A Tourist

Since I'm technically on summer vacation I gave myself permission to spend the day sightseeing in Central London. First, I went to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. The morning was grey and cool, but the weatherperson promised a pleasant afternoon. A museum is a fine way to escape drab weather. The National Gallery in my opinion is one of the best museums in the world with room after room of delightful paintings. I feasted my eyes on scenes of Venice by Canaletto and Guardi. I derive a lot of pleasure from seeing paintings of places I'd been to and adored. Then onto the English artists - Gainsborough and John Constable (can one ever tire of "The Haywain"?) -, the impressionists ( about a dozen Monets), the Van Goghs (Wheatfields among Cypresses, Sunflowers, Van Gogh's Chair), the Dutch painters, the list goes on. I love this place. I'll be here again in the very near future - that's for sure.

After the museum I walked into Soho for lunch. So many tempting places to choose from. Settled for crepes filled with asparagus, cheese, and a sauce. Perfect. Cruised Oxford Street and watched the mad shoppers, then turned into Charing Cross Road. Idled away an hour at Foyles, supposedly the most famous and largest privately owned bookstore. The sky now had large patches of blue and the temperature was pleasantly warm. I strolled into Covent Garden, watched the street performers, browsed the market stalls, then went into my favorite cafe. This cafe is in the courtyard of one of the market buildings and little groups of classical musicians entertain the crowds in 20 minute shifts. Quartets, Quintets, and duos will play popular pieces or sing opera arias and duets. It's really special. Daryl and I fell in love with opera right here in this cafe about ten years ago. Over a cup of tea - milky and piping hot - I was treated to songs from Don Giovanni and La Traviata.

Next I headed out to the South Bank where a literary festival was taking place. I wanted to look at the used books for sale on tables outside the Royal Festival Hall. I spotted a poster advertising free events at the National Theatre. At 6:00 a French quartet would be performing chansons. So I concluded my day as a tourist sitting at the bar of the National Theatre listening to a young, spirited French woman croon Edith Piaf songs. She also did one or two Billie Holliday songs. She had a fantastic voice and for a free event it was of excellent calibre. The place was crowded - evidently a popular London attraction.

As I made my way back to the bus stop I walked past crowded pubs and cafes. The sun was shining - it was a lovely summer evening. The air was alive, vibrant. What a great city this is in the summer!