Dear Paddington Bear,
I do hope this letter finds you well and that you are enjoying your new life in Canada with my beautiful grandson.
Thank you so much for gallivanting around Scotland and England with me after we met in Harrod’s in London. When our eyes locked, I knew we were meant to be together. You were such a good sport when I asked you to accompany me as you had recently returned from your place of birth in “deepest, dark Peru” and must have been very tired.
However, off we went … two intrepid travellers to wet and windy Scotland.
Oh, Paddington, I fully expected it to rain in Scotland, but I was completely unprepared for the wind! At one point, I had to wear six layers, but you never complained as you had your warm blue jacket on.
Starting off in Glasgow, I trust you won’t tell anyone I ate the best steak and ale pie in an Irish pub! But didn’t we enjoy the langoustine lunch in Invernary. We loved the sheep farm in Loch Lomond despite the torrential downpour. On to Loch Melfort then the fishing town of Oban. And didn’t you just love the Isles of Mull and Iona, where the Book of Kells was allegedly written before being taken away to Ireland for safekeeping.
I must apologize for not taking you with me to the Culloden battlefield where the Jacobites were slaughtered by the British Redcoats, resulting in Bonnie Prince Charlie retreating and going into hiding. It was just that I was concerned for your safety as I feared the Jacobites would mistake you for a Redcoat due to your impressive red hat.
We saw so much more in Scotland, but one of the highlights for me was touring the 1300-acre estate with a laird in his kilt. He was such an eccentric chap and he was most certainly impressed by your worldliness, Paddington. I do believe the laird also recognized your fine pedigree.
As we continued our journey, I know you were missing your marmalade sandwiches, so I was so happy for you when we reached Dundee, which is famous for its marmalade. You can imagine my horror when we realized they only had marmalade from England, but being the gentleman you are, Paddington, you never once complained.
Finally, arriving in Edinburgh, I was sensitive to the fact you missed Queen Elizabeth as we toured her beloved HMS Britannia which is docked at Leith. I know you have fond memories of sharing marmalade sandwiches with her Majesty in celebration of her 70 years on the throne.
Bidding Scotland a fond farewell after a fortnight of her charm, haggis and ale, we set off by train to England only to find French marmalade for breakfast at our hotel. As usual, there wasn’t a peep out of you as you took it all in stride.
Then off we went to beautiful Dartmoor National Park in Devon and all around Cornwall. Oh, Paddington, wasn’t the countryside stunningly beautiful. And everywhere we went, we found English marmalade, to your delight. However, I had to persuade you to leave room for the cream teas. Cornish clotted cream …oh, Paddington, I think I put on a pound or two.
And weren’t we surprised when we reached Land’s End in Cornwall to find a replica of you sitting on a bench in the pouring rain. He wasn’t quite as handsome as you, though!
I do hope my grandson is treating you well and I look forward to seeing you soon as we celebrate his second birthday.
With love,
Gamma
April Lewis writes monthly on seniors' issues for Peace Arch News.
