Michael Ball, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons....

I purchased my ticket to see Michael Ball in concert for Wednesday 22nd June back in March, after receiving an email from Mum saying: "Michael Ball is coming!" 

Not wanting to miss out on a ticket- I booked then and there. I arrived at my favourite venue in the world ever just on time and went to locate my seat. Every time I go to the Albert, (we're on first name basis these days) I book for the Upper Circle, about the third or fourth row back in the middle. I always get a great view. On reaching the upper circle I have to say that I was surprised it was empty, bar about 5 others. The man at the door said that I could sit wherever I liked- including downstairs in the stalls. I liked the seat I booked, but there were people right next to me, so I moved up a few rows- with an epic view. 

My most favourite venue in the world! 

The opening number was something I was unfamiliar with and sounded a little dreary for an opening number. I was thinking perhaps I had made a mistake booking this one....boy was I wrong! Before he went on with the show he told the audience he needed to be serious and that camera flashes were distracting for his musicians. He then proceeded to model 10 or so poses and told the audience to get snap happy... They loved him for that!!

There he is! So much reflection though...

Apparently he was just warming up... The songs that followed were a bracket of "Hero" themed songs, and a series of love ballads. Who doesn't enjoy a good ol' love ballad?! I really enjoyed his NYC bracket and decided, then and there, that in the next two years I am going to NYC for a holiday. It has to be done. His band and backing singers were fabulous- I loved the tone of the flutist and the trumpets... wow. 

His second half was my favourite of the two- mainly because it was made up of theatre, theatre and a touch more theatre. He nailed "Sunset Boulevard", he sounded awesome in "Not While I'm Around" from Sweeney Todd and when he sang Empty Chairs at empty tables....? Well... I was in tears. It was really good. I am looking forward to seeing Les Mis again in London before I leave- because as of this week Matt Lucas stars as Msr. Thenardier and Alfie Boe as Val Jean. It is something I cannot miss. 

His ending bracket was made up of a mix of Queen, Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow and Sting... With a little bit of the old Buble (well, not really Buble...) with "For Once In Your Life". I have to say... I didn't swoon during that like I would have if Buble was singing... Sigh. Buble. 

I loved the end- he left the stage after bows and claps a after a few minutes of rumbling feet on the floor and hands still clapping- chants coming from voices, he returned and sang a couple of other numbers. I loved it when at 10.10pm he stopped and explained that there is a fine if you are in the Albert past 10pm- so he had to stop. Then he cheekily looked up and said "....Well, I've already got the fine.... may as well sing another!"

When he sang "Love Changes Everything" (and that, it does!!) he mentioned that his favourite artist and long time friend who was here tonight wrote what he was about to sing. Does this mean that Andrew Lloyd Webber was also in the Albert tonight?! Sounds that way and I heard some others talking about it after the show. Cool! In the presence of the man himself. 

The audience loved Michael Ball and he really worked the audience. He is very real- very at ease and quite fun on stage. Remember a few weeks back, I posted on facebook that I missed getting into my car and blasting a song an singing at the top of my lungs? Well tonight, Ladies and Gentlemen- I not only sang my little heart out along with him (given there wasn't anyone around, I was safe!) but I danced too. I even danced with the old man who was looking after the door! It made his life, I'm sure. 

At the very end I am convinced Michael pointed at me all the way up top- by myself. Don't worry- I gave him a wave and an almighty whistle for everyone I know back home who would have loved the show! 

Michael Ball? Yeah. He's still got it.


On Thursday the 23rd I met up with a girl I met when in Turkey and Egypt, Gemma, and her friend Hayley. We had an awesome time at the Bison & Bird, Clapham Common. They had 2 for 1 cocktails until 8pm, and £3 Mojito's all night... it was a good night, that's for sure.  

Gemma, Hayley and I at Bison and Bird :)

On Saturday the 25th of June, I went to see Jersey Boys. This had been a show I wanted to see since arriving in London, aaaaalllllllll the way back in December. Wow. How the time has flown by! I went to see this one with my new London friend, Janet - who is a childhood friend of Anne Nellist's. 


