I just returned from my mission to secure tickets for tonight's performance of Guys and Dolls at the Piccadilly Theatre. I was nervous about doing this because I was warned that many places advertise that they are offering half-price tickets, but are really trying to scam you. So I thought I would ask around quite a bit at different vendors. The tricky part about doing this was a) finding some, b) remembering the quote each place gave me, and c) not getting lost while I tried to retrace my steps to the lowest quoter.
Thankfully, most places told me 30 pounds a ticket (except for the places that told me 33, 70, and 75 *cough cough*). So tonight, we are off to the theater. The only bummer is that I learned Ewan McGregor is not playing the male lead anymore, and apparently hasn't since before Christmas. Perhaps someone should consider taking down all the posters with his face on them that are plastered all over town?
Save only a couple misadventures (e.g., misreading the time of our original London Eye "flight" and missing it by two hours - damned military time - and accidentally paying a whole pound to use the ladies' room at the train station when it only costs 20 pence), we have had a wonderful time here. Staying at the Marriott has been a pleasure; we are very centrally located, and I have even treated myself to a bubble bath for the past three nights. That's more bubble baths than I've taken in the past two years combined.
Friday night, we enjoyed some Lebanese food nearby our hotel and then walked down to Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. Philip was curious to see Piccadilly since it's the British version of Times Square. I told him he wouldn't like it because of all the overwhelming advertisements, and I was right, but that didn't stop us from taking some pictures. Many lanterns were still up from the Chinese New Year celebration that had taken place the week earlier, so that was fun to see.
On Saturday morning, we headed over to the market on Portobello Street. This was probably my favorite tourist stop. The market, located in Notting Hill, went on for miles and provided lots to see - antiques, fresh breads and fruit, clothing, artwork... We bought lunch from the vendors, and my husband agreed to me buying a beautiful, overpriced purse.
From there we headed to the British Museum. I was fascinated by the statues from the Ancient Near East and Ancient Egypt, especially since I recently completed editing a manuscript that talked a lot about ancient cultures in relationship to the nation God was establishing in the Israelites. In the evening, we walked across the Hungerford Pedestrian Bridge, through Trafalgar Square, and then all the way down to Buckingham Palace.
On Sunday morning we visited the U.K. Hillsong Church. What an experience! The music was very exciting, and it was a special week themed "Because We Can." The idea is that we can do our part to make poverty history. They highlighted several organizations worldwide that are rescuing children from poverty and its trappings, and the presentations were very dynamic and heartbreaking. Philip and I both left inspired to take some specific steps toward being more involved.
We had lunch at the Audley, a pub where on Sundays you can order a traditional roast. It was so good, I thought I might pass out. From there we headed over to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Parliament Houses to take some photos before the sun was completely gone. Then we made our way to Abbey Road and the studios there. We finished our evening by (successfully) riding the London Eye. Well, Philip's evening wasn't quite done. He caught the first half of the Super Bowl in our hotel room, starting at about 11 p.m. The announcers were British! Definitely different.
Philip finishes his work today, so Tuesday and Wednesday are free for us to do more sightseeing. We are heading to Salisbury tomorrow to see its medieval cathedral and neighborhoods, and on Wednesday we will tour Stonehenge.
I'm excited to head out into the country. Philip is enjoying London, but I want him to see the countryside, because I think it will resonate with him even more. The quaint houses and rolling, rocky hills definitely have something on the advertisement-strewn, bustling city streets.
Until later, loves.