Wednesday with Harry
The morning began with the rain streaming down as Maggi and I walked to Pinner station. She wanted to go to Covent Garden to do some shopping I had an appointment with Harry at 11 am. We arrived at the station with two trains a couple of minutes apart. The first heading to Baker Street the second with the destination set as Aldgate. Naturally Maggi wanted the Aldgate train. I agreed to wait with her.
We arrived at Harrow-on-the-hill and suddenly the driver announced that the Aldgate train wouldn’t stop until Finchley Road. As a result I arrived at Baker Street much sooner than I expected.
I walked to Marble Arch our agreed meeting place and on the way the rain had fortunately stopped. I bought mmyself a coffee and sent Harry a note to say where I was. Neither of us wanted to walk in the rain, he esecially as his knee is uncomfortable. I suggested we visit the Wallace Collection in Manchester Square.
Expertise always impresses me, especially in unexpected circumstance. We began our museum tour aimlessly wandering through arms and armour. We stopped in front of the ancient crossbow display. Harry pointed out the winches the bowmen needed to cock to shoot the bow.
Our neighbour spoke up in an American accent and told us more. We started to question him and discovered he repaired and custom made long and crossbows. I’m sure he enjoyed teaching us the intricacies of the bow. He certainly knew his stuff, the ratchets, the bindings, different styles, how the firing, the loud noise they created . He had made a special trip to see the Wallace collection.
Our 15 minute lesson on the art of the crossbow over, we climbed the stairs to the paintings and the Old Dutch masters. The odd Rembrandt littered the walls and we were impressed. We moved on to the Venetian room full of Canaletto’. The value of this collection is incredible. Then, of course, we gave a wink to Hal’s The Laughing Cavalier, who doesn’t laugh, but rather smirks.
As we walked through a gallery we paused to look a very beautiful escotoire. Suddenly member of staff pointed out to Harry that his sleeve that had brushed the side of the desk. We began chatting with this knowledgable attendant who recounted the story of how the III Earl of Hertford had bought the desk and he ended up with both the original and a copy.
All this shows that a little bit of engagement can transform a museum tour and make it a far more engaging experience.
We left and walked to the Coach Makers Arms in Marylebone Lane. With no room downstairs we ascended to the restaurant for the first time. All white tablecloths and posh cutlery and plenty of customers convinced us to stay. I had a tasty steak, mushroom and ale pie with creamy mash potato, all good.
We sat and chatted. For some reason Harry tells me about his savings and how he has put money aside for Jo. But more importantly he expressed disappointment that both his daughters have unsuccessful marriages. He doesn’t understand the cause of this although his marriage fell apart.
Lunch over we walked together to Baker St station where I left him and walked on mostly in the light rain to St John’s Wood Station.
Thursday, an ECC meeting
Yes it’s that time of year when Garry, Jon, Nick and I gather to sort out our next European Capital of Culture trip., this time to Evora in Portugal. When we meet we normally have to throw in a cultural event. This time Jon was the only one to throw in a suggestion of what to do.
We settled on the Tate Modern’ show Light and Beauty. As usual we met at Kings Cross so from here we made our way to St Pauls and across the Milenium Bridge to the Tate.
The Turbine Hall was busy with people wandering around and seating or lying on the exhibits. From a variety of speakers a low tone emminated mixed with static. I found the sound neither a little disturbing and was glad to leave.
Nick wanted to walk up the stairs to floor 3 as part of his training for Nepal, so we all climbed. The actual exhibition didn’t fascinate, it consisted of a selection of, mostly black/white photos from 1900-1960’s which the curator has deemed as artistic.
I found some of the images interesting, because the photographer had discovered an attractive or bizarre view, or because the scene had been created. Here are some of the images I thought worth taking.
We came out and couldn’t find a table for 4 in the members bar. We exited the Tate and crossed back over the Millenium Bridge to the Salvation Army Int. HQ where we had our lunch.
It didn’t take anytime to confirm our choice of Evora as opposed to a return to Latvia. Everyone agreed in a couple of seconds. Garry booked our hotel accommodation for both Lisbon and Evora and knowing the dates of our flights settled everything we needed to discuss.
Nick continued with a presentation on his future electrical installation with batteries, solar panels and his new electric car. He recons he will get payback within 6 years. His story seemed to go on too long.
We moved onto the Globe, just outside Moorgate station, where we had a couple of drinks. Garry and I then headed home on the Met line.
In the evening I played Bridge with Pat and scored 50%.