Oh what a night!!! Late June, 2011!
I met Janet at a restaurant near Holborn Station called 32 Queen Street. Such an interesting menu, so many things I'd never heard of before - but amazingly delicious! Janet had to try the meal with "ticklemore" in it just so she could try ticklemore. Which, for those who are wondering, is a type of sheep cheese.

We ate and realised it was already 7:10pm so ordered the bill and high-tailed it out of there. Unfortunately for us we had managed to meet up at a restaurant that was quite far from The Prince Edward theatre. Oops! We ended up hopping in a taxi and picked up our tickets and found our seats, which were thankfully on the far end of the row! We had one minute to settle and the show began- how was that for luck?!

It opened with full company, singing "Oh what a night" in French which was random until the story began and it was explained. This show reminded me of The Buddy Holly Story with the way thy the story was explained then a song would start and on it would go. I love this kind of show- one where I learn about historical events as it progresses.

The staging was awesome- so slick. Everything was smooth and sleek- we were sitting up in the grand circle so had a great view looking down onto the stage. There were flys coming in from the ceiling- it is amazing how much space is up there, sign after sign, lamp posts, three Cadillac facades- so many things flying in and out. As one thing would fly out something else would fly in. I love theatre- every aspect. How they make a show come to life with backdrops and flys are something that never ceases to impress me!

Microphones and other stage props would come up and out of the stage and disappear again when no longer needed. I love it! The guy who played Frankie Valli had the most incredible voice. He sounded so much like the real deal it was uncanny. So many times I heard songs and immediately thought of the movie it was featured in; "Walk like a man" - Mrs. Doubtfire.
"Big Girls don't cry" - Sleepers. (great movie!)
"Earth Angel" Back to the Future. Just to name a few!

There were only three women in the company, and it was quite a small cast overall. But the people they did have were amazing! I felt like I was at an actual concert- and at times the audience just didn't stop applauding, they were that convincing as The Four Seasons. A line that made me LOL?
"What's your name?"
"The Four Seasons."
"Oh. Right."
"Well, we like it!"
"Yeah? So did Vivaldi".

I don't think this line got nearly as many laughs as it should have. Perhaps people didn't get it? I loved the end where each original member of the Seasons stepped forward and said something about their life and times being a Four Season- powerful.

The band were ace. Like - AMAZINGLY awesome. I loved how the drummer would be playing and then be raised out of the stage - all the while continuing to play. So cool. During some of the songs the musos were on stage playing, doing a little choreography too- hot. Something about musicians!!!!

At the end all cast and musicians were playing on stage together which I really liked- it was nice to see them all playing live. Without the band the show would be nothing really. At the very end the Musical Director popped on stage and gave a little wave. Nice to see the man behind this epic show. The show wouldn't go on without a Musical Director. They are such an important person in any show.

Overall this is a show I'd recommend anyone see if they get the chance... It was extraordinary and the story was very well told. I loved it. Besides. Janet doesn't like musicals, and she enjoyed it. That says 'GO SEE IT!!!!' The clip below is the cast I saw the other night... listen to Ryan Milloy's voice... insane!

Today I spent the day lazing about in the sunshine in Hyde Park. It was definitely a picnic day, being 29 degrees, not a cloud in the sky. It was a bonus for Kylie, Anna (girls I met in Turkey/Egypt) as the "Hard Rock Calling" Music festival was on. We got to listen to the tunes of Train, Stevie Nicks etc for free... you gotta love that! We left before Rod Stewart. I could get used to London Summer... keep it up, London town! We had a great day, sampling all of the different flavours of wine coolers that Marks&Spencers make... in fact we enjoyed it so much that we think we might go back and do it all again next weekend. 

On another note, I am off to Belfast, Ireland for the weekend of the 15th of July with Kylie, which is exciting. I've not been to Ireland before! Also, this weekend Scott and I booked our flights/ferries for Greece. We will be spending 7 nights there, between Athens, Crete and Santorini. That is from the 16th - 23rd September. It's all happening so soon I can't quite believe it... mammoth trips coming my way! Huzzah! Before then I still have 8 nights in Italy with David and Fran, 2 weeks traveling around the UK, making stops in Portsmouth to stay with Rodney and Gill again, my friend Kat Taylor (nee Walters) who I went to Long Bay College with and her husband Simon, in Canterbury, Brenda and Geoff Houghton in St. Helens, Lancashire, who are Anne Nellist's parents, Neil and Pam Sanderson up in Workington, Cumbira - as well as visits to Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland. I am also planning to meet up with Erin and Thomas wherever they might be in Europe for a week - ten days. So many things to look forward to... how can I not be in a good mood??


