June 25. London.
Last night, a nightmare. A huge black bird flying into my car, my ex-husband, Manuel, driving and scolding me for worrying. I was screaming, being phobic about birds anyway. I woke up and birds were cooing outside my open window—I closed the window! This hotel is lacking an internet connection but the telly works, and I watched London lose to Italy in the Euro. Funny how I so quickly started rooting for the English.
My train into London was lovely; talked to my tablemate, Glenn, who touched on the Eurodollar and his interesting predictions as a small business owner. As an alumn, he shared information about Oxford. We also talked about how and why the Brits love coming to the US to visit and live.
Now sitting in the breakfast room drinking my morning coffee. Yesterday, walking back to my room after underground to Leicester Square, I found myself smack dab at the National Portrait Gallery entrance so I went in and revisited the rooms of the Jacobean era. Gazed at Wissig’s painting of Mary of Modena and Lely’s James II. Felt her “aura.” Later in the gift shop, I ordered a poster of the same to guide my writing about Mary at home.
Walked home and found myself at the Canada Gates of Buckingham Palace.
The highlight of my walk was wandering by Westminster Abbey just as Sunday eve service was about to commence. I went in and participated in the service. Jesus’ large wooden cross was exquisitely haunting, his likeness painted on. The chandeliers were gorgeous, though surprisingly dusty, just like home! The abbey is so much smaller and more intimate than I imagined. The head priest was Italian with an engaging style of speech. I was blessed by an elegant black laywoman. Leaving the church, worshippers solicited by homeless who camp right there on the footpath, as they call sidewalks here.
Back in the room, I had a scare when my sugar suddenly dropped: Sweaty, heart racing, total weakness—extremely uncomfortable—I only had one glucose tablet left: A warning to always keep more and not to go all day without eating, but there were packs of sugar on the tea tray and I hurriedly downed them. Phew. Read myself to sleep.
