LP XIII--Insignificant, Creative, and Entertaining

Insignificant felt I when spending several hours in the Natural History Museum, a sprawling complex deservedly devoted to animals, plants, and the non-human world. From dinosaurs to insects, I saw and experienced as much as possible in a few short hours of this amazing institution. Fascinated with insects and arachnids, I focused my attention on the thousands of species currently identified and known. Standing among the insects, walking toward the mammals, and glancing with interest at the fossils and dinosaurs, I realized how small mankind is in this complex world of nature. So as to avoid an emotional regression resulting from the realization of my unimportance as a human, I went across the street to the Victoria and Albert Museum.



Mankind's contributions are well chronicled in this comprehensive presentation of history, art, jewelry, silver, sculpture, and everything man-made throughout time. From thimble art to massive tapestry to costumes, furniture, paintings, monuments, altars, statues, and silver, this museum demonstrates human creativity with all its glory and achievement. Sitting in the Raphael room for several minutes, staring at the monumental paintings by the great artist, I felt the power and majesty of the Biblical stories portrayed in each piece. Admiration for his skill and respect for his artistic profundity does not fully express my feelings about Raphael's remarkable beauty and depth of expression he put into every work of art. His art is nearly so perfect as to be difficult to put into words.

A quick run through of the jewelry section in order to get to the Theatre and Performance area, left me breathless in awe of the diamonds, rubies, pearls, gold, and silver as they richly gleam on the necklaces, rings, bracelets, broaches, and earrings. But I made it to the performance area without excessive coveting of the items, only to see a room devoted to the marvelous Annie Lennox, known as the lead singer of the Eurythmics. She also continues to be a fine composer, philanthropist, and social activist, leading the way for raising money for charities. Continuing on, I realized, almost with a shock and an "aha" moment, that opera and rock concerts have similarities. Side by side, I saw costumes of opera stars and rock stars (Elton John) and began to read about the accompanying events. Rock music has become theatrical with plots, antics, little talking and lots of music, all to provide a visual representation of the sound. Such is true of opera. One may prefer a certain medium over another, but in many ways, the concepts are closely related, although reaching different clientèle.







I completed my human affirmation time in the Victoria and Albert Museum and felt in the mood for English fish and chips. For 6.99 British pounds, I got a great piece of battered cod with large french fries and delicious mashed peas. Lemon juice and vinegar on the fish made it jump into my mouth with joy and I topped it off with a little water. Time to rest and get ready for the play.

Grabbing a bus and heading toward Greenwich, we got off at Southbank and walked into the National Theatre called Olivier Theatre. Stunned by the size of the hall, I realized I had walked into one of the finest theatres I have experienced. With a capacity of nearly 2,000, a rotating stage, and flawless sightlines, this theatre maintains the highest standards of excellence in performance perhaps in the Western world.




The show was called She Stoops to Conquer. First performed in 1773, it is a favorite of Londoners and uses the old English style of delivery. The comical plot of funny personality traits and misunderstandings is about two couples ultimately getting together in spite of the challenges by family members. The title comes from the leading lady pretending to be a housemaid in order to win the attention of a wealthy Londoner. The elaborate staging with a revolving stage allowed for quick changes in the set and in the characters. Aside from the British accents and the advanced vocabulary (I hate to admit that I could have used a dictionary for some of the words!), I followed the story well and could hear everything from my balcony seat. Great acting, physical comedy, and fast-paced delivery gave the play an energetic glow all the way to the satisfactory ending.

Added to the story was a fun and creative musical score with keyboard, some strings, and percussion. All in a folk style, the music was bright, rhythmically interesting (meter changes throughout) and strong in the hall. The cast sang, danced, and seemed to enjoy the vibrant musical score. It was a superior performance in all respects.

Small in the natural world, large in the creative world, then superior in entertainment, human beings may be insignificant in many ways on this earth, but the creative energy, the spark of ingenuity and industry, the desire for personal expression that gives us art and music, sculpture and color, dreams that become reality, synthesize and meld together to secure our place in the past, in the present, and in the future.

