London

So again I have been slack with my updates but cut me some slack I have been busy travelling and exploring the globe. Whilst away I have had a brilliant idea, instead of updating you on every single little thing I am just going to write about my top 5 things. So as my plane is delayed leaving Barcelona what better time to start, hey? However this great new idea does mean we will have more to talk about when I get home, which is very soon mind you, so start pencilling in some free space for me in those busy schedules of yours.

Ok, so what better way to begin my top five than with London?

No. 1 – The West End

Well, hands down my number one thing I did whilst in London was see multiple shows on the West End. And seriously what more could I have possibly asked for? It was hard to pull me away. Seriously, I contemplated hiding under the seats and sleeping in the theatre.

I was lucky enough to see three shows and even got the opportunity to go up on the stage with the cast of one shows while they sang and fooled around – this was most definitely one of the greatest experiences, EVER, I didn’t want the night to end.

First show, The Lion King.

There was not a chance I would miss seeing The Lion King on the West End, the musical theatre capital of the world. This mesmerising show had me from the start when life-size animals draped through the aisles of the theatre. I instantly reverted back to my six-year-old self and found myself sitting on the edge of my seat, with tears of overwhelming excitement/happiness, wanting more.

The characters were amazing and costuming fantastic!

And then we have the choreography and music, I only have one word to describe this, well it’s quite ironic really, because that word is indescribable. I guess from experience you really do have to see it to believe and experience the amazingness of it. Moving on…

Second show, Wicked.

A lifetime dream came true, seeing Wicked the musical on the West End. From the beginning I was pestering my neighbours singing every lyric to every song possible. I even sparked a conversation with the Aussie guy next to me as I quote he stated: ‘have you seen this before? I’m gathering you’re a big fan, you know all of the words and have been on the edge of your seat the entire time’.

The biggest and the best hits were definitely Defying Gravity and I’m Not That Girl. The actress playing Elphaba was sensational and had THE most amazing voice, it was breath taking. Then again Galinda was a breath of fresh air and carried the role through perfectly, keeping the audience entertained with her ditzy personality and amazing voice.

Oh how I dream to one day be up there myself.

Third show, Once: a New Musical.

I had heard only the best of things about this musical prior to seeing it and had only learnt every song off of the sound track. The highlight of my night, and probably even my London trip, was being able to go up on the stage at the beginning of the show with the cast while they sang around an old piano and jammed.

The musical itself was beautiful; I loved every single minute of it! I don’t know if it helped that the lead male actor was Irish, sang one of my favourite songs, or that the music is mostly Irish folk music? But, still I was lost for words at the end and still am. Again I did not want to leave the theatre afraid that the euphoric feeling would leave.

One of my favourite quotes from the movie;

‘

No. 2 – The spare of the moment decision making

Some of you may be wondering what I mean by this statement exactly. Well to clear things up one of the best things about my time in London was that I had no plan! I winged each and every day and honestly wouldn’t have done it any other way. The sporadic decisions to go out to the pubs on random nights were excellent life choices. Just taking each day, one at a time really made for a relaxing but yet fun filled time in London.

Some spare of the moment decision-making highlights:

-   To go and see the Lion King, well actually we didn’t plan when we would see any of the shows.

-   Spontaneous pub-crawls resulting in new friends, fond memories and a badass crew of elbow fighters.

No. 3 – The food

When I was in London I ate at some of the cutest little cafes, which I thought all deserved a mention and wanted to share with you all in case you were ever venturing the area.

1. Eat, Drink & Shop, Kings Cross.

This cute/quaint little café served high tea on odd sets off china and sold everything in the store. If you liked the stool you sat on or the plate you ate off you could buy it! This funky little place also offered, ‘dance like Beyonce’ classes and

2. Maxwell’s Pub, Covent Garden

Best day to go to Maxwell’s is on Monday, for Monday Madness. Most meals under 10GBP, Bargain!

3. Bill’s Café, The Strand.

If you’re going to the theatre to see the Lion King just up from the Strand there is the cutest little café, Bill’s.  Reasonably priced for the most delicious food amongst the cutest setting. The crew at Bill’s are lovely, and did I mention free WIFI, a travellers dream.

4. Yalla Yalla, Oxford Circus.

One word – Delicious, seriously if you do not go here you are missing out big time!

5. 99p, Camden. (Great for 30pence noodles; a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do when budgeting for 7 months in Europe)

No. 4 – The sights

As all tourists should on their first trip to London we of course visited all of the monumental sights. Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, The London Eye, The London Bridge, The London Tower & London Tower Bridge. We also managed to take token photos with the iconic red telephone box and Brad Pitt. Yes, Brad Pitt, Max and I were ever so lucky to come across a red carpet event for the premiere of World War Z, Brad & Jolie looking their utmost finest of course!

No.5 – The English

Well what an overwhelming experience being in an English speaking country for the first time since January. Max and I found ourselves trying to read every sign possible, taking time to read the menus, even watch the television and understand what they were saying. But my favourite we were able to clearly overhear and understand conversations between others on public transport. But seriously not having others constantly speak English around you is something that you take for granted.

Although there were so many benefits to having everything around me back in English it also had its downfalls. I could no longer just tune out of a conversation, which I found myself doing rather often, nor could I ignore those seedy remarks made by creepers on the side of the road, or say no to pamphlets or sale reps.

It did however have its perks especially when walking through Hyde Park when a man crashed his bicycle into a police officer. Let’s say that he wasn’t happy and neither was the officer. Max and I of course watched from a distance, it was like a filming for The Bill – it was excellent.

Well there you have it my top five from London, keep your eyes peeled for my Irish top five, which shouldn’t be too far away considering I have delay after delay, I don’t think we will ever be gracing Turkey with our presence.

As always,

From London with love,

H x