Sunday, 11 June. London

Picture the final scene of the film “Notting Hill”. Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant reading on a bench in a park in London. Now remove Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant (unfortunately) and add a lot of cigarette butts, and that was me this morning. I took my iPad down to the Norfolk Square garden and had a read. Some bloke who went there for a smoke upset my very sensitive nose and so did the cigarette butts but it was cool and pleasant for a bit of a read of my next book club book - “At the breakfast table”.

A little later it was time to take the tube to Mansion House and cross the river for a matinee performance of “The comedy of errors” at the Globe Theatre. First of all, thank goodness I was sensible and paid for a seat. Didn’t buy a cushion but am well padded enough to cope on the wooden bench. There were people who stood in the hot sun to watch. I was expecting someone to faint but the shade gradually moved across and they survived.

The play was terrific. No microphones or lighting just actors doing a great job and projecting their voices. Before the play began there was some music, which Smith would enjoy, as it was recorders and then a few other instruments joining in.

The play was very comical with some funny jokes aimed at members of the audience. The audience was responsive and clearly having a good time. There was no interval, they just went straight through and finished with a little dance at the end. I had a great time. 

Had a cool drink and a scroll at Pret-a-Manger and people watched by the river for a while before returning to Paddington. A much easier day than yesterday and my feet are grateful for that. For once I’ve returned to the hotel without wondering whether I’ve the energy to get there. And this despite stairs only on the tube today.

Thought I’d add a picture of the mews opposite the hotel and a couple of common coal hole cover designs also from outside my hotel.