LP XII--Tower of London, Cold

The weather suddenly changed, and it is now cold outside. We have had it easy until now with only one coat required and no gloves needed. Today and the rest of this week we wear layers of clothes, gloves, hat, and a scarf. It feels so bitter outside that I can understand why everyone was so angry at each other many years ago.

The Tower of London was founded and built by William the Conqueror in 1066. Used primarily as a prison, it was later used to house royalty, keep the armory, secure the treasury, house the Crown Jewels, imprison people, kill people, torture people, and guard against takeover. Built in concentric layers with the original White Tower as the center, the Tower of London stands today as a strong heritage of the past and a keeper of the Crown Jewels.

We learned more about Henry VIII and saw his armor as a 17 year old and then his armor at age 49. He grew in girth during that time to the point of being unable to sit astride a horse. His antics with his wives added to his already colorful reign as King and we were able to see the world of swords, jousting, Knights, armor, and, sadly, the place of beheadings.

Walking through the cold and the ravens, which seemed a bit angry and unpredictable, we headed up a very narrow, winding staircase and arrived in the Bloody Tower where Sir Walter Raleigh and his family were kept prisoners for 6 years. It was also in this same tower where the two sons of Edward IV were sleeping when they were sadly killed at the ages of 12 and 13. It is also the place where Henry VI was killed.

Our tour included a look at the armory, the cannons, the swords, the heads of the Kings, and the awful torture chamber. It was a quick run-through and no question that there is more to learn about this magnificent structure.

After a lunch of yogurt and bread, acquired from nearby grocery store, I headed toward Marble Arch to buy some clothes. Finding a large department store called Primark, I bought some things to combat the cold and returned to my room. Another productive and educational day in London. But after seeing the evidence and hearing the stories, I continue to be genuinely perplexed at the pain and suffering past leaders inflicted on others. Historically I suppose a ruler had to govern with an iron fist so as not to appear weak; and yet, I have to wonder if the methods pointed toward an inherent insecurity. Furthermore, if this is a human trait, I hope that our refinement in our culture today points us toward greater compassion.

LP XI--All Souls Church

Jumping on a bus and sitting on the top level so as to see more of London from a higher level, we headed to All Souls Church off of Oxford St. This church demonstrates once again the resilience of the British culture as it was bombed to destruction in 1940 and rebuilt ten years later. Although smaller than many of the cathedrals in London, it retains the traditional columns and archways of most of the churches in the area. With a wraparound balcony and gold inlaid design work, the church has all the expected markings of a traditional Anglican church. And that is where the expectations end.

Somewhat shocking for an Anglican church was the carpet and cushioned individual chairs that lined the main worship center. A modern stage contained a praise band with drums, guitars, a cello, a trombone, and yes even a saxophone. The prominent organ was elevated above the band and the grand piano resided on the floor. Rather than an imposing altar, the front modern cross-shaped stand seem to demonstrate the juxtaposition of old and new. No less than 7 large screens were situated throughout the sanctuary and people were able to see in spite of the many columns supporting the balcony.

A word of history is in order. Henry VIII was upset that his wives had only given him daughters and he wished to divorce Catherine and marry Anne Boleyn. It is difficult to capsulize this complicated situation, which included murder and imprisonment, but in the end Henry was denied the right to annul his marriage. Wishing to retain the Roman Catholic ideals but the freedom from the Papacy, the Church of England was formed and defines the church today. With a strong Catholic tradition, most of the Anglican churches in London are considered High Church with chants, all male choirs, strict liturgy, and bowing to the authority of the President of the service. Beautiful, God-centered services with artistically performed music and messages pointing to the Sovereign God of the world are the practice in most Anglican Churches.

