Steam Train and Cherry Orchard

A good day in Essex, with a steam Pullman coach and lunch. The weather perked up in time to get on the train, which was pulled backwards and forwards over a very short stretch of line, while we all indulged in a very good lunch. On the way back we drove through pretty villages called Clare and Cavendish. These had traditional village greens surrounded by very pretty thatched cottages. One cottage which was for sale, had been rethatched and had a thatch sculpture of two fighting hares on top. My country move almost transferred to Essex, until Romy pointed out that public transport was conspicuously absent, with no bus stops. Oh well.

Texted Julian who kindly agreed to feed the Monster, before dashing off to the National Theatre for the first night of the Cherry Orchard, last minute tickets very kindly provided by Madeleine's boss, who also offered to provide drinks and dinner afterwards. Very kind and very much appreciated. Though not wishing to look a gift horse in the mouth, the first half was very long, and took a long time to build up and engage our attention. However, the second half, involving much more dashing around and slapstick humour at one point, did the trick, and we were brought around.

Afterwards, we went to Ping Pong, since we had both had a decent lunch, and enjoyed some dim sum, then Madeleine kindly dropped me off. I was in bed by midnight. And up by 6am, thanks to the Monster.