Some new experiences

London, England I’ve been MIA for a few days, but not without seeing some new parts of London.

This is Monday. On Saturday, I had a wonderful day out with June, Alan, and their family. We met in the interesting community of Peckham, home of Montview, one of the UK’s top drama schools. It is especially notable for featuring June as a faculty member. Her specialty is improvisation. (Brits call it impro; we know it as improv.)

We were there to see a student production of Come from Away, a showcase of the third-year students. I have always avoided this show, not wanting to relive the dark days following 9/11.

However, while it did require some use of a handkerchief, it was totally engaging and uplifting — and very well-done indeed.

It was followed by a celebratory dinner at Pizza Express near Tower Bridge. (Shown before and after dinner.) Yesterday was Mother’s Day, and we gave the two mothers in the group full recognition. The desserts were great too.

And then there was yesterday. While wandering my neighborhood, I happened upon a small sign that stopped me cold.

A literature class I took a few years ago included some of his writing. And then I again saw a bronze bust of Equiano in the Queen’s Palace in Greenwich a few days ago, familiar from my last visit.

He is rightfully remembered, but I doubt many people passing by this sign know why. He does seem to be following me around, however.

Okay, back to yesterday. After leaving a Waterstones’ book store in Bloomsbury, I managed to stumble on a paving block and take a literal flyer onto the sidewalk.

Three good Samaritans miraculously appeared and got me up and somewhat collected. Lots of kleenex appeared to staunch what appeared to be an endless outpouring of blood from my chin and hand.

They were so kind. After taking a minute, I went back to Waterstones to use the facilities. I stopped at the cafe to get some napkins, and the lovely waitress rushed to get the first-aid kit, which was very helpful. After much blotting up, I was able to get band-aids on my chin and the top of my middle finger on my left hand. Though there were other casualties, these two body parts sustained the most damage.

It wasn’t until later when I removed the chin bandage that I realized what a bad cut I had received. Seemed like stitches were in order. With the help of my friends, I identified the hospital I should patronize, which was actually within easy walking distance. The University College Hospital is mostly newly built, with a very civilized and efficient waiting room.

And even though I did have to wait, I was extremely well-treated. Thank you, British taxpayers, for a tetanus shot, glued-together chin, CAT scan of my brain, x-ray of my finger, splint of my finger and lots of sympathy. I think that covers it all – and all at no charge. (I did offer to pay!)

I walked home and went straight to bed, after noticing several bruises and boo-boos. (You don’t realize how hard it is to type with the middle finger of your left hand in a splint.)

Today, I am taking it easy. Needed to wash my hair, but not to get my chin or my left hand wet, so I opted for the hair salon across the street. Very satisfactory.

I think I’ll declare this laundry day and just curl up with a cup of tea. Tomorrow there are some advertures planned, so I want to be well-rested, despite various bandages.

Kudos to the NHS and to kind people who rush to help. Onward!