We began with a beautiful service with the liturgical music from Missa in C (KV 317) the “Coronation Mass” by Mozart. The City of London Sinfonia with choir (including the Cathedral Boy Choir), and an exceptional organist wowed Scott, who has a professionally discerning ear. I appreciated it. The music isn’t Anya’s cup of tea, but all the comments helped her understand what a superb gift of music facilitated a moving worship. While I’m not a high church person, I was moved to tears several times by the beauty, message, and the congregation of people from around the world gathered in worship together.
Pictures aren’t allowed inside, but the tourism website has a wonderful picture.
The afternoon included a bit of shopping, but Anya got out of Selfridge’s with less than $10 of purchases. She actually found something for only 1 pound ($1.50)–a sheet of stickers with the London Tube (subway) stop names–at one of the most high end department stores in the world. (I’m actually a bit disturbed by the decadence.)
After a diet Coke at a coffee shop to rest our feet, we walked over to Hyde Park and caught a glimpse of the Speaker’s Corner, where free speech is practiced, but it isn’t so beautiful. The yell-ers I saw were all men, and all sounded fundamentalist Christian with messages like “Repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.” It made me reflect on my theology of mission course where I was impacted by my professor’s comment, “Faith comes before repentance.” Most people respond better to love and listening rather than condemnation and yelling.
We got back on the Tube and returned to the St. Paul’s area to walk over the Millennium Bridge to get to the Globe Theatre. We previously purchased tickets for Shakespeare’s play, Measure for Measure. We had Gentlemen’s Box seats, because they were the ones left, but they came with cushions and art on our walls.
Scott teaches at the UW School of Drama, so he is a professional in theatre arts. So, we were blessed with his insights to Shakespearean plays, the history of the theatre, and his detailed appreciation of the actors. How cool!
Our walk back to the Tube had some beautiful pictures as the sun was going down.
A blessed day! Thanks for your prayers and/or thoughts about our journey today.
With blessings,
Beth
Having Scott along at the GLOBE THEATRE makes me envious of that experience! But I can rejoice with you all, even from a distance!