“When a man is tired of London,” said Samuel Johnson, “he is tired of life.” I first visited London in June 1978, while on a three-week tour of England with the chamber singers group I sang with in college. I was enchanted by places I’d only ever heard and read of before. I even saw Queen Elizabeth II ride, on horseback, on the Mall, in a parade marking the Silver Jubilee of her June 2, 1953 coronation.

I was back again, in 1993, for two visits only three months apart. Afternoon tea with my beloved college advisor, “Doc.” Beethoven’s “Fidelio” at Covent Garden. Maggie Smith in “The Importance of Being Earnest” at the Aldwych Theatre. Tall blond Clinton who kept popping up everywhere I went. Sapphire-eyed Tim asking, “Do you remember me?” as I walked into the bar in Fulham, as if I could, or would ever, forget him. London was a city of music, Maggie and magical meetings that year.

This album includes photos from my most recent visit, in November 2006. A nighttime ride on the London “Eye,” and four fantastic shows, provided the magic and renewed my love of London, and of life.

I’ve visited Amsterdam only once, so far, in November 2002. A 48-hour layover on the way home from Nigeria introduced me to the charms (and fabled coffeehouses) of this Dutch city. I’d go back again in a New York minute.