No Time

I don't have enough time to elaborate, nor money to buy more internet, so all I can say is: I went to bed at 8, but couldn't get to sleep until 11. Crazy old woman. Hugh Grant. Bank Manager.

11:23PM, Dayton...

Arrivederci, Londra :'(

I spent the majority of the day with Michelle, my Australian roommate. We went to the National Gallery (go figure...she hadn't been there, yet, though) and took the most touristy pictures possible in phonebooths and at Trafalgar Square. While we were eating lunch (I had a chicken, bacon, and mayo jacket potato), her friend, Ned, also from Australia, met up with us. Strangely, Ned bears a great resemblance to fellow Aussie, Hugh Jackman. When he asked me where I was from, he asked if it was near any big cities. He has actually heard of Toledo. How? The John Denver song, which probably will give him zero desire to visit when he comes to the states in February. After all, Saturday nights in Toledo, Ohio are like being nowhere at all.

The pictures turned out wonderfully, which is good. I had forgotten that the first couple of days are no longer on my camera. I will have to burn them to a CD or order them online when I get back.

I went back to Tea for the third and final time a bit ago. The same 3 people were working every time I stopped in. Every time you have tea and scones with cream and jam it tastes better. This means I will miss that place, a LOT. Panera will not cut it. Panera is also as close to EAT as I will get back home. Too bad.

I don't understand: everything seems to fit in my suitcase better now that it did on the way here. I'm afraid to pick it up, though...Not looking forward to the 45ish minute tube ride all the way over to Heathrow.

It is only a bit past 5, but I am exhausted from all of this walking. It would probably be a good idea for me to go to bed early, anyhow. Maybe if I get up early enough, I can go to St. Paul's again or walk down to the Tower. Whatever, I will have to use my debit card. The only money I have left are the £10 Scottish note I want to keep, money for the tube, and a couple coins to keep. Oh, and 7P. That's it. I guess I did a pretty decent job guessing how much to convert, huh (although I did go out and buy some candy this afternoon. those curly-whirly squirrelies are amazing)?

Again, not sure if I will post tomorrow morning. I will write something a few days after I get back, though- the remaining pictures, etc.

Next trip? Well, Sir Colin will be in Boston on MLKJr weekend...

Last Full Day Here

I may or may not post something tomorrow morning. As I won't have much time and would have to buy more internet time, I most likely won't. I will later tonight, though.

It's 10:45 and I haven't left yet. I can't pick up my pictures until 11:35. I lost my confirmation slip, so this will be interesting...hopefully the same woman is working.

The only thing I can think of that I haven't done yet, aside from the Tower (which I won't be doing, as it costs £22) and the British Museum, is hunting down Paul, Hugh Laurie, Alan Rickman, and Gary Oldman. I'll probably just end up back at the V&A or National Gallery...again. Yes, I've spent a lot of time there, but I still don't believe I've seen half of either.

Skipping Down the Sidewalk

I would have, but I thought the people behind me might start talking about me behind my back.

You guessed it: I was able to talk to him again...and THIS time, my camera actually worked!!! I started shaking with happiness when I saw that the video works and is audible upon leaving the conductor's green room. Is it possible to have two best days ever? There was no problem getting backstage, which was nice, as the man who gave me trouble last week was the one at the door I was told to use. Also, I realized tonight that the violinist who claimed me last week is the principal 2nd. He introduced the composer of the suprise piece that started off tonight's concert- a brand new piece composed especially for the LSO by Scottish Martin Suckling, who was seated at the opposite end of the row I occupied for the 15th and 16th concerts. I was jealous, for I had to crane my neck for 3 hours to see over the balcony ledge.

At a particularly exciting point of A Child of Our Time I was intently watching Sir Colin, when a quick sequence of events took place: There was a click, Sir Colin's hands were magically empty, the first violin made a quick leap to the floor, and, in one fell swoop, the baton was handed off, and the race continued without a single bump! This ordeal answered a question that had been floating around in my head: yes, it is has been known for the baton to be dropped. That was far too many commas.

