The flight from Miami was pretty smooth and arrival was timely. It’s funny how quickly you get over the annoyance and inconvenience associated with a long trip. My case the fact that my flat was ready and I could immediately collapse into a nap probably helped.
What’s Taken So Long?
So here I am two weeks in to the journey, and this is my first post. It has been a great two weeks, but I just got a bit complacent.
Also, I had a hard time figuring out how to upload photos to my new tablet. I decided to start things off on a slow and easy pace. Above are a few pictures of the magnificent old trees in Brunswick Garden which is just a short walk from my flat. These large urban green spaces are one of my favorite things about London.
While having brunch on my first morning I noticed this peculiar renovation technique. I assume its done to save as much as possible of the original exterior features of an older building but it struck me as odd to look up at this grand old building and see that the top story and roof were gone.
Dylan in London
On a sunny afternoon, I ventured south of the river to the Old Vic Theatre to see “The Girl from the North Country,” a musical drama featuring the songs of Bob Dylan. Hearing Dylan’s lyrics and music in this format was stunning and a reminder of what a brilliant body of work he has created.
Here are photos of Ryan Heenan and Rebecca Thornhill (left) and Justine Kehinde. The story takes place during the Great Depression and demonstrates the universality of the themes Dylan has written about.
Gardening Through History
My next adventure took me back to the British National Library, once again, my nearby neighbor in Bloomsbury/Kings Cross, and always the home of wonderful things.
The exhibit is called “Unearthed,” and it tells the story of gardening in the UK and its former colonies. It tellsl us too, of how diverse plants and methods passed among the places the British came in contact with over the centuries.
The entrance to the exhibit.
The MultiMedia screens made this into a virtual experience.
Plants that are great food sources. The library’s extensive book collection enhanced the exhibit.
Making the point of the importance of community
This box allowed plants from the other side of the earth to be maintained alive on the long sea journey to England.
Til The Stars Come Down
This was a well-acted drama centered, apparently, on the marriage of a young woman from the North of England in the former mining country and a Polish immigrant. Her family is mildly racist and has festering woumds from Margaret Thatcher’s mine closings. Underneath it there is boiling cauldron of family secrets involving sexual relationships among the family. It was staged well with seats for audience members on three sides of the stage. They became extras during some scenes. For me, the themes in this play have become too common in the West End, sort of like “the Troubles” define much Irish theatre for the last several decades.
Funny Sidelight to this Theatre Visit
I had dressed in black trousers and a dark blue button up shirt and had a seat on the aisle. As I do when I sit in the aisle seat, I will stand against the wall to allow the rest of the row easier access in the minutes before the show begins. Unbeknownst to me, I was dressed exactly like the ushers and other front of the house staff, so I kept getting asked if I sold programs or where seats were. The young usher near me and I had some good laughs about it.
A Visit to Queens Park
One of the things I love about London are the small and large parks that let the city breathe. One of these is Queens Park where I noticed these two statues.
The first is of Queen Charlotte and the second is to honorwomen and children who have been to the local children’s hospital.
The Tate Modern Takes Me Back to Australia
The Tate Modern is exhibiting the works of artist Emily Kame Kingawarray who lived in the ancesteral land Alhakar in Australia. Her work reflects the region, its land, plants, animals and ecosystems. Upon seeing the first of her works, I felt transported back to Australia. Here are a few examples of her incredible work.
Herbert SmithFreehill Kramer Portrait Award
These are three of the finalists.
Some Random Photos from the First Weeks
These were taken at various locations including the Victoria and Albert Museum, The National Portrait Gallery and outs the British Library.
This ends the first blog of this year’s sojourn. I apologize for any glitches. I am still fighting with my Galaxy Pad and trying to understand the new editing and other tools in WordPress. I hope you enjoy this scatter shot offering.
Mark In London 