Caitlin and I had been dying to get dressed up to go see Mamma Mia. So we did. Little did we know the schools were all on holiday for the week so the show was sold out! Instead, we ate Häagan Dazs (Macadamia Nut Brittle is my new favorite!) and then wandered through Leicester Square towards the tube station. As we passed the Odeon theatre, we saw men laying out some red carpet. It was the final week of the London Film Festival so we lined up against the railing, waited about an hour until some of the cast of Taking Woodstock showed up. Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge for all the HP fans) waved at us and we got a picture of the director Ang Lee. We were glad Mamma Mia was sold out that night because we wouldn't have experienced anything like this otherwise.
A few weeks ago we took an overnight trip to Cardiff, Wales and Herefordshire, England for more church history. We climbed a hill called the Herefordshire Beacon to see the view. On this hill is where Brigham Young received revelation to publish the Hymns and The Book of Mormon in the UK. It was cold but very beautiful.
Halloween is pretty much the same here in the UK as it is in the United States. I don't really care for this holiday but my Aunt DeAnn sent me a Halloween package so it was hard not to care. She sent me a few goodies and costume items. I shared the gourmet candy corn and spider rings with my friends. I wore the tattoo sleeves to the party and everyone got a kick out of them. We had candy, carmel apples, and carved pumpkins. It was nice to have a party together rather than always working on schoolwork as a group. I hope we get something fun planned for Christmas before we all head home.
On Halloween, Jake and I went to Cambridge for an intelligence seminar. We met with Dr. Martland first to discuss Jake's phD and then we headed over to one of the buildings in Corpus Christi College for the discussion on Ireland and terrorism. Most of it was all over my head but it was still fun to see how the academic people interact. Jake and I were served orange juice while everyone else had the college wine. It was unique because we sat around a huge oval table with the college president, notable professors and distinguished students. After the presentation of the papers, everyone was allowed to ask questions. Following the seminar, dinner was served in the main dining hall. All the professors put on their nice dress robes for dinner. Jake and I were distinguished guests so we got to sit at the "High Table". All the students stood as we entered and took our seats. A gong was hit, a prayer read and then dinner was served. We had some pasta dish, lamb (which I hate), rolls, and banana crepes. The whole time I felt like I was in a scene from Harry Potter. I sat dead center looking over the students just like Dumbledore. At the end, a Latin prayer was read, the students stood as we left, and we were ushered into a back room where everyone continued their dinner conversations over tea, wine, and coffee. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I loved it!
After Halloween, the Christmas festivities officially begin in London. The shop windows are decorated, Christmas music is playing in the stores, and the lights on Oxford and Regent Streets are lit. This year, to coincide with the world premier of Disney's A Christmas Carol there was a large simultaneous lighting ceremony with Jim Carrey and Colin Firth. Caitlin and I went to Oxford Circus for the lighting. The production was a little anticlimatic, we didn't see Colin Firth, and we got tired of hearing Mariah Carey's All I want for Christmas is You song during every commercial break. But it was still fun to get in the Christmas spirit. Afterwards we walked down the street through all the shops that were open later than 6pm! Banana Republic was the best. They served bottled beer, mojitos, and pear/ginger spritzer (which is what we had) and hors d'eoeuvres.
Also that week we finally made it to a Mamma Mia performance. We met Jake and Morgan at Bodean's for dinner and then Jake joined us for the show. The best part was the sing along portion at the end of the show. I am not sure Jake enjoyed it but I was glad he came!
The next week was also a busy week. I went to Hampton Court, Greenwhich to see the Prime Meridian, Lion King with Abby, St. Paul's for the Lord Mayors procession, and Handel's Messiah with Jake. Lion King was better than I expected. The costumes were so awesome, I was in awe the entire time. St. Paul's was also very cool. I was able to get in for free because of the parade so I made sure I made it up into the dome. It is unlike most cathedrals. The interior is much more light and warm than I expected which contrasts greatly with its huge stone exterior.
The best activity of the week however, was the Sunday evening performance of Handel's Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall. You can see from the pictures that the venue was a very cool place for a choral production. This event has been going on for over 30 years and this year there were over 3000 singers and 1000 guests. Each time the choirs joined in with the orchestra, the sound was overwhelming. It brought tears to my eyes when they sang the chorus:
For unto us a Child is born,
unto us a Son is given,
and the government shall be upon His shoulder;
and His name shall be called Wonderful,
Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
And of course, the actual Hallelujah Chorus brought tears to my eyes. This was the perfect way to remind me of what Christmas is all about. It isn't the gifts, decorations, or good food. Christmas is a time to celebrate Christ.
This was part of Jake's birthday present. He mentioned to me he always wanted to go to a performance like this. I was able to pick up standing room tickets for pretty cheap. During the intermission, they held an auction to direct the Hallelujah Chorus and the proceeds went to a heart association. This made it even more appropriate that it should be Jake's birthday present. I couldn't have planned that if I tried!
I LOVE all the pictures! And finally I get to see you in your cute raincoat and boots. You and Caitlin in your skirts is too cute. A good buy. I didn't realize you took Jake to the Messiah Concert for his b-day. And how appropriate that it was a heart benefit. Love that.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the rest of your posts!