Expectation photos on Flickr

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central north dakota field in late march

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St. Aloysius Gonzaga rejected his family's expectation that he would join the military life; instead he decided on the religious life. He made a vow of chastity at the age of 9, and, to safeguard himself from possible temptation, he would keep his eyes persistently downcast in the presence of women.

He got a bit overzealous with self-discipline and self-denial, at one point beating himself with a leather dog leash, but when he joined the Jesuits, his spiritual director, St. Robert Bellarmine straightened him out, giving Aloysius regular hours of prayer and simple acts of self-control.

When the plague struck Rome in January 1591, the Jesuits were sent to work in the hospitals, which was tough for Aloysius since he was naturally squeamish. He overcame this, however, and went into the streets of Rome and carried the ill and the dying to the hospital on his back. Within a few weeks, he got the plague himself and died at the age of 23.

He is usually depicted with lilies and a crucifix, and sometimes with a crown at his feet. His other common symbol, the skull shows up in this window along with a cat o' nine tails-type whipping device, likely referring to his ascetic practices before becoming a Jesuit.

This window is in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cando, ND.

St Mary the Virgin, Ripple, Kent by Jelltex

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Travelling between Dover and Deal you pass through or near several small villages. And just beyond Ringwald you see Ripple MIll on the left. You think, of that's an odd name for a mill, and then move on as you have to slow down as you enter Walmer.

So, a couple of weeks ago we were heading to Ripple to visit the local pub, as it is the nearest the brewery in the village.

Ripple is not just the mill, in fact the mill isn't really in the village at all. We follow the lane around the fields for a couple of miles, over the railway line. And in the distance I see a spire.

That's a church I say triumphantly. So, after having a pint and a meal in the pub, we head to the church to take some photographs. As we got near I seem to remember us walking past this with the Ramblers some years ago, and snapping it from a distance meaning to come back.

I take a few shots from a distance, then head to the door to try the door. Locked.

But, it is a wonderful small church, and at some point I will try to get inside to snap it some more.

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A little known but fascinating church with tall stainless steel spire set in open countryside behind Walmer. Partly incorporating pieces of the Norman church that stood there, it was designed by Ashpitel in 1861, helped by a small grant from the ICBS whose board may still be seen. The tall chancel arch is flanked by two blank ones (see Barfreston) whilst to the north, the pulpit is a charming work in neo-Romanesque with open tracery and much moulding. The pulpit is dated 1663 and is obviously a post-Puritan replacement (see also Walmer), although it lacks a contemporary cover. There are memorials aplenty here including an odd one on the north wall to George Lynch (died 1787) a festooned extravaganza. At the base are inset two tiny pieces of mirror glass - a unique feature. Also commemorated in the church is the 1st Earl of Ypres, who is buried in the churchyard. A hatchment at the west end dominates that part of the church. The stained glass is very much of its date and rather fussy but fits well into its neo-Norman frames. This is a much-loved church with great character and deserves to be much better known.

www.kentchurches.info/church.asp?p=Ripple

RIPPLE,

WRITTEN in antient records likewise, Ripley, lies the next parish northward from Sutton last-described.

THIS PARISH is very healthy; it is situated on very uneven ground, having frequent hill and dale throughout it. The soil of it is much inclined to chalk, though there is a great deal of fertile land in it. The country is mostly open, and the lands uninclosed; it has no wood in it. The church stands on the side of the village, which has Ripple-court about a quarter of a mile from it, and the parsonage-house nearly as far distant, on the opposite side of it. In this parish is an estate called Winkleton Oaks, late belonging to John Baker, esq. of Deal, but now by purchase to Mr. Stephen Carter, of Walmer. There are about sixteen houses in it, and about nine hundred acres of land. There is no fair.

At a small distance northward from the church is a work of Cæsar's, thrown up in his route from the sea towards his main camp on Barham down. This is a plain small raised area, whose front looks over a pretty deep lynse bank towards the succeeding work, the progress of which has been already more fully related, under the description of Barham Downs.

There is a place in this parish, near the boundary, betwixt it and Walmer, called Dane Pitts, where there is an intrenchment of an oblong square, comprehending about half an acre, with various little eminences on it.

The ground of it is extremely barren, and has never been ploughed. Its name certainly points out its antiquity, otherwise I should be inclined to think it to be the remains of one of those little encampaments, thrown up in queen Elizabeth's time, on the expectation of the Spanish invasion. It is evidently a work of art, and has been made for a fortification of defence.

The principal manor in this parish, which is called THE MANOR OF RIPPLE, alias RIPPLE-COURT, was part of the antient possessions of the abbot and convent of St. Augustine, (fn. 1) and was assigned by Hugh, abbot of it about the year 1110, to the cloathing of the monks of it. In the year 1313, being the 7th year of king Edward II.'s reign, in the iter of H. de Stanton and his sociates, justices itinerant, the abbot, upon a quo warranto, claimed and was allowed in this manor, among others, view of frank-pledge, (fn. 2) and other liberties therein-mentioned, in like manner, as has been already mentioned in the description of the other manors be longing to the priory, in the course of this History. In the 8th year of king Richard II. the measurement of the lands belonging to the monastery in this parish, was, of arable one hundred and eighty-three acres and an half and one rod, and of pasture fifty-two acres and one rood.

In which situation this manor continued till the reign of king Henry VIII. when the abbot and convent, in the 29th year of it, demised it, with the tenths within this parish and Dale, belonging to the office of chamberlain of the monastery, to Henry Foche, who resided at Ripple-court. He was younger brother of John Foche, alias Essex, the last abbot of this monastery, descended of a family who had been settled for some generations in this neighbourhood. From John abovementioned, descended those of this parish, Sutton, and Deal; under each of which places a further account of them may be seen. They bore for their arms, Gules, a fess dancette, between six lozenges, or; which arms were granted by Cooke, clarencieux, in 1576. (fn. 3) . After which, this manor, with their other estates in this parish, remained with the monastery till its final dissolution, in the 30th year of that reign. After which the king, in his 34th year, granted this manor, with Greenway's and Palmer's lands, in this parish and Deal, in exchange to archbishop Cranmer, who not long afterwards reconveyed them in exchange back again to the crown, where this manor of Ripple remained, till queen Elizabeth, in her 42d year, granted it to John Hales, esq. of Tenterden, and he afterwards alienated it to John Gokin, gent. the son of Thomas Gokin, gent. of Bekesborne. They bore for their arms, Gules, a chevron ermine, between three cocks, or. He resided at Ripple-court, as did his descendants afterwards, down to Richard Gookin, for so he spelt his name, who about the latter end of king William III.'s reign, passed it away by sale to Sir Abraham Jacob, of Dover, whose son, Herbert Jacob, esq. of St. Stephen's, afterwards succeeded to it. He was bred to the bar, and was in the habit of friendship with the most eminent lawyers of his time; but he soon quitted his prosession, and was very useful to his country as a justice of the peace, and chairman of the quarter sessions. He resided at St. Stephen's upon his estate, which at that time was deemed a sufficient competency. By his will, he left a considerable collection of books to the Society of the Inner Temple, of which he was a bencher. He lies buried in St. Stephen's church, where there is a monument, with an elegant Latin inscription, to his memory, which he penned himself, and inserted in his will. The Jacobs bore for their arms, Per pale and fess, dancette, sable, and or; in the first quarter, a pelican of the second. He died s. p. in 1725, and by will devised this manor, among the rest of his estates, to his nephew John Denew, gent. afterwards of St. Stephen's who bore for his arms, Azure, five chevronels, or. He died in 1750, upon which it came, by the entail of the above will, to his eldest niece Dorothy, sister of the above John Denew, married to the Rev. Julius Deedes, prebendary of Canterbury; and their grandson W. Deedes, esq. of Hythe, is the present owner of it.

