There are phases in life when the sun shines and everything is right with the world; when each new dawn brings another celebration and another memory to cherish. The people in this picture knew one another when they were very young. Even then, they travelled together, collecting memories that would last a lifetime. Looking at them, I wonder whether Bertie already realised that, wherever he wandered, he carried with him a fortress of friendship far as strong as the magnificent fortresses built by the great kings of old.
-Marmaduke ‘Chuffy’ Chuffnell
Oh, I love this one. Young Bertie, young Bobbie and a young Shash in his element. All of them look so happy and relaxed. A magnificent fortress with rich history in the background and three of my dearest people enjoying each other’s company. I know that the wall of that legendary structure stretches on for many miles. I rather suspect Bobbie wanted to walk the entire wall. Bertie would naturally have agreed, convinced they would be back in plenty of time for lunch. Shash, being the only member of that little expedition with a practical streak, probably explained that several miles of ancient battlements have a habit of ignoring one’s luncheon plans.
-Pauline Stoker
That is Shash’s favourite destination in the great Indian subcontinent. Udaipur, that city of romance, wistfulness and splendid sunsets upon the lake, where one sits in quiet awe of architecture that has stood proudly for centuries. I look at this photograph and can almost hear India calling. Their faces wear the unmistakable expression of people who are exactly where they ought to be. Shash, meanwhile, carries the faintest hint of a smile that seems to say, ‘I told you so.’
-Marmaduke ‘Chuffy’ Chuffnell
Look at Bobbie’s hair doing the things it does. Keats was right about beauty all along, you know. Bertie looks happy. He probably already knew that Bobbie was the one. Shash looks even more self-assured than usual. He knows the grandeur of the place. He knows that Udaipur has a curious habit of calling you back, no matter how many times you’ve visited before. Here he is, sharing a boat with the people he loves as the lake lies calm around them. The sunset will be magnificent. One of those magical days that stays with us for the rest of our lives.
-Pauline Stoker
There is something deeply reassuring about a proper cup of tea, especially when it is shared with old friends in extraordinary places. Judging by Bertie’s expression, he is already contemplating a second cup. Bobbie appears perfectly content to let the desert breeze play with her hair, while Shash stands there looking like a fellow who has known all along that this view would leave us speechless. One suspects he rather enjoyed being proved right once again.
-Marmaduke ‘Chuffy’ Chuffnell
Bertie has already settled into his tea with the concentration of a man who considers breakfast one of civilization’s greatest achievements. Bobbie looks as though she belongs in every beautiful place she visits. Shash, meanwhile, is wearing that familiar expression which says, ‘I did mention this would be worth the journey.‘ Between the tea, the conversation and that magnificent fortress keeping watch in the distance, I doubt any of them were in the slightest hurry to leave the table.
-Pauline Stoker
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