May 8th
Instead of class today we went to Middle Temple and then more around Westminster. Everything is just too picturesque. It was a rainy day with a bit of wind, but it keeps all the parks green so we don't mind!
*The River Thames use to be much wider. It was narrowed within the last century I think. In the Robert Downy Jr. Sherlock Holmes movie he jumps out a Parliament and into the rive. That use to be possible, even though it is not nowadays. He wouldn't have surfaced at Tower Bridge though. That is super far away.
One of my favorite things today is how the road changes from asphalt to cobblestone so quickly. You are suddenly thrown back in time and realize the buildings surrounding you have been the same for the last 400 years.
Inside of Middle Temple. If I ever have an opportunity to be inducted into a club, it will be this one.
I wish I could rattle off all the facts and history our tour guide was able to. He knew everything about the building and surrounding area. It was fascinating.
These stain glass windows through the dining hall bear the coat of arms for every member.
These vaulted ceilings we wonderful.
This hall is wear lawyers and students dine. It is also the original venue for Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night."
The hallways of Middle Temple. I liked the Queen's Room. Many movies are filmed in or around this site.
The Lamb of God is the emblem of the Middle Temple. It is on all the chairs and in many of the rooms.
Here is a painting that hangs in the gallery of what Middle Temple looked like after WWII. It's tragic. I'm so glad they were able to restore so many of the bombing sites.
The hall from above.
Call me a history nerd, but I am loving these tours.
We spent a little time in a church near Middle Temple.
Wish we could have done a service. It was fun to look around though.
All the faces around the church were different and had funny expressions. It was pretty entertaining.
There was a guy standing outside the Globe with a giant bubble net. He was making giant bubbles over the river for primary children. I may have loved the bubbles just as much as the kids. This is the Rose Theatre. It is the original location. They have the foundation underneath this new theatre that was excavated.
This is also where my camera died. Just down the road is the foundation for the original Globe. Then we went to Borough Market.
We had cheese toasties (grilled cheese sandwiches) for lunch and then I bought macaroons. I had never had them before. They were so good! I might be okay taking the tube to Borough Market everyday for lunch. There were so many stands I wanted to try. After we were done at the market we went home and read Richard the III. I probably should have read some of the Shakespeare plays before I got here. It was nice to sit down though. Walking everywhere here is killer. I actually think I strained my foot too. The top aches when my foot is at a certain angle, but seeing everything is too important. It will get better eventually.
Eating the pasta I made. Most people went out to dinner, but we had just bought lunch at Borough. I don't understand. Justyne and I kept reading while I iced my foot.
King Lear at the National Theatre. I really liked how the stage was set up. Turn tables are fun. The actors were great, but I just don't really like the story. All the characters are frustrating instead of having a clear good verses evil. I dozed off and on for two scenes in the first half, but the show really picked up after the interval. Most of the actors were excellent. I disagreed with a few choices I think from the director though. Like Edgar running out stark naked, covered in mud, and only holding up a blanket to cover him in the necessary area... most of the time. Hello..... Welcome to theatre. Thank goodness we were far back and on the right side for avoiding the scene.
Me and Tracy during the interval.
*Interval is an intermission in England.
Jennifer cutting the cake she bought for Jessa's birthday! We had it after the show. Although, Tracy, Chelsea and I had already gotten ice cream at a convenient store in between Gloucester Station and home.
Happy Birthday 19th Jessa! I'm not sure there is a better way to spend it.
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