I caught a train from Edinburgh to London. I really enjoy the ease of jumping on a train instead of waiting around at airports. This ride, however, I had the misfortune of being seated next to a large fella who wasn’t too interested in sharing any space. So, for the whole journey, I was half hanging out into the aisle. The train was packed too, so there was no option to relocate. Ah well—it was only a few hours.
I arrived in a very hot London and caught a train to my accommodation. I’d scored a room at the Victory Services Club, which was well worth it. It’s discounted accommodation for Commonwealth veterans who are serving or have served, and it’s right next to Marble Arch. Also perfectly placed for the reason behind my London detour: watching Stevie Wonder perform in Hyde Park!
Coincidentally, a work mate was also in town for the same concert. I met up with Liam and his partner Liv at the Lord Wargrave pub for dinner and drinks. It was great to hang out with a pair of Aussie mates. They’re on an extended holiday too, travelling all around the northern part of the world.
The next day was scorching as well. I kept indoors as long as I could to avoid the heat before heading across to Hyde Park. There were many headlining acts before Stevie, but I was mainly there for him and his band. I’ve bought many albums and concert DVDs of his. I’ve performed and arranged his music. I’ve even visited Motown and Berry Gordy’s studios in Detroit where Stevie became famous. To say I’m a fan is an understatement.
I missed him the last time he toured Australia and had regretted it ever since. So, when he finally stepped on stage, I felt goosebumps and a wave of emotion, finally seeing a musical hero in person. The next couple of hours, watching the legend and his amazing band perform, will stay with me forever. Standing with sore legs, thousands of people pressing in around me, constant wafts of cigarette smoke… all of it paled into the background. The music and the joy of the crowd were all I needed. Stevie, well into his 70s, was still at the top of his game. I’m so happy I got to be there and witness one of his concerts in person. I caught up with Liam and Liv again after the concert for a beer and a debrief.
Sunday was also a special day. I met up with my friend Kait again! Kait and Dan, who I saw at the convention in Rotterdam, and this time I got to meet Fred and Kait’s boy Arthur too. We met for a drink at The Horniman at Hays pub near Tower Bridge. It was such a great catch-up. We took a stroll down to Tower Bridge, wandered back to check out Shakespeare’s Globe, had a really nice lunch, and then caught a train to the Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street. It was a bonza day out. Sadly we said farewell a little early, as Fred was flying back to the US very early the next morning. But there’s a good chance I’ll catch up with Kait, Dan, and Arthur again while I’m in Wales.
I managed to see some London sites during my stay including Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall and Windsor Castle. The castle was closed but I had a nice walk and a beer at the local brewery.
Next up on the journey: I’m off to see a friend in Bristol, then I’ll be heading to a Folk Festival in Hatfield, and finally—something in Wales, which I haven’t quite planned yet.
Also, I’ve had some trouble uploading my videos from the Hebrides boat tour… A separate post will come out once I figure out how to get around that.