There is a court leet and court baron held for this manor, at which one borsholder is chosen for this parish, and another for the parish of Sutton. This manor claims over almost the whole parish; that part belonging to Watling-court only excepted. The demesne lands are exempt from the payment of great tithes.

WALDLING, alias WATLING, is a manor likewise in this parish, which in antient time was held by the family de Sandwich, by knight's service, of the family of Badlesmere; after which it came into the possession of the Leybornes; for William, son of Sir Roger de Leyborne, appears by the escheat rolls to have died possessed of it in the 2d year of king Edward II. leaving Juliana, the daughter of his son Thomas, who died in his life-time, usually stiled from the greatness of her possessions, the Infanta of Kent, his next heir, she carried this manor successively in marriage to her three husbands, the last of whom was William de Clinton, created afterwards earl of Huntingdon. He died in the 28th year of that reign, as did his widow Juliana, in the 41st year of it, s. p. and there being no one found who could make claim to her estates, even by a collateral alliance, this manor, among the rest of them, escheated to the crown, where it remained till king Richard II. granted it to Sir Simon de Burley, knightbanneret, lord-warden, and K. G. but he being attainted in the 10th year of that reign, and afterwards beheaded, this manor became vested in the crown, and the king in his 11th and 22d years settled it on the priory of canons, alias Chiltern Langley, where it remained till the suppression of that house, anno 30 king Henry VIII. when it came into the king's hands, and was the next year granted with the scite of the priory, and other lands and estates belonging to it, to Richard, bishop sussragan of Dover, to hold for his life, or until he should be promoted to some ecclesiastical benefice, of 100l. yearly value, which happened before the 36th year of that reign; for the king that year, granted this manor of Woodling, aliasWatling, among others, late belonging to the priory, to Sir Thomas Moyle, to hold in capite, (fn. 4) and he gave it in marriage, with his youngest daughter and coheir Amy, to Sir Thomas Kempe, of Ollantigh, who in the 9th year of queen Elizabeth, conveyed this manor, lying in the parishes of Ripple, Walmer, Deal, and Mongeham, to Thomas Shirley, of Sussex, whose successor, William Shirley, is said, after several claims and suits of law, to have passed it away to Sir William Crayford, of Great Mongeham.

The manor of Wadling after this continued in Sir William Crayford's descendants down to Wm. Crayford, esq. of Mongeham, who gave it to his wife Ursula, (by whom he left no surviving issue) and she having remarried Nordash Rand, esq. entitled him to the possession of this estate; for I find no further mention of it as a manor; and he afterwards sold it to Mr. Robert Bowler, of Deal, who afterwards resided here, and his daughter Mary carried it in marriage in 1721 to George Lynch, M. D. of Canterbury. He was son of John Lynch, esq. of Grove, and younger brother to John Lynch, D. D. dean of Canterbury, whose descent has been already mentioned under that seat. He died possessed of it in 1765, leaving her surviving, and she possessed this estate till her death in 1776, when her eldest son, Robert Lynch, M.D. of Canterbury, succeeded to it. He died unmarried in 1783, having a few years before his death resided at Ripple, and devised it to his brother the Rev. George Lynch, vicar of Limne, and he, upon this, removed to Ripple, where he died in Nov. 1789, and by his will gave this estate, then called by the name of New farm, to his two surviving sisters; Mary, married to the Rev. John Denne, curate of Maidstone, and Elizabeth, to the Rev. John Herring, rector of Mongeham, in equal shares, and they jointly possessed it till the death of Mrs. Denne, since which the latter, who has been separated from her husband for some years, is become the sole possessor of it; but the reversion by the Rev. George Lynch's will is devised to the heirs of the Rev. Obadiah Bourne, and John Talbot, esq. of Stone castle, in this county. The hon. lady Frances Benson resides in it.

A see-farm rent, payable yearly by the heirs of Dr. George Lynch, for the manor of Wadling, alias Watling, is now remaining in the rental of the see-farm rents of the crown bailiffs; but there does not seem at present to be any manerial rights claimed, nor any other traces left of this estate ever having been a manor.

Charities.

THERE IS a small parcel of land, being part of the waste, which was given in 1621, by Thomas Gookin, esq. lord of the manor of Ripple court, for the building of a poor-house, upon this ground a building was erected, consisting of two dwellinghouses, at the cost of the parish. These are still kept up, and appropriated to the use of such poor as are thought fit objects of charity.

The poor constantly relieved are about twelve, casually four.

THIS PARISH is with in the ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION of the diocese of Canterbury, and deanry of Sandwich.

The church, which is dedicated to St. Mary, is small and neat. It consists of a nave and a chancel; having a small wooden tower at the west end, on which is a handsome spire. There are two bells in it. There are no marks of antiquity in this church, excepting in the circular arch over the south door, which is very antient, and probably belonged to an older building. Among the monuments are two altar tombs in the chancel, with brass plates, for the Warrens. In the east window are the arms of this family painted, among others. In the Heraldic Visitations of Kent of 1574 and 1619, are pedigrees of this family of Warren, who were settled at Dover in the latter end of Henry VII.'s reign, where they remained till the latter end of queen Elizabeth's reign, when they removed to Ripple, where they remained for several generations afterwards. They bore for their arms, Azure, a cross, of, between a martlet in the first and fourth quarter, and a chaplet in the second and third quarter, or. A mural monument for Capt. Andrew Rand. He died in 1680; arms, Or, a lion rampant, gules, charged on the neck with three chevrons, argent; impaling a cross, flury, between four dogs heads, erased. A mural monument, consisting of three tablets; on the upper one, an inscription for Robert Bowler, esq. caption in the royal navy in 1728, obt. 1734; arms, Bowler, argent, three piles wavy, issuing from the dexter corner of the shield gules. a chief. sable. On the second tablet, one for George Lynch, M. D. of the cathedral precincts, Canterbury, second son of John Lynch, esq. of Grove, in Staple; obt. 1765. Mary Lynch, sole daughter and heiress of Robert Bowler, esq. his widow, obt 1776. Robt. Lynch, M. D. their elder son, obt. 1783; and for two of their daughters;arms, Lynch impaling Bowler, (the pales issuing from the sinister corner of the shield). On the third tablet, another for Anne Lynch, daughter of John Drake, esq. of Blechingley, in Surry, sister of the Rev. Ralph Drake Brockman, of Beechborough, and wife of the Rev. George Lynch, A. M. younger son of George and Mary Lynch, obt. 1787; also of the said Rev. George Lynch, obt. 1789. A grave-stone for Edward Lloyd, A. M. a native of Denbighshire, many years rector of this parish and Betshanger, obt. April 10, 1741. Another for William Standly, rector, obt. 1680.