Thanks to the Australian girl in my room who I had been talking with for a couple hours before the concert, I had a nice black bag that was large enough to house my camera and the 4" x 6" I printed of the picture of Sir Colin and me (he signed it). We might be doing the Jack the Ripper walk tomorrow. I'm glad she wanted to do it, too, for I would be much too freaked out to go alone, I'm sure.

*inhale*

I Don't Understand...

There is a man walking around St. Paul's with his face and shoes painted I-don't-know-how, draped in a flag from I-don't-know-where, and posing for pictures while shouting, "Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite." I don't know why.

I hung out at the National Gallery for 4 hours today and sketched. I was very disappointed that the painting I stood in front of most of the time didn't have a postcard for sale in the shop although it informed me one was available. Monsieur de Norvins by Ingres. Luckily the cashier man who looked at my sketch so as to look around for the picture was impressed, making me content enough with that, I guess.

I went to Boots and discovered that you can get digital prints for 6p/each if you order at least 150 and wait for 24 hours. I can pick them up tomorrow at noon. I believe they're 19 cents/each at Walgreens (maybe 15, but still...), so I decided to just do it now. This way I'll be mostly all set for Xmas eve, as well. What would be nice is if I could get them all into a scrapbook before then so I don't have to explain each picture to everyone. Unfortunately I don't have an empty scrapbook. Perhaps they will be on sale at Hobby Lobby on the 23rd.

Concert tonight. I am armed and ready for the fight to get backstage.

Angel of Music

He's haunting me...while absentmindedly whistlingish down the stairs to Charing Cross Station, I paused to fish my ticket out of my bag. What was playing on the PA system besides The Ball from Symphonie Fantastique? And what was I whistling? Yup, you guessed it; and I started well before I was within earshot of the speakers, mind you.

I sat in the complete and total back row of Her Majesty's Theatre, but it was worth it. I don't have a guess as to how much one individual performance of Phantom costs to put on. So much fire...It was interesting from my perspective, though: I could see the 136 trapdoors. I am very happy I have the entire show memorized word-for-word (minus the parts that are only in the actual production and not on the complete cast recording), for it was difficult to hear a couple of characters.

The man who was sitting next to me and I started talking. It's funny, what with starting small talk out with the topic of bottled water (he was from Fiji. He started it.). He was here for a conference at Cambridge. We were both in Edinburgh at the same time, as well. This was his first live stage production. Fun, fun.

On the way up the escalator I must have looked terribly depressed, for a very happy Andy-Haines-looking stylish British man descending on the escalator next to me said, "SMILE!!!" and continued on his merry way.

I wish I would have kept track of how many stairs I ascended and descended today. It's definitely well over 1000 1-way.

Whatever I do tomorrow will involve NOT spending money. Back to the National Gallery or V&A to sketch, I believe. I would have tonight, except I left my sketchbook here. Then concert...then no more Sir Colin for me :(

Besides Delicious,

I'm not entirely sure what "clotted cream" is. I decided to stop at a restaurant named, "Tea," after going through St. Paul's for a scone with jam and clotted cream. Wonderful.

As for St. Paul's, I ascended all 600ish stairs to the very tip top (you feel my pain if you have done this, as well). I'm not afraid of heights, but walking around the Whispering Gallery takes one's breath away. Perhaps that is why it is the "Whispering Gallery." I have pictures of the scary see-through iron spiral staircases to the Golden Gallery or whatever it's called. Scary. Scary, scary scary. I think the wooden stairs on the way down are worse, though, as they creak and are who knows how old...

I am not entirely sure why, but I have the urge to go see Les Miz tonight. I should try Phantom first, though. I could always see the other Wednesday night. I do have an idea why I want to see it: As St. Paul's was Hector's favo(u)rite building here, I believe he has gotten to me. Oh well, both of the musicals are Frenchish, so I should be perfectly content no matter which I see. Honestly, why Les Miz? I should be dying to see Phantom. Maybe if MC or Hugh Panaro were playing right now...

