Apologies for the long absence -- we were on home leave for two weeks. We had a great time seeing friends and family and enjoying American cuisine: hot dogs, pizza by the slice and Philly cheese steaks. Good thing we left when we did :-)

Tonight, we went to see Shakesepeare's comedy "Two Gentlemen of Verona" at Regent's Park's wonderful outdoor theater. The experience is wonderful. You get to the theater at 6:45 p.m., have a drink and eat an outdoor supper (you can bring your own picnic, as many do, or enjoy a choice of cold buffet suppers offered by the theater). At 8 p.m., the performance begins.

As the play unfolds, darkness falls. The audience is totally casual, and many sip glasses of wine or other drinks as they watch the play. I succumbed to temptation and bought a Pimm's Cup -- a great summer drink -- at Intermission to sip during the play.

After the play, you walk out of a darkened, magical park.

Seeing Shakespeare at Regent's Park is one of the most civilized experiences you will ever have. And you will find yourself thinking, as I did tonight, that this is what life should be.