People are starting to question how I am affording to see as many shows and go on as many trips as I am. It is simple. I am selling off the organs I don't require. You only need one kidney - right??? 


Just kidding. I am just being sensible and spending money on my priorities whilst I am here. That is music theatre and travel. I won't have any money to my name on my return home - but who cares?? And if I have to eat cereal for lunch for a few weeks, and beans on toast for dinner... that's OK too!!

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. Joe Lewis

Cheery bye :)

Phantoms and Trains...

Love Never Dies; exceeded expectations!!


I wasn't sure about a sequel to "The Phantom of the Opera" because it can be hard to top something that has run for 25 years. I think it helped that I went along not expecting too much. I was in for a surprise. I can tell you now- I prefer it to the original. 

They used a gauze screen for scenery etc - but it was used so well and so effortlessly that you forgot there was a screen- things would change before your very eyes and you'd feel as if you were traveling along with it. The lighting was superb. Dark where it needed to be- and bright when it should be. 

The costumes were incredible. They made me think of Michael Sanders. If you've seen anything he has designed the costumes for you'll get an idea of what I mean. They were extravagant. Like - really extravagant. I can say this because I could see every detail.... I was sitting with my friend Kylie, right in the middle of row 5 in the stalls. No expense has been spared with these. My favourite costumes were those of the Phantom's three "stooges" if you like. One of them was my favourite character- he looked like across between Johnny Depp
in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and the crazy mask man from the "Saw" movies- except was in black/white/gold. Stunning. 

The lady playing Christine had a beautiful clear soprano voice- she actually reminded me of Dani (those who know her). And the Phantom. Wow. Swoon. Fall over myself at his feet. Can he sing or what?! His name is Ramin Karminloo and he played Enjoras in the 25th Anniversary Les Miserables so you may have seen him... Wow. He can put his slippers under my bed and sing me to sleep. A voice like velvet- even the top notes which he hit with what sounded like effortlessly. It bothered me that Madame Giry now has an English accent... It removed some of her harshness which I think makes her character. Other than that she was consistent. I only saw Phantom in London back in February (gosh that was forever ago!) but the girl
Playing Meg could easily have been the same girl- she played her character well. 

Gustave. OMG. Oh my Gustave. The little boy playing him would be no more than ten and held up quite a major role in this show. He had a great voice- and was so cute! He had the "aaaawwww" factor down-pat! He sang acapella quite a lot and never faltered, or went out of tune. I know having worked with children (and some adults) before that this is no mean feat. He even held his own in the 6 part counterpoint... Amazing. 

Ok. The visuals. Wow. My mouth was hanging open at several points. There were *many* "....how'd they do that" moments which I am not going to spoil for anyone... But be assured that this show is a visual spectacular in every way. There is so much to look at and just when you think you've looked a everything on the stage- there's more! Parts of it were like watching some amazing circus. They even had girls on rings and swings up in the wings. Well not really the wings, the ceiling. But I liked how that rhymed haha! I really don't want to ruin the visuals for anyone so I can't say anymore about that... But the theatre magic was what really sold me on the show. 

The orchestra were fantastic. And there was a flute/alto flute/piccolo and clarinet part. Huzzah! The conductor was relatively young but excellent. I could see him quite well
And spent some time in the more sparse scenes watching his every move. The music itself was good- better than expectations having chosen not to listen to the show until I'd seen it. Amazing dynamic ranges that were forever fluctuating- loved it. I liked how there were little snippets of the original that poked through every now and again. Not enough to be in your face- but enough to remind you that this is the sequel. 

One downer? At the start in the scene like a circus the microphones were being knocked all the time. Hardly surprising given the movement going on- but all the same, distracting. There was a song in the show that sounded much like "He had it coming" from Chicago which I thought was funny. My favorite scenes were those that involved full company- simply because it was such a feast for the eyes!

