintings to represent his allegiance to the king.

Time for some lunch @ the Portrait Restaurant on the 4th floor, with sweeping views over Trafalgar Square, the London Eye and Westminister Cathedral. I had a ‘main’ of delicious cod on a bed of caponata.

Very excited to see Lesley Manville on stage @ the National Theatre tonight in ‘Les Liaisons Dangereuses’. Set in 18thC France, its a play adapted for the stage by Christopher Hampton from Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ scandalous novel, bringing to life a world of seduction and ruthless strategic motives. She portrays the Marquise de Merteuil with an icy, razor-sharp brilliance, delivering her feminist rallying cries and manipulations with masterclass precision.

Aidan Turner, the Vicomte de Valmont does charming and boyish really well, yet he’s also deeply convincing as an insidious serial seducer/abuser. The on-stage chemistry between him and the Marquise…amazing. The Director, Marianne Elliott’s staging is tremendous – with a stage full of mirrors – this can be interpreted in many ways – holding a mirror up to society, the use of smoke and mirrors (something that literally happens in one scene) and ensuring everything on stage is always exposed. Costumes are opulent and there are exquisite choreographed dance sequences weaving in and out of the spoken scenes, creating a physical metaphor for seduction as a contact sport. A fantastic show.

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My time in Bristol is blighted, with a respiratory infection. Not doing much. I can’t tell you how wonderful Moxy hotel staff were in helping me access an NHS GP service. Soo good!

Iconic British psychedelic pop legend, Colin Blunstone and the Zombies are staying at my hotel – most defining hits were ‘Say You Don’t Mind’, and ‘I Don’t Believe in Miracles’. With his group, the Zombies ‘She’s not There’, and ‘Time of the Season’; and in his lead vocals with the Alan Parsons Project…’Old and Wise” A five-decade career. Wowee! (Colin is second from the right).

I had booked to see ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ with friends Terry and John, but didn’t feel up to going on the night.  

Apparently a bold, high-energy journey through Wonderland, re-imagining the classic story of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ with a spectacular circus twist, with elegant aerial, daring acrobatics, dynamic tumbling, handstands and juggling. Pity I missed it.

Met Terry and John @ Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 exhibition, which was held in the dry dock SS Great Britain – comprising 115 photos, a collection which features winning and finalist entries from all corners of the globe, including grand title winner Yury Ivanov, based in Indonesia.

His striking photograph of two amphipods – commonly referred to as “nudibranch or molluscs”, and measuring just 3mm in length, resting on a coral – captured the attention of the panel due to the vivid colour and symmetry on display, and in recognition of the patience and skill required to capture such an image. 

Launched in 1843, the vessel was the world’s first great luxury ocean liner and a revolutionary feat of engineering, combining an iron hull with a screw propeller. Designed by the famous Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the SS Great Britain redefined maritime travel. Initially carrying wealthy passengers between Britain and New York, it revolutionized global transit. Later, as an immigrant transporter, it completed 32 voyages to Australia, bringing thousands of people to the other side of the world.

We walked to have lunch at M Shed – delicious tapas; watched a little train choof along the harbourside and boats plying up and down the water – perfect sunny day for the crowds to be out – oh and on a bank holiday weekend too. We caught the ferry to the city. Loved the view of the steep Cliftonwood rainbow-coloured Victorian and Georgian terraced houses.

Met up again that night with Terry and John at the ‘Simon & Garfunkel: ‘Through the Years’ tribute show. Stunning vocal harmonies from world-class musicians, Dan Haynes and Pete Richards – this spectacular concert transports you on a journey through the epic songs and history of the much-loved Simon and Garfunkel.

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Travelled on Southern Railway from Victoria station, via Gatwick to Chichester (the capital of Sussex), to see friends Helen and Lorraine. A lovely one and half hour journey. Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet and Paul McCartney to name a few celebrities, have chosen areas in Sussex as their home. Known for contrasting landscapes—from the chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters to rolling hills and sandy beaches—it blends vibrant coastal culture, such as the cosmopolitan energy of Brighton and Hove, with ancient history like the 1066 Hastings battlefield, leading to the Norman conquest.

