The process of getting from the monastery to London took over 24 hours, but everything went as planned. I got a reasonable amount of sleep on the (long) flight from Mumbai to Frankfurt. In London, I took a train from the airport to the downtown area, and then a taxi to my hotel. The taxi driver was very nice, explaining the sights along the way and telling me about other attractions
around my hotel.
I arrived a few hours before I could check in, so I dropped my bags off and started wandering. The first thing that happens is that I find a used bookstore a few blocks from my hotel and buy a few books - including an exciting astronomy book from the late 1800s. Oops. I better get more of the books that I brought read, so that I can leave them behind. My bag is far too heavy.
I aimed towards the West End, thinking I'd get theater tickets for tonight. I found the theater where "Bend it Like Beckham: The Musical" was showing, and bought a ticket. I kept walking and found the most amazing comic store. It was geek heaven - two floors of books, dvds, comics, and merch. I managed to walk out without buying something, mostly with my heavy suitcase in mind. I did, however, read through a new issue of a comic that I know is waiting for me at home. I'm not a patient person...
I found a small craft beer bar and decided to grab a pint. It was certainly afternoon (if not yet late afternoon) but it was probably night in India. They had a great selection of sours, and I got an amazing beer called "Cool as a Gherkin" - I'm fairly sure I have heard of it before. I made it back to the hotel, showered, and took a nap.
I found a great Italian place for dinner on the way to the theater. I was somewhat worried that it might take too long, but my food came quickly and I devoured it. Arriving at the theater somewhat early, I walked around the block and found a cute garden out back. I enjoyed the plants for a few minutes, then went into the theater.
The show was amazing. It only opened 3 weeks ago, and this is the world premier. The tone is slightly different than the movie, but the plot is largely the same. The music was a mix of typical "musical"-type numbers, as well with some traditional Indian songs, and Bollywood-like numbers. It was very fun! The theater was beautiful, and the set design was incredible. Most of the productions I have seen recently are college or community produced, so the level of a West End show blew me away.
I have some pictures from today, but the internet is rather spotty at the hotel. I look forward to getting a full night's rest (on a completely horizontal surface) and getting up tomorrow for my tea tasting class.
around my hotel.
I arrived a few hours before I could check in, so I dropped my bags off and started wandering. The first thing that happens is that I find a used bookstore a few blocks from my hotel and buy a few books - including an exciting astronomy book from the late 1800s. Oops. I better get more of the books that I brought read, so that I can leave them behind. My bag is far too heavy.
I aimed towards the West End, thinking I'd get theater tickets for tonight. I found the theater where "Bend it Like Beckham: The Musical" was showing, and bought a ticket. I kept walking and found the most amazing comic store. It was geek heaven - two floors of books, dvds, comics, and merch. I managed to walk out without buying something, mostly with my heavy suitcase in mind. I did, however, read through a new issue of a comic that I know is waiting for me at home. I'm not a patient person...
I found a small craft beer bar and decided to grab a pint. It was certainly afternoon (if not yet late afternoon) but it was probably night in India. They had a great selection of sours, and I got an amazing beer called "Cool as a Gherkin" - I'm fairly sure I have heard of it before. I made it back to the hotel, showered, and took a nap.
I found a great Italian place for dinner on the way to the theater. I was somewhat worried that it might take too long, but my food came quickly and I devoured it. Arriving at the theater somewhat early, I walked around the block and found a cute garden out back. I enjoyed the plants for a few minutes, then went into the theater.
The show was amazing. It only opened 3 weeks ago, and this is the world premier. The tone is slightly different than the movie, but the plot is largely the same. The music was a mix of typical "musical"-type numbers, as well with some traditional Indian songs, and Bollywood-like numbers. It was very fun! The theater was beautiful, and the set design was incredible. Most of the productions I have seen recently are college or community produced, so the level of a West End show blew me away.
I have some pictures from today, but the internet is rather spotty at the hotel. I look forward to getting a full night's rest (on a completely horizontal surface) and getting up tomorrow for my tea tasting class.
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