The church, which is a rectory, was antiently appurtenant to the manor, and continued so at the surrendry of the abbey of St. Augustine, in the 30th year of king Henry-VIII. when it came into the hands of the crown, and was afterwards, in the 34th year of the same reign, granted as appurtenant to the manor to archbishop Cranmer, and soon afterwards by him reconveyed back again to the crown, from whence the advowson of this rectory, (for the manor continued in the crown) was afterwards granted to Edward, lord Clinton and Saye, who, in the 5th of king Edward VI. reconveyed it back again to the crown, in exchange for other premises. It appears, that in the beginning of queen Elizabeth's reign, the advowson of this rectory was in the possession of Sir Thomas Kempe, owner likewise of the manor of Ripple, in right of his wife Amy, daughter of Sir Thomas Moyle, to whom the manor had been granted by king Henry VIII. in his 36th year; but not as appurtenant to the manor, but as an advowson in gross, in which state it continued, possessed by the owners of that manor, down to William Crayford, esq. of Mongeham, who at his death gave both manor and advowson to his wife Ursula, (by whom he left no survivng issue) and she having remarried Nordash Rand, esq. entitled him to the possession of them. He afterwards sold this advowson to John Paramore, gent. in trust, for the Rev. Edward Lloyd, rector of this parish, after whose death it came to his three heirs at law; Lucy Jones, spinster, of Kelyn, in Flintshire; afterwards married to Charles Fyshe Palmer, esq. of Kelyn asoresaid; Ellen Bennet, spinster, of Glanywem, in Denbighshire, afterwards married to Thomas Mersham, gent. of Ewloe, in Flintshire; and lucy, wife of Thomas Hudleston, ironmonger, of Liverpool, (fn. 5) and they continue joint patrons of it.

This rectory is valued in the king's books at 51. 19s. 4 1/2d. and the yearly tenths at 11s. 11 1/4d. In 1588 it was valued at 50l. communicants sorty-two. In 1640 it was valued at 60l. the like number of communicants. It is now of the yearly certified value of 43l. 3s. 0 3/4d. but is worth at present, in all matters clear, about 100l. per annum. There are about eight acres of glebe.

There are about three hundred and fifty acres of land in this parish titheable, which is rather more than one third of the parish. The rest of the parish is exempt from the paymnent of great tithes, paying to the rector a small composition only, more or lefs, for the several farms and lands in it.

www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=63596

Expectation(Ожидание ). Moscow. Kursk vogzal. by Стас Евсеев

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expectation by angela zamudio

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LEGO Creation: Expectation and reality by Anne Mette V

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Expectation

Expectation by Thomas Hawk

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EXPECTATION by niloofar alai

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Photo © by niloo

Restaurant VUN: Scallop Entree with Caviar by The Diary of a Hotel Addict

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HISTORY

Park Hyatt is a curated collection of some of the world's finest luxury hotels; and also the top tier brand inside the Hyatt Hotel's portfolio. Each hotel within the collection is unique, contemporary and extraordinary; which is why collectively it is my #1 all time favorite brand (The Four Seasons does not score too high on my list).

The very first Park Hyatt in Europe was The Hyatt Carlton Tower in London (circa 1982) and Hotel Villa Magna in Madrid (circa 1990). Both are not part of the group now, with the former being rebranded as Jumeirah in 2001, and the latter became an independent hotel following its renovation in 2007. Park Hyatt Hamburg later opened in 1997 at the historic Levantehaus; and the Ararat Park Hyatt in Moscow followed soon after in 2002. It was not until the opening of the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome at Rue de la Paix in August 2002 that the brand finally has its official European flagship hotel. Designed by Ed Tuttle, -who is renowned for his work at the Amanresorts; the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome is one of only 4 distinguished hotels in Paris to be inaugurated with a "Palace" distinction category in May 2011 (The Ritz and de Crillon are not even on the list, and Four Seasons George V was only inducted four months later after a massive $30 million renovation).

Park Hyatt went from strength to strength after Paris with the opening of the palatial, Ed Tuttle-designed Park Hyatt Milan in 2003 at an historic building circa 1870, formerly a Bank Headquarter.

LOCATION

Soaring majestically at Via Tommaso Grossi 1, Park Hyatt Milan is located at the city's most enviable location, with the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II just a (Travertine) stone's throw away. Personally, this is the best location for all tourists and business travelers as within a radius of one kilometer, you get the quintessential Milan. Any visitors would appreciate its proximity next to the massive Duomo, -the fifth largest cathedral in the world, which took six centuries to complete; and the legendary Opera House La Scala and its piazza, adjacent to the Galleria.

Milan is a shopper's paradise, and Park Hyatt is conveniently located next to the shops at the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Prada has a very strong presence here as its heart lies within the historic store at a prominent corner of the Octagon, which is the first store that Mario Prada opened back in 1913. The brand reached another historic milestone by acquiring a second store right at the opposite, which was formerly the home of Ronald (McDonald's) for 20 years. Ditched by the City of Milan as the landlord of the Galleria, Ronald later sued for a ridiculous €24 million in damages when his old contract expired and was prevented from renewing. Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Gucci and Tods have presence within the Galleria, and soon will be joined by Versace (with a Museum) at a prominent space by the Octagon, formerly of the Bernasconi.

Milan's iconic department store, La Rinescente (owned by the giant Central Group of Thailand) is located next to the Duomo; and is blessed with a beautiful rooftop terrace and restaurants facing the majestic spires of the Cathedral. Rival Excelsior Milano nearby at Galleria del Corso spans an area of 4000 sqm over 7 floors, and was completely renovated by one of the world's most famous French starchitect, Jean Nouvel. It features a Laduree shop on the ground floor; and a defining food store on the Mezzanine and basement, aptly named Eat's, which hosts international guest chefs regularly. Further away within a kilometer of pleasant walking distance lies the epicenter of Milan's fashion scene at Via Monte Napoleone, where most of the world's luxury fashion brands have a flagship presence.

Food-wise, Park Hyatt is surrounded by some of the city's best restaurants. For a start, it boasts its very own Michelin Restaurant, called VUN (Milanese dialect for One) where Chef Andrea Aprea works his magic serving excellent fine dining Italian dishes. Another One Michelin nearby, Trussardi alla Scala, is one of the city's best and most famous restaurant, located on the first floor of the flagship Trussardi store right beside La Scala. Arguably one of the world's most critically acclaimed Italian Chef, Carlo Cracco has a flagship 2 Michelin restaurant two blocks away from the Park Hyatt near the Duomo, and was formerly a joint venture with the Stoppani family that owns the legendary Peck Delicatessen in Milan. In 2012, Cracco was inducted as a member of Singapore Airlines International Culinary Panel. I even ordered in-flight meals created by Cracco on my way to Italy on board Singapore Airlines First Class.

