The Point of No Return

Hi ya! I know, I know, I'm completely spoiling you by writing TWO posts in one week! It's just that I couldn't wait to blog about my night into the London West End to watch the incomparable Phantom of the Opera! My friend Jennifer and I were picked up by coach (also known as a charter bus to Americans) and taken for a two hour ride into the English countryside, Brixton, and finally our destination West End.

The musical was shown at Her Majesty's Theatre, which is beautiful in its own right, but I want to focus this post on the musical itself. I had never seen the musical, but have watched and own the movie and soundtrack (which sadly and surprisingly I have not imported into my current Ipod). Seeing the musical performed right before my eyes is an experience that a film cannot recreate. I laughed, I got chills, and I was mesmerized for two hours! The voice of the actors was unbelievable and the range of the actress playing Christine Daae was truly impressive. Even though our seats weren't located in the stalls (a.k.a. orchestra level), I was capitvated by the vocals and performances of the actors. The Masquerade scene was massive and when the entire choir sang out "masquerade!" I couldn't help but hold my breath!

The set design was lavish and breathtaking and the orchestra was impeccable. It is a shame that the theatre had strict policies about photography indoors because words cannot describe the beauty of the theatre itself. A few rebels tried taking pictures before the show and during the interval and were quickly reprimanded by the ushers! It was a truly wonderful performance and the next time that the Phantom of the Opera rolls its way into Los Angeles, I am totally there!

After the show, Jennifer and I walked around Piccadilly Circus and noticed these massive advertisement screens that reminded me of a scene in Lost in Translation.

I took this picture while Jennifer and I stood in the doorway of the Criterion (one of London's 62 theatres, 62!!!). This is a common meeting spot / hangout spot for tourists and locals alike. I took this photo a little before 11 in the evening and it was still crowded! It was such a fun night and I might see another musical with a few more friends in the upcoming weeks. I feel like I've been theatre deprived in the past and am now making up for it! Haha. Oh and Ate Krystle, it has been brought to my attention by many fan-crazed Orlando Bloom fans that he's starring in a play in London here. Just thought I'd share it with you. Maybe I'll bump into him in the streets (although it does seem a bit far-fetched) and I'll snap a picture of him just for you!

Tonight is the Harry Potter movie and this weekend is PARIS! Until next week's post... cheers!

P.S. Please do leave comments so I feel like someone is reading this! :)

London Calling

Hello lovelies! I'm sure you've all been dying for the latest installment of this blog. I'm terribly sorry that I have kept you all waiting (all 5 of you) for a week or so. It's just that I've been so busy with school and day trips to wonderful destinations that I haven't had the time to sit down and compose a proper post. Right now, obviously, I have the time!


I finally was able to go into London a couple of times last week. The first time was on Wednesday (July 4th for those of you back in America), where I explored the Winston Churchill museum with my class. The museum was extensive and very informative and the whole thing was located under ground! After the museum, a couple of us from class decided to watch Avenue Q on a whim and it was absolutely hysterical! I definitely recommend it, but I must warn you that it is a bit vulgar (so don't bring the children!).

Saturday was spent in London as well, but this day was reserved for all your normal tourist destinations: the London Eye, the Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, etc. Oh, and did I mention that we watched a bit of the time trials of Tour de France? It was brilliant!

The last picture in the series is for you Dad, I thought you might enjoy it. There are a heap more pictures, but I haven't got the time nor the space to put it in one post! I need to leave some space for my Sunday trip to Stonehenge, Bath, and the Salisbury Cathedral. It was an exhausting day, but the weather was wonderful (as it had been in London the day before)!

As you can see, it's been quite a week for me. My weekdays consist of class, drinking and socializing at pubs, and dancing at clubs, but I'm sure none of you want to see endless pictures of me drinking beer and dancing in a foggy club! If you do, shoot me an email and maybe I'll send them your way, but they're really not that exciting.

Tomorrow night I'm seeing Phantom of the Opera with a friend and I am beyond excited! Thursday is the premiere of the latest Harry Potter movie and this weekend is Paris! It has been an ultimate dream of mine to go to Paris for as long as I remember! It will only be for a couple of days, but I'll take whatever I can get! Next week's post will be filled with more pictures and more stories, so stay tuned! Cheers!

P.S. Thanks Ate for that care package. Believe it or not, I've already finished the Veggie Chips! I have no self-control, I can't help myself because they're that delicious and addicting!