But not All Souls Church. We sang Mighty to Save, O Church of God Arise, Forever, and two hymns, all with drums, praise band, pipe organ on everything, and a choir. It was all very inclusive, informal, and partner-oriented. Decidedly anti-Catholic by decrying intercessory prayer, the service was comfortable, familiar, and similar to what I experience weekly in Texas. The 800+ congregation seemed alive with the spirit (at least as much as the culture encourages), and the church stands out as an Evangelical fellowship in the midst of mostly formal offerings.

I did notice that we Texans moved our bodies more than most of the Londoners present and I was once again pleased with the precision in singing that emanated from the congregation. Every consonant was exact and each comma resulted in an almost imperceptible pause. Adherence to the text and careful insertion of harmony gave a feeling of God's choir singing throughout the service. Maybe the church is an anomaly in London, but for me, it was the perfect way to spend a Sunday. And following the service, I again enjoyed a traditional British carvery of roast beef, potatoes, and peas.

There are many ways to worship God, but most people prefer not to worship God in many ways. For me, however, I enjoy the variety of ways to worship and felt privileged to be a part of the service at All Souls Church.

LP X--Music, Tunnels, and Cathedrals

With a free day on Friday, I decided to visit the Handel House, the Royal College of Music, and Royal Albert Hall. On the way to the Handel House, I of course got lost and ended up walking several miles. This seems to be the pattern of my stay in London and I am learning the joys of walking. I must take a minute to describe the streets. Cars, buses, and automobiles move incredibly fast and when the light is red, they keep their foot on the accelerator and the brake ready to jump. The yellow light comes before the green rather than before the red. This means they are ready to go.

Since the traffic is on the left rather than the right, pedestrians must ALWAYS look right before crossing. When the Green Man is on, it is safe to cross. If not, you take your life in your hands. If you cross when the light shows a Red Man and you get hit by a car or bus, your family will get sued for the damage to the vehicle. So the world on the streets is intense to say the least. At the same time, there is an element of safety in that we are all in the same boat. People are polite and helpful and I have not felt any degree of danger other than from the traffic.

As I walked to the Handel House which is where George Frederik Handel, famous for Messiah and Water Music, lived and died during the last half of his life, I began thinking about the night before when I attended Cosi Fan Tutte by Mozart. Being of small means in London, I chose the standing only ticket for the opera. I was allowed to lean on a velvet lined bar behind the main seating area. Royal Opera House is beautiful with ornate gold and red seats and fixtures. Small enough to hear everything yet large enough to seat many people, the hall is ideal for opera and ballet. Without dwelling unnecessarily on the event, I do want to mention the incongruities of the production. They wore today's clothes and spoke in today's idioms, replete with cell phone usage and comical humor of our current world. And yet, at the same time, the music was purely unadulterated Mozart with a full orchestra and wonderful singing on the stage. The singers were incredible and shockingly attractive. Gone are the large, weighty singers of the old days and in are the model types with great voices. Kind of intimidating to us regular folks!



Arriving at the Handel House, I was met at the door by an Asian woman with an English accent. She was quite helpful and when I asked about Jimi Hendrix she became quite lively and mentioned how he lived in the same building of George Frederik Handel. More talk of Jimi than of Handel, I left full of the paradox of the lives of the great composer Handel and the vastly influential Jimi Hendrix.

Making my way on the tube and walking several more miles, I arrived at the Royal College of Music. I was disappointed, however, with the museum of instruments: small, keyboard oriented, and not very informative except for a nice area about Mahler. On the way out of the well-known College, I stopped to listen to a rehearsal in Benjamin Britten Theatre. I was strangely pleased to hear an out of tune piano. Kind of makes things more real to know they have similar struggles to my world back in Texas.



A brief time at Royal Albert Hall which is located across the street from the Royal College of Music and I headed home. A good night's sleep and we were up early to get on a bus for The White Cliffs of Dover. A nearly two hour trip on the bus, and we exited to see the sight of the famous cliffs that guard the English Channel. We then headed up to the cliffs, walked toward the large Dover Castle, and had a stunning tour of the tunnels located under the castle that were used in WWII to treat the wounded and help soldiers and citizens escape from Nazi Germany takeover. The stories of the past came alive as I could feel the fear of the people in the tunnels working hard to help their fellow Englishmen survive.





