missing the great city of london

So here I am a week after my wonderful trip. I have learned so much and have been exposed to art, theater, music, culture and so much more. I am so blessed and humbled to have experienced my summer in London (and other cities). I am creating a scrapbook/photo album to capture the picture moments and I have this blog to come across time and again to refresh my memory. Thank you for reading.

And onwards to my fall semester in NY- to blog or not to blog? that is the question!

Last 2 days. Please stop time, I don't want to leave. I've been living the life!!

Saw the best two shows this past week. 1: Earthquakes in London was definitely my favorite show I have seen, in general, in my whole life. Its "spectacle" was just one of its fantastic elements, but contributed to its overall greatness. A certain mood was created as soon as you stepped into the theater. I knew I was in for a different experience. I felt like the show was catered to my generation, another aspect I enjoyed. The plush red stools, the walkway stage and two opposite side stages was so creative and new. The flashing images on the walls help create a vibe of a consuming culture. The intimacy of our seats to the performance was another wonderful element. The intensity and roller coaster of emotion and plot was sure to keep everyone entertained and captivated. The acting was incredible and I could see the emotions pour right out of the actors’ faces. The set up of the staging also really worked for me. The pace of the show was great as we were able to effortlessly watch the play unfold without any set change interruptions. The fast, chaotic pace on the floor stage contrasted well with the slower pace on the side stages. I loved the plot itself, without any of the extra fluff, but surely enjoyed and think the performance (the spectacle) brought the already great plot to a higher level to create a masterpiece. If you're curious to know what it's about google it- Earthquakes in London, Mike Bartlett. Still teary eyed over its beautifullness.

I would also give an award for best performance of the summer to Benedict Cumberbatch in After the Dance. What a name!!! He brought life and realness to his performance. I felt like he really listened and had a range of emotions to share throughout the long and dark play. Yet his realistic acting helped me appreciate his character. He cried more than I’ve ever seen a man cry. I give him this award because I hated him, but loved him. I wanted him to succeed in the end and was heartbroken when he poured that drink for himself resorting back to his old ways as the curtains were closing. I could see a man struggling with emotions.

Falling asleep in my chair. Trying to not catch a cold after tonight- sitting outside in the Open Air Theater for Into the Woods. Cute concept. Not such a cute night (drunk people, freezing cold, outside distractions, bad singing...)

night xoxo

5 days of the program left. noooooooo...

Saw Windsor Castle on Friday with the group on a field trip. Lovely. The state apartments (seeing where the royal family hosts dinner parties, where previous royalty has lived and currently lives) and St. George's Chapel were the two highlights for me.

Saturday saw the Great Game- 12 short plays about Afghanistan. Glad I got through the day- but it was definitely a new experience. Theater from 11:30 AM- 10 PM. Favorite part was the dinner on Duke- had these amazing fry like potatoes and super sautéed veggies. And love having Duke provide us with wine, always a plus haha

Sunday- today- went to Windsor castle (Again) but with Matt this time (this trip was pre planned prior to knowing about friday's field trip!). We walked around the very nice town, got amazing coffee and chocolate and fudge! Than we went to Stonehedge- and saw stones. And went to Baths and saw some hot springs/baths and a cute town. And went home on a 3 hour bus ride. Was it worth it? Well HEYY I SAW STONEHENGE AND BATH. But, maybe not worth a trip back again... highlight of day: edamame from M&S and Britney Spears biography book for only 4 pounds. yup.

Sorry this blog is kind of incomprehensible... very exhausted.

My favorite plays I saw last week- afterall, I'm here for shows right? The Prince of Homburg at the small Donmar Warehouse- great acting and interesting story. Billy Elliot was a letdown- the cast was not up to par. Sister Act was just pure entertainment, glitter and show. LOVED Enron- really made me think out of the box. The Habit of Art back at the National- a play within a play, always a cool concept... ermm yes. That was week 5 of theater.

Night! xoxo

PARIS :)

Oh, how I loved Paris. It's just gorgeous. Two complaints I have- We got to see everything, but didn't get to immerse ourselves in it (which is hardly a complaint). Just means I HAVE to go back! And second, once it's sundown, the city goes to bed. Matt and I could not find much to do at night other than walking around- which of course was perfectly great. It was just shocking (we must of been in the wrong area?).

I loved the Eiffel Tower- it really is huge. We went on a Saturday, in the summer, so of course it was packed. We didn't get to climb up it. But, we kissed under the Eiffel Tower (I know, sooo romantic). Check off the list! Dinner, if you care to eat on top of it, will cost you on average over 70 Euros per plate (even for a plate of grilled veggies). We next-ed that.

We did an awesome walking tour... for free! This very funny, educated college student from London who was living in Paris for the summer took us and about 30 others around Paris's top attractions for 3.5 hours. We heard about the history and interesting facts about everything Parisian. It was great! Though at one point I was much more interested in the MOVIE being filmed right in front of me. It was so cool. They just planted the set in the middle of a crowded square- put up a green screen, the actors in this beautiful red card, a whole crew- amazing. I'm still not sure what it was!!

For dinner we went to Amelie's cafe, right near where Moulin Rouge is. It was amazing. I got this great dinner of olive oil soaked bread, grilled veggies and melted cheese on top- delicioussss! It was a real French place, it was great and so cute. We felt like we were in the movie.

On Sunday we went to the Lourve. It's free the first Sunday of every month and it so happened to be August 1st on the Sunday we went! We got there at 8:15 AM, yup- woke up at 7 AM to go to a museum. Who AM I?! It was so cool though. That museum is incredible, like a mile long and full of history. Saw the Mona Lisa and it was so surreal, I really enjoyed the painting. It's on its own wall, covered with a bullet proof shield and like 4 different bars to keep us at a distance. If you go at any time during the day its packed in there with photos flashing. Mona Lisa is probably the most famous person in the world! Constant paparazzi!! We go there right when the museum opened, so we got pretty close to her and to the Venus statue. :)

Can't wait to go back to Paris!! Merci for reading. xoxo