Wimbledon's strawberries-and-cream are a little sour compared to our 'Mahabaleshwarish' version, writes Ranjona Banerji
The first day saw the curious and those who want to be part of the excitement and the drama rushing to Wimbledon. But by Day 3, it’s all about tennis fans and fanatics (also known in some quarters as Lleyton Hewitt’s loyal following, seen in bright yellow T-shirts around the grounds, mate). But the crowds are still relentless and unending. The sleazy ticket black marketers were back on Day 3 in full force on the walk to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club but did not see anyone succumbing, though perhaps that would happen on a side lane.
Sour after-taste
Dare I say this? The ‘Kentish’ strawberries-and-cream on offer for pounds 2.50 a bowl all over the grounds are large and pretty.
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Wimbledon’s famous strawberries and cream
But perhaps a little, err, sour compared to our ‘Mahabaleshwarish’ version? I may have to pay an additional 3000 pounds to get into Britain the next time I apply for a visa for saying this, but the truth must be told. However, as the picture shows, the strawberries are terribly pretty and colourful.
Smiling for the cameras
People taking pictures of the history and geography of Wimbledon cannot miss the security guards placed all around the grounds. However, the guards are usually friendly and always ready to pose for a picture. Unlike the Queen's Guards at Buckingham Palace, they are allowed to smile and react.
Even as players were restricted to whites, crowds in colourful attire throng the grounds at Wimbledon yesterday. Pic/Ranjona Banerji
For posterity
The plaques to commemorate moments and events are as understated as the rest of the tournament but they are still very popular, to be photographed for posterity.
The match between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut from 2010 cannot be forgotten seeing as how it lasted for three days (June 22 to 24) on Court no 18.
The longest match ever that was. It lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes and is now a much photographed plaque.
Historic link...
Less dramatic but no less historical is the reminder that the Centre Court was opened in 1922 by Britain’s George V. For those who like to connect their history, that’s the father of the King’s Speech king and the same monarch for whom the Gateway of India was built for in what was then Bombay.
Royalty may be seen in the Royal Box occasionally but courtesies and such are no longer mandatory. More fun is tennis royalty watching which on Day 3 included former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic enthralling fans as he posed from the players’ restaurant.u00a0
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