Archive for July 31st, 2009

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Hay-on-Wye

July 31, 2009

I should probably start with a brief explanation of why we are in Hay-on-Wye. The shortest explanation is that there are 30 bookstores in this small town. The longer story is that I heard about it about 20 years ago and have dreamed of coming here ever since.

Hay-on-Wye is very photogenic and I have lots of pictures. I’ll give them to you a few at a time, so as not to overwhelm.
CastleSt1Castle Street is one of the main streets.
HayButterMktThis structure used to be the butter market. There is a weekly street market held each Thursday and this and other areas of the town are used. We bought some lovely green olives stuffed with garlic cloves which is a combination we haven’t found in Dubai, yet.
HayCastleHere is the Castle. Of course, there is a bookstore in it.
HayCastle2
HayCatholicChurchThe Catholic Church.

We are enjoying our stay here. It is very peaceful and lovely. My only complaint is that the entire town is on a slope, so it is hard on my ankles to be walking on uneven ground. Daddybird says we can retire here, but I would need one of those motorized chairs that old people use to get around. Works for me!

Posted in books, England | 1 Comment »

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Godot

July 31, 2009

God bless British public transportation! We were able to take a train and the underground from our hotel (out near Heathrow Airport) to the theatre in the heart of the city. It wasn’t necessarily cheap (29 pounds, approximately $47 for the two of us), but it was easy. Actually, cheap is a relative term, based on our previous taxi experience, it probably would have been around 80 pounds ($130) one way by taxi.
We walked through Trafalgar Square on the way to the theatre. I just love people who see that I am taking a picture and stare vacantly into the lens. GET OUT OF MY PICTURE!

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square

Here it is. The theatre where the magic happened. Taking pictures inside was forbidden, although I saw several others do it anyway. I behaved myself, so this picture will have to serve.

Theatre Royal, Haymarket, Waiting on Godot, July 2009

Theatre Royal, Haymarket, Waiting on Godot, July 2009

The play was marvelous. We both had trouble staying awake due to sleep deprivation and the stuffiness of the theatre. McKellen and Stewart were charming, funny and as excellent as one would expect. I was very sad when it came to an end. It was a once in a lifetime experience.

Posted in England, Theatre, travel adventures | 1 Comment »