Yes, back to Hector- my eyes teared up while staring in awe at the ceiling of the cathedral. You have never lived until you have stood beneath the Dome. Hector, I agree: it is nearly enough to make me want to move here.

If you were wondering, I have a new favorite big city. NYC has been bumped to numero 2. But then again, I've never really been able to explore there as much as I have here. Someday. What is there to compare with St. Paul's in New York?

Also, I have just been informed that I can try to see Sir Colin again after tomorrow's concert and that I should have yesterday, instead. Darn it... I had a feeling I should have...I was in such a perfect seat and could have easily asked the violinist who took me back with him on Wednesday...I have been told that he will be very tired and might leave early to go home for Christmas, but does anyone have an idea of a question to ask? I have two more (favorite Berlioz piece to conduct and any advice for an aspiring conductor), but don't want to fight to get backstage again for 2 seconds of talking with him.

5:15 and no comments?

What is this, USA?

Tonight was the Tippett concert: piano concerto, A Child of Our Time. No complaints that I get to hear the latter again on Tuesday. What's more: one of the two performances of it will be released on an LSO Live CD. If it was tonight's you'll be able to hear Sir Colin cough and hear him hit his heels on the podium quite noisily after an exceptionally energetic entrance after a short moment of silence. Yet another exciting thing: during the concerto, I was in the very last seat on the right, second row. After the interval, I had my choice of 13 nearby empty seats. Thus, I moved one row up and sat in the middle of 5 empties. I was directly to his left. Perfect seat. I lie. Wednesday was perfect. Even more excitingness: as my things were still in my actual seat, I moved back during the clapping at the end. This meant that all the performers walked about 6 feet in front of me. Sir Colin just happened to look directly at me the last time he walked past. Like the loser I am, I waved, which caused him to do a double-take. I was mouthed, "hello!" Yay!!!! My evening was complete.

I must describe the pianist, though. Lang Lang: 25-year-old Chinese man, first public recital when he was 5, last minute sub for a world-premier piece with the Chicago Symphony when he was 17. Anyhow...when he was doing his curtain calls, Sir Colin attempted to let Lang Lang up on stage first, obviously. Each time he did this, Lang would try to grab his hand and pull him up. Much of Sir-Colin-doing-arm-circles ensued. When someone took Lang a rose, he gave it to the back row violin woman as he walked off of the stage. I found this amusing.

Yes. So I definitely have a cold, and it is very annoying, especially since I don't have any decent tissues. At least there isn't a blizzard here. Speaking of which, Aunt Wendy, what is the weather like/going to be like on Thursday?

Tomorrow: St. Paul's, maybe Tower...V&A yet again...something. I'd go see another musical if Gavin would be there to help me find a tube station (it's confusing in the West End in the dark, as I've never really walked through in the daytime to figure out my way around).

What to do, what to do.

It's only 3:15, but it's too cold to want to do anything. The concert is in 4 hours. I don't think I'm going to want to get dinner before, as I had a large lunch (fish and chips...again. Slightly less good this time, though). I believe I've only taken 6 pictures today.

I allowed myself to sleep past breakfast this morning. I planned on going straight over to V&A, but stopped at St. Paul's on the way to sit in on part of a service. I definitely see how that cathedral almost persuaded Berlioz to stay here. I walked in in the middle of the choir singing, too...wow. I will have to go back, pay the however-too-much it is to walk through, and actually look around (as today was Sunday, you couldn't wander around). Also, Anglican pretty much = Catholic.

Afterwards, I did go back to V&A for a little bit, then lunch, then Buckingham Palace (not worth the walk at all), then back here. I want to take a nap.

I could walk to Millenium Bridge, but as I said before, it's cold. I might wait until tomorrow and just hit the Tower and all, as well. Oh, how I wish I could go see Phantom tomorrow. I'd like to go for tea, still, but don't want to pay that much. Le Sigh.

