"I'm just here for the food."
The West End is London's equivalent of Broadway, and rushing for tickets here is very similar to how it's done in New York. Some friends invited us to wake up early one morning and wait outside the Gielgud Theatre to get our hands on cheap tickets to "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time".
Luckily England graced us with the bluest sky that morning.
Stoop Kids
We're trying to figure out how to balance our course work with having fun in the city. It's going to be a constant struggle. However I came prepared for the stake out with Dickens' Oliver Twist in tow.
Please, sir, I want some tickets!
He obliged, and we went back that evening for my first West End show.
Our rush tickets put us smack dab in the middle of the front row, so I quickly snuck a photo of the incredible stage before the usher yelled at me to put my camera away.
It was an incredible performance, and I highly recommend it! I heard the book is excellent as well. A little birdy (the Internet) even told me that its Broadway debut will be this October.
Continuing on with the theatre theme... my Shakespeare class was taken on a field trip for a performance of Julius Caesar. We all met at the Globe, and the walk there gave us stunning views of the Thames from the Millennium Bridge.
Tower Bridge in the distance
Millennium Bridge to St. Paul's
We had Β£5 "groundling" tickets, which means that we stood at the base of the stage for the duration of the performance. Our professor says it lets us really take in the show and be a part of the action... Standing in one place for over three hours wasn't really my favorite, but sincerely the actors were so talented and dedicated. It's a treat to see Shakespeare live, and we're all looking forward to the next plays in the upcoming weeks.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in all her glory
Apparently we all share a love affair of outdoor food markets (I mean who wouldn't?), so we wanted to check Borough Market off of our list. It's one of London's oldest food markets, and draws large crowds throughout the week.
The market is just steps away from the Southwark Cathedral.
Southwark Cathedral
Just look at all that BREAD!
Some of my Georgia people will recognize this girl! Emily is also here for the summer working at a London theatre. I'm so happy to be able to spend time with her.
The gang lunching in the church courtyard.
Hey look! It's me!
Not a bad view for an afternoon lunch
