4 Days in London - Brief Trip Report
 

Decided to go at the last minute and the main highlight was Shakespeare at the Globe.

Taming of the Shrew was awesome. Got to the return line late at 6:45 and luckily, a 25 pound ticket became available a minute before starting time. Women played men and vice versa. A sick actor forced role changes and some were reading from the text. A refund was offered if you claimed the performance non-satisfactory but I'm sure no one took it up.

The next night, BBC 4 broadcasted Richard II live and I tried to stay out of line of sight of the cameras as I was busy shifting my weight from foot to foot because I was in the standing area.

Squeezed in two concerts at the Wigmore, which has great acoustics (After concert sherry was a nice touch), and sat in on some master classes (piano) at the Royal Academy of Music since my hotel was next door. That was a nice treat.

In the interim, saw the Royal Crown Jewels and Tower of London. 14 pounds is a steep entrance fee. Walked Notting Hill's Portabello Road, the East End area around Liverpool Station (Brick Lane and the markets), Soho (loved the Seven Dials), the Thames walk, Abbey Road (Beatles Album cover), Regents Park and perused many CD/Book shops along the way.

On the flight in and out, I read JK Rowling and Nick Hornby. How's that for British immersion?

Anyone else love those British commercials? I actually look forward to watching TV because the commercials are laugh out loud funny but that's just me.

I keep screwing up how much cash to get from the atm. One of these days, I'll get it down to one withdrawal for the trip.

Only amsuing for Americans or such minded people.

I like British commercials, too. Way more "out there" and very funny!
Sounds like you had an amazing trip, watching the master classes must have facinating. Were these classes open to the general public, or do you know someone who got you in?

The master classes were open to the public for 8 pounds a day and classes were held for a variety of instruments - cello, violin, etc...

It was a bargain compared to a concert and I always learn much from classes and attend any that I find.

Excellent tip for classical music lovers, squeaky. Thanks!