Lofty

We met B in Narbonne this evening for the opening concert of the organ festival in the cathedral. After the obligatory glass of fizz chez B, we went into town and sat on the Barques for a couple of tapas and a glass of wine, trying to avert our eyes from the truly appalling "decoration" the Mairie has applied to the plane trees as if they were not beautiful enough in themselves. Early yesterday two women were criticising them in a casual conversation, and then spontaneously decided to do something about it, removing the plastic wrapping from some of the trees and wrapping it round the benches instead. Good for them!

Although the concert was free, I'd been required to reserve in advance, specify by name who was coming, and print out tickets for all three of us. When we arrived at the cathedral we were simply waved in :: shrug :: 

I wouldn't say the organ was my favourite instrument, far from it ... luckily the concert was not long, and it was constructed as an "introduction to the instrument", so the organist explained the details of the organ's construction and registers between pieces, finishing with a Suite Gothique which showed off every aspect.

Back to B's, coffee/fizz as required, home at midnight. It was good to catch up with her, and a treat for her to go out for the evening.

Today's link, in a completely different architectural register: I was fascinated to discover that the City of Westminster still has a lamp powered by sewer gas -- just one of the ways of ventilating the city underground.