The brilliant Ian Hislop has put together an exhibit at the British Museum called Search for Dissent.”  He traces dissent as simple as graffiti and as subtle as the shade of green on a piece of porcelain.  He brings dissent up through the pink pussy hat and events of the past year.  Here is a rude depiction of Cleopatra that I found interesting.  The

amazing thing about this exhibit is that so many of the pieces in it came from the Museum’s collections.  After leaving the museum, I had a nice time visiting the neighborhood of the first VRBO I rented two years ago, the fondly remembered 5th floor walk up.  It was also a chance for a pleasantly remembered walk to the Covent Garden neighborhood.  Since visiting the Hislop exhibit, I’ve been more sensitive to the importance of dissent and freedom of expression.  The plight of the Uighurs in China and how little is known or heard about them in the outside world comes to mind.  How lucky we are in the US to have the right to dissent.  I have heard several English friends and acquaintances speak of how different our systems of public engagement are.  Again, it all seems to come together when I think about dissent and what our two countries are going through.

A lovely First Class Virgin Atlantic flight, a successful key hand over at Clare Court, and I was settled back in my little English flat.  I have a wonderful feeling of coming home in this pleasant neighborhood sitting between Kings Cross and Russell Square.

After my pal Nigel warned me that Foyles Books, my favorite London book store, was under attack from Amazon, I made an early pilgrimage to Foyles.  As I entered I went up to the information desk and said “say it ain’t so..”  He looked at me strangely.  I said, “Bezos, Amazon”.  He assured me the deal wasn’t done and agreed that buying more books might help.  So, I obliged.

I had an early Saturday wake up to make it to the Tate Modern’s special Member’s Hours for the last week of the Picasso exhibit.

I love Picasso and this chance to see the exhibit under less the jam-packed conditions was great.  His use of shape and color and his imagination were so exceptional.  It made for a great morning.

A weekend walk took me past St. Pancras Church, or “the Church of the blessed Pancreas,” as Sally Krahn and I call it.  It is a lovely old church and the church yard has some wonderful pieces of sculpture in it.  Its oe of the lovely things about London.

Today is September 11th and I decided to visit Saint Bride’s, “the journalists’ church on Fleet Street.  It was  a touching visit and the memorials to journalists past and present on this

  solemn day had special meaning.  The church crypt had exhibits and artifacts from churches on the site over some 1500 years.  So glad John Kelly suggested this place.

In a few days, I will be starting  a new journey to London.  I think  some things have changed with this blog site since I last posted.  So bear with me as I figure it out again.

These have been three days of pleasant reflection.  I visited Foyles, my favorite book shop and pick up a few more books,  On Monday I returned to Elite Barbers, the Turkish Barber Shop on Marchmont Street to get spruced p before going home.  This time I tookupl their offer of a cup of Turkish Coffee while waiting my turn in the chair.  Served in a cup sitting in a filigreed silver basket with a top.  Good Coffee.  Great haircut!

Later in the day, I, once again, t9ook the tube journey to Tooting, South London for dinner with my good friends James (son of Nigel and Gwynne),) Katie, and Edie (honorary niece and fairest 2 year old in all of Her Majesty’s realm).  Oh yes an Teddy  Grant- Maine Coon cat who in spite of his feline nonchalance also insists on attempting to bring his dander to my dander-allergic self.  Edie is now at the age where she is entertaining and enjoys being entertained.  She loves to engage, loves to talk, and warms my heart.  James is an accomplished cook and we had a great dinner.

After dinner we had an animated discussion about London’s transportation future (James works for TfL (Transport for London).  London is in the midst of introducing a number of initiatives to de-emphasize the private car over the next several decades.  Having lived the carless life for the best part of two months, and having strong opinions on the transportation initiatives at home in Alexandria, VA,  our discussion was a real mental exercise.  James is a person I love talking with because we can dig into each others ideas with respect.  The London  plans are thrilling and, to me, shocking, sensible, and necessary,  It made me even surer that Alexandria has skipped several important steps along the way.

Today was for packing, a final walk and this last London based blog.