Day 7!

After a 2 1/2 hour coach ride, we arrived in London! We checked into the hotel and learned that we would not have Wifi while we were there. Thus, I had to wait till I got home to Harlaxton to blog.

We arrived at the Royal National Hotel which is right on Russell Square. We took our sack lunches and ate in the park. The weather was a little chilly but overall sunny and perfect. We then made our way to the British Museum. I have come to the conclusion that you could spend days in there. Unfortunatly, I had 2 hours. Otherwise, I would have read through every last informative sign. However, it was amazing to see the Egyption and Roman exhibits. Then my theatre class and I had to make our way to Southbank.

My first experience with the Tube was overwhelming to say the least. I asked for help... twice. Anyone who has not see a map of it should definitely look it up. But, by the end of the trip, I can honestly say I can take the tube anywhere with ease. Nonetheless, I had to start somewhere.

We arrived on Southbank to see the London Eye in the distance and began to make our way to the Young Vic Theatre for a tour. The Young Vic is a non-profit theatre and prides it self on its community outreach and artistic, innovative style. I was impressed with how they were revolutionizing theatre and appealing to younger, more diverse audiences. We would be seeing Ah Wilderness! there tomorrow night.

We then walked a few blocks to the National Theatre where we were given another tour. This theatre is far larger and puts on more traditional plays in comparison to Young Vic. We got visit the prop and set design rooms which were hidden in the maze that was this theatre.

After the tour, we stayed at the National since we would be seeing The Beaux Stratagem there that night and got some dinner from a small cafeteria. I had a pulled pork bap (aka a pulled pork sandwich) with chips (fries). I then explained to my more northern classmates what a fritter was as they questioned the menu.

Then we watched our play. To be honest, my expectations were not very high. The set was gorgeous, but I was still jealous of my friends sitting in West End watching Phantom of the Opera. However, I was completely surprised. I laughed my butt off at this old comedy and all the whimsy that the theatre added. It was a play I definitely would not forget.

We departed the theatre late and rode a red double decker bus back to the hotel. Needless to say, I sat on the top deck. When we arrived at the hotel, I met up with some friends and went down to a nearby pub. There we talked about our plays and our first day of London. We also toasted that we had finally found a Wifi spot (conveniently in the pub!)

I realized I might just like this giant town.