A Brexit Day in London Town

It was a day of sight seeing, art, more art, and music.  We began the day by walking the south bank of the River Thames, which is my favorite side.  One gets a clear view of Parliament from there.  Also, Shakespeare trod that shore often.  We took about an hour's walk up to the Millennium Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that offers a grand view of St. Paul's Cathedral as one crosses over.  From there we circled back another hour for our 1pm appointment at the Tate Britain to view the William Blake exhibit.  With our timed entry we expected the crowds to be controlled.  Perhaps they were, but the rooms were packed and one had to stand in a queue moving at a snail's pace to get close up views.  It was fun to see some pieces that we've only see in reproduction before.  Favorites were The Ghost of the Flea, Newton, and The Ancient of Days.  

The Ancient of Days

The Ghost of a Flea

Newton

Early evening we walked to Trafalgar Square to visit the National Portrait Gallery prior to a concert at St. Martin in the Field.  Unexpectedly we came across streets full of Brits celebrating Brexit.  They were quite boisterous and seemingly happy.  But, a little too Nationalistic for my taste.  After the Portrait Gallery, we sought out a pub for dinner and noticed for the second night that each and every pub is over flowing with young people.  they are literally falling out the doors by the dozens.  So, Pret A Manger it was.  The concert was lovely featuring Mozart's Requiem (ironic don't you think? A requiem on the eve of Brexit).  Many pics at Flickr.

Business Class is Better

British Air Lounge, Logan Airport

Our trip began with something new for us. That is, flying business class for the first time.  More than just larger seats that recline for sleeping, more than leg room and better food, more than free alcohol aboard, at Logan we have access to the British Air Lounge.  And a nice lounge area it is complete with multiple rooms of comfortable chairs, a complete bar and a complete food court where one can be served.  The food court has all the self help wine and beer one should reasonably have prior to boarding a plane. So there I sat with my glass of Chardonnay, snacking, very relaxed and somewhat better protected from the Coronavirus.  I've decided that once one goes business one never goes back.  

We arrived early morning in London, and used the day to revisit some places we love as we waited for the hotel check in.  We are staying in the Westminster area. We dropped our bags and walked along the River Thames by Parliament and into Westminster Abbey.  The weather is typical London, misty, cloudy but not freezing.  We had an early dinner of, what else, fish and chips at The Laughing Haddock and retired early to combat our jet lag in preparation for William Blake tomorrow.  

For some fairly mundane pictures go here.