Day at the Cathedral, Night at the Ballet

A week ago Monday, we visited St. Paul's Cathedral, and then that night we all went to the Royal Ballet Company's production of Swan Lake.

After climbing to the top of the dome at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, I must have truly lost my mind when I decided to climb to the top of St. Paul's here. Luckily the climb was much shorter, much much easier, and the view so much better. I could see from Tower Bridge clear over to the Houses of Parliament. Also exciting to us all was the clear view straight over to the globe. Everything is much closer together in London, so the view is definitely worth the walk. Plus, there are plenty of corners and seats to sit and take a break out of the way while going up to the top. And the things to see at St. Paul's aren't just up; under the cathedral is the crypt where I was able to see the tombs of my two favourite British heroes: Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.

That night we all took the Tube to the Royal Opera House for the ballet Swan Lake. The first two acts, I must admit, are some of the most boring. I love ballet, but the first acts drag a bit. But afterward was just enchanting. The huge ball scene where the evil sorcerer brings the false swan princess was filled with spectacular sets and colourful costumes. The end with the evil group leaving was the best, as there was a rush of fire and smoke to help them escape. And the music was incredible! Before I had been familiar with a few of the pieces, but when the whole thing is put together there is nothing so beautiful as the score for the ballet. It was definitely an evening well spent.