The courtyard

Thomas and I had an early start this morning as he had to be in Hampstead for the next round of auditions for the National Youth Orchestra. A train and tube ride got us to Hampstead and then we used an Uber taxi to the venue as it is about a 20 minute walk uphill from the station and I did not want him arriving there out of breath and late. The auditions went well, and I realised that everyone there seemed very serious - they were all older than Thomas, most in their final year at school and all talking about which music colleges they had applied to as they all hoped to be professional musicians one day. Although he was nervous, he relaxed once he was in the interview and enjoyed talking to the panel of selectors about music.

Gavin fetched us from there once the audition, interview and workshop was   over, and we headed south to the New Forest where we are spending the weekend. 

I did not manage to take any photos all day and by the time we arrived at the hotel the light was not very good, so this photo of the hotel courtyard is the only photo that I took.

Tomorrow we plan to explore Christchurch and Mudeford, although the weather forecast is rain and overcast skies.