Orienting London and Leicester

Suspicious country, streets seem to force one in the opposite direction of where one desires to be. Beginning to think the hill in Through the Looking Glass must somewhat represent public toilets in London... head in the opposite direction and you may arrive within half-an-hour. Peace demonstration in front of the National Gallery, which we visited (gallery, not peace demonstration) after walking tour. Saw original paintings by Da Vinci, Michelagelo, Monet, Renoir, and lots of other famous dead guys. Really wonderful painting of the beheading of Lady Jane Grey, pre-chop. Name of the artist has completely vanished from memory. Definitely going back to London as we didn't have much time to do anything else.

City Centre of Leicester equally confusing. Thank heavens tall black signs point with helpful markings, though signs are not always pointing down roads. Occasionally the pedestrian will be directed to walk straight into a wall.

Hazard: Contrary to evidence suggesting otherwise in Harry Potter, England does not make walls one can walk through.

Lovely meal with the Catholic Student Association after mass at Holy Cross. Called "spaghetti and bolognase" but probably more like bolognase on something that used to be a noodle and has disintegrated into a mash. Bit sticky, but filling and tasted nice. Served wine with dinner, which is always acceptable. Came from a box! No ice cubes in it though... Grandma would be disappointed. Found myself pitching in with dishes and getting to know members. Rowdy, fun group. We were two of three Americans there, the other being another female student studying archaeology full-time at the University.

Fun fact learned at dinner: After his death, Richard III's body was in transit through Leceister. During the procession, his head was accidentally smacked against a road post and he was decapitated. Rather nasty but painless.