My last week in London is a time of reflection and of fond farewells to favorite places and friends. I’ll start with two pictures of the mighty trees in Russell Square Park as they go deeper into Autumn.
In summer these trees form a canopy over the park and shield much of the outside world from view. Now, though in various shadesof gold, green and brown, they remind me that my time in London is coming to an end for another year.
The First Noel
On a final visit to Covent Garden, I found that Christmas had come to the venerable shopping arcade, even before Halloween had arrived.
The weather outside has certainly been cold enough to remind us of the coming winter season, but this used to be a time in London when poppies were sold and displayed in honor of those who had lost their lives in defense of Britain, a tradition that goes back to World War 1.
Secret Maps
The British Library had one last gift for me in the form of its current exhbition “Secret Maps.”
The exhibit included ancient maps. secret maps, escape maps, an astrolabe and more. Below are a few examples.
Portuguese settlements in Asia 1646North America 1763Venezuela and Guyana 1660AstrolabeAfrica 1558Sword Beach Normandy 1944World War II Escape MapsLingerie ade from WWII Escape Maps (Postwar)
All in all, an interesting experience
More of the Long Goodbye
A gathering took place at Caffe Tropea. A group of my friends, who I met at the caffe several years ago, came together for a chance to wish me farewell. It is one of the joys of my trips to London to have come to know this eclectic group of people. We laugh and joke, solve the world’s problems and drink delicious Italian coffee. It is always hard to wish this group goodbye.
The Tropea Coffee Crew, minus 3
As the last week continues, my friends Nigel, Gwynne, and Mike met me for lunch today. We spent a few hours chatting. It was warm enough to eat outside. We were, once again, at Caffe Tropea and thus able to enjoy the beautiful views in Russell Square Park.
It has been a period of time where I saw another West End Production, and revisited an old favorite.
“Punch” is a powerful production about the impacts of youth culture and how one thoughtless act (a punch, thrown in support of one’s group can have a lifetime impact on multiple people and families.
The production included current music, flashing lights and the cutaway” technique of short scenes that changed quickly. The enselble cast was outstanding.
Below are a couple of shots of the Picadilly Circus area near the theatre.
I book the concerts I will see on Sunday mornings and Monday afternoons at Wigmore Hall in early Spring as soon as the booking period for “Friends of Wigmore Hall” opens. In my excitement, or due to the quality of performers, I occasionally book “back to back” Sunday and Monday concerts. That is what happened recently. And, so, only one bouquet is shown because it was there, looking fresh at both the Sunday and Monday performances.
Sunday’s performers were soloists from the Kronberg Academy.
Hana Chang, a brilliant violinist was just one of the performers.
The repetoire included pieces by Robert Schuman, Ernő Dohnányi, and Johannes Brahms.
Mondays performance was, as always recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio. Performing were the Kleio Quartet. Beow is a photo.
Their selections oncluded pieces by Elgar, Webern and Haydn. They played superbly. Elgar is always warmly received by London audiences, but all three of these pieces received laud applause from the audience. It was a truly delightful afternoon of music.
The final bit of culture was a return to my favorite museum, the Victoria and Albert. Here are just two pieces that caught my eye.
Dormer Window from Montal, Dordogne (1523-35)The Angel Gabriel from the Annunciation (about 1410-1450)
These rare pieces, hundreds of years old remind us of the rich cultural heritage we all share and through casting and saving pieces through restoration, we have to enjoy today.
Birthday Fun
One of the great things about being in London in early October is the chance to celebrate the birthday of the older of two of my “nearly-grandnieces.” These are the granddaughters of my longest-standing English friends, Nigel and Gwynne and the daughters of their son and daughter-in-law, the amazing accomplished James and Katie. Below is a picture of the venue, a great community space, and a picture I took from my Uber along the way. The party was a wonderful chance to catch up with James and Katie’s extended families and to be reminded of how much noise a bunch of happy, healthy ten year olds can make.
The Party Venue in Tooting, LondonThe Chelsea Bridge, London
Days of Confusion
I had several roller-coaster days after contacting a few “estate agents,” as real estate agents are known on this side of the pond. I saw one very small efficiency flat and then after a day or two of not expecting to hear further, I got a call from the agency closest to my current rental flat. The agent had a listing in my favorite building and the flat was perfect, a dream come true. My proposed offer was acceptable and I was “on the mountain top. Then came “Death Valley Days” (without Ronald Reagan or Twenty Mule-Team Borax). This was occasioned by a discussion with a mortgage brokerwho oepened my eyes to the ageism and insane taxing process of buying property in England. Basically, if you are an old f*rt, and you are not a UK citizen, bring a full cash offer, or don’t come to the party. It was a “fasten your seatbelts, its going to be a bumpy night,” (to quote Bette Davis in “All About Eve.”) kind of experience. But, I learned from it.
Late Bloomers
Flowers keep blooming in the two parks closest to the flat I am staying in. Enjoy.
Bonus Picture
Several weeks ago, when my dear friends Barbara and Kuhrt were in London from Denmark, we had dinner at a charming French restaurant next to Orange Square where this statue of a young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart “lives.” I forgot to post it at the time.
I have 19 days left on this trip. I hope to have a few more posts.
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 