The day began with the sun shining, but slightly cold. We were smart to arrive at the Churchill War Rooms around 10:30, beating the crowds who were queued up when we left. It is hard to believe that Churchill and his advisors and clerks were ensconced in this small space for so long. Much of the space remains as it was--his bed, the typewriters, the phones (one with a green receiver), and the maps with pushpins and yarn showing the progress of the war. You could almost smell the gunpowder and rockets and hear the noise of the bombing and sirens. The audio guide helped you understand what was really going on during this time. You heard Churchill talking to President Roosevelt. The small kitchen had been recreated as it was. Very moving.
Lunch at a pub consisted of fish and chips together with beer and wine. By the time we left there just before 3:00pm, the place was jammed.
We had dinner at the Savoy Grill which has been completely renovated. The space was beautiful and we enjoyed our meal and wonderful company. I think I am ready to swear off of traditional musicals--Top Hat was a revival and while the singing and dancing were very good and the costumes pretty it seemed very dated to me. I need more substance and hopefully we will see a modern day version of Strindberg's Miss Julie someplace in the 'burbs.
Tomorrow is yet another day of sightseeing--this time the Victoria and Albert Museum followed by a stop at Harrod's food halls. I am skipping Gilbert and Sullivan at Royal Albert Hall that some are going to see.
I enjoyed watching kids at the Wallace Collection sketching in the galleries. They got right into it.file://localhost/Users/marilynlichtman/Library/Application%20Support/iLifeAssetManagement/assets/sub/018bc9be4428b7c080ec05eab510a31872624fde3e/IMG_0237.JPG
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