Why I Want to be a Conductor

1) My standards are too high. Why is that? Tonight was the BBC SO under the baton of Alexander Vedernikov. He made the same "Oh! You're supposed to come in now, violins: I almost forgot to cue you!!!" facial expression as Hirokami. There were several points that made me wonder where the video camera was. You shouldn't look like you're acting. Yes, I know I have only seen 3 professional orchestras, but it pains me to watch anyone other than Sir Colin Davis conduct. When he gives the cellos an approving smile, he MEANS it. I wish I could have talked to him more. And that my camera would have worked. It would be very reassuring to be able to hear him encourage me over and over (I will eventually post a transcription of our brief conversation). Thus, my standards are too high. Either that, or I know what's good.

2) I would get to have my back to the audience. The man a few seats down from me was conducting along (off beat) quite ferociously. After the first piece, his friend took him out (sure, he was a bit mental, but then why would you even let him in if you knew he was going to or if there was the slightest chance of him doing that?)

3) The obvious reasons.

Not exactly a reason, but the woman next to me said to her friend, "We must have pretty good seats, huh?" She apparently didn't see the "restricted view" at the botton of her £8 ticket. She thought the piano was staying in the back corner for the piano concert. Whatever. At least she wasn't chattering on in French through the entire concert like the people behind me. Also, the LSO is better looking. Their audience is about 50 times better, as well. "Due to unforseen circumstances," BBC did not provide programs. We were given 1-page computer print-outs instead.

In short, I was not impressed. Oh, well. I get to see Sir Colin 2 more times. Hopefully 4 seats down from where I was today doesn't block my view.

P.S. Don't die, Findlay!

From Blinding Sun to Opaque Fog

It is slightly less opaque now, for I just saw a wild pheasant running through a field.

I have discovered why it takes so long for my laptop to charge. When the adapter gets too warm, it turns itself off (that's something different here: some outlets have on/off switches).

Some of you should be happy: I traded in my kilt for Christmas presents this morning. Actually, I wanted to trade it in for a fleece jacket I found yesterday, but neither of the shops had it. I had to settle with something slightly more expensive. Ryan, it's proving far too difficult to find you a present. Nancy, it's far too easy for you.

I shall miss Edinburgh's prices, but not the smell.

Farewell, Bonnie Wee Scotia

I finally realized that it's much easier to send links to my pictures than I thought: let me know if these links do or do not work.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4

I chose the wrong side of the train to sit on. Far too sunny.

The Trick to Eating Haggis

The deli owner man here is very nice. He informed me that he plans on visiting all 50 states next year. My answer: wow. That would take forever, would it not?

My battery has been taking forever to charge, so I'm living on 17% right now.

For all of you who are wondering: yes, I'm still alive. As I said, my laptop's been giving me trouble and I don't want to lug it around in search of places with free wi-fi.

I had the first two taxi rides of my life yesterday. One was to King's Cross. I was going to wait for the tube to open, but I was impatient (it hadn't opened yet). The other was to the B&B from Waverley (I couldn't find the #10 train). Far too expensive, but I was cold and impatient and didn't have a map.

I ate lunch at The Elephant House yesterday. That just happens to be where JK started writing Harry Potter (it's owned by her brother). Here is where the title comes into play: as I refused to go home without trying it, I ordered haggis, neeps, and tatties. Now, I have no clue what neeps are (actually, are they mashed turnips?), but all together the 3 were good. The trick is to not think about what you're actually eating, for it doesn't taste half bad. Actually, it was quite good. Afterwards, I spent some time in the Scottish Museum...or whatever it's called. I don't have my map or the map of the museum on me to be sure.

I think I spent about 45 minutes in an old bookshop in search of Berlioz-related books this morning. I left with Barzun's 2-vol Berlioz and the Romantic Century (I think that's the title) and Damnation of Faust condensed to 4 voices and piano (I bought it for the piano transcription of the Hungarian March). Also, I found some MacCowan's toffee, so all is right with the world.

I went to bed at 6 last night and woke up at 8:30 this morning. I think I have a cold or something. Ugh.

