After breakfast this morning I sent Scott, Sherrie and Brianna off on their own. Scott was interested in visiting firehouses. I was interested in stretching my back and resting.
When I had rested, I went out for a walk. I had no destination in mind. Turning left out of the hotel I found myself in front of the London School of Economics. It was somewhere I’d been to before, having conducted focus groups there many years ago. If I hadn’t seen the signs, I wouldn’t have recognized it, it looks quite different from my last time there.
After a stroll around the campus, I headed east. That wasn’t because I had anywhere in mind, but because I saw some interesting sculpture. Then I saw The Royal Courts of Justice (London’s High Court). It is a confection of a building, with spires and turrets, soaring arches and stained-glass windows. It’s located on the Strand near the top of Fleet Street.
For the next couple of hours, I wandered on Fleet Street and its side streets, through several historic areas including the Bride’s Church and The Temple Complex (that’s the name, it isn’t actually a temple).
I became fixated on clocks, of which there are at least a dozen on Fleet Street alone.
As I walked there were dozens of historic markers. I was amused by several claiming to be the demon barber of Fleet Street. Another sign proclaimed, “Keep Calm and Join the Queue.” And I had to look up what was meant by the sign “The Amicable Society of Lazy Ballerinas.” It turns out to be a wine bar. When I looked further, the term “Lazy Ballerina” refers to a trellising system used in vineyards, particularly in Southern Australia. It allows grapevines to drape in a manner reminiscent of a ballerina’s arms, promoting better air circulation and sun exposure for the grapes.
Others signs / buildings were impressive due to their longevity at the same location. Twinings Tea claims to have a had a shop at the same location since 1706. Still others proclaimed their historic significance, such as the only surviving building from London’s great fire. Note, I stopped frequently to take breaks.
I then got onto a bus heading to meet the crew in the theater district. They’d gone to the half-price ticket booth in Leicester Square and bought tickets to see Mrs. Doubtfire. We met up for dinner and then walked to the theater. The show was great fun and the lead was fabulous.