Episode 7(1): Josiah's birthday in London

Well, after my pre-birthday shopping yesterday, I wake up to an email from Mummy that I obtained a Merit for my ABRSM Grade 8 Singing Examinations with a score of 126 out of a possible 150, thanks to the kindness of ABRSM. To get a Merit, one must score between 120 to 129. From 130, it's a Distinction. Well, I am pleased and thank the Lord for these results. :)

The examiner, in his additional comments said that "...as [my] voice matures with greater resonance, [I] will do increasingly well as a performer". Yes, the voice takes time to mature and even as I thank the Lord for blessing me with a good singing voice, I pray that I will be able to nurture this voice to praise Him and to do His work. Time to update my CV.

I also received birthday wishes from friends both in Singapore and UK. Thanks to all for the well-wishes.

There's also headlines that are of significance such as the start of a longly-awaited inquiry into the deaths of Princess Diana and Al-Fayed in the High Court. This is significant not because of the parties involved, but perhaps the time. This incident took place 10 years ago!

Also, I forgot to mention that Big Ben resumed its chimes yesterday, 1st October after 5 weeks of silence due to maintenance works. It is reported that Big Ben turns 150 years old next year. So, I guess there's something big being planned for this great London landmark.

I headed off to school and sat through 2 lectures and 1 tutorial. After that, I decided to pay a visit to the newly opened St Martin in the Fields, despite the gloomy skies and light rain at 4pm in the afternoon. Photos below:

St Martins from the outside
(noticed the wet pavement and gloomy sky)

Nelson's Column @ Trafalgar Square

The refurbished sanctuary of St Martins

(slightly blur)

The pipes of the organ at St Martins

(just as one comes into the sanctuary)

Well, afer visiting, I made my way to the hostel where I prepared my birthday dinner in the comforts of a kitchenette. Here is a photo of the kitchenette where I prepare my food:

The kitchenette

My birthday dinner

(from clockwise: a plate of boiled bean sprouts and carrots, a green apple,

a plate of fried bean sprouts with onions in dark soya sauce and 2 fried eggs,

a mug of juice and a container of "old" rice with minced beef and sweet and sour chicken)

I did not finish everything. I kept the remainder of the bean sprouts which will be meals for the subsequent days.

No fanciful restaurant food. Just simple (and healthy) home-cooked food. After eating, I wrote some emails to the family and did some preparatory reading for tomorrow's tutorial.

But, I have plans to stagger my birthday celebrations throughout this week. More in the next post.