The musical

I had heard about 'We Will Rock You' and seen the posters for a long time. When I had my London trip, the school would see the show, while I waited in my coach. I never did get the chance to see it. 

Then, back in June, a leaflet with my mother's weekly: We Will Rock You was coming to the Netherlands. I decided to go and bought two tickets almost immediately. Not sure who was coming, but that problem was solved within a couple of minutes: my Mum. 

On Saturday we made our way to the town where the musical was being tried out. First of course we had to get dinner (Greek, yummy) and then we made our way to the theater. A cup of coffee for my Mum and a short girly break for myself. And then on into the theater itself.

The place was packed. Not a single seat left and everybody was buzzing with anti....cipation (sorry, wrong musical). Well, what can I say? It started, the music was good (duh), the singers were great and Anasticia really has a throat on her! My goodness, can that woman belt out a song!

During the break there was a little drink, then back to see the rest. It was absolutely brilliant and well worth how ever much I paid for it. I wouldn't mind going again, but there is the small matter of not much income, a visit to the Eurovision party, a holiday in Northern Ireland and probably a cinema visit here or there. 

But, well worth the visit. Loved it!!

Treat

In front of the train station in Groningen

When I first moved back to the Netherlands, I pretty soon saw an ad on the telly about a show. It was a show that I had always wanted to see, but it was quite pricey and of course I was without income! So, it was something to be done at some other time at some other place. But, I did promise myself that if I were to get a job before the show was finished in the Netherlands, I would try and get a ticket.

Well, I got a job. Which means income. And the minute I got the job, I sat myself behind the computer and checked out this show. Were there still tickets? How much dough would I have to fork out? Would I do it? The answers were: yes, a lot, YES! 

The stage

On Saturday I made my way to Groningen. By train as that was cheaper and cheaper still as there had been a sale of day tickets (day ticket was cheaper than a single ticket) which I enjoyed very much. First I did some shopping where I kept my money in my purse, then on to the theater where I was nice and early. 

I bought a program as I always buy a program. In fact I still have the programs of all the other shows I ever went to and bought a program from. I was seated quite high up, but still had a good view over the stage. And then the show started. Jellicle cats...

Yes, I had bought myself a ticket to the musical Cats. And not just any performance, a performance in English (with surtitles in Dutch) by the West End people themselves. I thought it was a brilliant show and well worth the lot I forked out for it. 

Little Women

Beth, Jo, Marmee, Meg and Amy March*

When my sister asked whether I wanted to see a musical based on the book Little Women, I thought: why not? Even if I couldn't really imagine it as a musical. And when I found out the whole thing was performed by a local youth group, I was even less impressed! 

Of course it was a big case of prejudice, since the whole performance (apart from the first song, which I could not understand: music way too loud) was extremely good. The performers were brilliant, the girl playing Jo had a fantastic voice. There was humour, there were tears (yes, I cried) and I was very happy to have said yes to my sister. 

Next time she invites me to a show/musical by the Phoenix Players from Portadown? Yes!

*The photo was taken during the dress rehearsal by the Phoenix Players themselves. 

Brom and the sinking ship

Coocoo

Remember the party I went to on Tuesday evening? Well, it lasted through the night and into the morning and me and Mouse really weren't in a fit state to go anywhere. So, Mara and Gera left us behind while they went on their big day out and she will have to tell you all about it.

The only way to eat that scrumptious pavlova

Thank you Brom, hope you feel better now 😃. Indeed, me and my sister went on our big day out. Usually when I visit my sister or my sister visits me, we don't do outings every day, but one or two during the visit. 

The tender called Nomadic

Since my sister, despite having lived in Northern Ireland for 12 years (exactly, today!!) had never visited the Titanic Experience, we decided to do that. By the time we got there though, we were quite peckish and decided to have lunch first. Quiche and pavlova. Double yum! 