Back to the Galleria, Biffi Cafe is one of the oldest restaurants in Milan, having been founded in 1867 by Paolo Biffi, a pastry Chef to the Monarch. Savini (circa 1884) is another institution right beside the Louis Vuitton and has been attracting celebrities and artists, which includes Maria Callas, Luchino Visconti, Charlie Chaplin, Rainier III, Prince of Monaco & Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, and Henry Ford to name a few. Savini has The Gallery of Taste on its first floor, selling every imaginable fine foods from oil, sauces, truffle to candies and coffees. It even has an ice cream parlour on the ground floor, which I adore very much. Gelato is one of the luxuries I indulged daily in Italy. There are a few popular Gelato shops nearby Park Hyatt, including Grom, and Cioccolati Italiani just behind the Galleria whose store drew the most incredible crowd I've ever seen in a Gelato shop, so much that I left the queue on the many repeat visits during the whole week. I settled for nearby Savini instead.

One of the best kept secrets within the Galleria is a beautiful store housing the Rizzoli Bookstore. The discreet entrance hides a two storey worth of collections, including some English books and a large section of magazines. My favourite place within the Galleria? The Gucci Cafe under the glass atrium, which serves excellent coffee, amazing pies and mouthwatering cakes.

ROOMS:

Ed Tuttle created dramatic spaces at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome; and he casts similar magic at Park Hyatt Milan, although in a complete different atmosphere. Clad predominantly in Travertine limestone (in fact, throughout the whole building), there is a very strong sense of place that is quintessentially Italian; and the contemporary decor adds to its air of understated and timeless luxury.

At 38m2, entry level Park Room is spacious by European standard with large fluffy beds, comfortable custom-made two seater sofa and armchair, and a giant work desk made out of Travertine limestone. Most rooms have small windows, but Ed Tuttle managed to decorate in such a clever way through framing and layering that transform the window into an object d'art. Series of rectangular mirrors are hung when the spaces have a large proportion of blank walls, which creates an illusion of multiple windows, and it reflects the lights throughout the rooms.

Bathrooms take a centrestage at Park Hyatt Milan, and are all generously proportioned. Similar to Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome, the bathrooms are swathed in acres of soothing beige, but accentuated with the striking pattern of Travertine at Milan. The standalone bathtub becomes the focal point of the bathroom; and the adjoining shower compartment is so spacious that it features a bench for pure relaxation; which are all an Ed Tuttle trademark. Each bathroom has an adjoining walk-in wardrobe and external window, which collectively makes the overall space appears large. There is a separate WC compartment with a bidet. Interestingly, the mini-bar is placed just under the sink; and are electronically operated, meaning any slight movement to the bottles will resulted in an automatic charge to the bill on check-out. Blaise Mautin amenities has unique scents at each of the several Park Hyatt, including Paris and Dubai; but Milan stocks amenities by Laura Tonatto (paraben free).

My courtyard facing Suite is generous with spacious, open-plan living area, fully equipped with three seater sofa; Loewe LCD TV; Lavazza coffee machine; sizeable dual sinks and wardrobe areas on its bathroom; Italian wines and snacks and beautiful views toward the courtyard. High-speed internet access is complimentary throughout and worked well.

ROOM TO BOOK:

Corner entry level rooms and Junior Suites are smaller, but brighter. Request for a corner Park Room on the corner of Via Tommaso Grossi and Via Silvio Pellico for a glimpse of the Galleria. The lower level rooms could be quite dark and has non-descript views towards the adjacent buildings, so request for higher floor to see the sky. Third and fifth floor has considerable smaller windows, while Second and Fourth floor has larger and taller windows. Suites facing the inner courtyard are very quiet and some are larger.

For the ultimate in style and pampering, book yourself one of the 6 top floor suites that come with its own private terrace, including The Terrace, Diplomatic and the 270m2 Presidential Suite. The 95m2, courtyard-facing Spa Suite is a one-of-a-kind, featuring a personal Spa Room complete with whirlpool bath; steam and rain shower; and a fitness corner with treadmill and weights.

DINING:

Restaurant VUN is the only restaurant at the hotel, and is awarded with One Michelin Star. Talented young Chef Andrea Aprea creates simple and honest Italian dishes; but all are cooked to perfection and beautifully presented. I am a HUGE fan of Italian food, -so much that I am sure I was an Italian in the past life; and yet I found the fine dining Italian food in their native soil to be abit underwhelming to my liking and expectation. Pasta in Italy is cooked al dente, which means it is abit hard. I prefer it to be cooked a little longer for a softer texture. The same goes with the risotto. I had a hard time chewing a bowl of Michelin rated risotto at Trussardi alla Scala. While it is nice and delicious, but my jaws became a little sour after the bowl finished.

Fusion fine-dining Italian seems not to work well for me either. Personally, Italian food is best when it is at its simplest and original form, highlighting the freshness and original flavor of its ingredients. Those humble food I got typically from the streets are actually very, very good. In contrast, the most lavish meal I had at 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Hong Kong, -the only 3 Michelin Italian restaurant outside Italy, by Chef Umberto Bombana was actually a bit flat for me. Generally, I had more orgasmic feast at a top level French fine dining, -say L'atelier de Joel Robuchon-, than a top Italian fine dining. But this is personal.

It is interesting to note that Park Hyatt Milan's Club Sandwich is probably as famous as the Duomo itself. It was billed as the best Club Sandwich in the world by Tyler Brûlé of Monocle Magazine in 2008. While the taste does not let you down, and the portion is as gigantic as the Duomo, I personally do not think it is the best.

LEISURE:

Leisure facilities at the Park Hyatt Milan is housed within the basement's Spa area. The focal point of the facility is the small but luxurious whirlpool made out of 250,000 gold mosaics, similar to the pool at The Bvlgari Hotel Milano. The whirlpool is unisex, but serviced by separate change rooms according to gender, each with steam room and aromatherapy showers. There is also a private Spa Room for couples, complete with two beds and Turkish bath for the ultimate pampering.

X-FACTOR:

Anish Kapoor's masterpiece "Untitled 2013", which replaced Lucio Fontana's Medusa at the iconic La Cupola Lobby Lounge; Ed Tuttle-designed, Travertine clad rooms and bathrooms; The Terrace Suites on the top floor with glimpse over Duomo spires; One Michelin Star Restaurant VUN; Whirlpool with gold mosaics at The Spa; La Cupola and its Club Sandwich; and the perfect location by the Galleria and Duomo.

SERVICE:

The French are notoriously snotty, -so rude that their government had to issue a Manual to tone down their act towards tourists-, but otherwise classy; yet I found the Italian hospitality could sometimes be rather hostile, even at many of its top hotels and restaurants. Some even made the French seems friendly. In fact, I actually had better service in Paris and enjoyed it more than Italy in general. With the current economic crisis facing Europe, I think it is imperative to understand how to properly treat the customers and tourists as the income generator.

