The Lair of the Emerald Serpent

“We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” T S Eliott

One of this quirky serpent’s favorite nocturnal activities includes slinking about in the moonlight. Watching the comings and goings of this gorgeous ball of light is also on the list of interesting things to do. After many years worked out which locations were the best for watching the full moon rising. There are not many easily accessible places in this city with an uninterrupted view to the eastern horizon.

It was also a most auspicious day. The very first full moon that the Izzie intentionally set about watching was also on a Wednesday 4th July. Way back in 2001. Did not know back then that the sun and moon are in opposition by definition at the time of the full moon. Was amazed and astonished to discover this bit of trivia. Especially when the location is on a hill near is a spooky historical graveyard. Felt sort of stupid for having been so completely unobservant during all those years.

Knew that sitting on the foreshore on the south side of the city would be no good as the moon rises to the south east at this time of year and would not be visible from there. In summer it is different. Then it peeks up from behind the buildings of the city skyline and is a most magical sight.

( Moonbeams on the river )

Yesterday Izzie decided not to be too adventurous in her travels. Instead of running off to some far flung location would simply slink about in the city and visit the cute little bookshop cafe discovered last week and go in search for others of a similar ilk

The weather was seriously unpredictable. After a week of rain and storms it was all sunny and gorgeous. Was very tempted to stay slinking about in the garden but had to go to the central bus station to get a dodgy travel card replaced. It just died two days ago without any warning and been feeling so lost without it. Not just for the 15% discount on fares but using such a card means that you don’t have to be constantly searching for loose change.

Had a sudden craving for golden coconut rice which is on offer at a little take away just past the northern border of the free transit zone. The place called Sparrow is a very cheap and cheerful Indonesian eatery aimed mainly at students. Should have gone for the gado gado as Izzie is a total peanut junkie but picked the mushrooms instead. A bit bland but the yellow coconut rice was just as tasty as ever. Indonesian spice options seem to consist of nothing, chili overload or satay sauce. Only one of those is of interest to Izzie

It was then time to slink down the side streets en route to the main shopping strip north of the city. One of these called Lincoln Street was full of old houses with lush green gardens and a very intriguing and mysterious beige coloured tower. It was in an Art Deco style and looked from first appearance like a war memorial or an outpost of some Masonic temple. It turned out to belong to the Department of Water and had been built in 1941. It could hardly be a storage tank as it was far too elegant for such mundane purposes. Maybe it is filled with filters. It would be one seriously impressive water cooler.

( More side street slinking and coffee sipping )