Always look on the bright side of life!

Today was actually a pretty entertaining day. After yesterday's speed-tourism, I was going to take things relatively easy. I got up around 7:30, ate another light breakfast of ham, cheese and toast and headed to the Royal Theatre Haymarket to get in line in order to purchase tickets to tonight's showing of Godot.

I showed up at right around 9:00 a.m. and was surprised to see a line already beginning to form. I was number 14 or so while we waited for the ticket office to open. The double metaphor is not lost on me in waiting for waiting for godot. Apparently it is a popular show. I stood and watched the crowd for a bit, talked with my line-mates.

At one point, a man walked his dogs past us whereupon one of his dogs took a poop. When the man stooped to pick up the mess and clean off the sidewalk, it sparked a lengthy discussion between us on the roles of master/pet and how the defining factor of a relationship of inequality should depend on whom is cleaning up whose poop.

I managed to get a pretty good sit in the second row of the Royal Circle, which, I believe is the mezzanine level. It set me back 30 quid but I am trying to get rid of all my pounds anyway so I wasn't too heart-broken. Also, I am happy to pay to see Patrick Stuart and Sir Ian in Beckett's classic existential play.

After getting out of line I high-tailed it to Buckingham Palace in order to catch the changing of the guard. This was a long, and miserable process as it was akin to being in the first few rows of a concert that only annoying tourists attend. It was a little peculiar, however, when the Royal Guard band struck up and played a few songs. Most noticeably was the song choice. They opened with New York, New York and proceeded to play an entire Sinatra set. They then merged into various songs from movies including The Lion King and others. But the peak was when they started playing the final song from Monty Python's Life of Brian. I was cracking up remembering the men on the crosses singing "Always look on the bright side of life."

After the palace I walked back towards my hostel. En route, I found myself a little lost which is always a great way to find new things. I wandered around and stumbled upon a great building by Foster and Partners. I am a big fan of their work, as well as ARUP who did the structural engineering. I continued on and walked past the Royal College of Music. This was wonderful. Beautiful music from cellos, diaphragms, pianos, etc... floated out of every window. I may just go back and sit outside the practice rooms. It's a pretty cheap concert.

Well I must get ready for Godot.

I am sure it will be great.

Tomorrow: Dublin