The London Weekend 15th/16th August

[Sorus]

You guys make such an adorable couple that I'm not even disappointed that the fuzzy ears aren't pink.

[hue of fuzzpaws]

15/8/15 Day 1 still cont.

We had two choices lined up first. Frosty had been reading up on the Vendel Age, as we hoped to see the Sutton Hoo hoard. However, we also have an interest in Beowulf. Mine came about after I bought a copy of Julian Glovers adaptation of it (He performed it as a one man show for many years). So it was decided to go to the British Library first.

The British Library has a free exhibition comprising of a tiny selection of all their total collection. It is divided into various sections such as literature, music, drama ect.

To actually see the Beowulf manuscript was nearly as good as seeing dear Frosty . So we took our time, looking at the various exhibits, especially with Frosty going oooh and aaahh over the fine artistic work of such items as the Lindisfarne Gospels, the fusion between Celtic knot-work and Saxon type decorations, so much so that I thought she was having a goldgasm.

However time was ticking away and after a rather hurried glance around the shop, we had to make a quick dash back to Victoria Station and then tracking down the Victoria Apollo for the matinee performance of “Wicked” Frosty had ordered the tickets on-line, so it was just a case of picking them up and then finding our seats at the very rear of the dress circle.

Frosty had very thoughtfully made sure that we had our seats next to each other, as to facilitate a lot of hand holding during the performance. From our vantage point we had a clear view of the stage and hearing the actors etc was not a problem.

We had both come to “Wicked” not really knowing what to expect. I had vague recollections about it being related to “The Wizard of Oz” in some way, however, after seeing it, it would be better to say that it is like an alternate “WOO”, with the Wicked Witch of the West as the main character.

As the theatre was nearly full, when the interval came we were both ready for a drink. After fighting our way down to the foyer, I treated Frosty to a nice cooling Slush-type drink (which we shared during the rest of the performance) whilst Frosty went to look at some merchandise.

We both enjoyed the performance, which contained many special effects, however, from my point of view; it had no tunes that sent you out of the theatre humming them. And holding hands with Frosty is not to be missed

[Frostheart Grueburn]

Thank you everyone for the well-wishes, etc.

How about having the next meet-up in the "midlands"? I can play gooseberry.

Well, Fuzzpaws was fine with the idea. Would be great to see you again. He's coming to Finland during October (Now, will he represent the first instance of KW-traveling to this frost-clogged periphery? You others must follow suit!), but I'm entertaining thoughts about another yuletime hop to England, which likely would feature Midlands. Depending on how I can arrange vacation time, might have 4-6 days off.

[Sorus]

I liked Wicked - saw it here a few years back. It's based on a book of the same title, written by Gregory Maguire. He's done a few other alternate PoV versions of famous stories as well.

[Frostheart Grueburn]

I liked Wicked - saw it here a few years back. It's based on a book of the same title, written by Gregory Maguire. He's done a few other alternate PoV versions of famous stories as well.

Ahh of course, the name of the author's familiar even if never have read the novel. Musical certainly was entertaining but could not beat Phantom.

Some sightseeing photos of the entire episode here. (OMG! GASP! ) Strong concentration on Sunday as selfie'ing was allowed neither in the British Library nor in the theater.

We did wonder whether this lady might be my evil twin from an alternate universe (or vice versa).

[Frostheart Grueburn]

Alas, packing has occupied me again, so this thread may get new content still come October.

Saturday afternoon at Westminster Cathedral, the mini-micro-me of W. Abbey.

Someone sports a very beary expression.



The trademark boots won't vanish, this is merely iteration III.



Me-ta at Hampton Court Palace.



Fuzzpaws became fascinated by the wondrous merchandise in the shop. Especially the Henry VIII snowglobe, although we wondered whether their blasphemous power might bend space-time.





Had to put my granite boot down, however, when Fuzzpaws wanted to buy me this set.



Here's someone imitating her evil twin in the hideous pink carriage.

[hue of fuzzpaws]

15/0815 Day 1 cont . . .

Back out into the warm evening we decided to head off to track down Westminster Cathedral and to see if we could find somewhere to have something to eat. It was a pleasant walk as the crowds had dispersed and it was ideal conditions for hand holding.

We tracked down Westminster Cathedral fairly easily and as you can see from the pictures Frosty posted that it led to some photo opportunities . It was slightly unfortunate that we had not arrived early as a service was commencing. However we did sneak in to view the fine interior decoration and to listen to the fine acoustics and the choir lifted up their voices. We had a quick look in the gift shop, however, that was closing down for the evening too.

From there we commenced our search for some where to eat, with Frosty issuing dire threats if I suggested a McDonalds. Then we came across this fine looking pub, looking rather out of place with the gleaming glass and steel of the surrounding buildings



The prices for the meals seemed to be very reasonable and Frosty’s tummy was making some bear-like noises so we decided to have our evening meal there. The dining room was on the first floor and was nicely oak (?) panelled.

The food was good, the company was better and our conversation continued, touching on a myriad of subjects (the Chronicles included) whilst we both enjoyed each others company.

[hue of fuzzpaws]

15/8/15 Day 1 final.

The sun was starting to set when we emerged from “The Albert”, nicely replete after our dinner. We decided to walk back to Victoria Coach Station and retrieve the rest of Frosty’s luggage before making our way to our lodgings for the night. However, before we made our way to the lodgings, Frosty had one last place to visit.

This entailed us in making our way to Oxford Street and tracking down a particular store Frosty wished to visit. By the time we got to Oxford Street it was dark and Frosty’s store took a while for us to track it down. Once she got there she purchased a couple of fine quality mugs, as Finns seem to survive on nothing other than coffee, most of the time The lady that served Frosty was most interested that Frosty had come all the way from Finland and also how the Finns tend to be either bilingual or trilingual.

Then we finally made our way from Oxford Circus to Paddington and then onwards to Royal Oak. By this time it was getting on towards 10pm and we were both feeling rather weary as we tracked down our lodgings, which took a bit of finding as it was in a mews. The owner expressed concern about us when we arrived, however, you could not ask for a more courteous person as he ushered us in. And this is where Day 1 finishes (well, for the Watch members anyway )