Walley World: There's no place like London

It's been great to be back in London this week! I really can't believe how fast this week has flown by, and it makes me really sad to think how fast the remaining three weeks here will go. Classes are back in full force (with more end-of-the-semester work) and we are all trying to fit in everything we possibly can into our last weeks here. It's busy, but very eventful!

Monday, we saw The Lady from the Sea in Kensington. Joelyn Richardson starred in the show (she is Vanessa Redgrave's daughter), and it was one of my favorite plays we have seen so far. A few of us even made an agreement to cut out sugar for a week...it's been pretty tough.

Tuesday, we had a theatre critic come visit our theatre class, and that afternoon, we took a trip to Kew Gardens (the royal gardens).

Wednesday was a free day, and what a day it was! I actually woke up earlier than normal to go sit outside of the Adelphi Theatre 2 hours before the box office opened to try to get tickets to Sweeney Todd. And guess what, I got a front row ticket! Sweeney Todd is my favorite musical of all time, so this was the highlight of the semester! I spent the rest of the day exploring parts of the city that I had not seen, and even getting pictures of some of the eggs I had not found.
Sweeney Todd was AMAZING. I would go so far as to say it was the best thing I have ever seen on stage. It starred Michael Ball (who is a huge theatre and pop music star over here) and Imelda Staunton (who is best known for her role as Professor Umbridge in the Harry Potter films).
There was a complete mob at the stage door after the show, but I managed to get both of their autographs and even a picture with Michael Ball!

Thursday afternoon after British Literature, we went to the Huntarian Museum. This is a very medical-based museum with lots of...interesting items. Who would have thought it interesting to put body parts, animals, and even some entire humans in glass jars (not to mention, the skeleton of the tallest known man) and put them on display for science? I don't know, but it was something I would have never gotten to see otherwise...I'm still a bit queasy just thinking about it.

Friday, we had our first Art History class in a long while (which is not always a bad thing haha!) After the class, we went to the famous Royal Albert Hall for the Classical Spectacular. Now I know I used to be a music major and should love classical music, but I just don't. I wasn't looking forward to this, but I was blown away! They played all well-kown classical music and highlighted it with laser light shows and fog. The finale was the 1812 Overture, complete with cannons and people firing guns. What a Friday night!

Saturday, We woke up wishing that I was in North Carolina. One of my good friends, Mary Thomas (Mary Holloman now..whoop! whoop!) was getting married and half of my camp team from the summer was going to the wedding and spend time together. I really wished I could have been there, but the events of the day soon took my mind off of it! !e left the Celtic early that morning to meet Mrs. Rumbelow at the train station to get a train to Hampton Court Palace. This is the palace where Henry VIII and all of his six wives lived and the home a hedge maze. On the walk home, I stopped by one of my favorite places, The National Theatre, and managed to grab a £5 ticket to a play that is completely sold out, Collaborators. I had to stand the entire show, and my legs are still sore, but it was definitely worth it! I got back to the hotel that night to find that I had 13 letters and cards from amazing friends in Swannanoa, awesome brothers in Shawreth, and even a postcard from Sweden!

Today is a beautiful day in London. I woke up early and went to Russell Square and read some scripture in 1 John that really inspired me where I needed it right now. Even though St. Patrick's Day was yesterday, the city of London is celebrating it today. In about 30 minutes, I'm going to go to Picadilly Circus to watch the huge St. Patrick's Day Parade and then go to Trafalgar Square where they have a erected a stage for Irish bands and even turned the fountain water green! Today is also Mother's Day in London, so Happy London Mother's Day to my "Mum!" I'm also going to tune into Pinelake's service and wash clothes before our group goes to a church service tonight.

Our free weekend starts on Friday, and about 3pm on Friday, I will board a plane and head to Rome until late Monday night! That just doesn't even seem real.

In case you can't tell, I'm excited about what the next and final three weeks over here have in store!