Wicked in Tampa

So I'm a bit behind on my blogging. This past Weds I saw Wicked in Tampa. It was not my first time, and while it was good, it left a lot to be desired. Galinda, was an alto, trying to hit a soprano part, it was not good. Elphaba had an amazing powerhouse voice and they kept turning her mic down so she wouldn't overpower Galinda. Sad really. The show was still really good, but having seen it before this irked me a lot.

I love TBPAC! The theaters there are so so so so amazing, there isn't a bad seat in them.

That being said I am seeing Godspell there this Weds, and will update then!

I'm booked!!!

OK, quick rundown!

I booked with Susan <3 from Ships 'N' Trips Travel and kickbuttvacations.com and she has been amazing!!!

I am leaving June 30th, on British Airways. I am flying in to London Gatwick and then getting myself to the hotel I will be spending the next 2 nights at, Royal National. I will spend the 1st and 2nd exploring London on my own, so any tips or must sees would be awesome. I know for sure one of these days I will be heading to Charles Dickens' house and to Harrod's, but as of now that is all that is on my agenda for London. I would also like to go see the Globe Theater, which I will probably do one of those 2 days.

On July 3rd, I will meet up with the Contiki tour and head to Stonehenge, have a tour of the city, see a West End show! Then off to Paris, I am hoping to do the Moulin Rouge excursion, it would be AMAZING! <3 2 days in Paris are guided, and the last 2 are not. So I am taking Paris suggestions as well!

I head back to London on July 11th, and then up the Edinburgh. I will spend 1 night in a hotel in Edinburgh, then head to University of Edinburgh and SUISS! I will be there for 6 weeks. On August 22nd I am checking out of SUISS and heading back to London, via train. I will spend one final night in London, then head home Monday, August 23rd. I hope no one minds me missing the first day of classes!

I have to say, I cannot say enough good things about Susan and all her help, she's been amazing!!! This whole process has been overwhelming, and I am so relieved to have her to ask questions to, and to have it all booked already! Now I just need June 30th to come...and quickly!

Europe Preperations

So I'm going to Europe this summer. The prep has been very overwhelming! I am doing 6 weeks in Scotland at SUISS at the University of Edinburgh studying Literature. Before that I am heading to London and Paris to explore. The treck to Edinburgh is the easy leg of this trip, once I get there I have housing and everything all set for me. London and Paris however, a bit more confusing. Plus I have a ton of luggage to worry about due to a massive amount of textbooks I need to bring.

So planning took me to Contiki Tours, and Kick Butt Vacations www.kickbuttvacations.com which has been amazing! Their tours are awesome, guided, but not too guided. I am very excited. I have also been researching Air and rail travel. it is looking like I will be buying a Rail Pass for my voyage from London to Edinburgh and back, and taking the train from Paris to London through the Chunnel.

The trip will start from Orlando with a flight to London, British or Virgin Airways, then 2 nights in London, on the 3rd day I will meet up with Contiki tours, do London and Paris, then head back to London, hop on the train to Edinburgh, spend a night in Edinburgh, then check in to SUISS where I will spend the next 6 weeks!

As I get more in depth to planning and preparing for the trip I will keep this updated!

Pineapple Sorbet

Being gluten free isn't easy, add in an allergy to corn and honey and dessert is a nightmare. However I successfully made AWESOME pineapple sorbet last night!

I am working with a kitchen-aid mixer with the ice cream attachment.

1 can crushed dole pineapple in 100% pineapple juice
1 TBSP lime juice
1 1/4 simple syrup (boil 1 cup water 1 cup sugar until combined)

Take COLD pineapple and lime juice and blend in blender.
Add cooled simple syrup.

Pour in mixer, and mix for 12 minutes.

Can be eaten right out of the maker or frozen.

Christmas Travel

I flew from Orlando, Fl to Boston, Ma on 12/21. I flew via Airtran, and all I have to say is never again. I've flown that route a lot, as Boston is close to home, and Airtran was just...well...awful. The flight itself was bumpy, not their fault. We left early, got in late. Baggage was a nightmare, though everything made it in one piece. The planes are old and the seats horribly uncomfortable. The flight attendant was downright rude, and not just to me, but to children on the flight as well. She talked down to everyone and was just generally condecending. I understand it's an inexpensive airline, but the baggage prices are a bit excessive. They provide no other services, so the first bag should be free. Also the plane was NOT cleaned between flights, there were wrappers and food on the seats and floor, it was just...well...gross. Needless to say I am not looking forward to my flight back.

Oh and just a tip, if flying with a broken limb and in a hard plaster cast, give yourself an extra 10-15mins to get through security. I was swabbed, and then taken to an x-ray machine where they x-rayed my arm. This added almost 20mins to my time trying to get through security.

Christmas at Disney

This is the Gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Walt Disney World Resort. I told myself I wouldn't do local attractions, but this is just stunning. I spent today and yesterday wandering around Disney World, looking at their amazing holiday displays and lights. Honestly if you ever get a chance to come down during the Holidays, I cannot recommend it enough. Early December to about the 18th, the crowds aren't bad, the weather is beautiful and the parks and resorts are all decked out. It could not be more amazing.

Wonderland- World Premier

Tonight I attended the World Premier run of Wonderland at TBPAC!

It was FABULOUS!!! I had no idea what to expect, but it was amazing. It is a twist on Alice in Wonderland, think Alice but generations later, going back to Wonderland. The dancing, and singing were amazing. The effects were gorgeous. The costumes were beautiful. I left SO amazed and happy. I was moved, and completely fixed upon the stage for 2 1/2 hours. The songs are so catchy, the soundtrack is just wonderful. The girl who plays Alice was fab and so sweet. Everyone was wonderful though, I've seen enough touring casts, local productions and Broadway shows, and there's always someone who seems to be holding back. This was so NOT the case. I loved the bits of infused humor. This is truly great for all ages, kids, adults, everyone will enjoy this. It does a bit more justice to the Lewis Carroll story.

I have to say the scenery and some of the songs reminded me a bit of Wicked, which I love!

If you love Alice in Wonderland do not miss this.

I FULLY expect to see it on Broadway some day soon.