Day 4 THE WALLACE COLLECTION and ABBA
Jeanette has always wanted to see the Wallace Collection so that was today’s objective. Looking at Maps it turned out to only be a 35 minute walk from our hotel so we proceeded on foot.
One of the traps of London is that the underground system is so extensive, you tend to use it whenever you want to go anywhere and so miss out on seeing great portions of the city.
Anyway we duly arrived at the mansion containing the Wallace Collection. The collection comprises numerous artworks, masses of elegant antique furniture and a vast array of armour and weapons.
The upper floor has numerous rooms each decorated in a different style and full of paintings and numerous antiques.
There are some famous works here including the Laughing Cavalier.
My favourite was this guy. Painted in the 17th Century.
Downstairs was the huge collection of armour, swords, crossbows and firearms. There was even a canon.
The house enclosed a central courtyard where we stopped for coffee. If you are ever in London, it is a must see (and it is free to boot).
Taking out our trusty navigating device we then set off and walked to Oxford Street where Jeanette had some shopping to do. We returned home on the Elizabeth line (London’s latest addition to its underground network). It was very impressive.
This evening we set out for “ABBA Voyage”. We had arrived at the venue a couple of hours early as we were going to find some place nearby to grab a meal. We were however, out of luck.
The venue was located in the most desolate, depressing industrial wasteland I have ever encountered. Apart from building sites and deserted weed infested blocks, the only other sign of life was a nearby area where some enterprising soul had stacked a row of containers two high and was renting them out as overnight accommodation.
Eventually the venue opened at 6pm and we were able to grab some overpriced venue takeaway so my imminent passing from starvation was adverted. We were entertained while dining by the large numbers who had shown up in their ABBA gear.
The show was fantastic. It really looked like the group was on stage and the place really heaved. The energy in the venue was amazing.
Hardys’ Travels 