Hands down, best Abbey I've ever seen

(Why yes, I am going to quote Friends as much as humanly possible. You're welcome)
On Saturday of our trip, we headed to Ben Big, Westminster Abbey and the Imperial War Museum before jetting off to get in a few hours of ABBA that night.Even though we got to the Abbey fairly early, there was still a massive line, but, that was for credit card purchase--we had cash and basically walked right in. So, lesson: cash!

There are no photos allowed in the Abbey, but, I think we all remember what it looked like from the Royal Wedding, yes?

Semi illegal photo taken from inside the Abbey.
My feetsies in the same place where Kate stood before becoming a Princess (listen, I know she's technically a Duchess or whatever, but, I'm just gonna call her Princess Kate and we're all going to be ok with it)
Yeah, I don't look so good here. Just, imagine me in an Alexander McQueen gown and trust me, the image is much better.

Seriously, I could watch that damn wedding every single day and not get tired of it. It's like the best movie ever, only it's REAL.
Don't worry, I know I have problems. I'm aware.
My dad proceeded to get into an argument about me regarding the location of the Royal Wedding. Seriously? We don't argue with me about these things. I WILL WIN.

It's such an impressive building, there is so much history. I know we saw a ton of the tombs of former Monarchs, but, the ones that stood out were that of Mary and Elizabeth I, since they are entombed next to each other--it's rather sweet.

"You know, they're thinking of changing the name of this place."

"Oh yeah? To what?"

"To Put The Camera Away!"

"You are Westminster Crabby!"

(SEE WHAT I DID THERE?!)
I've been to the Abbey several times before, but, I still can't get over it. It's so intricate and ornate and beautiful. I could have stayed there all day, seriously.

It is open to the public for Sunday services, which I actually really wanted to go to, but, I uh, ended up sleeping in and then going on a (unsuccessful) hunt for my Pippa bag on Sunday instead. Ooops.
Anyways, my dad wanted to go see tanks and airplanes and whatever, so, we didn't stay the whole day.

However, before we left, I lit a candle at the Abbey--for myself and for my mom. I figure that can't hurt right? We shall see....

Gah. I'm having major withdrawals. I want to go back. NOW.

(Kate photos from here and here)

Dear Maine,

I apologize in advance. Sorry.

You won't know what hit you when us three are on the loose this weekend!
Squee.

Squee.

Squee AGAIN.

I'm off to Maine this weekend to see my two favoritest people ever and run a marathon relay--although, let's be honest, it'll be a slow walk as I've been sick since Friday and now have a migraine. WHAT IS GOING ON?!

But, all that aside, I am wildly excited. So thrilled to spend some time in actual fall weather, run with my friends and catch up on everything in their lives.

We had entirely too much fun in Boston and I can't wait for Saturday!

(this picture is on my fridge, fyi)
There are people that I KNOW my mom put in my life, these two are some of them for sure.

Also, Danielle, I warn you, solid chance I'll be leading a Les Mis or Phantom sing along on Saturday night--Sarah's ok with this. Bring ear plugs.

Look out, Maine!

Is it Saturday yet?

West End Geek

I'm sure it comes as no surprise that I'm a total musical nerd. Even though I can't play anything or sing worth a damn, I still absolutely love musicals, and theater of any kind.

I grew up on Brigadoon, The Sound of Music and could sing the entire Les Mis soundtrack before I was seven. My nanny introduced me to The King and I and then came The Music of The Night (Phantom). I believe the cure for a bad day is Maria and that there is no greater song than One Day More, no better love story than that of the Phantom and Christine.

The first play I ever saw was a local production of The Sound of Music. Then The Secret Garden on Broadway, and eventually, Les Mis in London. Followed by Les Mis basically anywhere I could find it. Y'all know it's my favorite.
It was fabulous! Duh. The actor who played Jean Valjean in the 25th Anniversary Concert plays him now, and he was super amazing. We had second row seats and I'm fairly certain that Enjolras winked at me.


