Posts
Saturday (Day 90 ): A Bird's Eye View of London
There was plenty of shopping, then an early evening spin on the Eye together, topped off with a nightcap with GCP friends at O'Neil's.
Followed by a night out with GCPers.
Friday (Day 89): Alex and Billy Were Brilliant
Alex arrived right on schedule from Manchester, and we found each other without difficulty. We had just a moment to stop by the flat before grabbing a quick bite to eat. Then it was off to Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace. Afterwards, we joined some GCPers for drinks and conversation at a local watering hole. I hope to add a few notes here about the play, but the pace here has picked up a lot, so I can't promise.
Thursday (Day 88): Work Continues
This week, I got a quick overview of the software program that CPT uses to create its on line newsletter. Among my assignments for the remainder of the week is to review the upcoming program, research details about the plays and actors, and then propose an outline for the next issue of the newsletter. With a little luck, it will be ready just before Easter.
Wednesday (Day 87): No Joke!
Earlier in the week, EUSA staff had passed on an alert from the United States Department of State concerning potentially dangerous activity intended to disrupt the G-20 meeting, which takes place in London on April 1. We had been advised to discuss the situation with our internship supervisors, especially if we worked in the financial district, where it was thought that at least disruption of public transportation and demonstrations were most likely to take place.
As far as I know, everyone reported for work today. It was easy to see that police were out in force. In addition, streets around London Square were closed, as were tube stops in the general area. There was lots of talk on the streets and many of us were anxious about what the day might hold.
I DID NOT TAKE THESE PICTURES, MOM AND DAD. The one below appeared in the Daily Mail, a London News Service. Things got pretty hot and heavy at the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Bank of England. (An unnamed GCPer actually took the picture above. A little too close for my comfort. Crazy!)
This is my fourth trip to Europe. Each time there's been a real, live example of social action in the streets. If it's not crazy soccer fans celebrating a victory, it's a union on strike. If it's not a union on strike, it's anarchists trying to bring down capitalism. I think there is a serious message in all of this that deserves reflection, but not here, not at this hour.
In other news, the average Briton on the street seems more than disappointed that upon meeting the Queen of England, the Obama's presented Her Majesty with an ipod, loaded with pictures of her most recent visit to the colonies and several of the President's speeches - perfect maybe for a teenager, but a Head of State? For our most trusted and important ally? Let's hope "high-fives" were not exchanged. (I didn't take this picture either.)
The ONLY downside to being across the pond right now is that we might miss Villanova's second National Basketball Championship. Let's hope that the intersection of Lancaster and Ithan doesn't look like Threadneedle and Prince's (shown above) after the Cats stomp the Tarheels.\V/ GO NOVA! \V/
After another day of work with Matt at CPT, I joined the usual suspects for play number 9, Spring Awakening. The musical is based on a controversial 1891 German play of the same title by Frank Wedekind. It's set in late-nineteenth century Germany, and "concerns teenagers who are discovering the physical and psychological realities of adolescent sexuality." The original play was banned in Germany due to its sometimes graphic portrayal of sex and violence. In its day, of course, pregnancy, abortion, rape and suicide were not suitable content for the stage, much less public conversation. It has become a "must see" for even highschoolers in the States, as we are much more open about all of these topics now. Given our situation today, however, it does seem reasonable to speculate about the benefits of our new found "enlightenment."
The show has barely been open for two weeks, and it was a great chance to see the original London cast. Overall the performances were excellent; the London actor playing Melchior, much to my amazement, even resembled his adorable NY counterpart, Jonathan Groff! As with some of the other shows I've seen at the West End, some individual performances were better acted than the New York version I had seen last summer.
Seeing it for a second time reminded me just how beautiful the music is and how poignant the message of the story. It's hard not to be touched by the universal messages of love, friendship, redemption and life itself. It's probably one of the most moving shows I've seen, and I'm glad I got to share the experience with some of my closest friends in the Global Citizens Program.
Monday (Day 85): Back to Reality
The work week has come much too quickly, and I realize how much I miss the big bed, the relaxing bubble baths, the beautiful view and the quiet solitude of my weekend in Scotland. But Alex, from Prestbury, will be arriving this Friday to visit, and it will be a fantastic weekend - maybe even a little loud and boisterous!
Meanwhile, my agenda includes:
a return to class - Britons at Work and finishing the final paper, implementation of SWOT analysis at CPT, seeing show number 9 - Spring Awakening at Novello Theatre, mundane chores - laundry and grocery shopping, waiting for Alex - my favorite Briton, and seeing show number 10 - Billy Elliot at Victoria Palace.
