Catching up!

Hello again!

Things are going great here!!!  I went to the Victoria and Albert Museum, which was fantastic!  They had exhibits on British history, Theatre and Performance, Ceramics, Ironworks, and Tablewear.  Each exhibit in the British History section had pictures, paintings, rooms that resembled times of the period.  I’ve taken so many pictures :D.  

My internship is fantastic.  Everybody is very nice and helpful.  There are about 5 more interns here doing the same thing I am; they too, are very cool.  One is French, one is English, the rest are American.  I’m currently helping out with A Doll’s House, it’s not a part of The Space, but they treat it as though it is.  Alex, who works at the Space is directing it.  Although I won’t be calling the show, I am helping out with the rehearsal reports, the setup and takedown, and organizing props.  All the actors, designers, and interns (including me) have ideas that are more than welcomed.  It’s really really a great way to put on a production.  When I’m not working on Doll’s House, I’m helping out in the office.  I’ve gotten trained to work in the box office, which, I really enjoy.  

I’ve moved into a different room.  This one is purple, and has a canopy bed.  Sweet :D.  Inez is great.  She’s very happy, and very energetic. 

Last night I went to see Wicked.  Spectacular.  The singing was phenomenal, and the design/special effects were to die for.  As expected, the costumes were breathtaking.  Each character had wonderful costumes, it makes me wonder how long it took to build all of them :D.  I did think that young Glinda overacted a bit to much.  She seemed to phoney and over the top, by flinging herself all over the stage.  Her older-self however, was perfect.  I got the chance to talk to the actor who played Faizo, he was great.  I want to get the chance to see if I can sit in on a rehearsal, or during the show on headset.  He told me to contact the company manager.  I’m going to, perhaps I’ll get my wish!

David happened to be in town while I was here.  We met up and went to see Flare Path.  That was a beautiful show.  A bit “happy-go-lucky” in the end, but the acting was phenomenal.  We had restricted sightlines, but could still see the stage.  The theatre it was set in was GREAT.  It was an old theatre, the ceiling was so elaborate and decorated.  It was a wonderful was to be introduced to the West End.  I’m hoping to see Les Mis, Billy Elliot, War Horse, and something from the Globe.

The internet is still not working at my house, but I’ve gotten the password for it.  It now comes up with a login and password for me, which I still don’t know.  

I’m learning how to make English tea! So much better than what we drink in the States. 

Should’ve bought Shape-Ups

Hello! 

I made it!  My flight was great.  If anybody needs to fly out of Calgary, do so; it’s a nice airport. (plus the people are friendly).  I only had one flight-nonstop- into Heathrow.  The two seats next to me were empty, so I was able to stretch out and sleep. For an hour ;).  Once I arrived at Heathrow, I had to wait for 2 other girls, so we could take a taxi together.  Customs was fine. I was pretty nervous that I may not have all the right information.  There was a girl in the booth next to me who looked like she was having problems entering.  Something about email, and how she couldn’t enter because she didn’t have it in print.  I hope she made it okay!!! 

Inez, my homestay host, is great.  She has two children, and 6 grandchildren.  Very hip and chill.  Her apartment is quaint, and small, but a great size for just one person.  She’s doing my laundry; that’s a hard task to give up, because I’ve been doing it since 6^th grade, but I’ll learn. :)  There is also another girl living with us.  She is from Japan, and is in London to help further her English.  She’ll only be living with us for about another week.  

On Saturday (4), I walked around Battersea Park.  It’s so much bigger than what I thought it was.  It was a sunny, perfect day, and there were so many people.  I, personally, was thinking it may be just me and a few other adventurous souls, but I was wrong.  I just have to remember that I’m living in a city that loves their parks, and enjoys spending time with their family walking, playing, and chatting.  

On Sunday (5), I had a free day, so I decided to check out the underground and the bus system, get an Oyster Card (a debit card for the transportation around London), as well as explore some of the downtown areas.  Once I had found my way to work, I tried going to my school, and got lost.  But I wandered around a bit and found the British Museum (our class is going to that on Monday).  The school must’ve been nearby, but I didn’t look hard enough.  Then I decided to journey to Westminster.  As I walked up the tube stairs, Big Ben was RIGHT NEXT to me.  I took several photos as I wandered around the Houses of Parliament and into Westminster Abbey.  While walking to a pretty building I wanted to take a picture of, I stumbled across the changing of the guards at the House of Guards.  Of course I took a video.  Next thing I know I was at Trafalgar Square.  Where my film ran out.  Thank goodness for my extra chip!  Then I saw Buckingham Palace, where the Salvation Army was having a parade. Next I tried to find my way home, and after getting lost a few times, and having to walk in the rain, (no coat or umbrella, whoops) I found the correct bus.  Who would know the theatre that is holding Billy Eliot is right across the street from the bus station, and the theatre that is housing Wicked is down the street?  Those are two shows I have to see.  

What I’ve learned:

Thank goodness I have walking shoes. They’re perfect. Thanks mom!

Bring a coat or umbrella with you. No matter what. 

The Underground is awesome. Oyster cards are VERY useful.

Sometimes getting lost is okay.

ALWAYS bring an extra camera card chip.