Chichester is a city with a delightful village feel. Originally a Roman settlement (founded in the 1st century AD), it is famous for its largely intact Roman city walls, which are the most complete circuit in Southern England. At the heart of the city sits the 12th-century Chichester Cathedral and the iconic 16th-century Market Cross.

I was staying @ 4 Canon Lane in a very comfortable and well located AirB&B…just at the back of the Cathedral and its cloisters (via St Richard’s walk), a hop step and a jump away from the Bishop’s Palace Garden…..and city centre.

Great views from the Bishop’s Palace garden back to the Cathedral and volunteers were doing a fine job tending to the plants and weeds…some peony roses on ‘steroids’

It was incredibly delightful to catch up with Helen and Lorraine…we hadn’t seen each other for about 20 years, talked for hours and over a delicious dinner Helen prepared – it felt like we were picking up exactly where we left off, as if no time has passed at all. An effortless flow that is the hallmark of a rare, enduring connection. And the other members of the family – Sid and Fiji, were very well behaved into the night. Unfortunately have caught another bug, so an early night for me.

The next day, caught up with Lynne’s sister, Kathryn, who travelled to Chichester from Southampton for lunch with me. We previously holidayed together when she was visiting Lynne in Australia. A yummy lunch at Bumbles Cafe, lots of news to share, rang Lynne so she could ‘join us’ over lunch for a while and we later walked into town. Such a nice afternoon. But forgot to take a pic with her ‘cos of “flu brain”.

Just as I had spied an ‘Ivy Brasserie’ in Belfast, discovered Chichester has one too…the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio is the renowned design firm responsible for the iconic Art Deco aesthetic of The Ivy brasseries – combining dark wood panelling, colorful velvet seating, and antique mirrors. Bespoke wallpaper designs and curated local artwork for the brasseries are produced by the Adam Ellis Studio. Love their work! And the Keats Room in the Chichester ‘Ivy’, is a real treat.

Helen took me to see the pictureseque coastal village of Bosham Quay, famous for its sailing history, tidal roads and ancient heritage. It used to be one of the Roman Empire’s most significant holdings. It was a key centre in England’s ancient and mediaeval politics, rendering the village vulnerable to pirate attacks and shrouding it in countless myths. Bosham legend has it that King Cnut commanded his throne to be placed on the seashore as the tide was rushing in. He ordered the waves not to wet his feet or garments, but when the water naturally rose, Cnut used it as a lesson for his courtiers, that secular power is vain and empty.

We were there at high tide – and made sure we kept an eye on the car and road water levels…

Very cute cottages with raised entrances because of the risk from flooding…….

How do you get into the building, let alone bring furniture in??

Delicious ‘last supper’ at the Crown and Anchor @ Dell Quay with mine gorgeous hosts…..

On my last morning, Helen took me to ‘The Goodwood Estate’. As part of the estate, in 1787, the 3rd Duke of Richmond asked James Wyatt to design the most luxurious dog house in the world. The elegant Regency-style building featured central living quarters for the huntsman and his staff, with wings dedicated to the hounds, with central heating.

Today, discerning dog members are greeted with their own personalised bowl and plenty of treats are on hand.

The current Duke of Richmond is a doggie lover, Charles Gordon-Lennox, 11th Duke of Richmond. Born in 1955, he also holds the subsidiary titles of Duke of Lennox, Duke of Aubigny, and Duke of Gordon. Helen tells me one can have a delightful afternoon tea at his home, ‘Goodwood House’, if one books early. Next time!

Because of its unique dog-centric history, the estate hosts “Goodwoof,” a major annual weekend event dedicated to dogs. It features everything from wellness therapies to the “Barkitecture” competition, where top designers create miniature architectural palaces for dogs.

Loved the artwork around the Club house…

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