left to the right: Alexandra Palace palm court entrance; the rose window built in Germany weights 2.5 tons; The BBC's was founded and began broadcasting from the palace in 1936.
The website seemed straightforward enough: "Visit the only trade show for make-up artists in the world. On in London this weekend only. Suitable for children and families." Check, check check. We set out Saturday morning to see a trade show at the Alexandra Palace, built in 1875 as a recreation center for Victorian London. It is an imposing venue in east London set on a hill with wonderful views and surrounded by a large park. We were accompanied by busloads of excited teenagers and young twenties, headed to see the same show. The tube was crowded owing to the closure of the two of the main tube lines for repairs, but we squeezed in for the 18 tube stops and the bus ride. We were dropped at the imposing Palm Court and hurried in to buy our tickets. That's when we found out we wouldn't be proceeding further. At an eye-popping f45 per person (f40 for kids) we weren't that interested. For the equivalent of $280, we'll learn about stage make up on television. The question remains how (and why) all these youngsters were willing to pay the same price. And they say there's a recession... To salvage the day we showed the girls the enormous broadcast tower that is incorporated into the building. The palace was the first headquarters of the BBC starting in 1936 and remained its principle office for many years. The girls learned that radio and tv waves are around us all the time, but you can't see them or feel them. They are still suspicious, but they understand the concept at least.
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