Time was short, so we returned to the bus (quite a hike) and headed over to the grandest Cathedral I have experienced. The Canterbury Cathedral. Given to St. Augustine in 597 AD, the Cathedral stands as one of the most beautiful and important institutions in British history. With over 2000 services per year, it remains active in spite of its age and magnitude. This large, sprawling church with a stunning nave, a dark and purposeful crypt, and many adjoining rooms, has some of the most incredible stained glass work on the planet. Stories of the past are told in the windows and the floors as well as thrones, the archways, and the courtyards. After the tour where we learned of the stunning martyrdom of Thomas Beckett, we humbly bowed to the Lord in a service called Evensong. The expressive choir sang music of Herbert Howells and Edward Elgar. Powerful, sublime, yet personal, the service stands out as a highlight of the journey.




Arriving home in exhaustion, partly due to the gripping emotional experiences of the day, I turned in with thoughts of how the past shapes our future. Our lives on earth are short but our purpose and our significance can be eternal. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Beckett, lives on today and his story is told as a testament of dedication and the power of truth.

LP IX--Sadness, Joy, Perceptions

The play was called Lovesong, an elegantly produced story of a couple early in their marriage and at the end of their lives. Intertwining the events together, we were given the joys of love, the fears of problems, the trite, the depth, the powerful emotions of a gripping story, and finally the passing. On either side of the dialog were dancing between old and old, young and young, and dream-like sequences between young and old. The music was beautiful, the story enrapturing, and the acting superb. I was moved to tears as the lady ended her life in order to preserve her dignity.

We left thinking about the symbolism of the play, the sadness and the joys, but after a few minutes on the tube train, an announcement came that the line was closed due to illness of a passenger. We exited that train, took some stairs to a different line and resumed our long journey home. Discussion ensued about an illness that would shut down a train and my suspicions were later confirmed, a suicide had occurred. In deep sorrow, and after arriving home, I went on a walk with Dr. Landwer. We saw a drunk in a business suit stumbling about the streets. It provided great comical relief until I later began to reflect on the difficulties of managing the London streets under the influence of alcohol. Crossing the streets of London is dangerous in a sober condition. I found myself in prayer for the drunk man and for those who lives are filled with sadness that causes those kinds of problems.

But the next morning after a 2 mile run through Russell Square, I jumped on the tube and headed toward Acton Town to find the Asian Music Centre with a museum. One of my many responsibilities is to scout out directions and places for our plays and experiences. Needing to check on the Asian music museum but also curious about possibilities for my other class, I often travel to parts of London to see if I think the experience will be beneficial for the students.

Getting a little lost but in the general direction, I stopped at a place called Tech Music School to get directions. Walking in I was shocked to see guitars on the wall and students in line. The young fellow at the desk, with a deep voice and dark short hair was busy telling each student what room and what was expected. Getting to me, he seemed a little surprised to find a bald-headed American in front of him. I asked him about the school and the possibility of a tour. He was not open to that and seemed very busy. I mentioned to him that his voice was impressive and he reminded me of Johnny Cash as a young man. He gave me a quick smile and said that was what he did, Johnny Cash impersonations with a band. I told him that back in Texas many of us listened to Johnny Cash music. He then told me he had toured through Texas and parts of the United States singing Johnny Cash music. He was about to tour again through the United Kingdom and back to the United States.



Knocked out by this news, I told him how impressed I was with the Music Tech school and wondered about someone talking to the Rock and Roll class about the music industry. He suddenly became very helpful and we set it up. The class will now have an opportunity to see real live training of rock musicians and hear from someone in the industry at one of the largest training grounds in London. Excited about this opportunity, I still had not found the museum. I walked some more and found a dilapidated building with a sign Asian Music Centre. The locked door discouraged me, but I knocked loudly and waited. Soon a very tall young man opened the door with a perplexed look. I hesitantly asked about the museum and he smiled and said "Come in and see it."




