Thursday, May 22, 2008

Big Ben & National Gallery - Days 040 & 041


I went to the National Gallery.  There were some really good Rembrandt paintings, I was very excited about that.  Also, the featured highlight was a Leonardo Da Vinci painting that was very impressive.

These dolphin/merman statues are found in many cities.  Some have the person riding the dolphin.  I wonder if dolphins are easier to ride than manatees or if the statue maker likes dolphins more, but I think they ought to have a few statues of mermen or mermaids riding manatees. 

I walked down to see Buckingham Palace and Big Ben.  The picture is of the Queen Victoria Memorial that is located just in front of Buckingham Palace.  Big Ben is in the background.

  

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

I drew a phone booth

I took a few photographs of one of the red phone booths found all over London and I drew it in SketchUp. I just thought I would share.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre - Days 038 & 039


Monday was the opening day of the season at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. I was very excited to time it so perfectly that the day I think about going happens to be the opening day. However, I didn't go Monday, I got all mixed around on the wrong side of the Thames and when I had about 15 minutes to get there I decided I was too late and I got some pizza instead. I tend to talk a lot about pizza. This pizza was from a pizzeria that displays and sells pizza right on the curbside and it was delicious! Also, for one slice it was only £1.50, not too shabby.

On Tuesday I tried again. This time I made it in plenty of time to the theatre. The 'r' before 'e' is the British spelling, by the way. Also, they tend to say "by the by" here, instead of "by the way." I haven't brought myself to say "cheers" to anyone even though I've heard it many, many times. I say thanks but everyone else says cheers. I want to say cheers but I'm worried they'd think I was an American trying to fit in; when really I'd just be an American trying to be polite and use local terms. Either way, I'm excited for France when I'll really be judged for what I say and how I say it. Well, that's what I've heard about it so far.

As I got to the globe, a line had already formed at the doors. Everyone gathered inside the globe and I happened to find myself standing right near the very front, 2nd row. When I go to concerts the tallest person in the whole audience usually chooses to stand right in front of me, thankfully, that did not happen this time. Vacations are always better.

The play at the globe was A Midsummer Night's Dream. I saw this play in high school and I don't think I understood half the jokes in it back then.  This time I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. I think they have different plays going on and I might go to another one since I enjoyed it so much. I took some pictures on the way back.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

London - Days 036 & 037

I learned I get lost in London very easily.  The streets seem to change names at the slightest bend in them.  Also a couple times I took the underground train to get to the bus station.  The cost adds up fast when you're paying for two different types of transportation.
On Sunday I learned how long it takes to walk instead of taking the bus.  Pretty long walk!  It's okay, I passed a few parks and it was a nice Sunday walk.  I also went to the National Portrait Gallery.