I recently had the good fortune to spend a long weekend in England. In particular, I spent my time in London, with visits to Oxford and Bath. My only previous trip to England was in January 2000 when I studied theater in London. During my (nearly) seven year hiatus from London, I had forgotten how much I love this truly magnificent city. Samuel Johnson was right - he who tires of London has tired of life! I understand why England, London especially, is so captivating. The world's 78th largest nation has exerted its fair share of global influence. England once ruled 20% of the planet, sparked the Industrial Revolution, created the English language, and has produced numerous cultural icons to include Shakespeare, the Beatles, and Monty Python. And these are just a few of the reasons why England ranks as one of the most influential and far-reaching centers of cultural development in the world! I have too many highlights to share from my British invasion, so here is a sampling of my favorite weekend experiences: The 'art of sleep' at the Tate Modern. Funky shops in Covent Garden. Lunch in Soho. Velázquez and Cezanne at the National Gallery. 'Mary Poppins' at the Prince Edward Theater. Yellow roses at St. Paul's Cathedral. Antiques at the Portobello Road Market. Jude Law at the premiere of 'Breaking and Entering.' Egyptian antiquities at the British Museum. Epicurean delights at Harrod's Food Hall. Picnics in Hyde Park. 'Wicked' at the Apollo Theater. Rotary Scholars in Oxford. Pints with friends. Roman Baths in Bath Spa. Waiting for Godot in the West End. Long Live Long Weekends! |
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