After we pet the kitties, we walked to the St. Paul’s area for lunch at Hush Brasserie. I had a wine spritzer and a chicken Caesar salad, and Steph and I shared truffle fries with parmesan.
Afterwards, I took a few pictures before we headed back to the hotel so I could get ready for Hamlet.
Once I got to the Barbican, I got myself a water, a snack, and a program and sat down to people watch. I missed breaking my drink tradition before the play but I was still worried with the random allergic reactions and the fact that I knew there was a long way to go before the interval, and booze wouldn’t help that. I made sure to take a dorky pre-theatre selfie.
Once we were allowed in the theatre, I went in and sat down. I had been third row for Much Ado About Nothing, and maybe 8th row for To Kill A Mockingbird. However, tonight, second row here felt, very, very close. This was really emphasised once the screen went up and I could see the stage. I was astonished. It was the most elaborate stage I have ever seen. I had a hard time taking it all in *and* watching Benedict, so I had to stop watching him and take a moment to take in everything I could. Unfortunately from my seat, I couldn’t see the entire stage, especially the centre and where it went all the way back. Luckily, this didn’t take away from the absolute brilliance of the performance. I was completely transfixed and couldn’t believe how much time had passed once it was time for the interval. I really hope that I get to see it in the encore performance in the cinema so I can get a different perspective.
After, I did go out for stage door, but I didn’t have any expectations (especially considering when I got there before the performance, people were already queuing up). I did see Benedict as he signed for people across from us, but I was more shocked at some of the behaviours of the fans, to be honest. I’m not going to talk about that here, but let’s just say I was not impressed by how some people were acting.
By that point, Steph had come to meet me and we walked back to the hotel. She had gone to Whole Foods and got me sandwich fixings, which I hungrily ate as I checked my messages. She got me this as part of my birthday present (so I had something to open).
Friday was our last day in London. I didn’t have any specific desires or plans, so we left our bags at the hotel and just walked around the Southbank area after getting another coffee at the Coffeeworks project.
For lunch we went to Wahaca for fish tacos. I had been craving them for days and I could have eaten twice the amount I had!
After, we walked around a bit, poked a bit into Borough Market and then headed to Hummingbird Bakery for a birthday cupcake.
My cupcake was delicious! I wish I had taken a second one to bring home!
After we went to pick up our bags before heading to Euston and the train home.
So, that’s it. I wish the trip could have been a bit longer, so I could have done some things/seen some sights I have yet to see, but hopefully there will be time for that in the future. I was so glad to have been able to spend my birthday this way.
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