Weekend London [15-17 OCT]
So I was supposed to go on this theatre trip to London in July 2020, but then the world got to go into lockdown and the play was cancelled. I was thrilled when I got a mail from the Young Vic theatre earlier this year announcing that they would put on Hamlet with Cush Jumbo after all and that my ticket would be valid for the new dates. I was very excited when I got the confirmation for Saturday October 17, a perfect day for me to organize traveling to London. Since the world still hadn't recovered fully, I planned for minimum travel: take the nightferry on Friday, spend Saturday in London and then one night in a hotel before catching the Eurostar train back to the Netherlands. Exactly the amount of traveling needed to see the play as comfortable as possible within the limitations.
I wouldn't have traveled at all if it wasn't for this rescheduled play, as the world was still not perfectly safe from Covid, but traveling was allowed with strict rules and I stuck to them all; wearing a face mask on the ferry and trains, getting tested within 2 days of arrival to the UK (even though I would leave again the next day, this test was still mandatory) and getting tested again to go back home. (Even though I am vaccinated, for traveling back into my country an additional negative test was needed). I was willing to do it all, just to see Cush Jumbo on stage.
I have taken the night ferry loads of times and love it lots, but for some reason this time it was too crowded and several things went wrong. The connecting train from Harwich was replaced with a temporary bus service, but that had also happened before, so I could deal. London Underground was hellish, with about half of the people not wearing a face mask (and in my opinion abusing the option for exemption) and for my afternoon tea I had to deal with a stuck up server, but I kept my eye on the price: a nice evening in the theatre... (I did have some fun in between all the hassle; I found a souvenir my mom had requested, I got to go shopping at Boots and Marks & Spencers plus I got fancy at Fortnum & Mason, so not everything was bad, but I did feel slightly off kilter all day)
And then, it was finally time to go to the theatre, yay! I was all giddy walking from Waterloo Station to the Young Vic, discovering Cush Jumbo's photo high up there. I took a picture with her in the background before going to enter the theatre, where I walked into a pamflet on the door stating that 'due to unforeseen circumstances, the evening performance was cancelled'! I was in shock but to be honest not that surprised, because of all the little things that went wrong, so of course this was the final thing that had to happen. I still went inside and found out the theatre had sent out an email in the afternoon, but I was glad I had missed that or I would have been moping all day and now I had at least had a somewhat pleasant day in London.
The staff was very nice and they were sad a rebooking was not an option for me. They did arrange an e-ticket for the online live performance at the end of the month and I got a program, which I loved.
I got on the Tube back to Leicester Square and walked through the theatre district to see if I could maybe get a ticket to another play, but I wasn't really in the mood for what was potentially available, so in the end I bought myself some comfort doughnuts and returned to my hotel where I relaxed in a bubbly bath with a book.
Of course I still did come home with a whole bunch of photos from that one day in London. See if you can discover all the signs that this just wasn't my lucky weekend;)
Friday, October 15
View on the Hoek van Holland Harbour sunset from the train.
(I had to travel earlier because the new train discount card doesn't apply for the afternoon rush hour anymore and I couldn't get onto the ferry right away, but had to wait for an hour next to a hyper kid before customs opened...)
The magical mirrors in the elevator on the ferry.
Unusual disappointing dinner on the ferry; my bun was burned and the burger was undercooked:(
But the lights on shore were lovely.
My paperkeycard stopped working, so I got a replacement plastic version, that didn't work neither. So I went back to reception, where I got yet another plastic card and the handy man on duty offered to walk with me to make sure I got back into my cabin. The card refused, the handy man went to get his gadget to reset the lock on the door. Still no luck with the card. Then he discovered the batteries in the door were the problem; he replaced them and the card worked, woohoo!
Saturday, October 16
Elevator to England! Funny, in the Netherlands we only have to keep 1.5 meters distance.
Usually signs at the Harwich station will redirect passengers (tourists) for London to the busservice, this time I had to figure out by myself that Ingatestone was where I would have to go to get there.
Awesome view of the sunrise in the Harwich Harbour!
Loved how the sunlight hit this watertower (view from the bus)
Surprised how London was nothing special on this sign, just one of the stops, haha.
Cute little bridge at the station of Ingatestone (which I learned is pronounced as ngtstn :-p)
Just missed one train, but luckily there's one every 15/20 minutes.
