One hotel, two days, three flights (separate security for each), and about forty hours later, the Baltimore 11 finally made it to London! Although things did not go quite according to plan—thank you, Arkansas weather—we arrived just in time to get a quick nap and shower in before our plans for the evening with the rest of the Theatre in London group. We rode the tube to Piccadilly Circus, where we grabbed dinner at the Seven Dials Market. There were so many options inside that it was hard to choose just one, but hopefully we will go back so I can try everything. I even missed a whole section that had pasta, mac and cheese, and more, according to my more observant classmates. In the end, I got a slice of margherita pizza from Bad Boys Pizza and a cherry lychee tea from the neighboring bun place (pictured below). Afterward, a couple of us walked down the road to Anita Gelato because we “nita” some gelato (also pictured below). I ordered strawberry and dark chocolate—yum!
We ended our evening by seeing the longest-running play in history, Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap”. I won’t spoil the long-kept secret of who may or may not have murdered whom, but the show was enthralling. I can see why it has lasted so long; it is understandable and entertaining to people of all ages, education levels, and backgrounds. Young children can laugh at the jokes and gasp at the drama, and older people can attempt to solve the mystery while also laughing at the jokes and gasping at the drama. It can also be adapted to fit a variety of settings or locations without losing its key parts.
Through all of our adventures so far, one thing has remained constant: the tube. The core of London’s transportation, the “tube” or “underground” is similar to American subways, such as those in New York or Chicago. However, the Tube in London has a check-in, check-out system where you scan your Oyster card, ticket, or Apple Pay when you enter the station, and then again when you exit. This is to ensure that you pay the proper amount for the length of your journey rather than a standard amount for simply using the tube. Additionally, the stations in London are generally smaller and cleaner than subway stations in America. No matter where you are, it is a maze to figure out.
“What is it like to ride the Tube?” you ask. Well, I will gladly tell you. We are walking along the sidewalk when a fire station appears out of thin air, indented into the building in front of us. Upon further inspection, it is not in fact a fire station but the subway station. As we enter the small dent in the building, we see 5 or so gates with an LED sign showing either a green check or a red X. People funnel into lines at the gates, taking turns scanning their card, ticket, or phone to get through. Once on the other side, not much roomier than outside the gates, we wait for an elevator to take us down to the same level as the platform. Exiting the unusually large yet extremely crowded elevator, strangers in a rush shuffle us quickly down narrow corridors until we reach the platform to wait for our tube. There are no beggars, rats, or that familiar sewer smell, just people going from place to place and the polite screeching of the tube coming down the railway to greet us.
Below, you can see a chronological photographic account of our London experience so far:
London has been a refreshing change of pace, to say the least, with its beautiful sights, peaceful sound, and inspirational air. The few locals I have interacted with have been some of the most well-mannered and compassionate people I have ever met—and the squirrels are quite considerate as well. I am ecstatic to be here, and I can’t wait to see what adventures await us in the future!
– Hadley Ayers ❤
Theatre in London U of A 