Hampstead

The only thing I can remember about my dreams last night was that I was in Rome and I was late for a meeting; some guy on a Vespa who spoke impeccable English offered me a lift, so I found myself hurtling around something that looked suspiciously like Piazza Navona and rolling with the corners without a clue as to where I was going.

We drove up to Hampstead this morning and parked in the car park at the East side of West Heath then did a circular walk via Parliament Hill viewpoint and up again through the back streets. I reckon Hampstead is wealthier than some small countries; the architecture is beautiful, the people unreservedly fit and well dressed, and there are more places to eat and spend money than you can shake a credit card at. We enjoyed the walk and the fresh air; it was cold despite three layers, but warmed up as we squelched through the muddy bits (of which there were quite a few, leaving the inappropriately shod TSM complaining about the state of both her feet and her shoes). I took this shot of blossom and dog walkers - Hampstead Heath consists mainly of dogs and joggers on a Sunday - and resisted photographing the view of the City which was unphotogenically grey and dowdy.

We met up with the Yoga Mama for a Vegan Indian Lunch; when we left two hours later there was still only one other table occupied so you could say it was quiet. Very quiet. The food was good rather than spectacular and the service warm and friendly. Woodlands had been doing Southern Indian food without meat since way before it became fashionable (coming up forty years in fact), and I don’t think they have changed much. Afterwards she took us for coffee and force fed us vegan chocolate cake before we made our respective ways home. She looked rather dashing today (see extra) and we won’t see her again for a few weeks until after her annual trip to Australia.

Great drive back despite an M25 traffic jam, we boogied to Five Guys Named Mo the whole way home; in fact the hold ups made for perfect timing as we finished the playout as we turned into our road. Love that show.

Who's the greatest band around
Makes the cats jump up and down
Who's the talk of rhythm town
Five Guys Named Moe

We had a little chilling out session when we got home, got into bed and fell asleep with the cats in fact. Also helped each other out with Gorogoa, a beautifully illustrated and compelling puzzle which you can buy on the App Store. I don’t normally play games but this is enchanting. As video games go it is a genuine award winner and highly praised for its visuals and storyline. Marketing job done. Give it a go, you won’t regret it.

Going to watch a movie now, perfect end to a perfect day sort of thing. Not sure what. Definitely not picking up Hampstead the movie which we gave up on halfway through a couple of weeks ago. Much as I like Brendan Gleason, he should have stayed In Bruges with Colin Farrell; Hampstead is a terrible film and Diane Keaton’s performance is that of a sleepwalking botoxed amateur. Hatchet job done. Try the place, avoid the movie.

POSTSCRIPT

We did The Big Chill (1983) for our movie night, a totally watchable film with some great performances and a brilliant soundtrack that absorbs, twists, confuses and ultimately goes nowhere (although is probably none the worse for that). Really enjoyed it. On a roll of 80s films ... not sure what’s next ...