Faulty Electronics (and some pictures)

I don't have a video of Sir Colin. For some reason, although it was on video I thought, it only took a picture: and not a good one, either.

Now I have 3% power left on my laptop. Hopefully it will actually charge now (there are outlets and free wireless on the train!). We shall see.

A Wonderful kNight

Words cannot express my current emotions. So let me just tell you about my day...

Woke up really early to eat before hunting for the Barbican Centre. It didn't take as long as I thought it would to find, though, so I showed up 45 minutes before the rehearsal started. Doors didn't open until 10 minutes `til. I asked, and was allowed to take pictures "before the program starts." No matter, that didn't stop me from taking a couple action shots...Oh, how I wish my computer worked so I could post them...maybe in Scotland.

After eating lunch, I came back here and slept for 3 hours. I still don't understand why I'm so tired. No matter, I awoke in time to take 30 minutes to decide what to wear and, again, arrive to Barbican Hall 30 minutes before I was supposed to get there (that's even after taking 2 wrong turns and having to backtrack).

It was not difficult at all to find Monir and Michel (creators of hberlioz.com). Dinner was lovely (thank you!). Conversation flowed from Berlioz to the States to Berlioz to politics to Berlioz. Nothing to complain about, at all! I'm happy to have heard that Monir also thinks Sir Colin looks like Berlioz- I knew I wasn't all crazy.

Concert. To give you a picture of how close to the stage I was (aside from the illegal one I took): when I crossed my legs, my feet touched the stage. I could reach out and touch it with my back against the chair. I could tell that Mr. Oboe's socks were actually navy blue. I heard the clank when Sir Colin accidentally hit his baton on the metal guard (but then, I'm sure everyone could). I contemplated taking 1 or 2 of the 4 hairs Mr. First Violin lost during Harold in Italy for my scrapbook, but restrained myself.

I made my way to the backstage artists' entrance door as the players did the same. Mr. Security Guard blocked the door and wouldn't let me through. Some nice violin player said, "she's with me," and I was taken through by him. "Now, you're not a terrorist, right? That's his dressing room. If you go through that door now, you can avoid the crowd." And, thus, I entered the Conductor's Green Room.

There He was, sitting in his chair, smiling and talking away to a couple. When they left, I approached, drawing and baton in hand. "I spoke to Miss Glaister...." "You must be Ashley." *shocked* "You're from the states and you love music." "...yes!"

I presented him with the gifts, he was smiley and thanked me.

After two people butted in and started chatting with him nonstop, I stood to the side and waited. But then his son, granddaughter, and wife came in, so I waited some more.

Peace, at last. I stepped forward, camera in hand, and inquired as to whether or not I could ask some questions. I asked if I could record them, and he replied with something witty about not going anywhere. And so I did. Again, how I wish my computer would pick up the internet. A quick picture, and then....I got lost backstage. Luckily, a violinist was on his way out. "Pardon me, but how do I get out of here?" "You have to practice a lot." Darn witty musicians.

Monir and Michel were waiting outside the door (also had a run-in with Mr. Security Guard: apparently he almost didn't let Lady Davis and the son/granddaughter duo backstage, either).

Summary: ---

I will be waking up at about 4:30/5 tomorrow morning to find King's Cross and head up to Scotland. I don't know how the internet thing will go there, so no promises until Saturday. Check, though, just in case.

I'm going to go attempt to sleep, now.

Happy 204th Birthday, Hector!

I didn't get out of the hostel til 10 this morning. It was beautiful today: not warm, but crazy sunny. Walked to Trafalgar again, went to National Gallery to see the 6 Constable paintings again. I stopped at a Twinings shop on the way, Ryan, but they didn't have anything all that exciting. After NG, I headed down the street to Parlaiment and Westminster Abbey. On the way, I noticed a horse standing on the sidewalk with a large group of people gathered around. How is it that I'm just happening upon everything? Anyhow, I therefore decided to stop at the Horse Guard Parade and watch the proceedings. I do believe I caught a picture of a guard being bad. Again, can't post yet.

