Tonight we saw the production of Phantom of the Opera at Her Majestys Theatre. My soul was filled and satisfied. This is what theatre should be like. This is why I want to do quality work. Quality matters. Picture taking is not allowed in the theatre, so I just have a couple of shots for you tonight. This is me, and my professor George Nelson, and his lovely wife Lesley. We students are so lucky to have them!

I love this place and must go back again. There is so much I did not see and to my great disappointment my phone died quickly so there were many shots I could not take. Hampton Court was the home of Henry VIII and his family after Cardinal Woolsey, who had built it for himself, decided it best to give it to the King who did not fancy being out shone. My favorite thing is the gardens, especially the privy garden where I took most of the shots. It was cold and I was frozen by the time I got inside again. It took a while to thaw!

Last Wednesday we went to the Tower of London during the day and then Lion King that evening. So fun. Yes the pictures are out of order but that’s ok. I studied Julie Taymor, director of the Lion King, last semester. It was ice to finally see her work first hand.  I was blown away by her puppetry and creations. It is very ingenious and inspiring.

The Tower of London was also a great experience. I learned so much about the crown jewels in particular that were very interesting. I took many notes. I’m sorry not to share more but I must get to bed. I have an exam to prepare for in the morning and one more post to put up!

Even the ticket is exciting isn’t it?

It took place in the beautiful Royal Albert Hall on Kensington Gore in London.

Notice the columns and if you can, the second and third row balcony seats with red curtain entries to them. All the red is so plush.

Here are a few of us as we anticipate show time.

I love physical theatre so this was a real treat. One can always depend on this company to deliver some spectacular performances. One of my favorites were the girls on the high bikes tossing bowls with their feet onto one another’s heads. Yup, that’s right. Try to wrap your head around that. I also enjoyed the trapeze couple having their little “squabble” up in the air. The juggling and yo yo routines were very good. The stunning skating couple took our breath away on their little pedestal with the lady spinning horizontally like a top as he spins. They used devises around their necks to pull it off similar to what trapeze artists do. Scary! And Beautiful!

Today we visited the British Museum. This first picture is of a bunch of us heading up to the street from the Tube. Next is me in the front of the museum, then me with the famous Rosetta Stone, artifacts from Egypt, Greece and the Parthenon. I am consistently amazed at the scale, richness and detail of the artifacts I see. I wonder at the skill and talent of those from days gone by. There is great invention and intelligence displayed in their work. I find myself wondering what kinds of things Adam and those before the flood created. I look forward to the world once again having the Adamic language. So much of language is included with art and craft. I’ve had other random thoughts, such as wondering what angel artists are feeling when they see their works on display. Are they pleased and proud, or cringing, wishing we could see the work as it was when they completed it? Or, perhaps they have conflicting feelings, or are just plain upset about where their work has ended up. Some of us were also musing at the feelings of those creating the work. Was it slave labor, just a job, or a passion?  We will have to wait till the hereafter to ask all these questions. I also wonder how other nations feels about Britain having so much of their heritage in these museums.  I wonder at the ethics of this whole scenario. For now, though, I have no desire to engage in a moral, political, financial, social, or religious debate over things. I am just grateful I am able to admire these amazing creations and will continue enjoying  this opportunity.

Hello All,

     Here is my Sunday Summary #1 of the London experience. Things I have noted are that it is very quiet here. Night time is dead silent. And dark. It makes it far easier to sleep. The bird outside my window likes to start chirping just before 7:00am.

     I don’t really hear English accents that often because people on the street don’t really talk much, unless with a friend. We are all the noisiest folks around. People quietly keep their heads down and go where they need too. However, they are very nice and will happily give you directions when you are lost.

     Kensington park and Hyde park are very nice to walk and run in. There is a pleasing connection to the land here. The parks are all connected and it is easy to get around the city by foot, the Tube (train), bus (double decker!) or cab. I have yet to have a bus ride.  I am looking forward to that.

