May 29 - July 28 - "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life"
Dr Johnson's words are as true today as they were to him 400 years ago.
Reflecting on the last 2 months of the trip it is hard to believe we shall be back in northern Virginia in a few days. The cliché 'time flies when you are having fun' proves once again to ring true. We have thoroughly enjoyed our house guests: Jude, Harry and Jo, Julie, Monica and David, and Niki. We overlapped Joe on our arrival which was an extra bonus.
Where to start?
Walking by Downing Street and sensing something 'big' was imminent due to the high level of press activity, many suited people coming and going, additional security descending. It turns out that we were about 22hrs too early for the Prime Minister's resignation announcement. Too early again (by an hour or so) to see Brad Pitt on the red carpet for his latest movie premier in Leicester Square. Getting blasé about how many movie trucks and filming equipment we see come and go. Doing the laundry while an artist records her latest video in the Barbican Launderette (and she asks if it'll be OK to record my sheets tumbling in the dryer for effect!). Sitting peacefully in the church yard suddenly to be in the middle of a rehearsal of 'A Midsummer's Night's Dream'. Discovering the pub theatre scene and a brilliant new play at the Old Red Lion in Islington. Escaping the heat and being transported back to the golden age of musicals with a first class production of 'Anything Goes' with Pat.
Experiencing the Brits being British: the excitement of the Platinum Jubilee and witnessing the impressive flyover in the skies from the balcony of our flat before the Queen got to see these aircraft from her balcony at Buckingham Palace. Those enthusiastic cyclists taking part in the World Naked Bike Ride London.
Lifting a gold bar at the Bank of England museum; seeing the football signed by Tom Brady and given to a young ambitious soccer player by the name of Harry Kane at the Museum of London. Visiting Tate Britain to learn more about Sickert, and wandering into one gallery dedicated to the curious exhibit of canvas liners and edging pieces salvaged from restoration work on Turner's work. Art? Learning that Turner first exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts when he was just 17yr old. Visiting this year's Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy and being surprised by the affordability of some pieces (but not tempted by any) from a few hundred pounds to several tens of thousands. The theme was 'climate', though I thought this was a stretch with some of the pieces. Enjoying a fascinating personal tour (I was the only person signed up) at the Guildhall Art Gallery that culminated with the remains of London's Roman Amphitheatre, uncovered when the gallery was rebuilt.
Afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, and cakes (yes - way too many carbohydrates in one meal!); sipping cocktails at the retro speakeasy staged like an underground station; greeted with a glass of wine and canapes after an evening lecture on 'What makes a good judge' by the Right Honorable Lady Rose of Colmworth. (Gresham College Lectures cover an incredible wide range of topics - I highly recommend checking them out).
Bowling with cannonballs as the old seamen did at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich after a fascinating tour of the Painted Hall - propaganda of its time. Exploring Docklands and seeing parallels with Brickell (Miami) - although not as sunny! Modern skyscrapers, waterways, financial offices, shops, restaurants, and open spaces now more efficiently connected with the opening of the new Elizabeth Line. Popping into the Museum of London Docklands for a great cup of coffee before exploring this former warehouse to learn how the area has been transformed over the centuries.
Checking out the 20 million seeds that comprise Superbloom - the tranquil and delicate swathes of wildflowers planted in the moat of the Tower of London. Primrose Hill with its classic panoramic view of London, to seeing the city from the newest public vantage point - The Garden at 120 with its delightfully planted rooftop gardens.
Learning how plants were used in medicine at the Old Operating Theatre, and finding out that surgeons would never wash their aprons because they were a reflection of their experience. More gore on a Jack the Ripper tour in east London. Sadly no surgeons could help these victims - the killer was quite the would-be butcher.
Peeling back the years and dancing like it was the 1980s at The Specials concert. More old relics at the London Metropolitan Archives learning about the historically significant maps of London. Giving our input on schemes for redevelopment and the look of future London streets.
Cheering for our favorite Formula One drivers at the White Swan in Covent Garden on race days and loving the atmosphere when it was the British Grand Prix.
Catching up with friends over dinner, celebrating nuptials at Syon House (the most beautiful venue for a wedding - no wonder it is used to film Bridgerton, Killing Eve, Great British Bake-off to name a few).
A heatwave! Wildfires (is this really London?)
All abruptly ending with positive Covid tests. Yes, after all this time it finally got us!
These last two months in London have been fantastic. It's now time to go home.
