Feb. 1

Good evening!

I just returned earlier from seeing the production of Nation at the National Theatre and let me tell you- fabulous! As a part of the theatre class I am taking this semester I am "required" to attend 8 shows. :) Hopefully, these will include Billy Elliot and Cirque du Soleil! I should find out soon. The past week has been jam packed with every tourist activity possible including....

Tower of London (Crown Jewels!)

Winston Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms (A favorite of mine. Lots of neat artifacts and you get to see the rooms from which Churchill fought/lived/governed for the majority of WWII.)

St. Paul's Cathedral (This cathedral has a dome on top which gives you a simply stunning view of the city. That is, if you can make it up the 530 stairs. Did I? You bet :)

The Globe (Shakespeare, Shakespeare, Where for art thou Shakespeare?)

Camden Market (WONDERFUL market for bargaining. Wide variety of foods, clothing, antiques, and unique handmade items. Its also huge- we spent over 4 hours there!)

Trafalgar Square (Great for people watching.)

Buckingham Palace (I saw the guards!)

Hamley's Toy Store (Similar to FAO Schwartz)

St. Martin in the Fields (Complete with a crypt)

Tower Bridge (Stunning.)

Petticoat Lane Market (Super cheap clothing- I bought a 2 pound cardigan!)

A real English Pub (Hereford Arms, about 5 minutes from the Daniel House)

Now that I have many of the "have to see" items off my list, its time for class! Theatre began yesterday where our professor was the Production Manager for the National Theatre for over 30 years. He has some really in depth views and I'm thrilled to be learning from him. British Heritage and Culture began today and is being taught by a former member of Parliament who is the quintessential Englishman. Art starts tomorrow!

I am having such a wonderful time with the girls at the house. Making dinner. Getting diet cokes at pubs late at night. Riding the tube. Bargaining at the market. And eating delicious cookies which interestingly enough are called Digestives... hmm :)

More to come!