Snow Globe

It's every English teacher's dream to visit Shakespeare's London, and one of the best ways to really step back into Elizabethan time is to visit the reconstructed Globe Theatre along the Thames riverbank. Christy and I popped down last Sunday for a snowy visit to the Globe. Southbank is really lovely in the snow, and even though my face felt a bit frozen, I was excited to see London in this weather.

This is my block of flats, all snowy and lovely

The gulls were still out even in the snow. The Thames looks rather pretty in the grey, doesn't it?

St. Paul's Cathedral is still peeking out of the skyline.

A very Bridget Jones moment! :)

Love Southbank!

Our tickets included a neat tour by a very enthusiastic guide, and she make the experience even more memorable. Even though it's a reconstruction, the Globe was authentically rebuilt and decorated, so you really do feel like you've stepped back in time. In case you're unfamiliar with the Globe's basic structure, it's spherical and open in the center, so that means the weather pours right down on you. Cold on a snowy day, perhaps, but oh so special to be standing in the middle of the Globe with the snow falling down around us! Love, love, love! Of course, I took a zillion photos to bring back to show my students here in London and at home. And since I can never decide which to post and which to leave out, here's quite a sampling for you:

Our lovely tour guide

Where to next?

About to enter the theatre.

Christy at the Globe

I look a little shocked here, but I was actually just excited! 

What the view would be like watch a show from the lower seats. 

Look at that lovely snow coming down! And check out the
awesome paintings that decorate the boxes!

Stage view. The backstage part is just one open room. While beautifully painted, the stage is simple to
accommodate all types of settings. Shakespeare's writing is what brought the scene to life,
not the stage decorations.

Looking up from right in front of the stage.

The heavens painted above the stage.

From the upper level seats.

Loving life right about now!

You can almost tell the "roof" is thatched...if only the snow weren't covering it.

One of the dramatic paintings that decorates the box seats.

Side stage view.

A better look at the thatched "roof"

Looking down on the stage. Can you see the trap door?

The whole experience of seeing the Globe (in the snow!!!) and learning more about its history was just amazing. I really enjoyed the tour. I also really enjoyed the amazing gift shop and even managed to pick up some surprises for my fabulous English department back home!!!

After the Globe tour, Christy and I decided we were too chilly and thought the best way to warm up would be a nice sit down in a pub. So we popped into the Founders Arms, where we were happy to learn they were still serving mulled wine, a Christmas favorite around here. After a nice warm, spicy vino we thought a pub Sunday roast lunch was in order. Our feast was the perfect way to round out a fun weekend of touring. Another well played, fabulous weekend in London!