dual personalities

It’s hard to believe that just a week ago we were arriving in London after a delightful stay in Devon. As cities go London is really quite nice, but truth be told I much prefer the countryside. Cities have way too many people, who all seem to be going to the same places I am. But let’s concentrate on the good stuff like the British Museum

Before the hordes of tourists arrive

where we saw the fabulous Pompeii and Herculaneum exhibit and where I spent the bulk of two days studying my Assyrians.

see how he uses his shield?

We went to the theater and saw “The 39 Steps” which the incredibly clever staging made truly delightful.

Though it was a comedy, they stuck to the original story very well and I was not offended on John Buchan’s behalf.

We also went to the Royal Albert Hall to see Verdi’s “Requiem” performed by four soloists and a chorus of over two thousand (yes, two thousand).

What a place! Since it was a super hot day (maybe 81) and since London doesn’t really do air-conditioning, they moved us from our boiling seats in the upper tier to the pleasantly cool second row, where the view was perfect.

On our last night, we went to the British Film Institute for their retrospective screening of Werner Herzog’s “Fitzcarraldo”. It was an unusually nice film-going experience: no one talked or rattled wrappers and the seats were really comfy.

We enjoyed good pub food

the Marlborough Arms

and we did a lot of walking…

walking across the Thames to the BFI

Sometimes we rode the jam-packed, incredibly hot Underground. No kidding, it was the stuff of nightmares for yours truly, the people/claustrophobe. By the end of the day we all needed refreshment a stiff drink)!

at the bar in our hotel

Honestly, though, there’s no place like home. I’m all traveled out — especially since I had one day of jet-lag recovery before driving off to Vermont with Tim for his college orientation. I cannot tell you how nice it was to sleep in my own bed last night!