Floor of Liverpoolstreet Station:)
Logo on floormat in Liverpoolstreet Station
and me going Underground to the Tube.
Forever in love with the design of the signs in London.
Building of the Standard, with a flipped upside down red elevator, cute!
Marvelous King's Cross Station with a flash of a double decker, yay London:)
First Covid test; I had to queue outside the London Medical Laboratory, but the test itself took no time at all. I found out that the test result wouldn't be ready on time for departure tomorrow, so I had to schedule another 'fast' test, which could be done at the same Laboratory but could only be reserved through the website.
Picture of manhole cover for every time I doubt that it's really called that :-p
Walked to the hotel and was able to check in already, I even got an upgrade to a 'City Sleeper' room! I reviewed that last year after my trip to London in March 2020 when I decided to not book that type of room again...
Oh well, at least I got a bathtub, which is the main reason I justify spending money on a hotelroom.
My loot, just from shopping at Liverpoolstreet station: Neil's Yard, Boots and Marks & Spencers, baby!
There was a Covidtest spot available early in the afternoon. I decided to shop and lunch in the Bloomsbury area before walking back to the Laboratory.
The gorgeous Mercure hotel (not where I stayed, too fancy for me;)
The full Mercure hotel *in awe*
Pretty facade on the house where Sir John Barbirolli was born (1899-1970, Conductor Laureate of the Hallé Orchestra)
More beautiful buildings on Southampton Row.
All the cafes and restaurants had enormous queues in front of them, so I ended up buying food in the supermarket and settling on a bench in Tavistock Square Gardens for lunch.
Had cute company:)
Tasty chocolate roll and also enjoyed my bun with egg and cress ("CRESS, CRESS, WONDERFUL CRESS" - Richard Herring (anyone? no? just me?)
Another squirrel with its own lunch high up in a tree!
Fascinating rose gate.
Back in my hotel room after my test, I do love that bathroom wall and shiny mirror.
My loot from the lunch walk: wobble head Elisabeth for my mom and I finally found a new version of the tube towel to accompany the old one on my kitchen wall.
After freshening up and also already getting dressed for the theatre, I took the tube to Piccadilly Circus for a bit of uptown shopping.
Cool grafitti and old art (that Mercure hotel again;)
I always feel at home at the Russel Square Station (tiles in my favorite colour!)
Awesome decoration at upmarket department store Fortnum & Mason (since 1707)
Staircase art (The Boat Race, Oxford Blues by Nick Botting)
and a campy cowboy in the 3 and 6 Bar of Fortnum & Mason (first floor)
The server was dismayed I wanted tea for one (which was on the menu but apparently a hassle to make) and I got an attitude despite being superfriendly, pfff, dude. Still enjoyed my tea with custard creams (two, I already ate one;) and was very happy to be able to sit down after all the walking.
Sneaky golden paw on cabinet.
Lots of tempting Halloween chocolate! Great windowdisplay too.
Gorgeous corner of F&M.
Took a quick photo of the pink lit trees in front of Old Vic theatre, while on my way to the Young Vic.
Tadaah: the Young Vic with Cush Jumbo as Hamlet *heart eyes*
Look: it's me with Cush!
Wawawaaaah :-(
Back at the hotel with my final loot: bunch of books from Waterstone's.
Chocolatey goodness from F&S, more chocolate, scones and doughnuts from Tesco.
Mmmm, Creepy Cobweb doughnut with strawberry filling + Lotus Biscoff doughnut with caramel filling.
Bubble bath and books <3
Sunday, October 17
Sooo, I came here with just one backpack, haha.
Quick breakfast in the hotel, because I had to be at the station 2 hours (TWO!!) in advance, due to all the extra checks). I took the buns with me on the go.
COCKFOSTERS, NEVER NOT FUNNY!
Pink poodle (for somer, for reasons :o)
Fascinating advertising in Eurostar waiting area:)
All aboard!
No checks through customs back in the Netherlands; just get off the Eurostar and go straight across the platform for the train back home!
Always enjoy seeing this curly bench next to the bicycleparkinglot at the back of my hometown's trainstation.
The end.
