Promenading and visiting the Royals

Last week started with a visit to the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall (see photo) , my only concert this year which is a bit of a shame given that the season has over 70 to chose from but it's been a busy summer. We saw a Mendelssohn Piano Concerto and Mahler's 10th symphony which was completed after his death. I preferred the concerto tho' the symphony had some great percussion - drums, symbols and gongs all together at times.

The Royals had the pleasure of my company twice this week - well, they were not actually there at the time but we only missed Princes William and Harry by a matter of an hour or two. Firstly we went to Clarence House which is the London residence of Charles, Camilla and the princes. An interesting and not too long a tour of this historic house - particularly good for those who have a penchant for the Queen Mother. Afterwards we had lunch in St James's park and strolled to the National Gallery for the Corot to Monet exhibition of landscapes There was time for afternoon tea (of course!) in the gallery restaurant with a great view of the 4th plinth in Trafalgar Square so we could watch the goings on in comfort. We finished off the afternoon by dropping into the foyer of the National Theatre to see the photographic exhibition 'Public Faces, Private Places' and list to the free jazz - the Damon Brown Trio - who were really good.

More great photos at the Getty Images Gallery where I caught the end of their current exhibition - Londoners Through A Lens - wonderful black and white images of everyday Londoners mostly from the last century. It really made me think about using black and white more as I always go for colour photos (see my website itsyourlondon.co.uk for some of my images).

The other royal visit you ask? A weekend with the family in Norfolk was marked by a trip out to see the seals at Blakeney Point and then a drive over to Sandringham House. No sign of the royals to welcome us there either but the Game and Country Fair was full of tweeds, waterproofs, dogs, horses and hawk flying demonstrations. It's a different world.... Norfolk is about 3-4 hours drive from London and is a great way to feel a long way from a big city but it's good to be back!

Bye for now.

Sue