Wednesday, March 13 – Harrow on the Hill

Nothing very exciting today. I worked on a journal entry, did some planning for my upcoming trips next month, more input on my taxes, and went for a walk.

Sidenote

I’ve had the Lands’ End soft briefcase pictured below for years. I use it constantly when I’m out walking around. I carry it over my shoulder and across my chest so that it’s impossible for someone to snatch. And the heavy canvas deters anyone who might have thoughts of cutting into it. I basically keep everything in it rather than my pockets. Well, I find it interesting how the color has faded over the years. Check it out…

Anyway, I thought this was kind of cool, but I’m weird!

Thursday, March 14 – Harrow on the Hill

I took a walk today in one of my favorite parts of London – Regent’s Canal. I started at the Warwick Avenue tube station near Little Venice, and finished at Angel Station in Islington. The entire route (about 5 miles) was along the canal. Here are few photos from the trek…

Friday, March 15 – Harrow on the Hill

I have a couple events book at the Royal Opera House (ROH) today – An Architecture Tour and a Masterclass.

The Architecture Tour began at 1:15pm and lasted 75 minutes (cost: £19). It was really interesting; especially backstage, where the methods by which the various sets are housed and then positioned on stage were explained and displayed. Sadly, no photography was allowed, so I’ve just included some shots below from the ROH common areas.

The Masterclass did not start until later in the evening; to kill some time I roamed around Covent Garden and made my way down to the Thames. By late afternoon though it started raining, so I ducked into The National Portrait Gallery (thankfully open late on Friday!).

The rain has stopped, and just in time for me to make my way back to the ROH for the Masterclass.

The Masterclass was led by British tenor Toby Spence. He is currently performing in The Flying Dutchman at the ROH. The class lasted 90 minutes and cost £20. It featured three young artists from the National Opera Studio. Each performed an aria, which was then critiqued by Mr. Spence. He spent a half hour with each one, modifying specific aspects of their performances. It was very enjoyable!

Finally, some pictures from Trafalgar Square on my way to the tube station…

Saturday, March 16 – Harrow on the Hill

I’m heading back into the capital today for an afternoon guided tour of the UK Parliament. The meeting place in the Houses of Parliament is the same that was used for my previous Big Ben Tour.

To get there I decided to avoid the crowds around Westminster Bridge and instead come in from the west along the north bank of the Thames. I took the tube to the Earl’s Court station and walked the rest of the way.

Here are few pictures from the walk…

The guided tour included visits to the House of Commons, House of Lords and Westminster Hall. It was very interesting. Again, no picture taking was allowed. The tour lasted 90 minutes and cost £32. There were 26 people in our group, which I thought was a little too large.

Sunday, March 17 – Harrow on the Hill

I have a busy week coming up, so I’m just taking it kind of easy today. I worked on this journal entry and did a little reading. Contain your excitement!