DAY 3

Found on my granola box. One of those quotes I would probably roll my eyes at back home, but now that I'm traveling I'm all over it. I mean it's SO true, right? ;) 

I decided to live today as a non-tourist. I love the touristy stuff, but I also love feeling like I live here. After my morning run in Hyde Park with Mandarin, I went shopping at Zaras, Whole Foods, and TK Maxx. (Apparently they changed the J to a K because there was a popular store called T. J. Hughes). Next, I went to the Kensington library and found this adorable little window seat to do my homework on while the open window allowed the London air to flow through.

My little reading nook

Also, they have these doormen that stand outside fancy hotels (and maybe apartments?), and as I was walking home one of them said "Good morning young lady" to me. I felt like Hallie from The Parent Trap.

We got to do a backstage tour of the National Theatre (they wouldn't let us take pictures) and it just reminded me how much I adore all of the elements of theatre. Each field puts their heart into their creation and it leads to extraordinary sets, costumes, props, etc.

Not super pretty from the outside, but they did that intentionally (so they say) to make it more "approachable" because it's the everyman's theatre

After the tour I lost my group so I just decided to enjoy the Thames. I ate my sandwich on a bench by the river and then I bought myself Dutch chocolate ice cream and strolled along the river. I love this solo moments because I really can soak in the environment and think about how this place makes me feel. This city continues to amaze me as I discover more of its beauty.

We saw Macbeth at the National which is my favorite Shakespearean tragedy. The Lady Macbeth was blonde!! It made me so very happy; I felt truly connected to her. They took a lot of risks with this show as far as acting choices and design - plus it was set in a apocalyptic world. I appreciated the new moments they found to connect the people in this story with modern audiences. I never noticed how much Lady Macbeth cares about what other people thing, but that really is what drives her fear. This actress brought this idea out articulately and it made the banquet scene quite thrilling.

They sell dark chocolate right outside!!! I had dark chocolate as I was watching Macbeth. I didn't know life could be this great. 

Acting majors love Macbeth! 

xoxo

Rebecca