Fortunately, service was attentive, personalized and world class at the Park Hyatt. Check-in was swift and staff personally escorted to the suite. Most staffs had great attitude with matching great look, and aimed to please. Similarly, staffs at Restaurant VUN was exemplary. The only hotel whose service was better than the Park Hyatt during the Italian trip was the Bvlgari Hotel Milano, which ranks among the best I've ever experienced. I have stayed at all three Bvlgari (Milan, London and Bali) and all its restaurants (including Tokyo), and they all blew me away. Service at both London and Milan were both phenomenal. Unfortunately, I could not say the same for Armani Milano, as it was quite disappointing.

VERDICT:

Park Hyatt Milan is a truly stunning property in the best location. It is the perfect hotel for first timer in Milan due to its proximity to some of the city's most famous landmarks and best shopping/dining. Rooms and suites are spacious; and although they probably could not compete with the sheer luxury at the Bvlgari or Armani, they are very charming and extremely comfortable. It lacked a proper pool, and the spa area is quite small, otherwise it would be perfect. I would definitely return again because the location is perfect and service was exceptional; but my #1 favorite hotel in Milan is the Bvlgari. I am actually eyeing passionately (and patiently) for the Excelsior Hotel Gallia for quite some time already as it is owned by Katara, which has The Peninsula Paris and Raffles Le Royal Monceau Paris under its belt. Let's see how it measures up once it is opened late this year.

PERSONAL RATING:

1. Room: 90

2. Bathroom: 95

3. Bed: 95

4. Service: 90

5. In-room Tech: 85

6. In-room Amenities: 90

7. Architecture & Design: 95

8. Food: 90

9. View: 80

10. Pool: N/A

11. Wellness: 80

12. Location: 100

13. Value: 95

Overall: 90.41

My #1 ALL TIME FAVORITE HOTEL

Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong: 95.38

PARK HYATT MILAN

at The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Via Tommaso Grossi 1, Milan

General Manager: Gorka Bergareche

Executive Chef (VUN): Andrea Aprea

Interior Designer: Ed Tuttle

Hotel Opening Date: 15 October 2003

Total Rooms & Suites: 106 Rooms (including 74 Park and Park Deluxe Rooms)

Total Suites: 32 Suites (including 5 Prestige; 4 Terrace; 3 Park Executive & 16 Junior Suites

Signature Suites: 155m2 Diplomatic Suite; 95m2 Spa Suite)

Top Suites: Imperial Suite (255m2) and Presidential Suite (270m2)

Bathroom Amenities: Laura Tonatto

Restaurants: Restaurant VUN (1 Michelin Star): Italian Fine Dining

Bars and Lounges: La Cupola Lobby Lounge, The Park Bar & The Dehors

Meeting & Banquets: 96m2 Sala Duomo (100 guests), and 3 Boardrooms (up to 35 guests)

Health & Leisure: 24 hours fitness centre & The Spa with a Private Spa Room & Mosaic Whirlpool

milan.park.hyatt.com

Over the decade, I have stayed at many of the Park Hyatt hotels worldwide, including Beijing, Busan, Dubai, Hamburg, Melbourne, Milan, Paris, Saigon, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo, and Zurich

PARK HYATT SYDNEY

PARK HYATT SEOUL

PARK HYATT SHANGHAI

PARK HYATT DUBAI

PARK HYATT BEIJING

PARK HYATT PARIS-VENDOME

Seaside Rendezvous Expectation by Jules Artvan

2

Watercolour and ink on paper

Acle - Great War Memorial - Aldis to Cushion by Moominpappa06

2

Alan Cecil Aldis………………………………........(Roll of Honour)

G/87390 Lance Corporal Aldis, 13th Battalion Middlesex Regiment who died on Sunday 13th October 1918, aged 20 years. When he enlisted at Norwich he is recorded as residing at Thorpe St Andrew. His father was the Station Master at Acle. He is buried at the Delsaux Farm Cemetery, Beugny, Pas de Calais and is also commemorated on the gravestone of his 5 year-old brother in the Churchyard at Acle.

His CWGC entry also records that he was born at Holme Hale and that he was the son of Mr & Mrs A Aldis.

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=240001

Lance Corporal Aldis can be seen here.

norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

The accompanying notes are Born 18 August 1898 at Holme Hale, Norfolk; son of Arthur and Hannah Aldis, Station House, Acle; enlisted June 1917; died of wounds at 46 Casualty Clearing Station, France, 13 October 1918.

At the time of the 1901 Census, the 2 year old Alan C was living at the Station House, Ditchingham, where his 38 year old father, Arthur, (born Framingham Pigot), was Station Master. Also resident are his 40 year old mother Hannah, (born Marham), and his siblings,

Reginald U…………….aged 9.………….born Fakenham

Hubert H……………….aged 7.…………born Swaffham

Percy G………………..aged 5.………….born Swaffham

Audrey E………………aged 1.…………born Holme Hale

The Aldis’s also had a visitor staying on the night of the census, a 19 year old dressmaker by the name of Maudie Heyhoe.

Cambrai, 1918: and the Pursuit to the Selle River. 9th - 12th October 1918

In this Battle no less than six battalions of the Regiment took part, or are entitled to the Battle Honour as being in the immediate area of the operations. They are the 1st and 18th Battalions (33rd Division), 4th (37th Division), 1/7th and 1/8th (56th Division) and 13th (24th Division).

freespace.virgin.net/howard.anderson/thebattleofcambrai.htm

Historical Information: The village of St. Aubert was captured in the Pursuit to the Selle (9th-12th October, 1918); and the cemetery was begun by the 24th Division on the 12th.

www.geocities.com/ptrue84020/aubert.html

************************************************************************

Elvin Spencer Bulley………………………………........(Roll of Honour)

18164 Lance Corporal Bulley, 9th (Service) Battalion Norfolk Regiment who died on Sunday 17th September 1916, aged 32 years. He had lived in Acle for nine or ten years before enlisting and worked as a moulder at Smithdale’s foundry. He was captain of Acle Football Club and a member of the Bowling Club. At the time of his death his brother was fighting beside him in the same trench and was wounded a few hours earlier. He is buried in the Guillemont Road Cemetery on The Somme.

His CWGC entry lists him as the son of William and Rosanna Bulley, of Swafield, North Walsham.

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=534194

No match on Norlink

No obvious match on the 1901 Census for England & Wales for either an Elvin, William or Rosanna Bulley\Bully

15th September 1916 Battle of the Somme

The last great Allied effort to achieve a breakthrough came on 15 September in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette with the initial advance made by 11 British divisions (nine from Fourth Army, two Canadian divisions on the Reserve Army sector) and a later attack by four French corps.

