London: Past and Present

I lived outside London from 1973-4 with my ex-husband Jack Barranger. He won a Fulbright teacher exchange position in which he switched jobs with an English English teacher. We also exchanged cars. ( We came out on the losing end with Alan Golightly’s Ford Cortina and its electrical problems.)

Because we were part of the Fulbright group we had outings to the Cotswolds, Brighton, York, etc. Other outings were to cultural events. (I vividly remember a talk by a Royal Shakespeare Company actor who described how he developed his roles.)

The grand finale of the year was to attend a Garden Party in Buckingham Palace with a member of the royal family.

The protocol: Women were to wear a hat and gloves. Men were to keep their hands to themselves. Women were to curtsy and bow. No one was to speak unless spoken to.

When we arrived at the Palace that sunny summer day we found out that we were to meet Princess Margaret. Jack and I were chosen to introduce a semi-circle of exchange teachers to the Princess. Here are some pictures.

Now 50 years later I am back in London. (There were several brief visits here over the years.)

These are some of the differences between then and now.

First of all, the Southbank is a major tourist destination. In ‘73 the Royal Festival Hall complex was the biggest draw. Then came the Tate Modern, and then came The London Eye (which I thought was stupid at first but now I kind of get it.)

Secondly, who knew that the landmark buildings like Big Ben and Westminster Cathedral are actually a light gray? A lot of time, money, and effort have gone into spiffing them up.

Thirdly, in 2024 paying for the tube and rail is so much easier. You just put your phone on their device reader when you start your journey. On your way out, you again put your phone on the device reader to be charged based on the length of your trip. So easy and quick!

I am here with my friend Linda whom I have also known since the 70 ‘s. We are on a Theatre Tour with SD’s Old Globe Theater. Tomorrow the rest of the group arrives.

More to follow . . .

Best.

Mary