A peek into the past

Yesterday, CC and I had lunch at the Noodle Bar. We went down the list and I'd fried udon with seafood special and mixed vegs. CC had the special fried rice with meat and mushroom and we washed it down with cups and cups of steaming Jasmine tea. It was a grey afternoon but Coventry was humming with people.

Since it was the Heritage Open Day, we decided to check out the St. Mary's Guildhall. An ancient monument, it was the originally a guildhall and chambers for the Merchant Guilds of St Mary and Holy Trinity founded in 1340 and 1364. It later became the first seat of local government in Coventry.

When we stepped in, it felt like we have been transferred several centuries back. The Great Hall with its ornate ceiling, stained glass windows, huge life-size portraits, tapestries and beautiful decorations gave a sense of regal importance. Between 1456 and 1459, King Henry VI and his Queen, Margaret of Anjou spent time in Coventry during the War of the Roses. During that time, the Guildhall would have been at the venue for entertaining the Royals and their court.

In the Old Council Chamber with its delicate carved wooden furniture, I took the opportunity to sit on a high chair that was built in the 16th century. Imagine, how many b---s have sat on that chair throughout the centuries. I was quite afraid that I might break it but I just couldn't resist.

We also checked out the Prince's Chamber and climbed up steep, winding stairs towards the Mary, Queen of Scots room. She stayed here for three months from November 1569 under the orders of Queen Elizabeth 1.We couldn't see the letter the Queen wrote to the people of Coventry because there was a crowd jostling to catch a glimpse.

We wandered around this beautiful building, soaking and absorbing the historic atmosphere. On the balcony, we watched below us, throngs of people in awe of the place and above us was the carved angels gracing the ceiling. It was a spectacular sight. I wished the organisers would put some medieval music on or even a performance. William Shakespeare would have performed here as part of the Admiral's Men in 1586 and with the Chamberlain's Men from 1594.

When we left, we heard an angelic voice. We followed and there was a young female busker belting out opera. Everyone, including us, who passed by, stopped, listened, clapped enthusiastically and dropped some coins. She was brilliant.

In the evening, I watched Euro 2008 match between England and Israel. Well done to the boys for winning 3:0. Keep it up!!! Must check where is the venue for the finals...

Earlier in the week, LG asked me whether I would like to go scrumping with her. Scrumping??? Sure, whatever that is. We walked around the university grounds where there were trees bearing fruits. There were apples, pears and plums. We picked a few and ate while walking towards the lake. That was scrumping. I've also done it with CC when she asked me to accompany her to pick walnuts. She's making pickled walnuts for X'mas and will give me a jar when it's ready. Looking forward cos I've never had pickled walnuts before.

Midweek, we heard an ambulance siren by the library. We looked out and there was a crowd right by the back door. Someone's hurt. A banksman who sets up the crane for operation and lifting was knocked unconscious when one of the planks dislodged and hit him. Due to the Remodelling Project, the area surrounding the library is a no-entry zone. We were constantly reminded to only walked through designated areas which is a pain in the b—t. Anyway, we received news that the bankman was allowed to leave hospital after being thoroughly checked out. Good!!!

Ramadan, insyaallah, will start on Wednesday. Like last year, I won't be taking any breaks and a shorter lunchbreak. This will enable me to leave at 5pm allowing me ample time to prepare for the breaking of the fast. Wishing all Muslims, Happy Fasting.

May our efforts make us better Muslims.