Friends in far away places

 I first saw him from the bedroom window upstairs. He stood regal, and joyous. In the Spring of his life. I took a couple of photos. And then I thought I must give it a name. I looked at him again, and Alfred came to mind instinctively and immediately. He looked like an Alfred. 

Alfred. In that moment, I knew he too has recognized our friendship. Otherwise, how could something so appropriate as Alfred come to be. I think he chose his own name, and he chose me to christen him. It was so, because my favorite poet, Alfred Lord Tennyson’s house was on this island. It was no coincidence; I recognized this Alfred connection at a deeper level, a level I was not aware of till I spoke his name. I also knew that this being private property, my access to him will be limited. But that’s okay,  He will be one of my many friends in far away places. 

Alfred seems to be about 35 to 45 years old. He’s an oak tree, and flush with the new leaf green of Spring. The leaves are still very young, so while the canopy has formed, its density is yet to come to grow. Therefore one can see through its latticed surface and the layers of its branches are well defined and visible, like fine veins throbbing with life.

2) At The Garlic Farm today:

Walked the shorter of its two walks. And at the far end came upon a grove of young trees, neatly growing in rows. A wooden bench at the outskirts was home to moss, growing on the seat. Leave something alone, and Nature will inhabit it for you. Further down we noticed a little gap in the bushes that created a fence around this grove. Upon entering, I noticed a young tree with a very, very wide canopy, completely covered with white flowers, drenched in blossoms, there seemed no sign of green on it. I wrote the first two lines of this poem in my mind, then came home last night and completed it. Let’s call her Snow White . 

In the wilderness grows a tree

Blossoming uninhibited, unabashedly,

Spread out wide, out of view 

Wildly flowering not for me or you. 

Hidden in the grove, its canopy of white

In the dimness of the grove, the only light

Young in years, it’s spine slim and straight 

But like lofty dreams outstretched

It’s flowering branches, it's regal gait. 

Feeling safe and secure from prying eyes,

God’s gifts to us to appreciate and realize. 

Veenu Banga

April 20th, 2025.

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The above was started yesterday, but was too tired to write, or sleep. Bludged (from bludger- idler, time waster; commonly used in Australia) about on You Tube. Should delete that app. So distracting. Had a hectic day. 

Had a wonderful time at the Garlic Farm- farm and all about garlic place, and purchased quite a few things, including a variety of  balsamic vinegars which I love over salads. Also found the sweet black garlic which Trader Joe’s used to import from Japan, but have sadly discontinued. (Which I still crave, theirs was the sweetest and creamiest, probably due to the variety used) Plus other items. Too tired to go into detail, as I want to finish and post this. Already have missed out on my whole Amsterdam visit.

After the Garlic Farm, went to the Dairy and produce Farm-shop nearby- they are a dairy farm. Got a cob of corm amongst the other food items, including seeded bread, and if of course, milk. Was curious if the island grew corn. The grocer said, yes, they did but it’s not the season now and this was from Africa. So I had to have it, even though it was almost two pounds for one. It was delicious and sweet. I like to eat corn straight on the cob, not washed, not boiled and definitely not roasted till it’s almost charred, and definitely definitely definitively not with masala or rubbed with lemon juice. Yikes! Why ruin a perfect gift from the corn plant?! Always knew oranges from Africa- Morocco and South Africa specifically are super sweet. Now I know corn too. Must be all the sun and it’s untreated m, I hope- soil. Had milkshakes and cake and English snacks at the cosy little restaurant. The lovely Natalia was the perfect hostess. 

Dinner was at The Seaview Hotel’s restaurant, as it’s one of six mentioned in the Michelin guide. If I had written this yesterday itself, I would have said it’s the best food we had in a very, very long time. It was good. However, today we ate at The Red Lion, and also mentioned in the Michelin, and proudly displaying their Michelin man. 

Today is day 3, and we got home after a lovely day. First stop was the Isle of Wight Pearl, the Island’s Pearl jewelry center. They also have a cafe, and had delicious coffee-walnut cake, with just the perfect amount of sweetness- not loaded with sugar. 

Drove along Military Road, to spectacular views of the English Channel waters down below to our left, as we stood atop cliffs overlooking the waters. Hang-gliders paradise. Dinner at The Red Lion, and it was spectacular. I suppose more details tomorrow. Good tired and good sleepy. Have been writing with head nodding as eyes closing- just like yesterday. The delight is in the details, but even more experiencing it, so will go with that. Apologies blog, can’t regale you with the intricacies. 

Had started Friends in Faraway places so many times before, and really must talk of them. Feel all nice and warm and loved at just the thought of them. How many more are there? That too shall be revealed, just not today. Or tonite, rather I should say. For now, get acquainted with Alfred!

On that note, blog, au are original- and see you tomorrow.

Veenu Banga

10:06 pm

@ Isle of Wight.

March 21, 2025.