The family roots trip included a stay in London. Jedd, Kevin and I did the usual things like the British Museum, Westminster, and so forth, but it was much more than just that. There were a few times that the whole experience felt a bit surreal.
For instance, when we arrived at our hotel in London there was a cameraman waiting outside. Jedd, the ever-curious one with an instinct for photojournalism, went over to chat with him. Turns out that Rupert Murdoch lived in the building across from the hotel (a mere 50’ away). The News of the World scandal was rocking the world and any photo or comment from Rupert was pure gold.
Taken from our hotel window, you can see the journalists waiting for Rupert. Note Jedd on the right in the back.
At one point Rupert was dining in the hotel restaurant with his son and the newspaper’s operating officer, Rebekah Brooks. The crowd of paparazzi, journalists and videographers grew to about 30 outside in the street. Jedd joined them with his camera. It wasn’t long before Rupert emerged from the hotel and was mobbed by the crowd. Jedd took some good photos even though he admitted that he felt bad for the old guy as the reporters pushed in closer and closer. One of Jedd’s photos was used by an Irish newspaper (without permission…anybody know a good attorney in Ireland?). And the LA Times ran a photo that shows about half of Jedd’s face in the crowd.
Later that night we saw Rebekah Brooks in the hotel bar having a conversation with co-workers; she has since resigned from NofW and will be testifying before Parliament. What a sad mess the whole thing is. — New update: BBC has announced that Rebekah Brooks has been arrested. —
A second surreal experience was the time we finished touring St. Paul’s Cathedral and were walking toward the Millennial Bridge. A highly decorated piano was being played by what appeared to be a street musician. He was being filmed by a couple of videographers. Jedd asked what was up, and it turns out that the performer was just a passerby like us and had been invited to play as part of a film. The filmmakers set up several pianos around London and asked random people to play. The footage will later become a film that promotes a music festival (see below).
Naturally, we had to get Kevin playing! And so there, under the shadow of St. Paul’s within a few steps of the World Headquarters for the Salvation Army, Kevin played a beautiful version of Amazing Grace. Jedd filmed the whole thing as I snapped pictures. It was great seeing the small crowd gather to listen! It was one of those “chicken skin” moments for me as I saw these two young men doing what they love best!
There is one more surreal experience to share. A friend of mine arranged for us to enter the highly protected Downing Street. Since #10 Downing Street is where the Prime Minister lives, you can understand why it is so highly protected! We approached the gate, explained we had an appointment, and they found our names on the list. The security folks must have done a background check on us in advance because security was easier than getting into most airports.
An empty Downing Street for us to explore unescorted.
Once past the metal detectors, I walked tentatively toward #10 Downing Street, the boys behind me. I fully expected a guard to escort us … but no, we were on our own. In fact, the place was empty. The front door was even ajar! We all thought about looking inside, but it was all so surreal that we didn’t have the nerve! Eventually a guard did show up, who obligingly took our photo in front of the door. We chatted with another guard, looked around, and then left.
Jedd and I in front of #10 Downing Street.
Truly one of the strangest experiences I’ve had! But great fun. It was especially odd to look east on Downing Street toward the large gates and see all the tourists peering through the bars!
So there are our three surreal London experiences. I can’t wait to go back!
If you want to see more photos of our London trip, click here.