I like how this new show is grittier, modern and pushes the boundaries of theatre. 

This is Sarah's Amazing theatre review for "Love Never Dies" in London Town... Over and out.




Aaaaannnnnd we're back. This time for a review of "The Railway Children" play...


So being I musically directed "The Railway Children" at Centrestage theatre last year, when I heard it was playing live at Waterloo Station Theatre I thought I'd be silly to miss it. I knew that this version was a play- not a musical, the same as what I had done. But it had finished a sell out season back in March in London, then went across to America and is back in London again - and here I am.

On walking into the station I was greeted by people in costume and character, waving flags and blowing train whistles. The train whistles were a nice touch. For about four minutes and thirty five seconds.... After that it just became irritating! As I stepped onto Platform 1, which was where my seat was- I was awe struck at the stage. The platforms are finished in beautiful dark wood with sliding platforms on the tracks which add more depth to the "stage". Perks house is adorable- and there were fabulous cases of all shapes and sizes. That's the good thing about London. Having been to several big markets I can safely say that old period cases are easy to come by!

I found my seat (which for the record was hideously uncomfortable- like more uncomfortable than the old AMT seats!) and was lucky enough to be sitting alone- there were seats either side which meant that I could pretty much turn my whole body to follow the performers who were forever moving along the platform.

On the tracks themselves were three moving stage platforms which were slid up and down by stage hands in blacks.  New sets came onstage using this method and sometimes people left the stage this way. I really liked this as it was all run by manpower yet looked relatively automatic.

At the start, before the performance started, characters all dressed in period costume came out and "waited" on the platform for their train. A nice touch. The costumes were as good as the ones we had, in fact very similar. The children were played by adults- Phyllis was by far my favourite, she had the most animated face and the best lines. 

There wasn't really any music, but I knew before I went that it was a play. There was, however, background music which was written especially for the play and was quite nice. Mainly Keyboard, Clarinet, Flute and Oboe. The full company sang a song acapella for Bobby's birthday which was quite nice. The dirt bank that collapses in the story, was in fact a mountain of packages- it looked impressive but it was confusing when Bobby was busy talking about the bank- yet there were letters and packages sprawling everywhere. Cleverly done, however.

It was really funny seeing all the characters move about the stage and acting like the people we had in our show with much the same lines. The Russian actually looked like Trav- and the mother moved about like Nikki and had the same hair! Made me smile.

I was waiting for the train... And it was worth the wait. It was amazing as it glided into the station and came to a halt. It was so shiny- green and gold... Almost fake looking... But she's real, alright! It looked really cool- how awesome would it have been if we could have staged our show last year inside a station. Only in London!! There is no shortage of stations! 


Being that we are inside Waterloo Station- the noise of the trains whilst authentic and mood setting, got a little distracting at times... But thems the breaks!!

Act II was good- shorter which is always good! I don't think I enjoy plays nearly as much as musicals. I get a little bored with the music to keep me entertained. I liked how they did he tunnel scene- where the boys run into it. They basically pulled a black gauze curtain along the length of both sides of the platform, so you felt like you were also going into the tunnel. Very simple but very good. I really liked the scene where Perks had a birthday- it's a shame we isn't have that as a scene really. I think the beauty of having songs in musicals is that they elaborate on the story and paint more of a picture. For example the mother gave some clothes to Schepanszky and instead of singing about her sadness that he was gone, she held onto his shirt for a while, sobbing. It felt a little awkward after a while! Perfect place for a song! 
I think I may be bias towards musicals.

I'm pleased I got to see this -it was really well done, and I enjoyed the touch of a real train in a real station. So novel!!! Oh, and Mum- your hamper was WAY better. Their props in there were a little lame. And Anna- I missed Posh Talk :(

So far I've had a busy week- and it is set to continue for the rest of the week. Tomorrow I am at my first love: The Royal Albert Hall, to see Michael Ball in concert. Very excited. Bless his dimples and curly hair!! And Saturday I'm off to Jersey Boys. I will blog about those two together I think... 


