The London experience

Wednesday, 19th November.

Well,here I am blogging again and about time too. Can't do a daily one, so just some highlights.Really enjoyed Chris and Jim's Golden wedding at the Juniper Lea hotel. The meal was superb and of course the music was excellent thanks to Jim and Ron. I managed to sing their favourite song,although I felt pretty shaky.I just wished John could have been there.

The trip to London was wonderful and we seemed to pack quite a lot in. Of course having Rory and Ian knowing their way around made a big difference and Helen and Al anticipated my every need.I was really glad of the wheelchair Helen had borrowed.I enjoyed the train journey, as there's so much to see and it was very comfortable.

When we arrived and after a wee rest in our Hotel, we went to the British Library which was fascinating. I could have spent all day in there. I couldn't believe I was looking at the actual handwriting of Shakespeare, Milton, William Blake, Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte etc. etc. What I found most impressive was The Lindisfarne Gospels, as the colours are still so vivid.The Wycliffe Bible was there too There was also an original of one of my favourite pieces of music "An Die Music" by Schubert and Beowulf written about 1100, which I studied as part of my English Language course.More up to date there were the lyrics of some of the Beatles songs and drawings.

Went round to Rory and Ian's flat which overlooks Brunswick Square and from there to Carluccio's in the Brunswick Centre. It was very busy, so there was a great atmosphere
Really enjoyed people watching and had a delicious meal and made plans for Saturday.

Rory thought I'd be interested in the the Foundling Museum which was very near the flat and I certainly was. I think I'd read about it somewhere before. London's original home for abandoned children and London's first public art gallery. The paintings were lovely and of particular interest to me was to learn that Handel was one of the benefactors of the hospital and regular performances of the Messiah raised money for the hospital. I sat in a chair and listened to part of the Messiah. Didn't know Helen was taking a photo of me next to Handel's portrait! I was some sight!

It was sad to see the pathetic little mementoes some of the poor mothers had left for their children when they handed them over to the hospital.

http://www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk/index.php

I'm never going to finish this post if I don't stop going into so much detail!
to be continued