So I'm currently in London, England with my Mum and I haven't been able to take the smile off my face since I've arrived. It's currently 12:16 a.m (6:16 in NY/Toronto) and I'm exhausted, yet wired.
Today we went on a tour of The London Tower. First, can I say how much I love history!? It's so fun and interesting to think of all of the events that have happened since the world began, and how society has changed. I can't count the number of times I heard the word "beheaded" today. After seeing The London Tower, Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliament, and The Westminster Abbey I started thinking of the Monarchy and my feelings towards it. They're mixed.
First off, I have to say that I love the tradition of it all. I like that Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses still exist here and that it's not a bunch of ancient hoopla. I like that little girls can dream of being Princesses and actually have one to look up to. I like that some of the things that are most strict in the Royal family are manners, loyalty, and honour (I'm in England...sorry Americans, I'm putting the u's back in the words they belong in). I love that a country gathers around the gates of Buckingham Palace just to see a newly married Royal couple kiss on a balcony. I LOVE it.
HOWEVER...
Today I saw more diamonds and gold than I have ever seen. I saw the biggest punch bowl made entirely out of gold that held 144 bottles of wine. The punch bowl took so long to make that the King who demanded it be built didn't even live to see the final product. With the current value of gold, that punch bowl could fix hunger for an entire country. Half of the things I saw (not even all of it- maybe not even HALF) could solve WORLD HUNGER - no problem. I have a problem with excess. Now listen, if you've worked hard to get your fortune and you want to get a bottle of Cristal instead of Brut, all the power to you - you worked hard for it - just don't get 144 bottles of it and but it in your golden punch bowl accompanied by it's matching ladle. The fact is, the Kings and Queens did not work for it. So Monarchy - how about you sell a couple of these things and make the world a better place for everyone? You can still kiss on top of the balcony and I promise, people will come, people will watch and people will cheer. But afterwards, you might have to use a punch bowl that only holds a measly 72 bottles of wine. It'll be hard, but I'm sure you'll manage.
Ok...off my soapbox.
London is amazing. The people are GORGEOUS and every single person here dresses well. Today my Mum and I stopped in our tracks because there was what looked like an 85 year old man wearing nicer jeans than I have seen on my 25 year old friends. People care how they present themselves- I like and respect that. In addition to looking great, English people are sweet as hell. Everyone has been more than helpful and nobody has shown the least bit of annoyance when helping us with directions (take note, New York).
After touring, I went for a walk around the theatre district, specifically to go see the Shaftesbury Theatre where Rock of Ages is playing. I wanted to go say hi to Sandy Moffat (their Franz) thinking it was a 7:30 show, but when I arrived they had already started the opening number as they started at 7. I'll try again later this week. After missing the Rock of Ages boat, I went to surprise my friend MiG Ayesa at the Lyric Theatre stage door (where he is currently performing in THRILLER Live) and was greeted with that same smile I last saw him with when we were performing together in Rock of Ages on Broadway. He's taking Mum and I out for drinks later this week and I can't wait to catch up!
Another friend of mine, Mark Evans, is currently performing as Sam Wheat in GHOST: The Musical at The Piccadilly Theatre here in London. We're going to see the show tomorrow but alas, Mark has the next three days off :( I'm sure his understudy will be fantastic!
OK, that's enough for now. I honestly can't express how much I love London. It is now #1 on my bucket list to do a show here. I am in love. Is it possible to ask a city to go steady?
Cody.
Me on the top of my first Double Decker bus-ever!
Our Tower of London tour guide. Guard at The London Tower.
The Shaftesbury Theatre! RoA London- 5 girls! HOT!
Late night Stroll through London.
