Unicorn theatre, Golden Hinde, Clink Museum, the Globe (sort of)

Morning train into the city was rough. Train terminated 2 stops before we hit Waterloo. Stood on the platform in the rain waiting for... We weren't sure. People were calmly hanging out, no questions asked they just stood and waited. We hoofed it down the stairs and up again, trying to spot a taxi or at least someone we could ask a question to like "what the .." it was odd, no explanations asked for or given.. Wondering if it's a British thing or if they all knew something..it was weird.

Made it to Waterloo after a train arrived packed to the gills. We walked out and caught a taxi.


From the back of the cab..

Made it to the Unicorn in time to ask "what are we actually seeing?" turns out it was three student productions, 10 year olds I think. The ushers weren't even Sure as they hadn't seen the programs. We grabbed lunch (you're allowed to eat and drink in the theaters here) and sat down amongst 150 school kids about 1/3 of which were putting on the play. Reminded me of our elementary, kids from all over, lots of Indian, Muslims, Turks, etc. Made em feel lucky all over agai. To live where e
We do (yes, homesickness is poking in). Through thick accents I'm pretty sure we heard the "pied piper" some sort of white dove end-of-the-world thing and a space adventure where kids get sent to Mars. Interesting. But for $5 a ticket it was fun and the girls loved it.



In the lobby of the theater.
Since we were down by the London Towers we headed to the Thames and started towards the Globe theater.

On the way we found passed the Golden Hinde, a replica of Sir Frances Drakes ship that he "discovered" San Francisco Bay. Had to climb aboard and take a peek.








All I can say is I would not have made a good sailor. Small doorways, low ceilings, very few windows and the smell of sea men (tee hee).

Anyhow, onward, to The Clink, a horrible rip off. A narrow staircase down where the woman at the counter assures us it's suitable for kids, as "nothing moves and there's no live actors". Swell. So $25 for Jenny, the girls and I to wander through a dark manikin filled basement. I should also tell you there was a prize if you found all the rats through the exhibit and came back and told the ticket taker. Well, rodents ahoy! Walking in P became a bowl of jello firmly asserting her fear of the "dark, rats, etc" and O was none too thrilled to be there either. It was like following Thing 1 and Thing 2 bouncing off the walls to get out of there. In 10 minutes we were done. Ten minutes. The girls went and told the ticket taker there were 3 rats, totally wrong but she took pity and gave them a sucker anyway.

On our way again, with beautiful views we made it to the Globe..10 minutes after it closed. How does time go that fast here?

We grabbed the girls a gray looking hot dog and started to the tube. Over a bridge down a street up stairs and beyond to rush hour commute. And for some reason there were a bunch of men and women with racing bibs. I meant to look it up, but I'm feeling terribly lazy.

As the crush of humanity and the potent over use of cologne served to counter act the sweat of the athletes it was only a couple stops but, wow. We shall try not to do that again. Waterloo was even worse, one train cancelled and a 50 minute wait for the next. As we sat there a lady with a stuffed 3' tiger approached and asked if the girls would like it. Before I could decline and not come off as worst mother of the year the girls had it in their clutches.


It took a hour negotiation to make sure they understood the damn thing would NOT be coming home with us. O went nuclear complete with waterworks and assertions she wanted to go to our "real home, now!" I felt bad, but at least confident I retain my title of Meanest Mom Ever. Jenny and I took turns Whacking unsuspecting commuters with the damn thing trying to find a free seat.


It's past 9 here and Dennis just called. He's at the Hilton down town, he's teaching classes tomorrow and the next day 70 students. He said their office is in the tallest tower in London and he has to go through airport like security. Makes me feel good to know.

Not sure what we're up to tomorrow aside from dinner with Paolo.

Mas love,
Sarah