It’s Friday evening and I’ve had a wonderful day. Right now I’m at an evening concert at St. Martin-in-the-Fields with London Octave. They’re performing Bach, Concerto for two violins, Air on the G String/Pachebel’s Canon, and Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. So far. They are very good.Let me tell you about my day, though. The Jewel Tower near the Houses of Parliament had a brief history of Parliament, of which I read every plaque. That, along with all the other places I’ve visited, has really expanded my general knowledge about Britain’s history. I’m glad that I went in before my 11:30 tour of the Houses so that I could be a slightly informed visitor rather than a totally ignorant American that I am at other times.
Going into the Houses of Parliament (a.k.a Palace of Westminster) was extremely exciting. I didn’t realize just how exciting it was until I actually got to be in the various rooms. All were beautiful and my guide was very knowledgeable. I had lots of questions that he answered as well. The House of Lords was really something, especially that canopy over the throne, 24k gold leaf over hand carved oak. It was so very detailed. I can just imagine QEII sitting there with people backing away from her because they cannot turn their back directly in front of her. Oy! The biggest thrill by far was to be in the House of Commons, in front of the Prime Minister’s microphone and dispatch box. The guide and other two people with me, laughed at me when I pretended to pound my fist. I stood and gripped the same worn box corners and sides that all the previous Prime Ministers have done for the past 48 years! The box is a gift from New Zealand as is the box across the table used by the opposition. Each is full of Bibles of every denomination. I think that has been the highlight of my trip, although visiting Charlotte Brontë’s home was very special as well, it is something anyone can do. Not just anyone gets to stand where the Prime Minister does in the House of Commons!
After the tour was over, I went back inside to spend more time looking at all the beautiful paintings. Each guard scrutinized me and my pass - they did not do so earlier because I was with a guide. It’s totally understandable. Before my tour, I had spoken with an outside guard about directions to the Jewel Tower and commented that there weren’t enough trash cans around (I had an empty Coke can). He informed me that if there were more trash cans, the IRA would have more places to leave bombs. Today is Ireland’s voting day for the Good Friday Referendum. I hope the "Yes" vote wins by a very large percentage. Then I’ll feel lots safer getting off this island Tuesday.
Only three more full days here in sunny London. The weather has cooled off but still no rain since the 15 minutes or so on Wednesday evening. I can’t wait to get home to my Saucy. After the tour, I thought I’d go to Westminster Abbey but the line to get in was very long. I’ll go back this weekend. I had to return the Lily of the Valley eau de toilette to Penhaligons because they gave me the wrong bottles and I just decided to return the whole thing so I wouldn’t have to carry it around all day again.
After that I did two brass rubbings in the crypt of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, the church where I am now sitting, listening to The Four Seasons. The playing is very good, not perfect, but well above average. It’s getting dark and there is only candlelight and some light from the window. The brass rubbings were of Elizabeth I and a dog with a bell collar. Both were much harder than they look.
Actually, I did the brass rubbing first, then went back to Penhaligons then to the National Portrait Gallery where I saw many fine portraits - what else! I saw the original paintings by Branwell Brontë of his three sisters (the folded one) and also his portrait of Emily Brontë. I'm glad I got to see them. I also liked the portrait of Charles Dickens which was nearby. Charlotte Brontë liked him very much. It’s now getting too dark to write so I’ll continue later.
(Later, back in room) The Four Seasons seemed to go on forever but they finally finished playing at 9:30. After some trouble with a train at Charing Cross, I changed stations, leaving from Leicester Square, and got home at 10:20. Then I could not get the door unlocked again. It took me 25 minutes to keep pushing and pulling on the door before I finally got it to open. Anyway, I’m back in my room.
I did like the Portrait Galley and the concert later. I sat next to a woman that looked a lot like Aunt Nancy. She was nice but talked a lot. Also, at the Portrait Gallery, I saw a "copy" of the statue of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with her in Scottish dress. It was not quite as nice and detailed as the original which I saw at Frogmore but still held a prominent place in the gallery. There were other notable portraits and I’m glad I was able to see them.
