Because I Know How the Rumour Mill Works....

My typist knew that when she went on her trip to the United Kingdom that she would have to contend with the malicious tongues of those who have nothing better to do than to meddle in the lives of others. She forgot (ever so briefly) that there was a good chance of gossip occuring in SL as well.

Today I received a telegram message from a friend who was concerned that he did not see my mailbox standing with Edward's at Davaar in the Cay. As it happens, Edward and I will be moving houses to the Highlands, which is an area in Caledon we both favour and have harboured hopes of living there for some time. We will miss our friends and neighbours in the Cay. but this was an opportunity too good to pass up.

Since I will not be in world for an interval of time, Edward and I thought it would be prudent for me to pack all my belongings ahead of time, in case the land transfer took effect when I was unavailable. That way, my lost and found folder would not become cluttered (something like the rest of my inventory) as Edward cleared away our things for Sir Tele, who is the next caretaker of the corner plot. This is why my mailbox is not in it's customary place as well as why the land is not in bloom like it was.

I look forward to my return and will miss my friends and neighbours. Once we are settled in the Highlands, I'm sure we will open our home to guests with a housewarming party. Until then, rest assured all is well between Edward and I. Bon Voyage!

The Honeymoon, Part One

The morning after our handfasting ceremony and reception, Sir Edward and I boarded the train at the Steelhead station and set off on our honeymoon. We planned on taking in the sights of Dresden, parts of England, Scotland and Ireland before returning home to domestic bliss.

As our steam ship was not due to be in port for a few days, we stayed at charming cottage owned by one of our friends. It was delightful....the time spent there in the calm and quiet allowed us to relax a little after the hectic prepartations of the handfasting and just bask in each other's presence.


Finally, our steamer made port and we gathered up our (many) trunks and boarded, ready to embark on our first (of many) adventure as Mr. and Mrs.

I had never been out on the open seas before, and the largest sea faring vessel I had set foot on had been Sir Edward's boat that we sometimes use to quickly dash over to The Three Graces to visit. I was awed by the vast size of the ship and the fine appointments within. Such luxury! We settled into our suite of rooms and then proceeded to explore the ship. Fine salons were everywhere and each room was simply beautiful.


However, upon being out at sea for a day, I discovered that travelling by ocean is *not* the same as travelling by land. I developed a case of the "Mal de Mer" and spent a day and a half in our room, feeling rather like death warmed over. It was pure misery, laying there, hour after hour, the motion of the ship making one believe she is riding on a great camel of the desert affected with heart disease*. Happily, this feeling did pass and I was able to be up and about, enjoying the many activities on board.

One thing I must comment upon is that it would seem that eating is the favorite past-time on the ship. An average day (for meals) seemed to pass liked this: Cup of tea and a cracker upon rising, breakfast at eight;, luncheon at twelve; dinner at four; tea at seven; supper at ten.* The meals served were simply marvelous though and the service was beyond compare.

Finally, our voyage ended and we made port. We boarded a train and set off for Dresden.

There were many beautiful things to see there. Such architexture! If I would have had ten pairs of eyes, I still think I would have not been able to drink all the sights in. Sir Edward and I had heard that the Dresden gallery was beyond compare and so we set off to see if it would live up to the repuation.

I am happy to report that it was everything that was said and more. The building itself was worthy of hours of admiration, let alone the many wonderful works of art inside. Sir Edward and I spent many hours admiring and studying the art displayed, and I was able to pick up a reprint of "The Chocolate Girl", perhaps for my bakery. I would recommend making it part of your "To See" list if one is ever in Dresden.

After a few days, we boarded the train again and made our way to England. We stopped again in Paris (very briefly as we had been there before) and then made our way across the Channel.

We spent the better part of 3 days in London, seeing the Albert and Victoria Museum, stopping by Madame Tussad's, touring the Tower of London and seeing the crown jewels. I am simply amazed at the history that exists in these fine cities. To think that 600 years ago, people were walking those same streets, dreaming their dreams, living and laughing (and hopefully avoiding the bubonic plague)! It simply astounds me.

Next we set off for Scotland, the homeland of my beloved. I shall write about that in my next post.

*taken from "Toward the Sunrise being Sketches of Travel in Europe and the East" written by Hugh Johnston, published 1883

Voulez Vous Coucher.....

They say that Paris in April is lovely indeed, so feeling rather listless, I decided to see if the reality was as good as the rumour. After quickly packing my smallest trunk and Sir Edward grabbing his valise, we were off to Paris 1900.

Upon checking into a hotel, we hopped aboard the which took us to the main street in Paris 1900. We walked up to street level to find that indeed, Paris is as lovely as they say. I met the mayor of the fine city and was thrilled to discover that Mr. Jules Whittlesea has a gallery there as well. The edifying and genteel influences of Caledon are found everywhere. The main street was very charming with many shops and a Cafe d'Artistes. Of course, the most infamous attraction of all was the Moulin Rouge. As I had Mr. Pearse with me as an escort and it was broad daylight, I thought it may be fun to go in and see the place of notorious reputation. As the standard for attire in such places is more liberal than the norm, I decided to throw caution to the wind and dress a little more risque. Luckily, I had packed my burlesque outfit and so quickly ran back to the hotel and dressed.

Upon proceeding past the gates, we came upon a large, grassy courtyard with a very large elephant. The elephant is of such a gigantic stature that a swing was hung from it's trunk and a large scaffolding erected at the one side to get to the top of it. Mr. Pearse and I scaled the scaffolding and found a room within the elephant. It was charmingly decorated with many large, comfortable cushions and a very odd contraption that produced a noxious smoke. I attempted to get to the top of the elephant, but the lag was so horrible that I could not. It will have to be saved for another day.

After exploring the elephant, we entered the dance hall itself, I was impressed with the size of it. Many people could come here and be entertained by the "can can" and other visual delights. While the stage was off limits to the general public, I was able to take a few photographs in front of it. There was also a lovely little area just perfect for sitting and "making eyes" at your special someone too.

As enjoyable as exploring Paris 1900 was, there came a point when the combination of horrific lag and Sir Edward's pressing business issues forced us to leave. We packed our bags and headed back for Davaar, refreshed and looking forward to Easter.

I apologize that the pictures are all clumped together, but at least I was able to get some on to further illustrate Paris 1900.