So two weeks later I got to watch the play from home, on my computer. It was still great to see Cush Jumbo, but even though it was live and I got close ups, on screen is not really as intense as in the theatre, is it? I hope I get another chance to see her on stage in the future. (Now that she's living in the UK again, that could happen, right?) - good review of Hamlet by Nick here
J.
Crossposted from https://beelikej.dreamwidth.org/571193.html [
comments] Lurk or comment wherever you like:)
I wouldn't have traveled at all if it wasn't for this rescheduled play, as the world was still not perfectly safe from Covid, but traveling was allowed with strict rules and I stuck to them all; wearing a face mask on the ferry and trains, getting tested within 2 days of arrival to the UK (even though I would leave again the next day, this test was still mandatory) and getting tested again to go back home. (Even though I am vaccinated, for traveling back into my country an additional negative test was needed). I was willing to do it all, just to see Cush Jumbo on stage.
I have taken the night ferry loads of times and love it lots, but for some reason this time it was too crowded and several things went wrong. The connecting train from Harwich was replaced with a temporary bus service, but that had also happened before, so I could deal. London Underground was hellish, with about half of the people not wearing a face mask (and in my opinion abusing the option for exemption) and for my afternoon tea I had to deal with a stuck up server, but I kept my eye on the price: a nice evening in the theatre... (I did have some fun in between all the hassle; I found a souvenir my mom had requested, I got to go shopping at Boots and Marks & Spencers plus I got fancy at Fortnum & Mason, so not everything was bad, but I did feel slightly off kilter all day)
And then, it was finally time to go to the theatre, yay! I was all giddy walking from Waterloo Station to the Young Vic, discovering Cush Jumbo's photo high up there. I took a picture with her in the background before going to enter the theatre, where I walked into a pamflet on the door stating that 'due to unforeseen circumstances, the evening performance was cancelled'! I was in shock but to be honest not that surprised, because of all the little things that went wrong, so of course this was the final thing that had to happen. I still went inside and found out the theatre had sent out an email in the afternoon, but I was glad I had missed that or I would have been moping all day and now I had at least had a somewhat pleasant day in London.
The staff was very nice and they were sad a rebooking was not an option for me. They did arrange an e-ticket for the online live performance at the end of the month and I got a program, which I loved.
I got on the Tube back to Leicester Square and walked through the theatre district to see if I could maybe get a ticket to another play, but I wasn't really in the mood for what was potentially available, so in the end I bought myself some comfort doughnuts and returned to my hotel where I relaxed in a bubbly bath with a book.
Of course I still did come home with a whole bunch of photos from that one day in London. See if you can discover all the signs that this just wasn't my lucky weekend;)
Friday, October 15
View on the Hoek van Holland Harbour sunset from the train.
(I had to travel earlier because the new train discount card doesn't apply for the afternoon rush hour anymore and I couldn't get onto the ferry right away, but had to wait for an hour next to a hyper kid before customs opened...)
The magical mirrors in the elevator on the ferry.
Unusual disappointing dinner on the ferry; my bun was burned and the burger was undercooked:(
But the lights on shore were lovely.
My paperkeycard stopped working, so I got a replacement plastic version, that didn't work neither. So I went back to reception, where I got yet another plastic card and the handy man on duty offered to walk with me to make sure I got back into my cabin. The card refused, the handy man went to get his gadget to reset the lock on the door. Still no luck with the card. Then he discovered the batteries in the door were the problem; he replaced them and the card worked, woohoo!
Saturday, October 16
Elevator to England! Funny, in the Netherlands we only have to keep 1.5 meters distance.
Usually signs at the Harwich station will redirect passengers (tourists) for London to the busservice, this time I had to figure out by myself that Ingatestone was where I would have to go to get there.
Awesome view of the sunrise in the Harwich Harbour!
Loved how the sunlight hit this watertower (view from the bus)
Surprised how London was nothing special on this sign, just one of the stops, haha.
Cute little bridge at the station of Ingatestone (which I learned is pronounced as ngtstn :-p)
Just missed one train, but luckily there's one every 15/20 minutes.
Floor of Liverpoolstreet Station:)
Logo on floormat in Liverpoolstreet Station
and me going Underground to the Tube.
Forever in love with the design of the signs in London.
Building of the Standard, with a flipped upside down red elevator, cute!