The battle is chiefly remembered today as the debut of the tank. The British had high hopes that this secret weapon would break the deadlock of the trenches. Early tanks were not weapons of mobile warfare—with a top speed of 2 mph (3.2 km/h), they were easily outpaced by the infantry—but were designed for trench warfare. They were untroubled by barbed wire obstacles and impervious to rifle and machine gun fire, though highly vulnerable to artillery. Additionally, the tanks were notoriously unreliable; of the 49 tanks available on 15 September, only 32 made it to the start line, and of these, only 21 made it into action

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Flers-Courcelette

An intense preliminary bombardment began on 12 September and at 6.20am on Friday 15 September the advance began in mist and smoke. XIV Corps attack, on the extreme right, where hopes of breakthrough were pinned, fared badly; 56th Division and 6th Division lost heavily as tanks and artillery support failed to neutralise vital defensive positions

www.cwgc.org/somme/content.asp?menuid=27&id=27&me...

151 Soldiers of the 9th Battalion appear to have died on this day, with 6 more the following day. I assume Private Bulley also died from wounds received on the 15th, as it seems unlikely the Norfolks were back in the front line 2 days after such a mauling.

*********************************************************************

Percy Chilvers………………………………........(Roll of Honour)

It is thought that Percy Chilvers served with the Norfolk Regiment but none of the records of men with that name contain any evidence to associate them with Acle. The most probable entry is:

Percy CHILVERS, Sergeant 200284, 1st/4th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in Palestine 19th April 1917. Aged 26. Born Tottington, enlisted Norwich. Son of Mrs. Alice Chilvers, of "Shrublands," Brandon Rd., Watton, Thetford, Norfolk. No known grave. Commemorated on Jerusalem Memorial, Israel. Panels 12 to 15.

The other two are a Percy aged 32 when he died on the 23/09/1918 serving in France in the 4th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, and Percy Ernest, aged 19 when he died 22/10/1914, serving with the Royal Marines aboard HMS Aboukir.

The Percy referred to above is a Percy Read Chilvers.

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1644687

He also appears on the Watton War Memorial

No match on Norlink

The Genes re-united transcription of the 1901 Census has no obvious match for the Percy Read Chilvers who was 26 by April 1917.

The most likely match for the 32 year old is more interesting. He would appear to be a 15 years Plumbers Apprentice living at 20 Cambridge Road, Chiswick, having been born at Shepherds Bush, London. This was the home of his parents, George William, aged 41 and a Builders Managers from Docking in Norfolk, and Louisa, aged 41 and also from Norfolk, although the village is indecipherable on the 1901 Census. (The 1891 makes it clear that its Snettisham, although they also have an older child living with them that was born at Snettisham, and who is not present on the 1901 Census). While all their other children were born in London, it could be that the family returned to the county of their parents birth. A high level search of the 1911 Census shows the same individual in the district of Brentford, Middlesex.

The most likely match for the 19 year old is a 6 year old born Raveningham, and now living at Brundish Cottage, Raveningham.

The 26th year old serving with the 1st/4th Norfolks would have been involved in the disastrous 2nd Battle of Gaza on the 19th April 1917.

More than a thousand one hundred of the men of the 54th posted killed wounded or missing were from the two Norfolk regiment battalions, equating to 75% of their strength. Eastern Daily Press "Sunday" section May 5, 2007

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_Gaza

The 32 year old is listed as serving with the 4th Yorks but that unit had been reduced to a cadre following the German Spring offensives of 1918, and many of the surviving 4th Yorks were now serving in composite Battalions made up of platoons and companys drawn up from similarly depleted units. However, this site states he died a Prisoner of War.

homepage.ntlworld.com/bandl.danby/065Bn1918.html

The 19 year was a casualty of the early success that German U-Boats enjoyed against dated British warships in the North Sea.

“U9 sinks HMS Aboukir, Hogue and Cressy. The patrol by these elderly ships was much criticised, they were too old and slow with inexperienced crews to put up a decent fight against modern German surface ships. Although the submarine threat at the time was not considered, even by critics of the patrol, the fact that the three ships didn't zigzag was criticised by the board of inquiry, a practice that was widely ignored at the time and even by some ships after the loss of the three cruisers.”

www.worldwar1.co.uk/cressy.htm

**********************************************************************

Sydney George Church………………………………........(Roll of Honour)

81839 Private Church, 29th Battalion Middlesex Regiment who died on Friday 5th April 1918 aged 37 years. He enlisted in 1915 when he had been married to Kate for three years. He was employed as a miller’s carter. He was admitted to Crowborough hospital in September 1917 suffering from rheumatism caused by exposure to wet and cold. After a further period in hospital at Brighton he died from a tubercular infection. He is buried at Hove Old Cemetery.

The CWGC entry also tells us that he was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Daniel Church and had been transferred to the Labour Corps.

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=659960

No match on Norlink

No obvious match on the 1901 Census.

***********************************************************************

Ambrose William Church………………………………........(Roll of Honour)

41039 Private Church, 8th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers who died on Thursday 16th August 1917. He is shown on the War Memorial as ‘W’ Church and the available records give his first name as Ambrose. He is believed to have been killed at Borry Farm with comrades who also have no known grave but are commemorated on panels 70/72 of the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium.

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1628737

No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has the 3 year old Acle born Ambrose W. living at Damgate, Acle. This is the household of his parents, Joseph D. ,a 48 year old Corn and Flour Dealer from Acle, and and Martha J. aged 42 and from Somerleyton, Suffolk. Their other children are:-

Percy F……………….aged 17.…………born Acle…..Corn and Flour Dealer

Harry J……………….aged 18.………….born Acle………Corn and Flour Dealer

Elsie J………………..aged 1.…………..born Acle

Daisy B………………aged 13.………….born Acle

Cecil R………………aged 7.…………..born Acle

Walter C……………..aged 11.…………born Acle

August 16th 1917

The 16th August 1917 was the opening day of the Battle of Langermarck, with the 7th & 8th battalions of the Inniskillings in the first wave.

The fortification in front of 8th battalion was Borry Farm . This was a strongpoint consisting of three concrete dugouts linked by a breastwork. It was garrisoned by at least 100 men and five machine-guns. Both Beck House and Borry Farm were covered from Hills 35 and 37, and from the Potsdam and Bremen redoubts near Zonnebeke.

A and B companies of the 8th Battalion outflanked Borry Farm and managed to advance about 800 yards, keeping in contact with the 7th Inniskillings on their left. A German counter-attack inflicted heavy casualties on these companies, killing, wounding, or capturing all but 30 men.

C company launched frontal and flank attacks on Borry Farm and were reduced to a remnant that took cover in shell holes 50 yards to the west. Increasing German pressure led to the withdrawal of all survivors of the Battalion to their original positions. The battalion had suffered over 60% casualties. At the end of the day, the 16th Division was back where it had started.

freespace.virgin.net/sh.k/3rdypres.html

Operation order

freespace.virgin.net/sh.k/ordlang.html

***********************************************************************

Ernest Samuel Clarke………………………………........(Roll of Honour)

17767 Lance Corporal Clarke, 7th (Service) Battalion Norfolk Regiment who died on Thursday 31st August 1916 aged 21 years. He was one of six Acle brothers on active service during the war. Following action on the Somme of 1st July 1916 he suffered gunshot wounds to his head and side at Bouzincourt on 21st August. He died of his wounds in the 1st Canadian General Hospital at Etaples and is buried at the Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais.

