Okay, I can't document in exactly which order I did things and honestly, the need for chronology is somewhat overrated. Wouldn't it be more impressive if we could structure our experiences emotionally or perhaps, in our heads we already do this?
Let's begin with my visit to Exeter's Underground Passages. Basically, they were created to transport clean drinking water from one place to another. The entrance to the Passages is next to Next and Zara. It's odd that the portal to another world lurks in so innocuous a setting. I believe I opted for an 11 am entry slot. I visited the little exhibition about the Passages first then armed with a lovely yellow helmet, I joined a small group of about six and a guide who led us through the maze of tunnels. I remember them being low, narrow and like most underground passages, home to strange weeds and fauna. Even wearing the helmet, I bumped my head several times which seems to be an occupational hazard traipsing around underground passages.
I also visited Exeter Cathedral. Even though, I would categorically refer to myself as an agnostic, something about cathedrals and churches still gets to me. I guess it's the peace and quiet associated with these buildings when they are not being used for services. The stained glass windows and ornamentation regularly astound me. I also find the notice boards fascinating with their pictures drawn by the Sunday Kids' group. Every cathedral has its own story, whether or not you wish to hear it.
I recall taking a memorable walk in the Riverside Valley Park. Lots of wildlife and the horrible smell of something like chlorine, possibly emanating from one of the companies adjacent to the river. Swans continued to hold my attention and little insects feeding on leaves. The sense of wandering with no ultimate destination is surprisingly liberating and I guess provides much needed time for reflection.
On the Thursday night, I attended a rather lovely production with a friend at the Bike Shed Theatre, 'Pulling Out'. Basically, the play focused on a young couple and their on-off relationship, whilst bringing up their young child. The bike shop upstairs creating an unwanted noise whilst the play continued, I believe that it is important to support small fringe theatres. Not only do they regularly have the best bars, but they also offer plays by new writers.
To sum up, by and large, I had a great time in Exeter. There was plenty to do, excellent street art and an underlying sense of history including the random plaques commemorating events and people such as the so-called 'Devon Witches' who were tried and executed for supposedly being witches. The plaque which I photographed is located in the ruins of Rougemont Castle. Yet what concerned me slightly was the level of homelessness in the area and I hope that the local council are helping the situation. The most powerful memory of my holiday other than seeing my friend again was the sight of a man singing and playing Radiohead's 'Creep' on guitar and asking his friend for a roll up. It's the small moments that matter and remain. The sense of companionship and friendship.
Barry Watt - 14th August 2016.
Photos.
Exeter's Underground Passages. Scary wavy lights.
Onwards into Exeter's Underground Passage.
The fauna in Exeter's Underground Passage. Even in the dark, Nature finds a way.
The rather groovy sign for Exeter's Underground Passages.
Part of one of the stained glass windows in Exeter Cathedral.
Something about the geometry impressed me. Exeter Cathedral.
Reminded me of an octopus for some reason. Also in Exeter Cathedral.
Exterior of Exeter Cathedral.
Riverside Valley Park and its cute wee flowers or weeds.
A sign for Riverside Valley Park.
Swan with a wet beak.
Plaque for 'The Devon Witches'
Groovy fish,
Outside one of the arts' venues in Exeter.
Who doesn't love images of Alice in Wonderland reappropriated for other uses? I think this may have been outside the Bike Shed Theatre, although I could be wrong.
Afterword.
'Creep' is a Radiohead song and is copyright to the band and EMI.
Exeter's Underground Passages has a nice webpage on the Exeter City Council website:
https://exeter.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/our-attractions/underground-passages/
Exeter Cathedral also has a website:
http://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/
The Bike Shed Theatre which is a very cool venue with a lovely bar has an equally groovy website:
https://www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk/
'Alice in Wonderland' was of course written by Lewis Carroll and is copyrighted to the estate of the author and to pretty much everyone who has ever created a version of the narrative.
BW
