Because we leave on our spring tour Friday, I decided to go ahead and do a quick update on what has been going on since my last post. While this week has seemed long already, we have done some pretty cool stuff.
Sunday..
...I went to Grace Church to hear my friends Mallory Hudson and Michelle Ladner play in their home stay family’s worship band.
...I had my last Sunday roast dinner with the Carter family. I’m going to miss them (and the food!) so much after we move out Friday morning.
Monday...
...History of Science class.
...Mr. Rumbelow took us to “the Old Operating Theatre” where surgeons used to amputate and operate on their patients performance-style for educating new surgeons. I also happened to stumble upon the exterior used for Harry Potter and the Prisoner Azkaban Leaky Cauldron scene.
...We went to an opera. “Der Rosencavelier.” Probably the most miserable 4 and a half hours of my life, but hey, I saw an opera in London! However, that’s definitely a “been there, done that” event.
The Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban...
My actual picture of what the shop looks like in real life.
Tuesday...
...In theatre class that morning, Ian brought in Racky Pews, who directed the production of “Guys and Dolls” that was a favorite with our group. Ian also revealed that he is having lunch with Stephen Sondheim along with other critics. He said he will try to score us a few autographs.
...Dr. Parks took us on a walk through Picadilly Circus where were got to see the “Royal Supermarket”
...We toured the Royal Institute. Another “been there, done that” exhibit. I’m not a science guy, so I was fighting not to fall over asleep during that two-hour tour.
...We saw “Noises Off” at the Old Vic Theatre. This was the most hilarious show that I have ever seen in my life! It was definitely a necessity to lift our group’s spirits after the opera and science museum trips. Random fact: Kevin Spacey actually owns and runs the Old Vic Theatre. Good job Kevin.
Wednesday...
...We met at the Celtic at 9am to travel to Wales! It is so mind-blowing that on a quick 3-hour bus ride, you can be in a totally different country! We visited Tintern Abbey (of William Wordsworth fame) and hiked a mountain beside it to see the Abbey as Wordsworth would have seen it. I'm pretty sure we are the first people ever to play freeze tag in the ruins of Tintern Abbey, but luckily we didn't get kicked out. And yes, we even climbed trees.
So even though it’s only halfway through, we have had quite an eventful week so far. Tonight, I am washing clothes and beginning to pack up my room at the Carter’s home. Tomorrow after British Literature and our group photo, I will head to Muswell Hill for the last time to finish packing up, go to Juliette’s (my home stay sister) dance recital the family, and spend one last night with Gary, Fiona, and Juliette. I am so thankful for this family who has been so kind to take all three of us in. I’m going to miss having a “home” in London.
Finally, Friday morning, I’ll somehow manage to get all my luggage back to the Celtic Hotel and we will load the coach on our spring tour! Our “spring break” tour will include LIverpool, York, Edinburg, the Scottish Highlands, the Lake District, Caernafron, and Cornwall before we all move back into the Celtic on March 10.
Sunday, CentriKid announces where we will be stationed all summer, so I will try my hardest to find wifi that night or soon after, and I will be updating with a blog saying where I will be working this summer! But other than that, expect a long blog post after spring tour!
Until next time,
Micheal
Micheal
I adore Noises Off. I laughed so hard I though I would fall out. I cannot tell you how jealous I am of this fabulous trip you're having. Such a wonderful opportunity.
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