Spontaneity

A week ago last Tuesday, I woke up, donned my glasses, and trudged loudly down the two flights of stairs to the dining room [note: now looking for objective confirmation of the date, I found that this was actually 3 weeks ago. Time flies!]. Two things to note about my description: 

1. I had to go down two flights of stairs to get to the dining room. This is because the house has a truly funky [read: bizarre] layout. I will have to do a post on it at a later date. 

2. I "trudged loudly" not because I am an inconsiderate houseguest, but because Janet has the most intense startle reflex and I have scared the living daylights out of her on more than one occasion. I've taken to making as much noise as humanly possible when moving about. I also knock on the dining room door before entering. 

When I opened the door, I found Janet in her usual spot, typing away at the table, probably creating some groundbreaking treatment or writing a book (no big deal). We chatted as I made coffee and sleepily rubbed my eyes. 

"I never used the National Theatre gift voucher that you gave me as a holiday gift," Janet said at some point. "There's a new show on right now that sounds interesting. We should go some time." I said that this sounded wonderful. "I know!" she continued. "I'll send you one morning to go and queue for the discounted £15 day-of-the-show tickets!" 

"Yes, Definitely! That's such a steal." (That's me talking)

"When should we go?" Janet flips through her diary. "Hmm. I can't tomorrow, so how about tonight!?"

"Uh... sure! That sounds exciting." (Me, hesitantly) 

Janet looks at her watch. "And if you go right now, you can make the queue before they start selling at 9!"

I stare, processing this idea. "Right. Okay, Yes! Sounds exciting!" 

"Jolly good! I love spontaneity!" (I include that because love that people actually use that expression). Janet is clearly very, very excited, which is very, very contagious. 

I dashed up the stairs and sprung into action! Hair brushed, teeth brushed, light makeup applied, outfit on, rucksack packed, out the door! 

Spring has come to Gladstone Street

Bicycle cart in the early morning sunlight

 I walked past Waterloo, stopping briefly to take a photo of the many bike commuters en route to work.

Brave souls. Literally taking their lives into their hands.  

And they are off!

I arrived at the top of Waterloo Bridge, which overlooks the South Bank. It was pretty empty. I descended the stairs and joined the queue in front of the National Theatre side entrance.

View from the top of the Bridge 

I patiently waited with a variety of characters. I was the youngest, but not by much. A couple of young professionals, several tourists, and some older gentleman all quietly queued. At 9am sharp, they opened the doors and we filed in....

SUCCESS!!

Yum

With tickets in hand, I went off in search of a good muffin for breakfast. It was a bit harder to find than I expected, but in the end I settled on a little cafe on the south bank. I connected to Wifi and ended up booking a trip to Scotland for my Dad and me. Casual Tuesday morning activity. 

Eventually, with the sun shining, I moved to the benches directly overlooking the River. I did some reading and personal work, enjoying the view as the sidewalks became increasingly busy with lunchtime wanderers. 

View from my bench

The banks have come alive!

By early afternoon, I needed a change of scene. I left my bench and wandered towards a park I'd found a few weeks prior. It, too, had been transformed by the arrival of spring.

So much greenery (and a bike in the foreground) 

Rounding the corner, I found I wasn't the only person who wanted to enjoy the sun over lunch break.

I parked my picnic blanket and rucksack in the middle of the green. 

 And just 20 minutes later, it was impossible for newcomers to find somewhere to sit! The space was completely and totally packed.

Panorama shot 

At about 3:30pm, I decided to head home. I needed to squeeze in a run, shower, and quick dinner before meeting Janet at the National at 7pm. Several hours later, I was back where I had started my day: queuing (though this time, with company). We filed in and took our seats!

SUCH a cool set

The show was absolutely incredible--one of the best I've seen in a long while. It was called Rules For Living and depicted a dysfunctional family's Christmas lunch. There was even reference to different psychological treatments (including CBT). Janet and I had lots to discuss during the interval (British English for intermission) and on the journey home.

In addition to our take on the different characters, family dynamics, and dramatic techniques, Janet and I talked about how much fun it is to undertake spontaneous adventures. The city has TONS to offer and our schedules can get so bogged down that we forget to take advantage of it. We vowed to use the rest of the gift voucher on another show before I leave--pending my willingness to dash off to queue at a moment's notice! Seems worth all the excitement, if you ask me. :-)