CWGC entry shows son of Robert and Eliza Clarke, of Acle, Norwich.

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=499931

No match on Norlink

On the 1901 Census, the 5 year old Ernest S, born Acle, is recorded at The Hill, Acle. This is the household of his parents, Robert, a 49 year old Labourer from Acle, and Eliza, aged 42 and also from Acle. Their other children are:-

Edgar………….aged 3.……born Acle

Edward………..aged 8.……born Acle

John A…………aged 12.….born Acle

Louisa M …….. aged 11.…born Acle

Noah………….aged 14.…..born Acle….General servant in sausage factory

Robert J……….aged 21.…born Acle

I’m slightly mystified by the reference to Bouzincourt as this was behind the Allied lines at this time from what I can discover, and was the location of a field ambulance station, the next step on the ladder from the front line medical posts. The village received regular artillery bombardments. I can’t find any reference to the 7th Norfolks being in action on either date, (21st or 31st), although they had taken casualties on the 12th during the capture of Skyline Trench.

***********************************************************************

Walter John Cole………………………………........(Roll of Honour)

18166 Private Cole, 9th (Service) Battalion Norfolk Regiment who died on Friday 31st December 1915 aged 21 years. He was one of a family of seven children born in Acle; his father was a railway platelayer. His Battalion came under heavy German shelling at St Jean in the Ypres Salient on 17th December and it is probable that it was as a result of that action that Walter Cole died. He is buried at the New irish Farm Cemetery north east of Ypres.

CWGC entry shows Son of William and Anna M. Cole, of Damgate, Acle, Norfolk.

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=452139

No match on Norlink

On the 1901 Census, the 7 year old Acle born Walter is living at Damgate, Acle. This is the household of his parents, William, a 46 year old Railway Plate Layer from Cambridge, and Anna, aged 39 and from Acle. Their other children, all born Acle, are Annie, (aged 2), Emma, (aged 9) and Louisa, (aged 12).

For the rest of 1915 there is little to be told. During November the battalion was in and out of the trenches in the neighbourhood of Ypres, going through the usual monotonous routine of such service in the winter. On November 11 2/Lt G. Glanfield was killed by a shell. December passed in the same way. An extra heavy bombardment on the 19th led to the expectation of a German attack which did not materialise. At this time the Norfolk Battalion was in the trenches near St Jean.

1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t...

(Slight discrepancy in the dates of the barrage, between the Roll of Honour contributor and the Great War Forum thread author).

***********************************************************************

Eric A F Coleman………………………………........(Roll of Honour)

Second Lieutenant Coleman, Machine Gun Corps who died on Tuesday 31st July 1917. The son of Captain and Mrs George Drury Coleman of Acle he was commissioned in April 1915. It is thought that he originally served in the Norfolk Regiment but by July 1917 he was a member of the Heavy Section of the Machine Gun Corps – later to be known as the Tank Corps. He was in command of a tank at Wieltje on the first day of the Battle of Passchendaele when he was killed. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate memorial.

CWGC additional information reads Son of the late Capt. Coleman and Mrs. George Drury Coleman; husband of Lilian Coleman, of 5, St. John's Terrace, Wakefield. Native of Acle, Norfolk. His main unit is listed as the Norfolk Regiment but he is attached to the 3rd Battalion Machine Gun Corps. He is only listed as Eric Coleman.

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1607255

No match on Norlink

The most likely match on the 1901 Census is a 12 year old Eric A F, who is a resident pupil at Charles Towers School, Lingfield, (near Reigate). Eric had been born at Coles Hill, Middlesex. Unfortunately there is no obvious match on the 1891 census.

Wieltje

55 Div

165 Bde

The division advanced at Zero Hour with 165 Bde front right, 166 Bde front left and 164 Bde in support.

Attacking troops in 165 Bde were 1/5th and 1/6th King’s Liverpool Regt. The two battalions reached the Blue Line with little trouble and then attacked Plum Farm from which heavy MG fire was coming. The Farm was captured whilst still under bombardment.

1/7th and 1/9th King’s Liverpool Regt then passed through, 1/7 th being held up by fire from Square Farm, the same position that was holding up the HLI of 15th Div at the same time. The Farm fell to the Liverpudlians after several attacks allowing the advance continue to the Black Line. Pommern Redoubt was captured at 9am and a tank captured Bank Farm.

166 Bde

Despite running into many MG positions, 1/5th King’s Own Regt and 1/5th North Lancashire Regt kept up with the barrage and reached the first objective. 1/10th Liverpool Scottish and 1/5th South Lancashire Regt then passed through, encountering strong opposition from Spree Farm, Capricorn Trench and Pond Farm. 1/5th North Lancs was sent forward to support them. Capricorn Trench fell to the Liverpool Scottish at 9am. Spree Farm and Pond Farm remained in German hands and caused many casualties. One of the wounded was Capt Noel Chavasse, MO of the Liverpool Scottish. He earned his second VC for helping the wounded under fire. His first VC was earned on the Somme in 1916 and he had also been awarded the MC previously. Capt Chavasse would be the only double VC of the Great War. Unfortunately he died of his wounds and is buried in BrandhoekCemetery.

164 Bde

The brigade joined the battle at 10am. 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers captured Spree Farm supported by the 1/8th Bn (Liverpool Irish). 1/4th Bn, North Lancs supported by 1/4th Bn, King’s Own advanced to the Green Line, capturing five batteries of 77mm guns on the way. The brigade consolidated in touch with 15th Div. Later on the left flank had to withdraw to get in touch with 39th Division troops.

forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535

***********************************************************************

Harry Alfred Richard Crickmore…………………………........(Roll of Honour)

228816 Private Crickmore, 1/2nd Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment who died on Friday 26th April 1918, aged 19 years. Known to his family as ‘Richard’, he worked as a gardener/handyman when, at the age of seventeen he volunteered for a four-year engagement on 24th August 1914. He served with the 10th and the 3rd Battalion Norfolk Regiment and went to France in December 1915. He suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was returned to hospital in England in September 1916. During his home service he was transferred to the Monmouthshire Regiment with whom he returned to France in December 1917. He suffered further serious head injuries and died at the 3rd Northern General Hospital in Sheffield. He is buried in St Edmunds churchyard at Acle.

CWGC notes that he was the Son of Mrs. Lily Elizabeth Crickmore, of The Hill. Acle.

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802329

No match on Norlink

The most likely match on the 1901 Census is a 2 year old Harry who is living at The Cottage, Great Fransham, the village of his birth. This is the household of his parents, Richard, a 35 year old Woodman\Timber Feller(? - could possibly be Seller) from Bungay, and Lily, aged 26 and from Upton. Their other child is Arthur, (aged 6), while a 15 year old lodger, Sydney Pearce, makes up the rest of the household

The 1st/2nd Monmouthshires was the Pioneer Battalion of the 29th Division

www.1914-1918.net/monmouth.htm

***********************************************************************

Basil Philip Cushion…………………………........(Roll of Honour)

235627 Private Cushion, 7th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment who died on Saturday 20th April 1918 aged 35 years. He was married with one son who was one of the boys who unveiled the village War Memorial. He is buried at The Huts Cemetery south of Ypres.

