The organist librarian

Thursday A most interesting visit to the South African Jewish museum. I looked in vain for Kadden and Sherman in the lists of passengers arriving and those at the Jewish shelter in Cape Town. It was good to see Helen Suzman celebrated among many others. A big surprise was the reconstruction of a shetl from Eastern Europe and a wonderful collection of Japanese netsuke. The modern art did not appeal. The great synagogue is most impressive. I bought a rabbi fridge magnet and a guide book. We were back at the house in good time for our 12 o clock pickup. The driver finally appeared at 12.30 after long costly phone calls to Ecco Tours and even calling a cab which I cancelled. The ferry to Robben Island actually went late and was a good trip with video to watch. The bus guide took us to a wonderful viewpoint looking across to Cape Town and we saw a huge gun never fired in WW2. I would have liked to see the Mosque. Then a former political prisoner took us around the prison and we saw Mandel...

Swam 20. To Croydon to buy a new jacket - ended up in Marks and chose a nice blue blazer and light trousers to match -very smart! Home to eat and then to Royal Academy where we met David Walker and had tea. Had a quick look at the huge Richard Rogers show and then to talk on Tchaikovksy - dropped off. Liz did shopping. Bournemouth Symphony Janacek Sinfonietta, Beethoven piano con 2, Tchaik 3. Stayed on for Tallis scholars Taverner and Gesualdo but tired so left before end. Little variety of tone.Home by 12 and Liz to Acton.