Such is the life of a Kiwi living in London... I am spending all my £'s on theatre and travel, and that is *just* the way I like it. I will be booking flights for Scott and I to go to Greece next week... it is all getting exciting now!!

Cheery bye :)

When Brixton crazies come out to play!

So I'm going to write this blog about something not so great that happened to me on my way home last week- because years from now I want to remember how brave I became this year. 

I was heading home on Friday night after an AMAZING night in at Zoe's, hanging with her and Lorna and watching movies. I ate tofu for dinner (whhhhhhaaat?! I hear you say) and it was good! I left Queen's Park about 10.30pm to get the train from north to south London; Brixton. I had no problem walking the ten minutes from Zoe's to the station in Queen's Park. I can now walk in London without feeling tense, at night, all alone. My train journey was a pleasant one. I read some kindle on my iPhone (best invention ever!) and listened to some Dire Straits. I got off at the other end, and it all began. 11.15pm, Friday night. This is when the Brixton crazies come out to play. And by play, I of course mean to get drunk and stagger the streets- yelling at people and weeing up the walls. 

I walked from the station to my bus stop - about 20 paces. So far, so good. Still jamming away to a bit of 'Brothers in Arms' I got onto the bus, located a seat and sat down. 2 black girls followed me on- and staggered down the aisle. One of them was covered in mud and swaying so much she fully relied on her friend for support. I felt bad for her. 

They sat behind me- which didn't bother me- provided she didn't vomit on my neck. I could hear her spitting on the floor- you know, the way you do sometimes when you're hanging over a toilet trying to vomit.  My stomach churned but I managed to ignore it. 

A tall black man in a red coat got on and stood by the back door. Then it really started. He yelled at them, told them that they embarrassed their race, were prostitutes because they had nose piercings an so on. He seemed mostly concerned that they might vomit on the bus. Perhaps he has been up-chucked on a night bus once before... 

Anyway. This yelling, effing and blinding continued- backwards and forwards, all the way to my stop. I couldn't  wait to exit. I hopped off and realised that the man was also getting off. Nobody else did. I was relieved when he went left, as I was going right. I crossed over the road to walk up Claverdale and noticed footsteps behind me. Panic. He was behind me. My headphones were still in- though had been turned off since the shouting started on the bus. I could hear the man saying "Did you see that, yeah? Did you see!??" I pretended I couldn't hear him. I did not want to speak to him. Three more houses to walk past until mine. 

Again; "Did you hear? Hey- I'm talking to you..." I walked faster. Next thing I know? He pulled out one of my headphones and addressed me again. I replied in my strongest, bravest (completely and positively acted) voice with "Yes, I did see them. But it's not my business" and with that stepped into my front gate, keys in hand. He muttered something and walked off. Could I get my key in the door? Could I heck. I battled, hands shaking, for what felt like forever, to the point Fola came out from the lounge. I was finally inside and she asked how my night was. With that I burst into tears. I got such a fright from that man- how dare he touch my headphones and shout at me on a dark street. What was he thinking?!

With that Fola wanted a full description and told me to get in the car as she was going after him and I'd need to identify him. I stood in the doorway literally whimpering and whining saying I didn't want to go... I can laugh now- but boy did it shake me up a lot. Fola didn't find the man- but it's quite nice to know I have myself a protector!! 

London. There are pluses and there are minuses. Brixton on a boozy Friday? I think it's a minus...

Cheery bye :)

Feet Eating Fish, Markets and Marvelous Musicals!

Today was a jam-packed Saturday... Which is just the way I like it... After all- I am living in London town, which is full of things to do!

I met up with my friend, Alison, another teacher in London. We met at the "made famous by Gordon Ramsay" Borough Market where we wandered about looking at the impressive range of food- and tried a sample or two. I had a Pimms and Lemonade and a traditional English lunch of a bacon butty- which had more bacon than I could physically eat... Really!

Alison and I outside Borough Market, London.

After we had walked the market we decided that we would go and check out Portobello Road. Both of us had been once before- but not in a while. What a great market- it's so nice to wander up and down the hustle and bustle of Portobello Road- mostly tourists I suspect at these markets. But that's ok... It meant that I fitted right in with my camera! I'm *such* a tourist!