One of the first class areas on the tender

After that we visited the only tender left that was built by Harland & Wolff shipyards. All the others had perished over the years. It was used in Cherbourg (France) to ferry people from the quay-side to the big ocean liners waiting for them, because the water was too shallow for the big ships to come all the way in. And one of the ships it served was in fact the Titanic!

My sister trying her hand at the telegraph spelling CQD (the fore-runner of SOS)

Next we went back into the main Experience building to see the Titanic exhibition. It was fairly dear, but my goodness, it was worth every single penny! The few attendants we talked to knew what they were talking about and gave good and clear information. There was a small ride that again was very informative in how the ship was built. 

You can see a faint outline of the ship on the left. 

We saw the actual site the Titanic and one of its two sister ships (Olympic) was built, we saw some examples how some of the cabins looked like, first, second and third class. I feel even the third class cabins and accommodation in general would still stand up today as decent. 

An example of a double third class cabin, with sink

Last but not least there was of course the section about how and where the ship went down. Stories about survivors and about some of those who didn't make it. But also a section about the eventual discovery of the wreck and how it looked and what they found. All in all a very informative visit.

After a short visit and dinner to/at Ikea we made our way into Belfast itself. Our first stop there was a pub that was run by the National Trust. It was beautiful and I would have loved to take some more photos than I actually did, but just enjoying the atmosphere and our drink was good as well. It was however just a little stop-off before the main event: the theatre!

Recent research has shown that the fire in one of the coal storages (known about at the time) probably contributed heavily to the eventual sinking.

You may remember that I got a ticket to see 'The Importance of Being Earnest' for Christmas and last night was the night it was going to happen! At first it was a bit strange not to see Colin Firth and Rupert Everett on stage (I love that version), but the actors on stage did such a good job that they were soon forgotten. I loved the performance and it was a fantastic ending to a great day.

Day 7: Christmas shopping day 1 and 2

After more than four years, it was such a delight to be back in London. Even though I did miss Brom and my sister. Next year we will have to plan it a bit further in advance so we can all go together!

My room was a beautiful room with soft beds (board) and soft pillows (bricks) and a great view (see top photo). The dinner I had was pure gourmet. Of the cheapest microwave version! I buy better at home. Mind you, the price was accordingly low and it was warm.

On Saturday I made my way into London. Where it was busy! My first stop was Covent Garden, where I scored a belt (forgot to take one) and some gloves (forgot to take mine). And then it was off to the annual Christmas Pudding Race. Where I saw Oompa-Loompas, convicts, elves and even Her Royal Higness, the Queen herself!! And she graciously let me take a photo of her.

After having walked around for a while and taken a few photos of the beautiful decorations (mistletoe), I made my way to Oxford Street. There were some things I really wanted. Like a Christmas sweater. And paracetamol (forgot to bring those as well). And other knicky-knackies that I don't need, but do quite want. 

I had walked about half of Oxford Street when I decided to get on the Underground again and see what was happening in Hyde Park. Well, it was the Winter Wonderland! Complete with ice skating show, ferris wheel (no fun on my own) and German Christmas market. It was absolutely heaving though! The weather was quite cold, but bright and sunny and everyone and their aunt had made it into town.

The lights in Regent Street

I got back to Oxford Street and finally found a HMV (record/cd/dvd-store). Where I found some of the films and series I really love so guess what... By then however it was time to find myself some dinner, because that night I was going to see a show. And not just any show either: the Snowman. You may have seen the film, you may know the song (Walking on the air). I saw the musical. 

It was a really lovely musical. Only two songs with words, everything else was music only. The boy in front of me (Italian/French) was loving it! No need to understand another language when the music will do the trick every time. 

That night I made my way back to the hotel. Tired, weary, three large blisters on my feet and one on my credit card. But a beautiful day.

Got the t-shirt

You may remember that I was quite busy last weekend. I was going to the Norwegian Military Tattoo, I was hoping to see the Eurovision Song Contest and I was going to pick up Oswin. Well, I have told you about Eurovision and I showed you the first photos of Oswin. However, I haven't yet mentioned the Tattoo. 

It's all in the bricks!

