Cruising the Neighborhood

Martin took me to Knightsbridge, a charming town in south Devon, near his surfing beach. When he was a teenager, this is where the kids gravitated on the weekends when they weren't surfing! Interested in a surf report to see if there are any waves? Go to :www. A1SURF.com

Stand Up Paddling is Everywhere

As Martin and I were driving back to Bigbury-on-Sea, we pulled over at a very scenic spot and what did we see? More surfers.
These two happened to be Martin's brother-in-law and his fiance. Remember, click on the photo to see details.

Saying Goodbye to South Devon

Martin, Annika, and Sebastian were so hospitable and made me feel like family when I visited them at Bigbury-on-Sea in southwest England. I will come back and visit them soon, and next time I'm bringing my board!
Find them at www.discoverysurf.com or order one of Martin's "How to Surf" videos!

Fanciful Facepainting at the Fair

Kai is a student at King Alfred's, a private school, in Highgate in north London. There was a big festival/open house going on with activities, food, and games all day long.

Looking like a Magic Fairy

Laura got her face painted too. The technique was interesting. The facepainters applied a lot of paint with cosmetic sponges before using brushes for detail. I love Laura's bright, beautiful butterfly. Don't you?

Ready for a Regatta?

That's Jane, the grownup, on the right. She's my host on this visit to London. Her grandaughter, Kai, (the child in the first photograph) is a student at King Alfred's and the reason I came to this festive event! These sailboats were built by students here and are ready to set sail.

Artwork by the Children

This mosaic is at the entrance to King Alfred's. I loved the bright colors and details, especially in the crown. See the words at the top: EX CORDE VITA. Those words are in a language called "Latin". What do they mean? Do a google search to find out and let me know, please.

Do You Recognize this Gentleman?

He's William Shakespeare, the greatest playwright of all! I'm next to his bust, a sculpture of him, at the Globe Theater in London, England, on the Thames River. In Will's day, the Lord Mayor of London disliked the whole theater scene so much that he made the playhouses stay on the south side of the river away from the rest of the town on the north side of the Thames. Luckily, Queen Elizabeth the First liked the theaters otherwise they might have been shut down completely.

Is it Greek to You? Read on......

I loved this poster at the Globe Theater. I took the tour and there was so much information that made me smarter about the theater scene in London in the 1500's. This "new" Globe is a replica of the orignial and nearly right on the same spot as it was during Shakespeare's day. A famous American actor, Sam Wanamaker, was the champion who initiated the reconstruction of today's Globe.

Getting Ready for Macbeth

The Globe puts on many plays throughout the year. This shot gives you an idea of the levels. From the time the theater was born, till now, theatergoers could stand on the ground in front of the stage and watch the performance. You can even rest your elbows on the stage! Imagine that! During Shakespeare's time, it cost one pence (penny) to be on the ground, 2 p to be on the first level, 3 p on the second level, and 4 p to be on the 4th level. Some patrons came mostly to show off their fine clothing and would often have their backs to the stage or, get this, they'd get a stool and sit on the stage to be seen better!

The Scottish Play, Shhhhh

Now it seems that it is bad luck for cast members to say the title of the play, MACBETH, so I'll just write it. The director of this performance requested that the audience on the floor, called "Groundlings", stick their heads up through holes in black fabric to make the production a little more dramatic. It was, but the sun was out and it was very hot for those of us who were standing in the one penny section. Of course, it costs more than one penny to see a play in 2010.

Make Sure you Rent a Cushion

So.......I recommend a visit to the Globe and a tour of the theater if you come to London. Maybe you will meet Stephanie who taught me about the history of this theater and what it was like during William Shakespeare's era---the Rennaissance or Rebirth.
She'll also advise you to rent a cushion and backrest so you'll be comfortable. I'm really glad I did.

Ready to see the "Scottish Play"

The house was packed for the afternoon show! Can you imagine standing during the whole performance---- a lot of theatergoers did! Macbeth is a very famous play, but it's really for an older crowd, so come when you are a teenager or older.
Make a trip to the Globe Theater and see a play performed that's 500 years old and just as exciting today as it was that long ago.

You Can Also Read Shakespeare

Mom always thinks it's a good idea to read a children's version of a Shakespearean play to undetstand the stroyline/plot fully before seeing a performance. Works for me!

Theater is Everywhere in London

These two actors, Robert and Kathrine, just performed in the Western musical, CALAMITY JANE, on a local stage in Highgate called Upstairs at the Gatehouse. It was fabulous! They sang their hearts out and sounded perfect. I got tears in my eyes because the production was so touching! Bravo!

An Aspiring Musician with a Big Smile

Ian played the banjo during the performance of Calamity Jane. He was great! Others think so too-----he's heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival soon!

Hanging Five on Highgate Hill

I was so surprised when I trotted out of the theater and saw Dominic with a surfboard slung over his back. His Portuguese friend, Carlo, had just come back from a kite surfing trip in Mexico at Playa Carmen! Yes, I was very surprised! We chatted for awhile and went on our way.

When Will the Milk Man Come Around?

Long, long ago in the United States, there was milk delivery. You would leave your empty milk bottles outside your door, and the milk man would replace your old bottles with new ones full of fresh milk. In Highgate, the milk man still comes around. Interesting, huh? I spotted these as we were leaving the Gatehouse Theater.

Get Ready for a Little History Lesson

Sir Francis Drake was Queen Elizabeth I's greatest privateer (her own private pirate). He captured Spanish ships and took their treasure and gave it to the Queen. (Of course, he always got his share too.) This boat is a replica of his original. It's docked near London Bridge on the Thames (Tems). Remember to click on the image to enlarge for details.

The Past is the Present

Read about this wall..... and you'll understand more about Olde London.