Post by Thomas Tawney on Nov 20, 2022 20:43:16 GMT
Clear skies and warm weather brought nearly anyone who was anyone out to Hyde Park. The Tawneys were no exception, and Thomas enjoyed getting to spend some time in the company of his cousin Arthur without worrying about the affairs of the estate. They rode together chatting idly while the servants set up a spot for them to return to and relax when they were ready to sample some snacks and drinks before supper late in the evening.
"I miss the smells and sounds the most. Don't misunderstand, there's nothing that compares to fresh English air, but just imagine walking down the street with the scent of spices and oil and cooked meat all around you. And the noise is so human. Vendors calling out with prices for their goods. Walking down the street, you could do all your shopping in one place. Woven baskets, fresh tea leaves, curry spices, incense sticks, flowers, wooden toys, rugs. I even found a leather worker who fashioned the most exquisite headpieces for elephants. I was nearly tempted to purchase one to hang on a wall. The colors and craftsmanship! You wouldn't be able to find anything like it here. And maybe a few hours north you're out of the city proper. You can see the ocean on one side, the bay on the other, and lush green hills dotted with tall branchless trees. And the bay is always busy with ships coming and going. The harbour smells so strongly of salt and fish, you would think it would sit in your clothes forever. There are of course fishmongers all along the harbor. Fresh or dried. There was this baked fish I had. The whole fish on a bed of rice and coated in masala. Lemon juice squeezed over it, and there was this sauce as well--the name escapes me at present."
Arthur listened with feigned attention and seemed more focused on keeping his horse straight. As much as he enjoyed letting Thomas talk about his time abroad, it was hard not to grow tired of it. Bombay was far away, and not many people had the chance to visit. They continued riding with Thomas doing most of the talking until they returned to a clear spot with a table and umbrella to block out the sun. There was a covered silver platter on the table and a couple chairs for reclining and relaxing. Servants held the horses while the two men dismounted and settled down to enjoy their snack.
There were small bowls of rice pudding with chopped nuts and dried fruit mixed in. The relief Arthur felt came from the fact that the bowl of kheer was enough to get Thomas to stop talking. Ladies and gentlemen rode and walked past their little spot, and the two horses grazed nearby. There were no ladies in their party of two, and outside of a few polite nods and acknowledgements, they were largely left alone just off the main path.
Tagged: @edwina
"I miss the smells and sounds the most. Don't misunderstand, there's nothing that compares to fresh English air, but just imagine walking down the street with the scent of spices and oil and cooked meat all around you. And the noise is so human. Vendors calling out with prices for their goods. Walking down the street, you could do all your shopping in one place. Woven baskets, fresh tea leaves, curry spices, incense sticks, flowers, wooden toys, rugs. I even found a leather worker who fashioned the most exquisite headpieces for elephants. I was nearly tempted to purchase one to hang on a wall. The colors and craftsmanship! You wouldn't be able to find anything like it here. And maybe a few hours north you're out of the city proper. You can see the ocean on one side, the bay on the other, and lush green hills dotted with tall branchless trees. And the bay is always busy with ships coming and going. The harbour smells so strongly of salt and fish, you would think it would sit in your clothes forever. There are of course fishmongers all along the harbor. Fresh or dried. There was this baked fish I had. The whole fish on a bed of rice and coated in masala. Lemon juice squeezed over it, and there was this sauce as well--the name escapes me at present."
Arthur listened with feigned attention and seemed more focused on keeping his horse straight. As much as he enjoyed letting Thomas talk about his time abroad, it was hard not to grow tired of it. Bombay was far away, and not many people had the chance to visit. They continued riding with Thomas doing most of the talking until they returned to a clear spot with a table and umbrella to block out the sun. There was a covered silver platter on the table and a couple chairs for reclining and relaxing. Servants held the horses while the two men dismounted and settled down to enjoy their snack.
There were small bowls of rice pudding with chopped nuts and dried fruit mixed in. The relief Arthur felt came from the fact that the bowl of kheer was enough to get Thomas to stop talking. Ladies and gentlemen rode and walked past their little spot, and the two horses grazed nearby. There were no ladies in their party of two, and outside of a few polite nods and acknowledgements, they were largely left alone just off the main path.
Tagged: @edwina
