It's a Burden Being Me

Don't laugh, I'm trying to be serious here.

I mean really-- when you have somewhere you need to be, you just...go, right?
You walk with your arms swinging freely at your sides and point at the planes, or reach down to retrieve dropped treasures; hold ice cream without fear and do-si-do through crowds of people zig-zagging this way and then that.

Not me.

As you may remember, I am physically impaired. Not that I was born this way, but it did happen so gradually that I was unaware of my limitations (or maybe in denial) up to the time I began my affair with London.

I have a camera growing out of my right hand. Edward Scissorhands has nothing on me.
It's impossible to shop, walk, eat or ride on the tube without making the effort to protect my growth. For my camerahand, I must carry a protective case with an extra lens, filters, lens cloth and memory sticks. Lots of memory sticks. And two batteries, even though one battery could last for 600 shots easily with as many image reviews (I know, I've tried).

At least now I feel validated. Someone is looking at all of these photos I feel so compelled to always be on the hunt for. You keep coming back, so I keep uploading.

In an Ed McMahon voice, could you please now say, "Heeeeeeere's London!"There it is! Her Majesty's Theatre! Watch as I step out in front of buses to get a picture of it...


We're a little early, but not enough to go shopping or anything. I have an idea, let's take a few photos...
Oh look, things to buy that will sit in a box and I can move them every two years or so. Ooh, and I can buy a T-shirt for the Son #1 who hates shirts with words on them (so yesterday, Mom), but he LOVES Phantom, so maybe?

ok. managed to kill of five minutes, so let's go to our seats.
Up the stairs to the Royal Circle.
Now to get the full effect, could you please shut off your air conditioner, turn on the humidifier, and begin walking a few flights of stairs? Really, the stairs aren't so bad, but in combination with the stuffy moist air and narrow enclosed area, you can see why I was perfectly happy to hang out this window and take an outside shot for you.You're welcome.

So, we were directed into a lounge to wait for seating. There was a bar (you could pre-order your drinks for intermission), ice cream, and another chance to buy programs and shirts in case your will was broken coming up the stairs-- no opportunities for regrets here.


Ahhhh, the stage....Breathtaking. Exciting. Oh, look, a bundle labeled "Chandelier"!
I want you to experience this as well, so hopefully you're still a little warm. Now, if you could do quick short breaths until you're a little light-headed and giddy...
Take another look at that stage.

Swallow down your disappointment and steel those tear ducts. You've only wanted to see this show in London for 12 years, a third of the stage is better than none...

Take a few more pictures, you'll feel better.
Wonder if this Ramin guy is any good?
I can't even remember who I saw in the states in '95... The orchestra is warming up... people are getting to their seats... and the lights go down.

No, of course I didn't get any more pictures, silly. It isn't allowed. I was amazed they let my deformed camerahand even into the theatre. I was all prepared to check it at the door.

Shows here in England are a blast. People come dressed in anything-- jeans, beach wear whatever.
The first show we saw was Beauty and the Beast and I made my Hubby dress nice-- only to discover we were the only ones who had felt that was necessary. And the theatres are NOT air conditioned, so the beach attire really is appropriate. There's also ice cream vendors ready to help cool you down.

The overture began, layer after layer of curtains were lifted; the chandelier sparkled and costumes glittered and all my doubts about where I was sitting evaporated and I was drawn into the magic. Almost enough to ignore the lady next to me who was moved to humming along with Christine.

Brilliant.

Not even a camera bag taking up my foot room could cramp my joy.
The show was terrific. Ramin Karimloo was perfection in the role of Phantom (and I AM finicky), and Wendy Ferguson was amazing as Carlotta.

My Hubby is completely sold and ready to see it again.
Aaaah, finally.