Jan 10, 2012
Inspiration
Some of you may know that after 7 years of being a dedicated Londoner (I even walk like a one, you know that pace? And the look that says ‘no, YOU will move out of the way first, lesser being!’), I am now a born-again Portsmouth dweller. I say born-again in a humorous reference to years of vowing never to live there again. Many summer holidays and one solitary post-university year were quite enough, thank you. However I saw the light (*that light being a the glaring beacon that is a flat on the seafront right by the train to London) AND I refuse to pay 40% more rent this year in Hackney. Who ever said the Olympics would be a good thing for East Londoners needs to be shot. Was it you Boris? I know at least two people who have lost their homes due to rent increases. I also wanted to spend more time with my beloved Grandmothers. God, I love those women too much.
Oh, how things can change.
It turns out that my home town (Pompey born to Pompey parents, bred in Paris darlings) has also provided me with a lot of inspiration. It’s not rocket science: its a fascinating place from a historical point of view and I like old things. This is one side of Old Portsmouth. I took these pictures on my iphone, I hasten to add, to share with you why it inspires me. If I feel at a loose end I simply trot out to the sea front. Its equally therapeutic during a storm or rainy day. On days of particularly dramatic emotion, I have been known to entertain a bored mind (mine) by standing on a windy rampart in a blue velvet Victorian frock coat, looking wistfully out to sea a la *ahem* Fanny Price….(part of Mansfield Park was filmed in Old Portsmouth). I still spend half my time in London – don’t withhold those events invites, have travel card, will travel – but the rest of the time: bliss.
All of these pictures were taken in a 200 yard radius of my flat. Take note friends who have promised to visit! I adjusted the contrast slightly on a few, but as anyone who knows me can attest, I have no photography/photoshop skills what so ever. Nor where they taken on any fancy Hipstamatic app. The light between 2.30 and 4.00 pm today was just magical. One of those days that turns everything into a painting.
Ah! You make Pomepy look lovely and me homesick!
The trick is to split yourself between two places. I am sure I would go nuts full time. Despite that being my plan in the summer!
Excellent photographs!
And you have summed up exactly how I feel every time I visit Portsmouth/Southsea. It is ancient, historical and inspirational. The sort of inspiration only living by the sea can afford…
Give me Old Portsmouth over Hackney any day…
x
Boat time approaching fast Pat, just another couple of months! Make sure you book some holiday at that new job of yours.
That’s lovely. I’ve been re-thinking London myself lately, it’s so expensive to rent there, I’m starting to think I’d be better off commuting with some country in my back garden.
p.s. pre ordered your book after christmas, lookinf forward to seeing your hard work!
Sometimes getting across London would take me about the same time as my commute. It’s getting crazy now. There is not much point unless you are a student or really rich. Please let me know what you think of the book
Lovely photos! I want to live next to the sea one day, it really draws me. I bet Portsmouth is quite literally a breath of fresh air after London!
Oh how I long to live near the seaside.
Lovely pictures! Now I have a new destination (I have to see them for myself).
That great picture of the jetty. Did you know that was from the custom house where your Grandad worked?
Gorgeous photos! Strange, but I love seaside towns and have yet to visit one. It just seems so lovely to live by the sea.
absolutely gorgeous! makes me very wistful!
Love the blog
[...] may remember my post on Portsmouth and how it inspires me, and here is part two of sorts. This weekend I spent a day back in my old [...]
I LOVE Portsmouth – I have many a fond memory of spending time with cousins there when I was a child…
Good for you having the balls to up and out of London – it must be crazy £££ living there at times, I don’t know how most people do it!
Hope you find happiness and comfort in your new home Naomi
xXx
ps – I’ll come and be your weekend flatmate anytime
xXx