We had a safe and efficient exit from Paris via the Chunnel, a two plus hours train ride to London and then an adventurous trip on the underground tube to Piccadilly Circus, which is a bit of a circus but is only 3 short blocks from our London apartment.
We are very well situated. Pubs on every street, tourists and every language spoken here, and theaters within walking distance in every direction. We are between Mama Mia, Phanton of the Opera, and several other less known productions. Our first night we saw Andrew Lloyd Weber's newest, a continuation of Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies. It is a spectacle, interesting play on two very distinct sets. The Phantom, who escaped from the fire that destroyed the Paris Opera House 10 years earlier, now resides in Coney Island where he operates, from a private spot, the magical, mystical, fantastical show, Phantasma. When Christine comes to New York to perform on opening night at the Metropolitan Opera House, invited by Hammerstein, the Phantom meets up with her. What follows is an haunting opera, not really a musical, where the theme of Love Never Dies plays out in multiple sequences.
Saturday we spent the day sightseeing. First Westminister Abbey, truly magical, but the trees from the wedding are gone. Then off to the Tower of London following the trials of 16th century beautiful Anne Boelyn, wife of Henry until she couldn't produce an heir and was executed (cheap divorce of the time). Then for a spin on the famous London Eye with its overview of Buckingham Palace before we headed home through Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square.
The area is teeming with people out and about enjoying this beautiful spring London weather. We're pooped. Tomorrow we're taking it easy with a day in the country, Bath, Stonehenge, and Salisbury by bus--we're leaving the driving and thinking to them.
We close the day with wonderful thoughts for each of you and a self-reminder that this trip is a gift.
Love and best, Adrienne and Stu
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