Mind the Gap: FOR JESS: Westward from the City: Theatre Walk

Do you know the Muffin Man?
(Theatre district sign)

This walk was madness. Complete madness. But we successfully followed our schedule and that in and of itself was an accomplishment. Life is a crazy blur so let's think about what I learned this time around.

So for anyone who knows anything about theatre there is this place in London known as the West End. It is a crazy madhouse of a place. I loved exploring the area because it really helps you understand why London is known for their shows. Around every bend there is another theatre producing a major show. They could almost be little holes in the wall only they're clearly popular and well-known. Their street signs even list that you're in the theatre district which really demonstrates that they don't take theatre lightly - it's a living, breathing part of the city. And lemme tell you, we love this part of the city. We definitely detoured and bought tickets to Les Mis...

Shakespeare and I

Londoners commemorate so many people! All around this walk (and tons of others if we're going to be honest) there are statues! They love to acknowledge people that have contributed to their culture and their past. I feel like there are times when someone so insignificant is even honored because they are so generous. One interesting thing that I found was this statue of a man - "Bomber Harris" who super contributed to the bombing of Germany during WWII. He's not too popular amongst Germans and also not very popular with Brits as well, yet he still has a statue featured on the Strand. I liked one statue of a Robert Raikes who was the originator of Sunday Schools - something that has a lasting impact on LDS culture! Perhaps most importantly is the statue of Shakespeare. What more need be said of him?

Sitting atop the giant lions in Trafalgar
Just try to imagine the hilarity of us
trying to get atop one of these

We also had the fun opportunity to visit Trafalgar square. This place is absolutely filled with a variety of individuals. There are people levitating, bubbles filling the square, guitarists, bikers doing tricks, artists, chalk, statue men, and a variety of other things. I was impressed to see that there was this area where you can chalk on Trafalgar Square and someone had drawn the Twin Towers to commemorate 9/11. Honestly here I'm learning more and more about cultures and respecting one another and really becoming one world versus individual countries. The center is full of individuals who are spending a fun day out and about and that makes it a fun event for us. It really is just a square full of life and events and I feel like it's a wonderful example of London: people from every corner of the globe coming together and enjoying the city. It's also super common to find street performers and this square really epitomizes London for me in many ways.

Enjoying our time in Chinatown!

Finally, who can forget the wonderful corner we know as Chinatown! It's a wonderful little oasis in the middle of the city (if we're going to be totally honest here, it's actually in the middle of the old red light district...) It's crazy to me that no matter where on earth I go - literally - these delightful little China Towns emerge. I've been able to visit China Towns in both New York and San Francisco and now I've visited another one in London! (Fun fact; Sherlock fans anyone? Chinatown?) Many Chinese gathered here and their culture became its own thriving business. We loved exploring the little street and getting to know yet another corner of London.

"Oh, I love London Society! It is entirely composed now of beautiful idiots and brilliant lunatics. Just what society should be." - Oscar Wilde