I walked into a small but very modern looking museum filled with wonderful Asian instruments. Each one had a matching video with it showing how to play. He then showed me a fun, interactive chamber for creating Asian Music. It was all very new and vastly educational. I had hit a jackpot for the Music Appreciation class. A charming lady then found me and said she could give us a talk on Asian music. I scheduled it and realized the day was a success for Rock music and for Music Appreciation. And then the best news of the day occurred, she told me a quicker route to the nearest tube and saved me several miles of further walking!




A short rest and a small group headed to the Texas Embassy for dinner that included enchiladas, rice, and beans in old-fashioned Tex-Mex style. Ah, a moment for Texas. We then walked a short distance to St. Martin in the Fields for a concert. And what a concert it was. Brahms Requiem with a smaller orchestra and incredible choir. With a dynamic range rarely heard and emotion powerful enough to increase the pulse, the performance was exquisite in all respects. The Requiem by Johannes Brahms is one of the greatest works in the repertoire and one that never fails to move the audience. The soloists were rich in tone and vibrancy and the orchestra so well in tune, it sounded like a pipe organ. The gorgeous church was the perfect setting for the event and we left feeling emotionally changed by the experience.




We survived the streets full of buses, cars, and motorcycles and returned home unharmed. While I feel blessed to be in London, it was nice to have a Texas moment. Aside from the craziness of crossing streets which is an adventure each time, I enjoy the busy world of sounds around me. The music of London is found in the concert halls, the parks, the streets, and the people. I love the music of the world with its occasional harshness and warm beauty.

London VIII--Animals and Running

People here are polite and formal but the animals are not. I was running in Russell Square when a pigeon walked in front of me. Hopping over to avoid the little head-bobbing bird, I nearly stepped on another one that popped up from the bush. Frustrated with their rudeness and tired of seeing their little heads bounce up and down without stopping, I continued my run. Passing by an elderly gentleman who was staring upward, I came upon a lady and her dog.

The little dog was dressed in a cute sweater and his pointed ears gave him an alertness I found rather amusing. Smiling at the little thing and thinking about that sweater, I continued my run around the square. On the second time around, they had gone a few steps but were in a relaxed mode. The little cute dog in the sweater was not so cute this time as he stepped in front of me. His very short legs were moving quickly but his body was nearly stationary, as though he were on a treadmill that was moving very fast. It was really quite comical until I realized I must go into the grass which was slightly muddy. The mud slowed me down and made my feet wet. On another day I might have thought about little Andrew from Mary Poppins and maybe I would have attempted a conversation, but on this day he was just plain irritating. Especially annoying was that his sweater was much more attractive than my gray sweats.

Later in the day as I was walking through Hammersmith Borough, I spied a small bakery with fresh bread. Making my way in, I ordered the bread and the lady asked me if I would like butter with it. I said yes and she buttered the delicious item for me, wrapped it in a package, and said thank you. I returned the thanks, paid one pound, and left with a smile on my face, ready to eat my bread.

Continuing my walk through Hammersmith and taking delicious morsels from my bread, I suddenly felt something on my foot. A quick glance down and I realized a bird from above had mistaken my right shoe for a toilet. Disconcerted yet strangely forgiving, I continued my journey with a greater appreciation for the hat on my head. The bird could not help the unfortunate event and I was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. A interesting day I suppose and humbling without being painful. London continues to have surprises around every corner.

London VII--Bombs and Resilience

The bombs fell for 57 days in 1940, killing over 40,000 people and damaging or destroying over 1 million homes and buildings. In an effort to cripple and demoralize Great Britain, Nazi Germany used the bombing method now called The Blitz to bring the country to its knees. But as the picture above demonstrates, the strength and beauty of the country towered greater than its enemies and stands today as a symbol of heritage, of truth, and of majestic courage. As the bombs came crashing down on London and fires ensued, brave citizens took their place on the dome of the cathedral and quenched fires as they came, thus saving the magnificent structure and instilling a sense of hope and resilience in the people. In the end London and Britain survived and Nazi Germany did not.

