In the morning, San Geraldo rushed me downstairs so we wouldn't miss breakfast in the hotel restaurant. We then went to the British Museum after which I headed off on my own to visit the nearby department store Selfridge's and walk in the cold and damp to get a closer look at Marble Arch.
When I got back, I had a couple of hours before I had to get ready. I decided to have a siesta. Before I knew it, San Geraldo was saying, "We'd better get moving. We're going to be late for the show!"
I must have really slept. It felt to me like I had gotten into bed minutes earlier.
(Click the images; they get big.)We took a taxi, in awful traffic, to The Royal Albert Hall. It was dead quiet outside, but the weather was miserable, so why would anyone linger?
Our door, Number 6, was locked. So, were Numbers 5 and 4. Number 3 was open. Our tickets were scanned and we went inside. The Royal Albert's "halls" were empty. We headed to our door. There was no one there and it was locked. An usher came up behind us and asked politely, "Are you looking for a bar or restaurant?"
San Geraldo said, "No, we're trying to get to our seats."
"Oh," the usher said with a smile, "Doors don't open until 7:15."
San Geraldo looked at his watch, "But it's already 7:30..." was followed by an embarrassed, "Oops! I forgot to change to London time! I've been an hour off all day!"
But, it worked out well; the usher suggested we go downstairs to "Berry Bros. & Rudd No.3 Bar." We had a great meal and relaxed for an hour.
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| TRYING TO GET A SHOT OF THE MASTER BARTENDER: "HOW AM I IN THE PICTURE?" ASKS SAN GERALDO. "THAT'S NOT YOU; IT'S ME," I SAY. "IS IT REALLY?" "YES. YOU DON'T HAVE A BEARD AND YOU'RE NOT WEARING THIS SWEATER." |
The show was possibly my favorite of all the Cirque du Soleil shows. Seventy percent of the performers were women, which was a joy to see and a very powerful statement given these times we're living in.
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| I ONLY TOOK PHOTOS BEFORE THE SHOW STARTED. THIS IS THE VERY JEALOUS CHARACTER NAMED CALI. NICE TAIL. |
The below video is long, but this is a performance that was also part of the show. Mesmerizing.
Thank you so much for sharing the video Mitch. It was an amazing feat of body control and balance (I might try this out at home - Not!) I do wonder how many times she had to practise before getting it right ?
ReplyDeleteHeron:
DeleteA few minutes after she began, I realized she was going to use all the sticks and thought, "Oh, no. This will go on forever!" But, as she progressed, I was in awe. The audience was dead silent throughout and roared with approval at the end. I also wondered how much it took for her to perfect this.
If you were early, you were on time.
ReplyDeleteTravel:
DeleteWe're always early, but we try to not get there before the cast.
Oh boy! I can't wait to watch this later today :)
ReplyDelete"You don't have a beard and you're not wearing this sweater." Best line today. ;)
Judy:
DeleteI'm so clever (and snarky). Sorry to share such a long video, but if you have the time it is so worth watching.
Beautiful video Mitchell! What dexterity, lovely to watch.
ReplyDeleteYou two are a scream!
Robin
Cat Lover:
DeleteI would be so much less funny without Jerry!
I love it when I "find" and hour! I'll have to watch that video later when our internet is a little faster than it is this morning.
ReplyDeleteWilma:
DeleteAnd I lost, found, lost, and found that hour that day! Sorry for the long video. I hope you have a chance to see it, though. You will be amazed.
San Geraldo slays me.
ReplyDelete"HOW AM I IN THE PICTURE?"
Bob:
DeleteHe slays me, too. And he sometimes makes me seem so clever.
Absolutely astounding!! Thank you for sharing this video--I found myself holding my breath throughout! Haha.
ReplyDeleteI love Cirque du Soleil!
Jennifer:
DeleteThe audience grew dead silent mid-way through. It was so powerful. We also love Cirque du Soleil. We've seen most of the traveling shows and we were lucky enough to catch all but one permanent show (the Michael Jackson show) when we lived in Vegas -- some twice!
Great video. I need to see these folks perform in person.
ReplyDeleteStephen:
DeleteWe are always in awe and so entertained. You and Mrs. C should take a trip to Vegas and see a bunch!
I am so jealous,,, never been to the Albert Hall its on my bucket list
ReplyDeleteJohn:
DeleteThis was our first time. What a way to experience it.
great photos and I am waiting for more
ReplyDeleteGosia:
DeleteI'm BEGINNING to run out of London photos.
"You don't have a beard and you're not wearing this sweater." Priceless!
ReplyDeleteWalt the Fourth:
DeleteI thought I was very clever.
Wow!
ReplyDelete