Dear Sabine,
Now, it has been four years, almost to the minute, since we had to part. And I’m missing you every day.
The past year marked our meeting for the first time at university in Tübingen 30 years ago. It also marked our godson Jarin’s confirmation, and you had promised him a trip to London together for this special occasion, years ago.
At first, it felt like a burden, emotionally. I had never been to London without you, and I owe almost all I know about London to you. However, it turned out to be a great and enjoyable journey with a friendly and encouraging companion who kept my spirits high all the time. And, like Uta wrote earlier, you were with us in all the places on memory lane, all the old haunts, and some new discoveries.
We stayed in the Beauchamp next to Russell Square as always, and right next to your bench that I saw for the first time then. Rosa from the Camden Green Spaces team has done a beautiful job in putting it up. It is beautiful to see how the park has developed in the almost 30 years that I’ve known it. And that the bench is very well cared for and actually part of many people’s lives. We spoke to a very nice American gentleman when we first got there who sat on the bench drawing pastels of the park, and a student from Italy who often sits there to read books for her studies. Both were glad to meet someone who had known you because they liked the inscription and were curious to know more about you.
We also visited Lamb’s Conduit Street, of course. You will be sorry to hear that Persephone Books has closed down there – and happy to know that the publisher is still active, online and in
Bath now. But you walked with us all the way, so you know.
ꝏ +3,
M