I've loved The Phantom of The Opera for as long as I can remember, but, only got to see it in a big fancy venue recently with my sister in New York, so, I knew we had to see it in London. Naturally, it was amazing--I cried, of course--and my dad, who has never ever seen it really enjoyed it, so, that made me happy.

The lobby of Her Majesty's Theater where we saw Phantom.
The chandelier at intermission.


When planning the trip to London with my dad, I knew we had to see Les Mis and Phantom no matter what; then I realized we would be there in time for the last few days of the season at The Globe, and I booked tickets to my favorite Shakespeare play, Much Ado About Nothing.
Y'all. The Globe. I just, no words. I am pretty sure that's what heaven is like. It was perfect and I was in my element. My dad was bored out of his mind.

The actors were spot on perfection and could not have played the roles better. Also, Jeffery from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air played Leonarto, so, there's that. Ha!


My dad thought he would be on theater overkill by that point, so, we left it at Phantom, Les Mis and Much Ado--y'all know I could have seen those over and over and been set, but, I was fine with the three.

But, my dad had a change of heart (mostly because we didn't end up going to Scotland. I don't want to talk about it), so, we added Mama Mia and The Wizard of Oz.

I was wildly excited about Mama Mia--two hours of Abba--bring it! My dad even kinda sorta got into it, but, at the end he goes "I had no idea there were so many people who loved Abba". And then I had a heart attack.
Although I actually don't like the story of The Wizard of Oz, I was excited to see it when I found out that the original Phantom, Michael Crawford was in it-- and, of course, everything is better on stage. It was actually really, really good. I wouldn't have seen it had my dad not suggested it, but, it was really fun and cute.

I'm telling you, Toto totally stole the show--too cute!

The London Paladium where we saw Oz.



After The Wizard of Oz I jetted off to the cinema to see The Phantom of The Opera 25th Anniversary Celebration. I tried to get tickets to see it at Royal Albert Hall, but, tickets sold out in days, so, I missed that bus.
It was really spectacular. I loved it. It was the first filming of Phantom and just perfect. It was really much more the play than the concert like the Les Mis celebrations were. The actors seriously became the characters and at the end they had the original cast and everyone who has played the Phantom--so, Michael Crawford, who I'd seen earlier in the day, and Colm Wilkinson, who was the original Jean Valjean. I DIE.

I know I wasn't there to see it in person, but, it was still pretty cool watching it live in London.
Me at the cinema waiting for Phantom to start. Also, the only picture of my cute outfit from that day. Sads.

I couldn't have asked for more fun, and we had fantastic seats for everything, which has spoiled me for life. I'm currently plotting a Vegas show extravaganza with my sister until I can drag her butt to London--or, ya know, anyone else who is willing to go to London and see Les Mis 500 times with me. (seriously. I need to go back to London like right now. Who's in? And I'm not joking!)
I'm going to Les Mis in DC in a few weeks and I'm super excited. Once a theater geek, always a geek!

A few favorites

I'm attempting to get through all my London pictures, but, it's slow going--I spent two hours uploading them to facebook this morning and that was only like half. Ooops.

Anyway, here are few of my favorites from the trip until I can get my act together.

Best view on earth!


Dad and I at Les Mis. SECOND ROW SEATS THANKYOUVERYMUCH.
You bet I saw the dress! No photos allowed in the Palace, but, it was even more beautiful in person. Also, homegirl is the size of my pinky finger.
My home away from home ;)
Fall!
"You are Westminster crabby!"

Sigh....I miss it already!

But, it's ok--I have the MDI Marathon and Maine to look forward to--I get to see my two favorites! YAY!

Procured

Sure, it's not Colin Firth, but, I'll take it.

My favoritest souvenir ever (since I couldn't exactly smuggle Colin Firth/Daniel Craig/Gerard Butler/Prince Harry into my carry on).
Home from London town and in mourning. I could have stayed forever. Luckily, I have some pretty plaid to keep me smiling.

God bless Burberry.