Crazy yet cool Portobello Road

I bought 2 more dresses. I know, I know... I don't seem to have much self control... But they're really cute and can be worn for school... So who cares, right? It's only money... Ya can't take it with you!! As Alison and I were trawling along we came across a nail salon. But this wasn't your regular "we paint toenails and fingernails" salon- oh, no! There, in the window were people with their feet in clear basins full of dead skin-eating fish. I had wanted to try this out for a while, and at £15 for 20 minutes of hungry fish eating action I decided it would be fun. So Alison and I gave it a go. 

This was after a few minutes when I no longer felt like gagging. 

I *love* the facials of the woman looking in the window! Classic!

After getting over the first few minutes (where my skin was crawling, I felt like gagging and I couldn't look in the basin of fish eating my feet!) I actually got used to it. You know the feeling of letting your pet goldfish nibble your finger tips. Well, multiply that one pet goldfish by about 30- and imagine them all having a nibble. On your feet! After a while, it was actually quite pleasant. Except for the random people who would look in the window at us then ask us what it felt like. Anyway-- if you ever get the opportunity it is totally worth it- my feet are rather dead skin free now- ready for another build up. Gross. Haha! 

Nom. Om Nom Nom Nom. Ergh.

After a dark chocolate Belgian waffle (dear Lord...eating again!!) we left Notting Hill. (yes - we saw the little travel bookshop from the movie!) I was bound for more excitement...Shrek the Musical. Funnily enough- even though I was unsure about this musical when booking my ticket, I was now strangely excited!! Thanks Mum and Cath for telling me it would be worth seeing! It most definitely was :)

Only in London. There were heaps of Stag and Hen Do's today!

So. Shrek the Musical. OH. MY. FREAKING. GOODNESS!!!!!

aMaZiNg show - see it if you get the opportunity!

I am *so* pleased I went. And I might try and go again. It was an explosion of colour and costumes, staging and set, choreography and clever lines. It was, in a word, aMaZiNg! The role of Shrek was MADE for Ian Carr. He would have *owned* that role! I smiled *so* many times when reminded of Ian. Lord Farquad was hilarious. Think of John Lithgow in "3rd Rock from the Sun" meets Mike Meyers as Austin Powers and Doctor Evil. He was on his knees with his legs covered by a cloak- and had fake legs at the front which moved in the most entertaining way. His prize line? He hadn't yet met Princess Fiona, and was rehearsing what he wanted to say to her...
"Oh- Princess Fiona. How nice to finally meet. My name is Lord Farquad.... But you can call me... Maximus. (opens and closes legs, suggestively)....No. Too smutty." 
I laughed. Bahhahahha. 

I loved the costuming- it was so colourful and so detailed. For the first time I paid £1 to rent some binoculars which was a great idea- I could have a look at faces and costume/set detail. Totally worth it! I loved Peter Pan and Pinnochio. Oh and Gingy. And Puss in Boots. Oh and the Fairy God Mother. And Humpty Dumpty. Heck- I loved them all!!!! They all looked and sounded liked they did on the movie - so cool to see the movie come alive on stage! 

Theatre magic. Wow. This show really has it. People appear from nowhere, Princess Fiona changes from her human self to an ogre at the blink of an eye- such awesome theatre magic. I love it when genuinely don't know how they have done something :)

The staging was incredibly clever- I wondered how they would pull this show off and have it be any good. It works. It really does. The bridge over the boiling lava was incredible. The dragon was spectacular - operated by four people it moved so easily and you forgot the puppeteers were even there. There was another dragon just above my head which swooped down a the end. How cool to have been sitting lower down and get the surprise of your life when the dragon showed up! 

