The term “bespoke” is not widely known in the U.S. — in fact the first time I heard the word was last summer when I was with my friend, Joan Ishibashi, former Hawaii resident who now lives in London.

This week I had to use the word “bespoke” in a Google search, as in “bespoke tour,” in other words a custom tour. A few days ago, I received notice that the small group tour I had signed up for in early April to visit Port Isaac in Cornwall (the home of the TV show, “Doc Martin”) had cancelled for insufficient registrations. Surely there must be other Doc Martin tours from London, so I found one that looked promising, and had to wait several days to find out if I could register, even though it would mean changing my air reservations. To my great disappointment, I found out that it was sold out. That’s when out of desperation, I searched for a “bespoke” tour. Somehow, I would find a way to get to Port Isaac, over 240 miles from London.

I wrote to my friend, Joan, and to my great delight and relief, she offered to drive me there with their car, as she has recently gotten her U.K. driving license! (Yes, driving on the left side of the road!) Once there, we will embark on a “bespoke” tour which will take us wherever we want. I would like to visit the churches which have been featured in the show: the 14th-15th century Lanteglos-by-Camelford (St. Julitta’s Church) where people were in the congregation waiting for the wedding between Doc Martin and schoolteacher Louisa—but both backed out at the last moment, getting cold feet. However, I have since learned that the church is under restoration and access is restricted.

Here is a photo of the interior:

I found a YouTube video of  Steve Tyrrell playing Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor on the organ here:

Another medieval church in the area is St. Winwaloe Church (12th c.) where Martin’s aunt’s funeral was held.

It’s been another busy week, getting ready to host organist Adam Pajan as he plays three concerts in Hawaii: Sunday, March 17 at 2:00 pm (Central Union Church); Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 pm (Christ Lutheran Church, Hilo);and Saturday, March 23 at 6:00 pm (St. John’s Episcopal, Kula, Maui). A few of us spent yesterday afternoon labeling and affixing stamps to the postcard I created. (I will write more about Adam’s recitals in another post.)

Yesterday was also my long-anticipated first rehearsal with organist Jieun Kim Newland for our Bach concerto duet concert. After hearing last week’s Hawaii Symphony Orchestra concert with the two pianos, and being absolutely blown over by the perfect ensemble, we decided to do our first read-through in my condo with one person playing the organ, and the other on the harpsichord. That way we wouldn’t have to shout at each other the whole length of the church!

This music will be so much fun, but oh so much practicing lies ahead.