Bob and Carl in London

Off to London this morning to see Bob and Carl on what was Carl's 67th birthday. I met Bob first and we found a pub to sip some soft drinks and then, having received a message, met Carl loitering outside the National Portrait Gallery. Under a leather jacket, he was sporting a Munch's scream, teeshirt except the figure was Charlie Brown. Off to the pub for a quick pint in the Chandos before we returned to look at the Munch portrait exhibition in the NPG. We all enjoyed this lots -- really absorbing and psychological portraits. Carl zooming about ahead of course, and Bob and I a bit more methodical. We were also pointed to another room we paid particular attention to a room full of Stanisław Wyspiański (1869-1907) pictures also excellent. 

Mainly though the day was about talking, and catching up with each other and hear about the families. Bob's daughter Millie about to graduate, Carl's Ellie pressing on with her podcast with her pal Jade, called Really F*cking Trying -- a very relatable podcast about the trials and tribulations of small craft based business. There was also a slightly poignant sense that we need to meet up more often, we've all been friends for so many decades, but all good things must come to an end. Had some brilliant laughs though.  

From the gallery we repaired to the Salisbury for a quick drink, then hopped on the tube up to Tottenham Court Road. I say this glibly, but the Northern line at rush hour far from my favourite place. Then into a crowded post work Marquis of Granby for a drink, and off to a nearby curry house, called the Palms of Goa, which we have been to before. A nice enough meal.

At just before nine, fond farewells to Carl, who headed back north, arriving home at 1am. Bob and I walked as far as the station, and then I found my way home hopping on a bus to Charing Cross and then trains. At Lewes a dreaded bus replacement service. Towards midnight when I got home, Lorraine having to wait up for me.

Below us, and a picture by Edvard Munch I loved, called Evening.