The choreography was clean- and very clever. Being up quite high I had a good view of the formations which always seemed spot-on. I loved the Pied Piper's rats. The curtain was raised just a little and there were rats- attached to tap shoes. Very 42nd street. And when the curtain was raised there were men in tails with rat noses who did this huge tap routine. You know me- a sucker for tap! There were so many references to other musicals, which I found really clever. The most obvious reference was when the full cast were in the triangular shaped formation like in Les Miserables. Someone ran on at the last minute with a HUGE Shrek Coloured flag. With the famous 'Eponine' Les Miserables logo on it. Love it. This show was funny for adults and children alike - much like the movie. The lyrics to the songs were clever - I think I'd like to download the soundtrack. Some stand out songs were: 
I know it's today:

Big, bright, beautiful world:

Morning Person: 

I was disappointed with Amanda Holden- who judges Britain's got Talent, she played Fiona. I found her voice to be a little weak for the role in the upper register. But the girls who played 7 year old Fiona and teenage Fiona were fabulous. I also was a little irked at the end when they all got up and sang "I'm a believer" as it was so flat!! My goodness. I wasn't sure if they were trying to mimic bad karaoke or what- but if that is what they were going for- total success!! Also, there was a family in front of me who bought along a 2 year old to see the show. It was all very cute when he was pointing everything out; 
"Look- a fire"
"Look - a dragon"
"That man went (insert farting sound here) he he ha ha giggle giggle". 
I tell you. It got old very quickly. Once again though, great seats for my £19.75! 

The band were excellent. And there was a part for Alto Sax, Flute, Clarinet and Piccolo. That always makes my day! I'm stoked I saw it. If you ever get the chance- don't turn up your nose and think "I bet that will be rubbish- how on earth can it be as good as the Pixar movie?" I assure you it is awesome, and well-worth seeing.


On another note. Two funny things have happened in the past week that I feel I should share on my blog, for all those non-Facebook users! 

The first happened on Thursday morning. I was on the way to Brixton station and it was only 7.30am so I decided that this would be the day of the week I'd stop for my typical Soy Chai Latte from Starbucks. I handed over my £3 and waited for my morning Chai goodness to be prepared by the red haired barrista who always seems pleased to see my face. As he handed me my Chai, he said "Have a great day" and smiled at me. Naturally, I smiled back at him and left to hop on the train. As I squeezed myself onto an already full train carriage, a friendly guy stood up and said "Hey- take my seat". I figured I must be having a *very* good day! I politely accepted the seat (afterall it is not every day you get offered a seat!) and went to take a sip of my Chai, which by now would be a good temperature. As I raised the cup to my lips I noticed something written on the sleeve of the cup. A phone number. And a word. A name. Tay. I grinned like an idiot thinking about the fact that something that surely only happens in the movies, happened to me. And then I nearly literally laughed out loud when I wondered if Tay was short for Taylor. Now; those of you who are unfamiliar with the song "Taylor, the latte boy" should view the video below! I thought it was funny. I didn't keep the number however- as I decided two things. 
1.) He only looked about 18. 
2.) He probably writes this on the cup sleeves of all the girls he serves in the hope that one of them, one day, will call. A cynic, I know. I figure if he does it again next week- I might call. 


Taylor, the Latte Boy

The other thing that happened was that my sister posted some recent photos of her little family- along with a few pics of mum and dad with the twins and my nana and the twins. I was teaching reception class the morning the envelope arrived, so 4-5 year olds. I showed a group of them the photos. Their response; 
"Sarah....why don't you bring your babies to school to see us in Turquoise class?" mistaking my sister for myself. 
And the other thing one of them said, pointing at a photo with my Nana in- 
"Sarah... Who's that?". 
"My Nana" I replied."
Two of them looked at each other and one said to the other "I didn't know Sarah's Nana was the Queen?!" 
I did laugh out loud for that one. Love it. 

Tomorrow I'm off to The Tower of London, so until more adventures arise.... and then I have just 30 more working days in London town until I morph into a Gypsy and wear the same outfits (and God-forbid, shoes!) for a few months. 

Cheery bye :)

I left my heart in San Francisco

Now, where was I....? After our adventurous day out in San Francisco city,
Melon and I decided a few easy days were in order. We watched Twilight... And New Moon... And most of Eclipse. It was a Twilight-a-thon! We ate donuts from the 7/11 for breakfast... I tried Taco Bell- which was surprisingly nicer than I really anticipated. Although I am guessing loaded with MSG- which explains why it tasted so good, and why I was not well for a few hours afterwards. Mmmmm self inflicted pain!! I sampled Banana Berry pancakes at IHOP - they were good! I think I've pretty much nailed all the typical American eateries that you hear about on movies which is cool. Although I also think that it is time for a Sarah-ious detox. The problem is that I was only in America for one week. And there were so many new and exciting things that I wanted to try. I doubt it's been very good for my waistline though- but hey- that's what holidays are for. Eating. Seeing. Doing. Shopping. Eating some more. Right? .....Right?!

