We started the day with an early morning wake-up call (me not being able to go back to sleep and making sure everyone got up on time), a lousy hostel breakfast (warm milk, corn flakes, and toast), and a tube trip to St. Paul’s Cathedral (and the day started looking up!) Oh. My. Gosh. Truly, St. Paul’s is incredible. The dome, and architecture, and the everything. I am completely amazed by this work of art. It is impossible not to be put in a mood of worship within that place.
Then we took off for the Tower of London (didn’t go in) and the Tower Bridge (because it’s pretty) followed by a trip to the British Library. Beowulf was out to rest away from the lights but they did put Sir Gawain and the Green Knight out for me to enjoy; I’m sure they were just thinking of me when they made that selection. Jane Austen’s writing desk was still there – it was good to see her again.
From their we went back to Trafalgar Square to a little cafe I found my last trip here, ordered sandwiches, and took them to the steps of the National Gallery for a picnic. We all went and got Phantom tickets (the other three decided to join Brandon and I) and then split up with Becca, David, and Katie Belle taking off for Harrods and shopping and Brandon and I headed for Egypt, Greece, Assyria, and China via the British Museum. We spent two hours there before running back to the hostel, taking a quick walk through Hyde Park to Kensington Palace and then catching a cab (because when you are in London you really must ride a cab at least once) to go see Phantom! We walked up the street to get a spinach pasty to go and enjoyed that while waiting for the doors to open.
This was the single best Phantom I have ever seen! His voice was perfect; deep, classically trained yes but with an edge that suited the character extremely well. I have never seen nor heard a better Phantom. He was just phenomenal! I cried at the end and again, Christine chose Raoul over the Phantom. Seriously, if she doesn’t want him (as she has proved all six times I have seen the show) then may I please have him?
Tomorrow I am off to Bath, The Cotswolds, and Stonehenge. Just a quick day tour but I am excited to get to see some countryside. Andrew (really nice guy from Scotland we met in the hostel) felt Bath was an excellent choice. Nothing like the approval of a Scotsman to solidify a girl’s plans…just saying.
Much love to everyone back home!
Went and got? Look twice at the Cotswold tomorrow –once for me. I’ve finished the second in Anne Knowles novels and I love them just as much this fifth time. Find me a mellow stone house with a cow to milk and exactly three sheep ready to lamb. They shouldn’t lamb quite as early as we do. Yes, a home in the Highlands and a home in the Cotswold — when will your father win the lottery? Love you and glad you are having such a grand time.
Hi Jacelyn! You made it over here then? I replied to your email ages ago, but never heard back from you…? You should get in contact if you’re still interested in meeting up at all. Glad you’re having a good time! Thomas
Hi Jacelyn, I came across you blog and was so excited to read about how you are in England! I loved it when I went there too, although that was a long time ago. Ahhhh you love Phantom too? I always cried for the Phantom.
How are you?? How have you been? Clearly you’ve been great because you’re in England
Hope you’re having a blast, sounds like you are!