Magic, Murder, and Goats

And so another day in London ended with a happy and content feeling.

This week's trip was to Shakespeare's the Globe to see Richard III. I thought I'd be prepared for it because of how many times I've been to Blackfriar's Playhouse in Staunton, but I was wrong. Yes, certain aspects mirror Blackfriar's stage, but it's even more impressive. With three stories, large yard, and an open ceiling, the stage nonetheless dominates the theater.  Wood columns painted to look like marble hold up a stage ceiling decorated with constellations and metal stars. Of course, once the play actually started, I couldn't tear my eyes away from the actors to admire the trappings more.

We had groundling tickets (aka: the cheap seats) where we stood in the yard. Even though the standing part was quite enjoyable, I barely noticed because my groundling status allowed me to be unbelievably close to the stage. I was literally two people away and it was awesome. Normally, I don't really like Shakespeare's histories, but like I said, the actors kept my attention with their wonderful performances.

The cast was all men, making the women's part even more interesting. It was strange at first, seeing someone who was clearly a man by looks and voice, pretending to be women, but after a while I barely noticed. The two Princes of the Tower, who were played by two boys no older than ten and seven respectively, were absolutely adorable! I just wanted to take the little Duke of York home he was so cute! The interaction with the audience throughout was also amusing and wonderful. For example, during Richard's speech to his troops (the audience) he asked Matt if he had lands. Matt shook his head. Seeing the thirteen of us girls surrounding him, the actor asked if he had beautiful wives. With a knowing smirk, Matt nodded. Oh, it would've been even more hilarious if he'd said he actually lived with all of us. If you're ever in London, I would definitely recommend making a stop at the Globe because you'll enjoy yourself no matter the play.

Of course, all I expected from this trip was this play, plus a little more sight seeing of London. Contrary to my expectations, a few pleasant surprises also came along, the first being with the play. You'll never guess who one of the actors was. Roger Llyod-Pack! You all may know him better as Barty Crouch Senior! He was just as splendid on the stage as he was on film. This was made all the more perfect by the fact that the Globe is located near the Millennium Bridge, the bridge that was destroyed in the Half Blood Prince! So perfect.

Want to know another thing that's perfect? Goat ice cream! I know,  random, but I can explain. Located on the way to the Globe, in addition to a reproduction of Sir Francis Drake's ship The Hind, is the Borough Market. You'll know you're there by the mouth watering array of smells that will greet your nose. It's a huge food market, full of baked goods, meats, cheeses, and lunch foods. Although it was really hard to choose (and restrain myself from buying a tempting wheel of cheese), Rachel and I ended up getting empanadas and eating them in a cathedral courtyard right beside the market. Now, what does this all have to do with goat ice cream? One of the stalls in the market is called the Greedy Goat and they have amazing ice cream made from goat's milk. After some thought, we got a scoop of Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake and a scoop of Apple Pie. Overall, I liked it better than cow's milk ice cream. It's lighter on the tongue and sweeter.

Unfortunately, it was eaten all too quickly so Rachel and I moved on. Without a true plan, we rode the Underground to Kensington High Street, wandering into Kensington Gardens. We ended up at Victoria's memorial to Prince Albert, which is taller and more impressive than any of the surrounding buildings. A golden statue of Albert sits beneath a tower that shoots towards the sky, supported by sculptures of the great inventors, writers, philosophers, and artists of Europe and guarded by four groups of statues representing four continents. I don't think anyone would be able to make the mistake that Victoria didn't love her husband after seeing this.

By that time, it was getting dark, so we decided to get home. However, as we went into the Underground, I noticed something. The line we needed to get back to Paddington also happened to stop at King's Cross Station. Can anyone guess my sudden inspiration? Platform 9 3/4! Hee hee. Although the station is a little bit more modern than it looks in the movies, it was still exciting. The platform is relegated to the less busy end of the station and consists of a bare space of brick wall with a sign and half of a cart attached to the wall. The bookstore is right beside it and of course, the Harry Potter books were prominently displayed in the window beside the platform. Ah, advertizing. Still, it was a very good ending of a day.