Southbound and Down

[Alnus Rubra]

Took a little trip southbound to catch up with friends and family.

Landed with my parents and spent a couple of nice days with them -



Had a little trip down memory lane with my Dad, looking at some places I misspent my youth.



Got served my first beers in this pub, many nights of blissful inebriation and only a short stagger home.



A family breakfast with Mrs AR and my parents, in the local town where I had my first job.



Next instalment to follow “London Trip”.

Don’t worry, there will be PRS content eventually.

 

[DISTORT6]

Awesome!
Nothing like going home.

 

[dogrocketp]

I Love your journey, Reuben. Looking forward to the next installment.

 

[bodia]

Ah yes, good times!

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Just a brief interruption before London -



The venue for my first “rock band” gig, circa 1987-88.



Caught up with Matt (on the Gordon Smith) and Richard (drummer) on my visit. So many good memories with these guys.



I spent many hours in this place, fishing, swimming, boating and just hanging out with good friends



Ok to London.

 

[Davey]

Looks like a blast!
Enjoy AR! Keep the updates coming

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Time for a quick selfie with friends before the train arrives -



The train is about the arrive -



Liverpool Street Station -



China town -



Our first show of the trip to London, music by Elton John and Vanessa Williams starring -

 

[KentuckyBoiledChiccan]

Wow, looks like you had a blast

 

[dmatthews]

TOO MUCH FUN!!!

 

[László]

Nothing like playing through the mighty Peavey stack at your first gig!

 

[Alnus Rubra]

We went to a fantastic sea food restaurant called “The Angry Crab Shack”, I was too busy messily eating prawns, mussels, crab legs and lobster to take any photos, haha.







Some views are of the gardens at Leicester Square.

And then on to Covent Garden, where Mrs AR and I enjoyed a drink in the rooftop bar at the Royal Opera/Ballet, with views across the London skyline, with Nelson’s column in the distance -





And a view inside of the amazing glass ceiling over the restaurant below

 

[Prina]

Awesome trip! Keep those 'cards & letters' coming.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Next show was near to Wembley stadium at the Troubadour Theatre, specially built for -



and a wee shot of the stage -



An iconic show, one of Mrs AR’s favourites. Where we were sat, it was a shock to the sense, action all around us.

The walk to Wembley -



Forgetful old me, we saw Cabaret at the Kit Kat club before this, with Billy Porter. What a show, we we sat about three foot from the stage, with actors and dancers literally within touching distance.

The band were outstanding and the atmosphere, at the show, was my favourite of the trip.

I can’t really explain it, but we were sat at a small round table for two, there was a feeling of prohibition about the theatre. It was the most intimate theatrical performance I’ve seen.



Stock image, as no photos allowed in the theatre. We were sat at the table, second left near the stage.

 

[Juan Luis Vidal]

Those are some lovely pictures Alnus, thanks for sharing!

 

[bodia]

Looks like a special trip, and great times!

 

[DreamTheaterRules]

Great pics Reubs! Your wife is clearly out of your league! Congrats on that one.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Great pics Reubs! Your wife is clearly out of your legue! Congrats on that one.

What are you even talking about? Reuben is fine AF.

 

[Black Plaid]

Beautiful photos!

 

[DreamTheaterRules]

What are you even talking about? Reuben is fine AF.

Time honored tradition. Compliment the wife, while busting on your buddy. Isn't that how you're supposed to do it?

Besides, this guy obsesses over pics of me in a speedo... I'm almost AFRAID to compliment him!

 

[Alnus Rubra]

The next day, a trip to Camden -



Camden Lock, the weather was so nice for March in the UK, we sat and enjoyed a beer outside.



Mrs AR is a fan of Amy Winehouse, who had strong ties with Camden.



The roof of the indoor market looked very picturesque, with the sunlight catching the colours.



We headed away from Camden, back towards the city and caught a view of the Shard.



The last show of the trip (stock image, no photos allowed) was at the Vaudeville Theatre. Six the musical, depicting the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII.

We had a meal at “Flat Iron”, a steak restaurant. Food was served on a hot stone, sides were excellent, garlic mash, creamed spinach and macaroni cheese, with truffles, topped with toasted breadcrumbs.

Then back to my parents.