The time changes here - and in most of Europe - today, making it slightly harder to get up for Easter Mass. There’s not much point in going to Westminster Cathedral late and expecting a seat, but we’re actually earlier than need be so have a cup of coffee while overlooking the square in front of the church. Interesting bits of minor drama as (homeless?) men gather. One cadges a cigarette from two others, who later share a doughnut. It’s a very inner city location and at one point a staff member in the coffee shop sits down with two very loud men and calms them - a talent probably needed frequently around here. Outside we passed a man in a sleeping bag on the sidewalk.
Standing room only at Mass, as was undoubtedly the case at the vigil Mass last night. The boys choir is in attendance as well as the senior choir and the Mass begins with Palestrina, unaccompanied by organ, whch comes in later. Archbishop Vincent Nichols is the celebrant.
After Church to Kilburn High Road for a pub lunch. There’s a Sunday carvery with a choice of roast pork or roast beef (or a mixture, which we opt for), with oven roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, dressing, carrots, cauliflower, green beans and plenty of gravy. Plates heaped for £4.95 ($7.65). Pints of ale (or lager if you prefer, which we don`t) for £1.99. Makes us think how long it`s been in Canada since we ate anything at a restaurant that was oven-cooked. Hence roast potatoes, which don`t nuke well, virtually unknown. Lovely Easter dinner.
The street market is on and many of the smaller shops are open. We buy five oranges for a pound to take home. Pick up a Sunday Times on Queensway and home with a week`s reading. The 159th Oxford v Cambridge boat race is on. Pretty chilly for watching outside and we have a better view on the telly anyway. Oxford, with Canadian Olympic gold winner Malcolm Howard in the stroke seat, wins.