This week has been filled with some highs and lows.
Monday May 27th:
Our group went to the Imperial War Museum to start off the week. I didn't spend as much time in there as I would have liked (I went back later in the week), but I learned so much about how the U.K. was effected by the wars of the 20th century. There are so many similarities between what I learned in school about the devastation to the U.S. and what the U.K. also went through.
Outside the museum was the Tibetan Peace Garden given by the Dalai Lama in 1999 to signify a new, hopefully more peaceful century.
Beck and I went through some of the exhibits and then hopped on a train to Windsor. The town itself is adorable and great for tourists. The two of us (and several hundred of our closest friends) explored Windsor Castle. We were able to visit the chapel and listen to a choir sing. There were so many tombs and we got to see the final resting places of many historic figures. It's a gorgeous place and I see why the Queen would like it so much. There were also little ducklings in one of the creeks!
Not too many exciting photos for Tuesday, but we had some good classes and lectures at the Globe. It's the last week before our final presentation, so we're looking more closely at the blocking and staging of the showcase.
That evening, I went to see Three Sisters at the Almeida Theatre, and I was entranced. With Chekov, each new translation makes it a new story, and while I know the story I was given a fresh look at the Almeida. I can't even place my finger on why the production was so breathtaking, but I was zoned in from start to finish.
Wednesday May 29th:
We had an early morning at the Globe. Us Nebraska students got our "Heaven to Hell" tour of the Globe stage which was AMAZING! We got to visit the tallest tour with the bell and where the tributes to Dionysus live. We stood on the balcony and looked out over the empty seats, we spent about ten minutes on the stage just getting to speak some text and as a group we did our prologue, and we visited the below stage 'hell' area and emerged through the stage door. There is something magical and empowering about standing on that stage.
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| View From Heaven |
Beck and I went to get breakfast before our other classes. I share this because I think "Where the Pancakes Are" is just such a clever name of a restaurant. I didn't enjoy their waffles though. HA! Thank you all for reading my hilarious blogs.
We went to our classes, rehearsed our showcase, and got off early than normal since we'd been there at dawn. I met up with two of my very good friends from high school (Hey Erica & Mia) who are also studying abroad in London, and we went to see Vincent River. It's a one-act play surrounding two characters; a woman who lost her son in a homophobic attack and the young man who found his body. It's a moving, edge-of-your-seat, unsettling show that I would highly recommend. Afterward we went to dinner and the three of us just talked about all things London, life and school. It was so nice getting to hang out with them, especially in London!
After spending time with those two, I went back to my room and had the worst stomach bug I've had since I was a kid and did not sleep much that night. I'll spare you all the details, but I just wanted to share that so the next few days make sense.
Thursday May 30th:
With such a rough night, and still not feeling well in the morning, I rested all day. Nothing too exciting for a blog, and I was frustrated feeling like I was wasting a day. UNL went to see All My Sons that night, and I tried to go, but had to retire immediately because I was still not feeling close to my best.
Friday May 31st:
Friday morning I was feeling a little better, but I wanted to make sure I was fully rested for the eventful week to come. I slept and tried to dehydrate all morning, and went to visit the Samuel French bookstore in the afternoon. Our group got a backstage tour of the National Theatre which was SO MUCH FUN! I've been watching National Theatre Live Performance in Nebraska, so it was exciting to see where the magic really happens. We watched Top Girls which was unlike any play I've ever really seen before. While I have not read the script like many others, I still enjoyed the production and it gave me a lot to think about regarding how women think about and act toward each other.
Saturday June 1st:
By Saturday morning, I was feeling almost as good as new. Still having to take it slow, but I was restless from two mornings spend inside. I went to the National Theatre early to get day tickets to Anna and I met some lovely theatre appreciators waiting in line as well. I got to give and receive advice on what shows to see and meet other young people who just love theatre.
After I got my ticket, I went back to the Imperial War Museum to see a few of the exhibits I hadn't gotten to look at earlier. The main one I spend time in was in remembrance of The Holocaust. It takes you through the Nazi's rise to power and the timeline of what happened before, during and after the war. I've seen smaller sections devoted to the Holocaust before but never as expansive as this. Not only are there stories about what happened, but there are so many real items that came from those that were murdered. I don't know what else to say about it. If you get the chance to visit, it is a sobering reminder of what happened.
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| One of the many flowers outside the Imperial War Museum |
After that, I headed to the highly recommended Primrose Hill area. It was so nice to be in such a freeing area even so close to the city. The pictures won't do it justice, but you can see the skyline of London from the top of the hill. I laid on the grass, ate a snack and just took in the sunny day.
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| Bridge art in Chalk Farm |
And that's week three! A bit slower for me than previous weeks, but my body said she needed a break. Only one more week to go, and I could not be happier. Thank you all for the love and support.
Much love,
Kami
