Coincidences

On Friday there were two articles in the Daily Telegraph which caught my attention. I recently wrote about Victorian underwear. Lo and behold there is a picture of Queen Victoria's silk bloomers (definitely OS) which are included in a selection of the Qeen's underwear which is to be sold by auction in Edinburgh.
On Thursday my daughter and I were remembering going shopping when she was a very young teenager. We went to Kensington and found shops selling things young girls like. One in particular was very poorly lit and loud Indian music was being played. I recognised the music. My husband, being an old India hand, played his one Ravi Shankar record interminably. My daughter dived into the darkened shop. I followed more cautiously not sure what I might find but fearing the worst. Just inside the door was a strangely dressed, foreign-looking young man smoking a Hookah!! Oh dear! A second glance showed me he was innocently drinking orange juice through a straw. I have a vivid imagination. As my daughter says "Oh Mummy, honestly!".
To my astonishment the article the next day was about shops selling goods in semi darkness where the patrons are in danger of bumping into one another. With ear-splitting music apparently it is hoped to creat a club-like atmosphere. One mother couldn't find her daughter and had to go outside to phone her. Another clung on to her daughter in the dark saying "Don't lose me". Sounds like another instance of energy saving or more likely conning the customers who can't see to read the prices. Ah well! plus ca change!.