Our walking tour and afternoon lecture, primarily about the oldest part of London revealed other facts of this marvelous city including its Roman past, the importance of the year 1066, the Monarchy lineage with its occasional absurdity and brilliant wisdom that takes us to the elegant beauty of Queen Elizabeth, and mostly the heritage of this marvelous city that gives us beautiful art and architecture, museums and concert halls, theatres and libraries, and fish and chips!

My early breakfast of yogurt and coffee followed later by a lunch of tomato soup dictated the need for a more robust dinner last night. Heading out on a brisk walk with my colleague Dr. Landwer, we found ourselves in Chinatown. Celebrating the Chinese New Year, the area was decorated with bright red oval balls and Asian ornaments. Bakeries, restaurants, and clothing stores lined the streets and the feeling of excitement and energy permeated our thoughts. We found an excellent restaurant and I sensed the lovely but dead duck in the window asking for my attention. Ordering Hot and Sour Soup, Orange Duck, and White Rice, we patiently waited for our food and discussed Asian culture and its assimilation in London. Like most Londoners, the people in the restaurant were generally kind, polite, and fast moving, eager to please but equally set upon accomplishing their goals. I am entranced by the formal politeness of this world and am intent to retain that quality upon my return to America.

Far from being contrived, there is a sense of mutual respect for each other that I find refreshing and infectious. At first, in my selfish arrogance, I thought it was my "deanly" demeanor that caused everyone to call me sir, but I soon realized that is the pattern of the culture. Men are sirs and ladies are ma'am. Responding in kind to others, I have increased my usage of Ma'am and Sir and am personally rewarded with a sense of service and admiration for others, reminding me of the joys of humbly respecting those around us. I believe a wise man once said to do to others as you would have them do to you. More than just words, the truth of the Gospel is real in our lives.

Back to the meal of soup, duck, and rice, I left the restaurant joyful with my taste buds warmly treated to a balance of sour and sweetness, of wild and tame, of the richness of the world in one meal. Roses come with thorns, music has consonance and dissonance, and great meals often have variety in flavor, such is the case of Chinese food. We walked aggressively through London, bundled up against the cold but exhilarating chill, and returned back to our apartment complex filled with thoughts of food, of life, and of friends.

LP VI--Church, Food, and Museum

Gathering at 10:40, we headed to Westminster Abbey. On the way there, I reflected on the previous evening's meal of fish and chips. A large piece of cod with batter surrounded by beefy looking french fries called chips. All this balanced with a small cup of absolutely delicious mashed peas. All in all a tasty and quite traditional meal, topped off with a little carbonated water. Most of the students had a gentle chocolate dessert, but I wisely felt my limit of food intake!

A quick jaunt to Holburn to take us to Green Park and onward to Westminster tube station, a very nice station with plenty of space and escalators. Almost running to avoid being late, I glanced around me at the station and standing 5 feet from me were two old friends, parents of a former student. In much shock, we hugged, had a brief conversation but had to separate to get to the church on time. It was great to see them, but being one of the teachers of this London Studies program, I needed to remain with the group.

Arriving nearly breathless from the journey, we walked into the magnificent and glorious Westminster Abbey, certainly one of the greatest and most beautiful cathedrals in the world. We were instantly transformed into humble servants in the presence of greatness. Ornate without being gaudy, filled with intricate detail but grand in scope, the cathedral is somehow moderately conservative in attitude while being boldly powerful in spirit, strongly communicating the presence of the Lord with every breath and with every step. As the service began, I was reminded that the artistry of a high Anglican service is unmatched in this modern world but is surpassed by its own sensitivity and poetic liturgy. The poignant polyphony of the music reminded each of us of the individual nature of our lives that is melodic yet necessarily congruent in its collective. We were at one with the Lord in this setting and yet were able to bring our individual offering of gratitude to the table.