     All of us fell in love with our wards that we were assigned to. The people there are few, but lovely. They seem happy to have us and were very welcoming. Everyone came home excited about their experience and eager to serve. We are very blessed to have our professors. They genuinely care about us and the people here. They are very mindful to listen to the spirit. We are delving into our work and first assignments are coming due this week. We look forward to more new adventures and so much more to see. Stay tuned!

I had my first London scone today with some peppermint tea as we sat in a cute little cafe just a couple of blocks away from the London Centre. It was a nice way to spend half an hour while we waited for the new battery for my phone to be installed. It was delicious. It was also a welcome break from many hours of walking. We went to Buckingham Palace today. Another first for me. We saw a water works designed in memory of Lady Diana, a beautiful garden called the Holocaust Garden to remember those who suffered during that horrible time, we walked past Kensington Palace, found a great place for fish and chips that I want to go back and try, and we visited the Victoria and Albert Museum. I could get lost in there for days. It is incredible the detailed work and craftsmanship that goes into so many things.  They were stunning! Finally, we had a tour of the Hyde Park Chapel and learned some of its history. It’s pipe organ has the 3rd most pipes of any organ in London. It is frequented by prophets and apostles including president Nelson while on his recent tour to Europe. This location also has a visitor centre with a Christus visible from the street on the corner of the building. It is a wonderful place for people to walk in and learn about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are so blessed!

Today we visited Westminster Abbey. It is so full! Full of Kings and Queens and their graves and memorials. Also tributes to greats in art, literature, music, science, war and more. There is a section called “The Poets Corner” where tributes to those like Chaucer, Handel, and Shakespeare are erected. The height of the chapel can only really be appreciated by being there.

The highlight of the excursion was seeing the grave of Edmund Crouchback, third and youngest son of King Henry III. He is buried close to his brothers, father and wife. I belong to this family through Edmund. I placed my hand on their graves as though to connect with them. These are my grandparents of long ago. I learned that the nickname “Crouchback” was given to Edmund due to his carrying a cross on his back during the crusades. His marriage was the first to be performed in Westminster Abbey, a very cool and notable random fact. Other notable things is that he was the first Earl of Lancaster and the first Earl of Leicester. What is interesting in looking at our family tree, is that even his female posterity could hold the name Earl as a title. I did not know that.

We attended Evensong tonight in Westminster Abbey. It is a church service of choral music and sermons that lasts 1 hour. My seat gave me a perfect view of Edmund during it’s duration. That made it all the more special.

My phone battery has died and can not be charged. I am waiting for a new battery to arrive tomorrow. Hopefully soon I’ll be operational again. I will have to get photos from others to pass along. No photos are allowed to be taken in the chapel. It would be nice to go again and draw some sketches.

Susanna

This was the aircraft for my flight to London. Lucy in the Sky. How Beetles of them:)

I ran into former clients when I got off the plane. We had a nice catch up visit.

It was so nice to see a fellow classmate!

It is the eve of my departure to London for the Winter 2019 Study Abroad program with Brigham Young University. My participation in this program is the direct result of the generosity of those contributing to the Global Opportunity Fund and ISP Fund through BYU’s Kennedy Center, the Theatre and Media Arts Department, Bill and Amy Hirschi through the BYU Women’s Services Centre, my children, my mother and the kindness and encouragement of my Professor George Nelson. I am so grateful for the opportunities afforded me. I would also like to acknowledge the added generosity of Lyle Melenka and David and Jan Coombs without whom I would not have been able to attend BYU in the first place.

I came to BYU to learn to write for stage and screen. I particularly have a love of musicals and ballroom dancing. My goal is to one day write, direct and produce my own plays and films. As a big believer in the power of collaboration and the positive impact a well told story can make, particularly when accompanied by the mediums of music and dance, I am excited to be going to one of the world’s greatest centers for the arts and history. This trip also has great personal value, for this land is the land of my forbears. I look forward to connecting to them as I walk the same streets they once did.

I invite you to join me as I explore the UK and France while I learn, work, socialize, and serve in this wonderful place.

Susanna