Days 7 & 8 Place 20: Douglas Noel Adams' Grave (honorary)

Sunday was the day I visited DNA's grave. I found out too late about the pens. Instead, I wrote Douglas a short card explaining that I really needed my pens in order to continue writing. To follow in his footsteps. To learn to communicate how I see the world, in my own way.

There is something very cathartic about writing notes to the dead. If you haven't ever done it, I recommend it.

Although technically not in any of the novels, the grave marks the official halfway point through my UK places. Of the 42 places:

41 is in Innsbruck, Austria

42 is home, in Santa Barbara, California

Since this is a pilgrimage, it is quite fitting that the grave site itself be included, but this is the only real-world place that is included for sure.

The Highgate Cemetary was an easy walk from my flat near Archway, and deliciously derelict at the end I encountered first:

The official entrance fee includes a "free" map of famous graves, and Douglas Adams is on there, close to the main walkway. 

After paying my respects and gratitudes, I just hiked around.

I love graveyards for their peacefulness and the sense of solemn mystery. I found this headstone especially touching: The person for whom it was made has been reclaimed by the earth, and even their identity is long gone; but that they at some time experienced friendship, love, partnership, camaraderie...all the things symbolized in the clasp of a hand, is a beautiful memorial.

Saturday actually began with a trip to Heathrow airport, to take Mark to his plane. On the way back to our flat, I retrieved my lost hat from the Tottenham Court Road station. 

There were a lot of Tube delays - someone "under a train" - appalling to consider, given my hat's location over the past 24 hours - so I found a very quiet, nice place to have tea and brunch.

Tea included "smarties" which are a better-than-M&M candy aperitif. Weird. But yum. My breakfast was so good I devoured it without even considering food porn pics.

The rest of the day was unglamorous balance of laundry, and writing, and reading. I did go have an incredible Italian dinner at a place recommended by L. and B. Shepherd, called 500. Excellent food, very kindly staff, and right across the street from my flat.