You always hear about rainy England and foggy London, but today was a day that looked those stereotypes clear in the eye and gave them the proverbial middle finger. To say it was a beautiful day would be trite, but it simply was. You also often hear about the depressingly short days of winter in the far northern latitudes. The upshot of low angled sunlight is a mesmerizing glow, even at midday. I managed to make it to Trafalgar Square in time for a lunch-time free concert at St. Martin-in-the-fields featuring prodigies from a girls’ music school. St. Martin-in-the-fields was under massive renovation when I was last here, so this was a much-need follow-up. It did not disappoint. The clean, white, molded plaster ceiling and columns reflected streaming sunlight and were only interrupted by the dark, rich wood of the galleries. One musician – a girl who couldn’t have been more than twelve – played a violin piece that was nothing short of stunning. It was the kind of thing that causes you to lean forward to confirm that all of that music is really coming from the combination of one instrument and two hands.

--- St. Martin-in-the-field's reflection in the new entrace to the crypt ---

I meandered around the church and the square for a bit, enjoying the sun’s warmth, as did many others. Making my way towards Piccadilly Circus, I found a convenient Japanese market and deli on Regent Street for a quick bite of miso soup and pork gyoza. I was headed for Royal Albert Hall, hoping to squeeze into the final tour of the day, but got there late on account of a required stroll along Hyde Park where the trees still shimmered with autumn leaves. The day winded up with a busker show at Covent Garden and pints at a nearby pub, before Caron and I caught Chicago at the theatre. A well-used day for a jet-lagged traveler, indeed.

--- Royal Albert Hall ---

--- Bethnal Green gets renamed for the upcoming holiday... ---