London

A few adventures to report:

Yesterday was spent doing a bunch of research in preparation for my Scotland/Ireland escapade. I'm going to risk RyanAir. One can't argue with a £10 airline ticket.

I went to a really wonderful Edward Hockney exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery--you might be able to find some samples here. Then I explored the Strand, which reminds me very much of Times Square, had a steak and ale pie that seemed kind of mysterious at the time, and then made my way to St. Martin's-of-the-Field for a chamber music concert by candlelight. The music was nice--there was a beautiful Tchaikovsky serenade, a tango-like thing by an Argentinian composer whose name I can't remember, and a few Bach concertos for one and two violins. But for some reason I was expecting hordes of candles, and this wasn't the case--there was just a handful of candles scattered around--and then they had spotlights hooked up for the performance.

Also, I had no idea I'd have to purchase performance programs. I think that's dumb.

I'm off to explore Notting Hill today, and then off for Edinburgh in the evening. Will talk soon..........

LV