This was absolutely a spectacular evening. Sean Wagner was in town and wanted to check out a theatre proformance while he was in town. He had never seen Phantom before, and Mallorey (Sean's traveling partner) and I wanted to see it in the original Her Majesty's Theatre. Our seats were in the stalls (for non theatre attendees, this is the ground floor). We were not close enough to see the very top of the stage. This is big in a proformance like Phantom where they have things going all the way to the top of the stage opening. I would suggest to purchase seats on the first balcony if they are available, or closer in the stalls.
For anybody who has enjoyed this show in the states, it is a must to do if in London. This theatre, the actors, and everything about the show are 100 times better at the original location. I cannot stress this enough. We were all blown away, and Sean was entralled by the proformance.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Shakespeare at the Globe
I had the distinct opportunity of being able to view Shakespeare at the Globe theatre. It was a wonderful experience. We sat on the first balcony, towards stage left. The traditional way to experience the play is to stand in what is called the pit, an area in which the peasants used to stand and enjoy the shows.
We saw the Merchant of Venice, and thankfully Jon Christianson and I had read this play in high school together back when we were Freshman. We were still lost, but were able to pull it together in the end. I can't imagine how difficult it would be if we had not read the play before.
It was very interesting because one of the lead rolls was sick, and thus somebody from a lesser roll was filling in for her position. This meant that she was reading from a script, but also would have to jump in one scene in particular to her other roll. This probably added to our confusion over the play.
All in all, It was a great experience. Something that I wouldn't do again, but am glad to have done. I would suggest this to anybody, but brush up on your Cliff's Notes before you attend.
We saw the Merchant of Venice, and thankfully Jon Christianson and I had read this play in high school together back when we were Freshman. We were still lost, but were able to pull it together in the end. I can't imagine how difficult it would be if we had not read the play before.
It was very interesting because one of the lead rolls was sick, and thus somebody from a lesser roll was filling in for her position. This meant that she was reading from a script, but also would have to jump in one scene in particular to her other roll. This probably added to our confusion over the play.
All in all, It was a great experience. Something that I wouldn't do again, but am glad to have done. I would suggest this to anybody, but brush up on your Cliff's Notes before you attend.
Golfing in England
I had the opportunity to go golfing with my boss a few weeks back. He took me out, and the course was not very good. It was fun to get on the links, but my hayfever (allergies), aweful golf club rentals, and the length of the grass on the greens caused me to not play well. The greens wouldn't hold a thing, yet you would have to take out your driver for a ten foot putt. It was a bit ridiculous.
Glad I was able to get out on the course, but not too happy about the conditions. At least I can say that I have played golf in the motherland of the sport!
Glad I was able to get out on the course, but not too happy about the conditions. At least I can say that I have played golf in the motherland of the sport!
Oxford
Finally I have a minute free to write some posts and catch up on my blog.
Oxford was extremely fun. We spent the morning getting there by Coach (not Bus, that's degrading to the Coach driver). Once we were in town, the lovely guide took us around to some of the major sites. We walked through the center of campus and he pointed out some of the major highlights. We were not able to go in to many buildings like they did last year, because most of the students were taking exams. This added to the mystique though because the students walking around campus were all wearing their formal exam attire. This attire is essentially what we wear for graduation, but includes formal wear underneath.
When the students finish their last final, they get hit with a bunch of food mainly consisting of eggs and flour by their friends. We got to witness this. A weird tradition, but one that has been going on for years. After our tour was done, we went to get food and some beers at the Turf Tavern. This place is known for being the location that Bill Clinton didn't inhale. They even have a sign commemorating this fact. Pretty funny. This pub was extremely old, and you had to snake your way through a back alley to get there. I couldn't stand up inside. Only between the rafters could I hold my head almost straight...good thing they had a patio. The ambiance was wonderful, and they had local beers. I tried the Village Idiot.
We ended our day by heading to a place called the Ashmolean Museum. This was a museum consisting of a collection of art and architecture. It is amazing how much stuff England has stolen from other countries. This museum was like a miniature British Museum and British Gallery combined. Some pretty amazing artists were represented. I have included the link to their website on my links.
Oxford was extremely fun. We spent the morning getting there by Coach (not Bus, that's degrading to the Coach driver). Once we were in town, the lovely guide took us around to some of the major sites. We walked through the center of campus and he pointed out some of the major highlights. We were not able to go in to many buildings like they did last year, because most of the students were taking exams. This added to the mystique though because the students walking around campus were all wearing their formal exam attire. This attire is essentially what we wear for graduation, but includes formal wear underneath.
When the students finish their last final, they get hit with a bunch of food mainly consisting of eggs and flour by their friends. We got to witness this. A weird tradition, but one that has been going on for years. After our tour was done, we went to get food and some beers at the Turf Tavern. This place is known for being the location that Bill Clinton didn't inhale. They even have a sign commemorating this fact. Pretty funny. This pub was extremely old, and you had to snake your way through a back alley to get there. I couldn't stand up inside. Only between the rafters could I hold my head almost straight...good thing they had a patio. The ambiance was wonderful, and they had local beers. I tried the Village Idiot.
We ended our day by heading to a place called the Ashmolean Museum. This was a museum consisting of a collection of art and architecture. It is amazing how much stuff England has stolen from other countries. This museum was like a miniature British Museum and British Gallery combined. Some pretty amazing artists were represented. I have included the link to their website on my links.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Wales
Time of my life.
We left on Friday midday, and besides my food taking about 30 minutes to get out at the train station, and thus me having to just get refunded, the train ride was easy to Swansea, Wales. Here is where the adventure began. Me and two other students were unable to get on the train because it was about double the capasity. We hopped in a cab (paid for by the train company of course), and met our train down several stops. The ultimate rush. We had no clue where we were or if we were going the right direction.
Once we finally got there, we settled in for the evening. First thing in the morning we broke up into groups of 10. First up for my group was a 7+ mile hike along a coastal path with amaizng cliffs. We were walking through fields of sheep and cattle, and standing about 3 feet away from 200 foot cliffs. The views were spectacular. My group actually saved a sheeps life as well. It was caught between a stone wall and barbed wire fence. We pulled it through the top and got it back with its other friends.
The afternoon was scheduled for cayaking. We got in the boats, and I immediately knew this was not going to be fun. I barely was able to fit in the boats. I was going to give it a shot no matter what, and headed out with the group. Because of my size and not being able to spred my legs at all, my balance was askew and I tipped over into the water several times (we were wearing wet suits of course, and it actually felt pretty good). I was able to change cayaks with the guide, and enjoyed the trip despite being EXTREMELY uncomfortable. The evening came, and we enjoyed playing guitar and starting a dance party at the facilites.
Morning brought the most exciting aspect of the entire trip to Wales. Something that I had never even heard of before being introduced to it there. Coasteering! It is a combination of swiming, hiking, cliff jumping, and exploring the coastal terrain. So much fun to be had. We had helmets, floatation devices, and wetsuits. The best part was an area called the toilet bowl. Essentially the swells in this area carry you up and down about ten feet and you sit limp in a little cove allowing the waves to hit you.
All in all a great time in Wales this weekend!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Billy Elliot
I was plesently suprised by this play. It is about a boy who goes to boxing class late, and gets involved in ballet and becomes a superstar and goes off to boarding school by the end to become a professional dancer. Interesting plot, and pretty good music. It was entertaining and funny!
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