Ate lunch at a pub on the way back. They had the exact same menu as the Three Greyhounds last night. The only difference was what they were "famous for" on the front. Although I apparently ate Yorkshire pudding with my meal, I still have no clue what it is.

I was very tired after lunch, so I decided to come back and take a nap. I woke up two hours later (not long ago). As it is now dark outside, I think I'll just stay here and go to sleep early again. Tomorrow is the big day: rehearsal at 9:30, concert at 7:30. *shiver*

Speaking of the concert...I wish I could upload my pictures and show you what I didn't mention that I walked past yesterday...it will just have to wait, I guess. I will just say it had something to do with the title of this post. I almost forgot about it, but pulled out my map to check where the street was AT the corner I needed to turn at...*someone* seems to have wanted me to visit.

Oh, fine. Here are pictures not taken by myself, but of where I went today. While he was in London, he saw Jenny Lind at Her Majesty's Theatre, which happens to be where Phantom is: yet another reason to go see it next week. The theatre Mary Poppins is in was the residence of Mozart at one point. EDIT: Nevermind...I think Phantom must either be sold out or not playing the days I'm free :(

Speaking of which, I need to charge my camera battery...

All is Well

Except my lips hurt a lot. It's crazy windy, more so than I thought, so they're chapped like none other.

Yes, Ryan. I went to Trafalgar today. The pictures use my camera to the fullest, as you will eventually see. For all of you who have Facebook and noticed that all my pictures loaded, as it was faster than this, I won't be able to anymore until I find a way to charge my laptop.

So. Today, I started off with a terribly breakfast that consisted of beans and some strange sausage. Day made better by friendly tube man who told me to wait 3 minutes and get cheaper tickets. I can now say I have seen the flags at the Marble Arch. Hunted and hunted, found Baker Street, vistited Sherlock (I didn't tell him anything, Phil, as he was about 70 and short), which was lovely, Beatles shop (where I bought my xmas gift...I needed it, though: a £35 messenger bag). Then I went to Trafalgar and the National Gallery. Found Victoria and Albert: Dear Lord. I want to live there. I thought I was going to have a heart attack at the NG: 6 Constable works in one room. I was wrong. There were 38 more at V&A. In one room there were 75 paintings from floor to cieling.

Then, after asking 7 people how to get there, as it isn't on the map Jerry gave me (which I would literally be lost without), I found Prince Edward Theatre and bought tickets to Mary Poppins. So as to not get lost, I ate fish and chips at the pub across the street. Afterwards, I was the only person not related to any of the cast waiting at the stage door, where Gavin eventually came out. I suprised him like none other when he asked where I was from: "You're American..." He didn't remember me from any of out several past meetings (nor did he remember the email I sent him a week ago), but he walked me to the nearest tube station and told me that going to a high tea at the...oh, no...I can't remember the hotel....was the best thing he's done here, although it's expensive. If he weren't swamped with the last 5 weeks here, he'd go with me.

Tomorrow: I might very well go back to V&A...

I need to go visit with my new French friends now.

Brrr.

The room is freezing.

The laptop won't charge.

I'm going to Baker Street, I think...

I was a block away from Trafalgar Square yesterday but didn't realize it. Ugh. Today, perhaps.

P.S. Uploading all my pictures to the site takes too long, so you'll have to wait til I get back.

Rain, Rain, Go Away.

I said I was going to figure out the money. Instead, I decided to wander around. I ended up walking along the Thames. I read "Tate" on the side of a funky building, so decided to check out the museum. It wasn't all that exciting...

All was well until it started raining: I didn't have my umbrella. The rain did make for some exciting pictures, though. I seriously regret not bringing my gloves (I bet I'd have lost them, anyhow). I ended up buying some "cheap" ones today, as my hands were freezing. I ate at Eat., which is like Panera, only not. Kier told me about it. They really are everywhere. The Starbucks of the food world.