The incredible choir sang Victoria and Tallis, sounding like a recording as it reverberated off the walls and high multi-arched ceiling. The warm, rich pipe organ presented a pyramid of sound with the foundational bass tones almost resonating from within the architectural structure of the Abbey. The flawless organist played a Buxtehude Praeludium at the end of the service that was difficult beyond measure but sounded effortless in its presentation. I was moved by the service, awed by the music, mesmerized by the art, and spiritually changed by the text.

Making our way out of the Abbey, four of us ate a traditional Sunday lunch of Roast Beef and potatoes at the Red Lion restaurant. Returning to our domicile for a short nap, I soon headed over to the British Museum. Stunned by the artwork, I found myself in awe over the ancient German folk art depicting allegorical works of humor and profound meaning. I then wandered down to the British section and felt a funny mixture of emotions when I studied the books. Huge, heavy books containing maps, drawings, and ancient texts. Shakespeare, Plutarch, Gibbons, and the list continues. But my heart grew heavy as I admired these great works. Will there be books in 50 years? Is the future of the book in jeopardy? Will this blog ever be printed or will it remain in cyberspace forever and soon forgotten? Is the past soon to be enveloped and assimilated into a technological future without a physical presence? Scary thoughts in a way, or maybe comforting depending on your view!

LP V--Shows and Food

I got up early today with the teachers and students to send them off on what is called a Tube Rallye. This is a big London scavenger hunt to discover London. They will be at it all day and will bring back pictures proving their findings. After they left, I went for a mile run in the park. I started to hit two miles but changed my mind since I have several things I need to do today. Cleaning up and straightening my room, I came to the coffee shop to reflect on yesterday.

The British professor took the group on a London Walk where we saw the outside of several museums, churches, and shops. We covered much of central London and walked out on a bridge over the Thames River. It was a lengthy walk and on the cold side, resulting in lots of tired people. Returning to the Pickwick and after a brief rest, I and Dr. Landwer who is the coordinator for the program, walked over to one of the finest Italian restaurants I have experienced. Wonderful lasagna and garlic bread touched my palate gently as I ate the delicious food. I find the food in London to be tasty and varied and I have yet to have anything that was not excellent. Soups, bread, meats, and all entrees are perfectly prepared.

Thinking that the evening could not get better after one of the best meals I have had, we began our walking journey to the show Shrek the Musical. Like the students, I was not convinced it would be a good show. After all, Shrek is sort of a cartoon and more for kids in general. Our seats were in the lower balcony and once we were settled, I began to study the theatre. Gorgeous hall replete with ornate columns, balcony extensions, and charming London architecture. Not huge, the theatre was designed for optimal acoustics and excellent visuals. Aside from the very close quarters (I guess Londoners are used to being close to each other), the seats were comfortable and ideally suited for a theatre experience.

Shrek is an average plot that we have all read and heard before. Ugly guy falls in love with pretty girl and they end up together. Ho-hum. But on stage, the typical story comes alive with humor, fear, energy, terrific songs, and non-stop creativity. Each moment was sheer entertainment from the word go. Each set was wonderfully intricate and contained motion and shimmering lighting that added to the moment. The costumes were nothing less than incredible but were second to the high level professional acting.

Wild, fun songs with a blend of country, rock, folk, and hints of classical all came together to provide a musical of joy, humor, and non-stop energy. Clever text that matched the melodies and bass line to perfection reached a bouncing audience that soon had the entire theatre moving to the exalted beat. Really just a blast all the way through. Lord Farquaad was a hilarious scream with his short legs, rude quips, and hidden gay references. His personal qualities were weak partly due to being the son of one of the Seven Dwarves! Too cute to hate, the audience knew he would receive justice in the end.

Sets that included a flying and singing dragon, a bridge over fire, a castle, a mysterious cabin, and a magical forest kept the audience electrified throughout the performance. Great singing, acting, and dancing worked together for one of the great entertaining experiences I have had in years. What a joy!

Ah the fun of London. More to do, more to see, more to analyze, and more to experience. Having a great time!