The Tattoo was to take place in the Oslo Spektrum. Like most purpose built concert places of later years, it was quite a boring brick place. Or so it seemed at first glance because in fact the brick was artwork and covered in artwork. And since I was early, I walked around the whole place taking plenty of photos. Especially since I wasn't allowed to take photos inside. Nor did I really want to, I just wanted to enjoy the experience. 

Anyway, we finally made our way inside, I got (well bought really) the t-shirt and then I had to find my place. Which, once I was in it, I was sure was the wrong spot and very soon somebody would come and chase me away. I was in the fourth row, on the corner and had a fantastic view over the whole place! But nobody came to chase me away and I realised I had picked this fantastic spot myself!

There were military bands from several different countries; Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Russia and Japan. And of course Norway itself showed with both a 'normal' band and a band and drill team. Then there was an American drill team and an Estonian gymnastics troupe. Now, the photo in the program I had received showed a large drill team, but on the day, only four were on stage. Plus a skinny woman in boots standing in the middle. I thought it was a bit disappointing, especially since I had been expecting so much! 

The Estonian gymnastics troupe was something that I knew was going to be disappointing, but I could not have been more wrong. They were brilliant. No wonder they had been asked back! Brilliant. Really they were. Brilliant. I hope to see them again. 

But of course the music is the main event and that didn't disappoint. I loved the Japanese and their singer. The Dutch showed a collection of photos from our former queen: Princess Beatrix as she is now known. From birth to now. Plus some good music of course. My favourite of the afternoon however, must have been 'His Majesty the King's Guard Band and Drill Team'. Great music, great drill team. And a large drill team at that. Loved it. 

The gold and blue with the large bear hats.
That's the Royal Netherlands Army Military Band 'Johan Willem Friso'

The finale was good as well. By an enormous stroke of luck, the Dutch band was standing directly in front of me. I couldn't not take a photo (or two or three), so I did. After the show I went into the lobby. I wanted to get one of the cd's the Dutch were selling, but unfortunately they only took cash, I only had a card! In the end though, telling them about me having been a driver for them (which is true), I got the cd completely free. I was a very blessed woman!

10. Tattoo

According to some people I have a weird taste in music. I love brass bands for example and drum bands. Marching bands as well and Dolly Parton. Well, Dolly Parton didn't feature last night, the other ones did. The Royal Marines were there, as were the Airforce and the Territorial Army. There were pipers and dancers all the way from New Zealand, a great band and dancers from Surinam (our last colony that was), a British artillery group and a fantastic Swiss drum band.

The drumband 'Top Secret' from Switzerland

So, how did I get there? Well, I may have mentioned in the past that we do a lot of jobs for the Ministry of Defense and one of the jobs I occasionally get is driving the Royal Military Band Johan Willem Friso around. And last week while visiting the Queen I had to drive them as well. Before leaving in the morning though, I sat in their little staff room and saw leaflets of the Military Tattoo to be held this week. My parents always used to go, but I never had the chance before. And then one of the men offered tickets. At first I declined and then I thought, no, I want to go. So I called my boss, I called my parents and yesterday my dad picked me up to go to the tattoo (my mum unfortunately had to work).

Some of the women/dancers from Surinam

We didn't go to the official show, we went to see the dress rehearsal. One or two groups still needed a little tweaking (especially the only civilian group), but it was brilliant. We had great seats, could oversee the lot and I was able to take great photos, even without flash.

The piping band from New Zealand

The music was lovely, although they could have had about twenty more pipers in the piping band (I love the sound of a lot of pipers). The drumband from Switzerland might have been small, but they were making enough noise as it was and I loved the way they were dressed!

The dancers with the piping band from New Zealand

On our way home my dad said that they still wanted to go to at least two other tattoos: the one in Edinburgh and the biggest one in the world is in Halifax, Canada! Hm, I might have to go along with them.

The finale

Of course by now you may have realised I didn't get a tattoo and may not get one for a while yet. After all, I have been told it hurts to get one...