I'm having some troubles with the voltage converter: it doesn't keep a steady flow of electricity. I tried plugging my laptop in, as it needs charged terribly, but it kept flashing on and off.

I think I'll be going to bed soon. It's only 4:30, but, again: exhausted.

Here are today's pictures.

P.S. St. Paul's bells ring a tri-tone. This bothers me horribly.

Whitewater Rafting

...without any of the above.

This title does fit what has happened thus far, though (I have been on the ground for a whopping 2 hours).

1) flight from Dayton to DC= bumpiest flight I've yet been on. It's a good thing it was so short.
2) airplane food...come on.
3) maybe 4 hours of sleep?
4) immigration....NEVER get electronic tickets: they didn't give me the return flight tickets and I didn't know the postcode of the hostel so he wasn't going to let me through. The tears in my eyes, student status, and knowing people in the UK must have gotten to his heart.
5) I stood for the majority of the 22 underground stops between Heathrow and St. Paul's. NOT fun.
6) There ISN'T free wireless, after all...3 pounds/1 hour cards, instead. Whatever. I don't plan on being on too long.

Oh, well. When I was taking pictures that I'll post later when I can get into my suitcase, some construction guy in a hole in the road saw my luggage and asked if I was going to the hostel. He gave me directions, so that was nice.

Back to the plane: around 1 AM UK time, one of the flight attendants called over the PA, "If there is a doctor among the passengers, please come to the *wherever* immediately." A woman in the middle aisle of the row in front of me had passed out out of nowhere. There were at least 3 doctors and most of the flight attendants standing around her. It reminded me of that episode of House. Not that exciting, but the guy behind me in line to exchange money was on my flight, as well; I had noticed him earlier. Why? Because he looks exactly like Gary Oldman. Perhaps I'll see the real thing while I'm here...

I have no idea where to start. It's only 12:30 here. I need to figure out the money. That's where I'll start...

At the Airport...

...for 3 hours. At least it has wireless.

Almost time...

I am currently doing laundry and packing like a crazy woman. I just ate dinner (it is 11:54 PM), as I had solid class/exams/driving/Q&A with Rene Auberjonois (a lovely last evening before my departure!).

I hope I don't forget anything...

P.S. If you don't know who Rene is, he has been in Boston Legal, Benson, M*A*S*H the movie (Father Mulcahy), King Kong, was Odo in Star Trek, Chef Louis in the Little Mermaid, and won a Tony in the 80s for the musical, Coco, starring Katharine Hepburn. I saw him in Dance of the Vampires with Michael Crawford on Broadway 5 years ago.

Flight Itinerary and the plan so far:

Flight Itinerary
9-11: wander, museums, etc
12: 9:30-noon: LSO Pure Berlioz open rehearsal (w/ Sir Colin Davis); 6:00: dinner at Barbican; 7:30: Berlioz concert; explode
13: 6:15 AM: Kings Cross-> Edinburgh Waverly
15: return to London, back in time for BBC Symphony at Barbican, 7:30
16: 7:30: LSO Pure Tippett (w/ Sir Colin again)
17: 7:30: Mary Poppins (to see Gavin!) maybe??
18: 7:30: LSO Belief: A Child of Our Time (Sir Colin)
19: who knows? another show? Phantom?
20: Return, arrive at Dayton 11:23 PM

There will be plenty of time for the touristy things, of course.
Youth Hostel in London
B & B in Edinburgh

Excited? You bet.

Just something to read before my journey begins...

My goal was to have all of Berlioz' Memoirs, Evenings with the Orchestra, and David Cairn's biography of Berlioz finished before my trip, but that definitely is not going to happen. EwtO is done, but I just received an overdue notification for Memoirs.

The title of this blog comes from a compilation of Berlioz' essays. It has a witty double meaning in French, but it's one of those things that doesn't make sense in English. Yes, that means I don't entirely understand it myself, but I like it. So there.

Oh...approximately 12 days, 1 hour, 15 minutes until takeoff. (exactly 8 days 19 hr, 25 min at edit time!)