ArtTraveler photo gallery: EasyJet victim finds serendipity in London

"Thinking on the Tube" Photograph by Stefan van Drake (2011)

"Framed" Photograph by Stefan van Drake (2011)

"Serendipity" Photograph by Stefan van Drake (2011)

"Feet Therapy" Photograph by Stefan van Drake (2011)

"No Photos" Photograph by Stefan van Drake (2011)

"The Circle Grows Bigger" Photograph by Stefan van Drake (2011)

"Picasso's Ghost" Photograph by Stefan van Drake (2011)

"Malcolm" Photograph by Stefan van Drake (2011)

"Man Watching Women" Photograph by Stefan van Drake (2011)

"The Horse Hospital" Photograph by Stefan van Drake f(2011)

"If you're late, we won't wait."


True to its word, EasyJet denied me check-in from my Budapest flight at Gatwick linking me with Malaga and my home in Canillas de Albaida, al Andalus in Spain.


I was 10 minutes late for check-in (another story).


I talked to people 5 minutes late or who had suffered worse brutalities at the hands of the "budget" airline.

OK, another 50 quid to re-book two days later, 240 quid for two nights in the Grange Whitehall Hotel near Russell Square, a nicely appointed prison cell.


But I'm not bitter.


EasyJet offered opportunities to walk and wander London's streets--in various parts of the metropolis--day and night.


I share a few of my images with you. I am both poorer and richer.


Much of life is serendipity.

"Woman on Double-decker" Photograph by Stefan van Drake (2011)

"What We Leave Behind" Photograph by Stefan van Drake (2011)

"Last Night's Memories" Photograph by Stefan van Drake (2011)

"Woman Reading with Flowers" Photograph by Stefan van Drake (2011)

"Aristocratic Reflections" Photograph by Stefan van Drake (2011)

"Happy Campers" Photograph by Stefan van Drake (2011)

"Lights in Perspective" Photograph by Stefan van Drake (2011)

(I dedicate this photo gallery to my flaneur soul mates Katona Betti and Hajtmanszki Zoltan.)

Rock on and practice peace and love.

Stefan, the ArtTraveler ™

ArtTraveler note:

After living at the Hotel Queen Mary in Budapest (3.5 stars), I heartily recommend it: old on the outside, otherwise totally modern (23 rooms); it's an extremely excellent value. (I'm not getting a discount for this...it's my idea because it is what it is.)

The owner and staff are affable and speak English and German. Tel: 0036-1-413-3510; www.hotelqueenmary.hu; info@hotelqueenmary.hu.

There's a generous buffet breakfast that comes with the room, and everything in Budapest is close to you.

Visit Andalusia for a walking holiday or week-long sculpture or mosaics workshop. See: www.spanjeanders.nl and www.competafinearts.com.

"Spanish life stilled," photograph by Stefan van Drake (2009)

ArtTraveler´s video: an interview with Scottish illustrator and painter, Gordon Wilson, about his "I Love Fish" exhibition, inspired by a commissioned mural he did 13 years ago for a West Glasgow gangster, who loved supporting writers and artists as well as organized crime.

You may reach me at stefanvandrake@gmail.com or by calling (34) 915 067 703 or from the UK at BT landline rates, 0844 774 8349.