Royal Albert Hall

Wednesday we went to the Royal Albert Hall in London for a science lecture (Stephen Hawking).  The hall is amazing.  We were lucky enough to get tickets in the Loggia (the fancy boxes on the first level).

To quote the official website: "The Royal Albert Hall was built to fulfil the vision of Prince Albert (Queen Victoria's consort) of a 'Central Hall' that would be used to promote understanding and appreciation of the Arts and Sciences...."

We were early and took a picture before the crowds came.

The Loggia boxes were originally sold on 999-year leases when the Royal Albert Hall opened in 1871, to help finance its construction costs.  About 1,200 of the venue's 5,500 seats are owned privately. 

The seats were perfect.  I'd love to see a play or musical from that spot!

There are actually a couple Loggia and Grand Tier boxes for sale right now. It's mental that you can spend 1.2 million on an area big enough for 8 people and a bar, but no toilet.

American Friends/Family:  Toilet is the preferred word.  Restroom/Bathroom is not used because you don't "rest" or take a bath in the toilet.  So, I'm not being rude when I use the term "toilet."  Well, not really, really rude.  LOL!

Cheers!
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Whitstable

Today Naomi and I went to Whitstable.  Whitstable is a lovely little beach town, northeast of Faversham. 

The sun was shining; the temperature was a perfect 68 degrees.  Since it was a non-holiday Monday, the High Street had just the right amount of shoppers.  It was brilliant!

We went into loads of shops.  Whitstable has a lot of self-representing artists, so there are all these cute one-room galleries along the street.  The town also has a lot of Charity Shops.   These are little stores dedicated to raising money for charity.  All the goods are donated, and the people working in the shops are volunteers.  I love going into Charity Shops -- it's like flea market heaven.  You never know what you are going to find. I've bagged some fantastic goodies:  A huge, gorgeous, spotless white quilt for £10.  Glassware.  Books.  DVDs. 

I've poked around Salvation Army and Deseret Industries stores back in the States.  They aren't bad, but I've never found anything I wanted to buy.  In contrast, the quality of a British Charity Shop simply cannot be beat.  Think upscale, street-wide yard sale in the rich section of town!    ;)

Oh, and I bought a pair of Wellies.  Wellies (aka Wellingtons), are rubbery boots, perfect for the rainy weather, for the Marshes, and for combing the beach when the tide is out.  Can't wait to try them out!

Cheers!
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