RUGBY WORLD CUP:
We as many of you may or may not know the Rugby World Cup is being held here in London. I had the pleasure of going to Twickenham Stadium to see the France vs Italy game as a guest of Vittorio, the students landlord. He takes me to a game every year. Beforehand, we went to a nice Italian restaurant to have some great food. This year's game was so, so. Japan vs South Africa was the high point that day. Japan beat South Africa. Japan never wins so it was a big deal. Here are some photos of the event.
Our third day trip was to Blenheim Palace where the Duke of Marlborough resides. It was where Winston Churchill was born and where he proposed to his wife. The Spencer-Churchill family that owns the estate is also part of Princess Diana's family. We had a great, fun day.
The main gate leading into the Palace.
The fountains and gardens behind the Palace. We had about 45 minutes to explore some of the grounds before we went inside for a tour.
Waiting on the steps of the palace (sounds like Sondheim lyrics) before we go on tour.
The eyes on the ceiling above the steps before going inside. Said to be the first Duke and Dutchess' eyes.
Our tour guide who announced to us that she never has and never would watch Downton Abbey. I wanted to shake her!!!!!!
The dining room getting set up for a reception for a horse show that was being held on the property that day. The silver centerpiece depicts the first Duke at the Battle of Blenheim.
One of the many display cases containing toy soldiers from every war Britian was involved in. Here a just a couple of photos.
The property where Blenheim was built was given to the first Duke by the Queen for beating the French at the Battle of Blenheim in Germany which shifted the power from France to England. The land was give as a reward. One condition still upheld today is that the French standard flag be presented to the Queen every year or the land goes back to the monarchy. This is a replica that hangs on the fireplace in on of the salons.
There are incredible tapestries that were woven depicting the Battle of Blenheim that hang in a number of rooms. This is one with with French surrendering. The Duke is in red!
Other than this dog the only other animals depicted in the trapestries were horses.
Notice the dogs paws. It must have been a mistake but they didn't bother to unravel the tapestry to correct it. They are hooves!!!
The library that is used for dinners, receptions, weddings, etc. At the end is a huge, lovely organ that was being played when we were in the room.
The statue was commissioned by the Dutchess to honor her friend, Queen Anne. This is flattering to the Queen who was as wide as she was tall. This makes her look good but isn't a true depiction.
The ceiling in the Library
Andrew checking out the stacks of books!
The chapel. I loved the lighting that afternoon.
After our tour, we could go back inside and view a new, redone exhibition on Churchill where you can see his paintings(that is how he relaxed), birth room, and letters, etc. We then had time to explore the property. Some students walked to the monument honoring the first Duke.
Others went to the lakes, waterfalls, secret gardens.
We also took a train to the Pleasure Gardens where there is a butterfly house, a hedge maze made of yew trees, and outdoor board games.
The property has hundreds of unusual trees!
All these photos were taken inside the butterfly house which was pretty steamy so the camera lens just kept fogging up.
So what are these two up to??????
Entrance into the Pleasure Gardens. The houses are models of the town of Woodstock. (not the one in New York!)
New this year in the garden is a statue of Peter Pan with otters.
Board game challenges!
Andrew has a sense of play!
The Maze.
Shania makes it halfway through.
Andrew still playing!!!!
CHINESE FOOD!!!
After our tour on the Drury Lane Theatre which I will talk about in the next blog, we went to Chinatown and ate at Wong Kei on Wardour St. After that we went to see A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
For the Page to Stage class we went to see A Curious Incident in the Night-Time. The show was fantastic!
The students met the lead actor who played Christopher. He was the understudy and did a superb job! Very good cast!
We have one more rehearsal at The Cockpit Theatre on Sunday and then we move into the New Wimbledon Studio on Monday to start loading in and tech the show. We open October 14 and run to the 17th. Those of you in London please come see Some Americans Abroad!
THAT'S ALL FOLKS!!!!!
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