Helen and Rupert

came over for tea on Friday night and it was really lovely to see them and their fresh Hawaiian sun-tans. I didn't take a picture while they were with us so I asked Rupert to take one on his way home, here it is. I really like the creepiness of it and the randomness of the taxi driver.

Satyagraha

I've been listening to Philip Glass's opera Satyagraha, on a very regular basis, since I was about 16. It's music that's extremely close to my heart and I think it's probably the best thing Philip Glass has ever done.
It's a meditation on the early life of Ghandi, during his time in South Africa, and the conception of his philosophy and practise of nonviolent resistance. It's an intensely powerful, beautiful, hypnotic and ultimately uplifting piece of music-theatre and I was cocker-hoop to see it on stage for the first time at English National Opera a couple of years ago. Having mostly only ever heard it on headphones (on my Walkman, Discman and iPod), it was a revelation to hear it performed acoustically and be able to see the musicians and conductor, at (very hard) work, performing the physically demanding music. It was even more significant to me that my big sister was also performing in it, as part of the magnificent chorus and along side Alan Oke's stunning performance as Ghandi.
It's currently being revived by ENO and I went along to see it again last night and it's no less impressive second time round. I had a great seat too - C2 Dress Circle -great view of the pit, stage and unlimited leg room! Just wish I hadn't been 50p short of an ice cream all evening.

Spring

After a wonderful, proper, cold and long winter, Spring finally (I hate to say it) sprung this week in London. There were fantastic cycling conditions, I went running twice at lunch times and I didn't have to turn the lights on my bike on until after 6.oo! Here's more evidence that the season changed in London this week.


The cycle racks were full at work


The gardens at work are breaking out in colour



People sunbathing at lunchtime


The cycle path through Kensington Gardens has reopened, the sun was setting at 6.15 and people were plaing football in the park


and the Dafodils in my garden have just flowered

Hungary Part Five: Food

I couldn't let the trip pass without photographing all the amazing things we ate. Here are most of them.

Hungary Part Four: Vivien's Christening

On the Saturday of our visit to Gyor, there was a very small, family, christening for Vivien, at the local Catholic church. Ibolya and Ildiko's brother were Godparents. While the intimate service was conducted, Ruby (being a bit too vocal) and I explored the rest of the church and took pictures.

Hungary Part Three: Istvan's House

Even though I've been to Hungary a few times now, I still get a big thrill out of being 'abroad'. Just a walk around a regular, suburban, residential area (where Istvan, Ildiko and Vivien live) I find completely fascinating and interesting. Different number plates, road signs, local building styles and especially 'foreign' supermarkets, full of alien brands, all feel incredibly exotic and exciting to me.

Hungary Part Two: Győr

Győr is a beautiful and prosperous town near the boarder with Austria. It has a fascinating history, have a read of the Wikipedia entry, and has some stunning baroque buildings. We had a lovely walk around the city centre on Friday morning and hope to see a lot more of it next time we visit.