Marvelous King's Cross Station with a flash of a double decker, yay London:)
First Covid test; I had to queue outside the London Medical Laboratory, but the test itself took no time at all. I found out that the test result wouldn't be ready on time for departure tomorrow, so I had to schedule another 'fast' test, which could be done at the same Laboratory but could only be reserved through the website.
Picture of manhole cover for every time I doubt that it's really called that :-p
Walked to the hotel and was able to check in already, I even got an upgrade to a 'City Sleeper' room! I reviewed that last year after my trip to London in March 2020 when I decided to not book that type of room again...
Oh well, at least I got a bathtub, which is the main reason I justify spending money on a hotelroom.
My loot, just from shopping at Liverpoolstreet station: Neil's Yard, Boots and Marks & Spencers, baby!
There was a Covidtest spot available early in the afternoon. I decided to shop and lunch in the Bloomsbury area before walking back to the Laboratory.
The gorgeous Mercure hotel (not where I stayed, too fancy for me;)
The full Mercure hotel *in awe*
Pretty facade on the house where Sir John Barbirolli was born (1899-1970, Conductor Laureate of the Hallé Orchestra)
More beautiful buildings on Southampton Row.
All the cafes and restaurants had enormous queues in front of them, so I ended up buying food in the supermarket and settling on a bench in Tavistock Square Gardens for lunch.
Had cute company:)
Tasty chocolate roll and also enjoyed my bun with egg and cress ("CRESS, CRESS, WONDERFUL CRESS" - Richard Herring (anyone? no? just me?)
Another squirrel with its own lunch high up in a tree!
Fascinating rose gate.
Back in my hotel room after my test, I do love that bathroom wall and shiny mirror.
My loot from the lunch walk: wobble head Elisabeth for my mom and I finally found a new version of the tube towel to accompany the old one on my kitchen wall.
After freshening up and also already getting dressed for the theatre, I took the tube to Piccadilly Circus for a bit of uptown shopping.
Cool grafitti and old art (that Mercure hotel again;)
I always feel at home at the Russel Square Station (tiles in my favorite colour!)
Awesome decoration at upmarket department store Fortnum & Mason (since 1707)
Staircase art (The Boat Race, Oxford Blues by Nick Botting)
and a campy cowboy in the 3 and 6 Bar of Fortnum & Mason (first floor)
The server was dismayed I wanted tea for one (which was on the menu but apparently a hassle to make) and I got an attitude despite being superfriendly, pfff, dude. Still enjoyed my tea with custard creams (two, I already ate one;) and was very happy to be able to sit down after all the walking.
Sneaky golden paw on cabinet.
Lots of tempting Halloween chocolate! Great windowdisplay too.
Gorgeous corner of F&M.
Took a quick photo of the pink lit trees in front of Old Vic theatre, while on my way to the Young Vic.
Tadaah: the Young Vic with Cush Jumbo as Hamlet *heart eyes*
Look: it's me with Cush!
Wawawaaaah :-(
Back at the hotel with my final loot: bunch of books from Waterstone's.
Chocolatey goodness from F&S, more chocolate, scones and doughnuts from Tesco.
Mmmm, Creepy Cobweb doughnut with strawberry filling + Lotus Biscoff doughnut with caramel filling.
Bubble bath and books <3
Sunday, October 17
Sooo, I came here with just one backpack, haha.
Quick breakfast in the hotel, because I had to be at the station 2 hours (TWO!!) in advance, due to all the extra checks). I took the buns with me on the go.
COCKFOSTERS, NEVER NOT FUNNY!
Pink poodle (for somer, for reasons :o)
Fascinating advertising in Eurostar waiting area:)
All aboard!
No checks through customs back in the Netherlands; just get off the Eurostar and go straight across the platform for the train back home!
Always enjoy seeing this curly bench next to the bicycleparkinglot at the back of my hometown's trainstation.
The end.
So two weeks later I got to watch the play from home, on my computer. It was still great to see Cush Jumbo, but even though it was live and I got close ups, on screen is not really as intense as in the theatre, is it? I hope I get another chance to see her on stage in the future. (Now that she's living in the UK again, that could happen, right?) - good review of Hamlet by Nick here
J.
Crossposted from https://beelikej.dreamwidth.org/571193.html [
comments] Lurk or comment wherever you like:)