Donuts and Coffee from 7/11

Taco Bell for lunch...

IHOP for dinner... hmmmm..... couldn't do *this* every day!

Shopping; I can safely say I've done well in that department. After managing to find 8 dresses that look awesome, some tops, pants, 2 pairs of shoes (oh my I was controlled- I tried on some
Chanel flats... Only $695USD... I decided that was a little overpriced hehe!) and some other items- I think I did well. I came to America with 12kg. I nearly *died* when I put my bag on the scales to leave America and the screen said 41.1.... Until I realised that the reading was in pounds. Whew! I only accumulated 7kg- woo hoo. Just under 19kg. Not bad! 

Melon and I headed into San Francisco city on Thursday to go to Alcatraz. We decided to have lunch first and went to The Hard Rock Cafe. I love looking at all the memorabilia on display. We had a nice meal there (huge though!) and we ordered cocktails. The waiter came back about 5 minutes after delivering the cocktails with another for me, the same as the first... Apparently the bar girl had made too much. Score! It was a tropical cocktail but I don't think there was any Malibu in it--- I even asked the waiter if they had forgotten to put the Malibu in! He gave me my next drink on the house because he felt bad I was disappointed with my first drink. This means that I managed to score two free drinks. Nice!! I think we may have spent a little long at THRC because all the trips to Alcatraz were booked out. Whoops! Lesson learnt there!

First lunch time cocktail...

And then I had two... hmmmm....

Let's ROCK! 

Silliness on Pier 39

We caught a cab from Pier 39 to Downtown. The meter when we stopped said $8.95, so I handed over a $20 and the taxi driver only gave me $10 in return. I questioned him, gesturing to the meter- and he said "This is America (some Asian swear words) you gotta tip!!" I was thinking - What the? A tip is when you voluntarily give it to them. Not have them just take it? He was not getting the tip now! He was pretty peeved- but on the way back to Pier 39 later on we realised that our earlier taxi driver had zig zagged all the side streets when he only needed to take two streets. Beware yellow, dishonest taxi cabs!!!! 

I love how the ship is framed in this shot. 

Alcatraz at dusk... 

Helen had an art assignment to do which involved a trip to SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts) which I know my brother Tim would really have enjoyed. When we left there we went and saw a movie. We went and saw "Bridesmaids" which was really funny. I haven't laughed that hard in a while... to the point that I was nearly choking. My rib cage ached and I had tears streaming! If you get the chance - GO!! I quite fancied the Policeman in the movie. Perhaps my next man will be in the services haha. 


On Friday we were planning to try Alcatraz again. This time we got smart- we tried booking online. Unfortunately all the tickets were sold out for the next week! Popular trip! I think I recall Janet warning me of this - oops! Never mind... I'd like to come back to San Francisco again at some point, and I'm sure Alcatraz will always be there. We had a slow start to our day and decided to drive to Monterey and go to the world renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Before we went to the aquarium we needed sustenance- so where did we go? Monterey's First British Pub. Funny. I came all the way to America and went to a British Pub! I had fish and chips- which was an outstanding option being we were right by the ocean. It was as good as fish and chips in the Bay of Islands. I was suitably impressed. The aquarium was amazing, most definitely geared up for educational purposes... It would be a fabulous place for a class trip! I really liked it. Well set out and great variety of displays. Kelly Tarlton's is about on par with it though- good for Auckland!! 

We finished the evening with a dinner trip to Chili's- Dericious! Best Margarita's too! I had an awesome week- acting silly and having fun with Melon. We worked out that the last time I saw her was at my 21st... Back in 2003! It didn't seem to matter- we fitted back together easily. I am so grateful to Lexi and Helen (Melon) for having me for the week :)

Alexei and Melon

My flight back to London was delayed for an hour- so it has given me time to write this blog! I'm now *finally* in the line to board, so until my next adventure...

Cheery bye :)