The Magical Mystery Tour is coming to take you away...

I would have posted two nights ago, but I haven't our wi-fi went out yet again.  I have a lot of events to cover in a short time -- I still have to make arrangements for my departure to Italy in the morning -- so I'll make this post less about text and more about images.  

Thursday, 3 May 

The Museum of Popular music -- If you've ever been to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, you pretty much have been here.  Only differences are that this one is smaller, but has a Gibson-sponsored "jam room" where you can play -- or learn to play -- real guitars, drums, and keyboards.  Enjoyable, but didn't have enough content for it to be "great".  

Friday, 4 May 

This was an interesting day.  We took an early train from London to Liverpool, home of the Beatles.  We took a bus on the aptly named "Magical Mystery Tour", in which we were whisked around Liverpool to see famous Beatles-related landmarks. Loads of fun, except for Greg getting motion sickness and throwing up immediately upon exiting the bus.  

After the tour, a small group of us were supposed to take a train to Edinburgh, Scotland.  Unfortunately fate had a different plan, and a slew of complications arose to stop us.  The day was still fantastic, however, as we were able to explore the cemetery of the world's second-largest cathedral.  

The wall of the Cavern Club.

The walls of the path are lined with graves.  

Monday, 7 May

Toured the GORGEOUS Westminister Abbey.  If you're ever in London, this counts as a must-see.  I attended a brief prayer service here as well; definitely something worth experiencing.  In the afternoon we briefly sat in on a Bhangla version of The Tempest at Shakespeare's Globe. 

Street performers blowing huge bubbles and playing guitar.  

Wednesday, 9 May 

Another successful Wandering Wednesday!  I set off around noon to Highgate Cemetery, the final resting place of Karl Marx (Founder of Communism for those who aren't familiar with political theory).  The cemetery and Marx's tomb were a sight to behold.  Set deep in the woods, Highgate was overrun with graves of people from all eras and walks of life.  I even had a run-in with an adorable cat named Cleo.  A tiny black-and-white furball, he was friendly enough to crawl up in my lap as I called the number on his collar.  The owner said she lived across the street, and that Cleo loved wandering in the cemetery for some reason.  My guess is that he was there to see Marx as well -- carry on, Comrade Cleo, the Communist Cat.

Okay, sorry for the unnecessary aliteration.  

Anyway, last night marks the highlight of my trip so far:  a West End showing of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.  I can't imagine a way that the musical could have been better cast or performed.   

At a small park before Highgate Cemetery. 

The entryway to Highgate.  

Mr. Marx's tomb.

Comrade Cleo, the Communist Cat!

Just before Sweeney Todd.  

Today (Thursday, 10 May)

Saw the one-man play, "Misterman", featuring Cillian Murphy (28 Days Later, Inception, Batman Begins). A very strange, sad, and emotional play about one man's religious fervor and inevitable mental collapse.  I enjoyed it immensely, although it was hard to follow at points.  

Since the play I've been relaxing and preparing to go to Italy in the morning.  Some friends and I will be staying in Pisa, and visiting Florence.  I'm definitely looking forward to the Mediterranean coastline.  I'll be sure to take lots of pictures! 

Stay safe, everyone.