A fine day out

August 2023

Lola II and Mr M live in London, and unlike many Londoners they make use of the city, going to see performances, galleries and many other interesting events and attractions. Recently they visited a place they thought others might also enjoy, so Lola II invited me and Sister D without telling us where we would be going. She loves surprises.

We started with lunch at a delicious Sri Lankan/South Indian establishment that provided the photo opportunity above. Then Lola II took us to the Fitzrovia Chapel, which used to be part of Middlesex Hospital. The hospital was founded in the 18th century and the chapel was built in 1891. In 2005 the hospital moved to the newly built University College Hospital, and the site was sold for housing development. Somehow the chapel survived - the photo shows just how lucky that was - and was restored between 2013 and 2015. It is peaceful and beautiful, with mosaics on floor and ceiling and 17 types of marble in the decoration. Recommended for a visit.

Fitzrovia Chapel standing alone at the centre of a flattened building site

I'd also like to include a plug for Chiltern Railways. With many train companies coming in for criticism about their reliability and facilities, I find travelling with Chiltern quite enjoyable! On the trip to London the train arrived a minute ahead of schedule and during the journey there were no unnecessary announcements (there are far too many loud and unnecessary announcements on the Virgin West Coast service to Birmingham) and everyone in my vicinity was behaving just as one would want. On the way back I sat next to a very lovely woman from New Zealand, living in Leamington and planning to move to Wales because there are more hills. Of course Chiltern aren't responsible for their customers, but it somehow reflects well on them.

I've been doing quite a bit outside in the garden, and inside working for Mr MXF. The latest job he's given me involves repeated viewing of short films (less than 10 minutes) to record various time points within them. I've done the first and am now waiting for feedback before starting on the second. And still playing badminton, and being a Buddhist, and all the other household things that keep one busy.