We're back in London! Gloria and I are here together for the first time in awhile, and both on our own errands...our trip will eventually take us to Budapest and Greece, but for now, we're enjoying friends and familiar places in England.
We arrived on Saturday afternoon, 24 May, after some disappointment with United Air; a delayed Springfield flight would have made us miss our connection if they weren't so slow, that the connector was also delayed...so add four hours to the traveling day. Good thing we arrived at 3 pm instead of 10:30 pm (11:15 am promised) because we had tickets for the British Museum exhibition on the Vikings, which was quite good, and showed a much better representation of the trade and conquest empire they created. That evening, the musical "Once" which is an acoustic music on-stage orchestra of all strings--violins, guitars, mandolins, etc. 
We found the music to be a bit the same, but the story line was fantastic and it was an entertaining evening where the musicians were the actors, and they told a great story.
Sunday morning, up and at 'em: I was awake at 5 am! I had a semi-emergency session with a new client and one of my colleagues at 9 am, so made my way there for a long session. Then Gloria met me at Spitalfields Market where we walked through the stalls, then up to Brick Lane, one of my favorite Sunday pasttimes.
Sunday afternoon, a train, train and bus to Henley on Thames to hear the MSU chorale perform at St Mary's church. Henley is a beautiful river town (think Henley regatta; yep, that Henley). 
We arrived at the station, walked through a bit of the beautiful town 
to the church and enjoyed a super concert that made us proud of our MSU students and faculty. Dr Guy Webb is retiring as choral director after many years, and taking his students on one final tour of the UK. We were delighted to be part of this celebration of his career. 
We truly enjoyed chatting with the local folks who absolutely appreciated the talents of our group. Back by bus and one train, arriving at our hotel at 11 pm.
We're in Norfolk Square, just south of Paddington Station. The room is quite unattractive,
small, and clumsy, but the location can't be beat, and our large window opens onto a great court. 
So we're enjoying convenience and a view if not comfort in the room.
Today, Monday, Gloria visited the Victoria and Albert Museum with a friend while I gave the day to advanced students in our first UK CORE Fest...8 students came. We spent the day really enjoying each other's company and ideas, and hope to make this a tradition. 
Through a few mixed signals, we didn't stay for dinner, but Glo and I managed to walk the block to find a Greek meal, then began scouting foodstuffs and party supplies for a reception we're giving for the choir and companions after their St Paul's concert tomorrow.
So, it's already after ten, and I'm ready for an early bed for a change! Looking forward to tomorrow's concert and reception, then to two days of London with less obligations!
