Friday the 23rd of December

... Was able to explore the area around the Thames on foot a bit. Beautiful day. The parks, common areas are so lovely. I had expected London to be noisy but I think it is do do with the way it is built, in hamlets and nooks that in many places it is peaceful. Pictured, common area for the Queen's Jubilee, and lovely little stretches of apartments.
Perhaps even the people that live here are discontent but I would find that surprising. Particularly if one had good work and good friends.

I saw the London Eye.. still not sure if I will brave that gigantic ferris wheel until I have Claire! Moving tributes related to WWI and II....monuments from Belguim, and a frieze that shows all the sinew and grit, determination and love that went into turning the future of civilization from Fascism to freedon in WWII.

Green Park-- with white pelicans, delightful children, and a sprig of heliotrope I kept with me for sometime. Reminded me of an older version of Laurelhurst Park! Looking to stay on track and have mis-placed my watch-- asked the stall vendor the time and he grinned and pointed up to Big Ben, Sheepishly I told him that might have been my dumbest deed of the day.

Have pleasantly run into several folks from the States here while at work. (Chris C , Victor A, and Alex T) And met folks from Isreal and Milan that had wonderful energy. Something to learn from all! So-- though I am alone most all the time there are plenty of quick conversations that add some depth to the day.


... Create of habit, looking for constants in a sea of the new, again, a little lunch at Pret and (after Italian dinner with a nice couple) again the concert at St Martin's was a great pleasure. again front row seats and a conductor that made each person in the audience feel as if this was a gift just for them. Seemed to be host, stage manager, therapist and father.

There was a nice fellow to chat with to my right so intermission was not tedious. (Barely time to get in that glass of Cab Merlot!! Eine Kleinin .. will check spelling later. Cooincidentally enough that is the first recording on my MP3player so anytime I walk and listen to music that is what i hear first.... a recording that sounds like mush next to this orchestra of solosits.)He is a cricket fan. I think I need to triage out my time and interests and put cricket in that realm of obscurity where I have to acknowledge I just don't have the time or inclination to leanr the game.

.... The 87 year old woman that I escorted from was lovely- reminded me of me Mum. Quite beautiful. Green gate in a brick entry around the corner from Covent Garden, Must look up to see how that area got its name. There is not enough time !!!!! Things are going way to fast.