CWGC notes that he was the son of John and Clara Cushion, of Reedham, Norfolk; husband of Annie Cushion, of Bridewell Lane, Acle, Norwich.

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=156124

No match on Norlink

At the time of the 1901 Census, the 17 year old Basil P. ,born Reepham, was living at The High Street, Marsham and employed as a Iron Moulder. This is the household of his uncle and aunt, John W Slapp, a 47 year old builder from North Walsham, and Mary M Slapp, aged 29 and from Lowestoft.

The 7th Leicesters were in the 21st Division, which lists amongst its battle honours, First Battle of Kemmel. 17-19 Apr 1918.

warpath.orbat.com/divs/21_div.htm

This was part of the bigger battle of Lys, which in turn was prompted by the second part of the German Spring Offensive known as Operation Georgette.

www.webmatters.net/belgium/ww1_lys_4.htm

www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Acle.html

www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/acle/acle.htm

Blank Expectation.... by Sharmin Rahmatullah

3 5

Hope & Expectation by Tom Levold

2

Expectation doesn't maintain the curves and the lines by rehnuma_suraiya

12 9

it would be good if there were a rulebook of expectations... so we could learn who actually worth it. We think, we believe and make ourselves fool saying that we have turned to a super natural human being who has got over all the desires but that is when it has crossed all the lines that no boundaries can fence it in. But may be, that is the point. May be after going through all the pain, trauma or crap this is what keeps us pushing and moving forward.

Expectation by Daniel G.

2 14

Part Without Expectation by TJ Lambert

1

#4 Expectation Bible Baptist Church Suitland, Md. by Sean

1 1

This church was actually part of a strip mall. +1 in comments..

expectation by Amin.Mohammad

1 6

the cake seller waiting for consumers with a listless look.

First shot with the Mamiya 45mm f2.8 by Jaymes Fike

3 1

I bought this lens on eBay with the expectation that it would actually be "near mint" like the seller described. I got it on Friday with a lose mount, the rubber grip freely spun and the helicoid seems to need greased.....i fixed 2 out of 3 of these issues and now i wait for the Lithium grease, hopefully i can finagle some into the helicoid without having to fully detach the helicoids.

Honestly the only reason i haven't sent it back was because the glass is almost perfectly clean and there isn't many copy's of this lens floating around in the wild where the glass is actually clean.

Im quite impressed with how little distortion there is with this lens, being a 31.5mm equivalent im used to it being much more distorted being this wide.

Sony a7r3/ Mamiya 45mm f2.8 w/ Kipon Baveyes 0.7x focal reducer.

Edinburgh: Leith Street by kaysgeog

2

Wednesday 17th June. There was widespread expectation First Minister Nicola Sturgeon would announce a move to phase two of lockdown on Thursday 18th June and give indicative dates for further easing of lockdown.

In phase two the virus is controlled but remains; R is consistently below 1 and WHO conditions are met. Physical distancing would still be required.

Phase two includes: People meeting in larger groups; workers being allowed to return to construction sites; opening playgrounds; small shops selling non-essential goods reopening (but not shopping malls); outdoor beer gardens but not indoor areas of pubs.

"Ms Sturgeon has previously stressed that not all of the changes will happen overnight, and it might not be until "the coming weeks" that some are in place."

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-53083995

This image was taken during the Covid-19 pandemic and phase one of moving out of lockdown in Scotland.

www.gov.scot/news/route-map-for-moving-out-of-lockdown/

Great expectation by sisamar

Expectation by Dmitriy Vasilyev

2

The Royal Handicap by David Woo

1

Everyone loves to hate Hong Kong Disneyland. The media reviles the park and serves it up as tabloid fodder, reveling in an orgy of cruel delight with every single hiring misstep and every missed attendance goal. Local citizens, with whom my conversations have yielded much anecdotal evidence, also have voiced their displeasure, mostly over the park's size - too small - and its demographics - too many mainlanders. So it was with these pejorative impressions, this cacophony of complaints simmering in my imagination, that I passed warily through the gates of the Magic Kingdom, in cautious expectation of unfulfilled promises and inexorable bores. What I got, however, to my pleasant surprise and veritable enjoyment, was an afternoon and evening spent in the company of great friends amidst all sorts of amusements, an outing that easily summited any acclivity of entertainment previously established in my mind.

There were rides, lots of them, on which my friends and I spent much time frolicking like little children in whose hands are new toys. We actually spent more time on the rides than on the lines to board them, which surprised me, and added to the allure of the place. Every attraction, whether it was Space Mountain or Small World, whether it was the crazy tea cups or Pooh's dyslexic, whole-language reading adventure, was accessible without having to spend an inordinate amount of time waiting, and that's a good thing. We spent about one-minute in line for my favorite ride, Buzz Light Year's space voyage - a real-life first-person shooter. In general, I think can queue for ten minutes in order to go on a two-minute ride, any day, no problem.

Not only were the rides, and their queues impressive; the shows, too, were of such outstanding quality that our merry band contrived meticulously to attend them, twice even. Our friend lady B, whose initial plan we had followed to come to Disney and by whose handiwork we were granted free admittance, performed marvelously at the Golden Mickeys, a captivating drama involving physical feats of daring, risky dancing, plenty of singing and of course many of Walt's freaky, life-sized animals. From the audience, we cheered lustily for our friend and her fellow performers who went through a medley of Disney's greatest soundtracks and scenes. Other seated-performances that we attended, including the Stitch game and the 4D symphony orchestra, moreover delivered hilarity and sensory thrills. The High School Musical outdoor rally, my favorite, was an engrossing confluence of infectious beats, rhythmic dancing and filipino goodwill. Indeed, there was not a single misfire in all of the super live-action and animated spectacles we viewed. Engrossed audiences laughed, clapped and cheered wildly.

Who can forget the evening's main events, the night parade and the fireworks? So desperately did we desire prime seating that we scouted and camped our positions as though settlers rushing through a frontier, assiduously scanning and then demarcating our territory. We would not be denied a gorgeous view of the evening's entertainment. And when it came time for the performances, that the shows did touch the ethereal heights of our lofty expectations only added to ecstasy of being like a child, in awe and wonder, of the world around us. The Disney magic verily cast its spell on us, suspending our maturity for the welcomed digestion of a deep palette of colors set to slick choreography. Neither the Halloween parade (and the accompanying ghoulish, nighttime frights in Adventureland) nor the fireworks extravaganza should be missed.

Finally, as much as firsthand experience has proven its worth in debunking deplorable myths and conjectures about Hong Kong Disneyland (e.g. the park is too small; there are too many mainlanders), much of the myth-shattering and debunkment in my own received opinion came from eloquent discourse with past and present Disney cast members, from whom I learned about the pricing structure of Disney merchandise and foods - and why both seem to be presumptuously expensive - and whose words, combined with my own experience in the park, confirm the notion that Disney works hard to adjust its brand for cultural differences, though in the case of Hong Kong, the company still has much to demonstrate before a critical local audience.