MuSiC mAkEs Me HaPpY!

Friday, October 24th

Changing of the Guard

This morning Cody, Rachael, and I went to get breakfast at ISH, and then journeyed onward to the changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. I feel like this is something you have to do if you go to London, and I was kind of sad because the state rooms are closed now, so I couldn’t tour the palace itself. From what I am told, it is terribly extravagant.

We showed up an hour early to get a good spot for the ceremony, learning from those who had gone already and seen practically nothing. We ended up getting really good spots, just behind the gate and along the side where the band and guards walk into the palace. Prime real estate.

After waiting for quite some time, and trying to entertain ourselves with the two guards that were outside, the ceremony finally began. A small marching band marched inside of the gates to the palace followed by a small set of guards. Next followed a set of soldiers carrying a the flags. Coming in the gates on our side was a full marching band and a larger brigade of soldiers. Also following the procession was a group of British soldiers on horseback with fancy outfits as well. Overall, it was quite a unique ceremony.

Once inside of the gates, on the main area in front of the palace, the guards exchanged positions, the flags were marched back and forth, and the marching band put on quite a performance. They started off with a medley of ‘76 trombones’ and ‘the stars and stripes’ Sousa march. It confused me a bit why they would play patriotic American music for a British Monarchy celebration, but the arrangement was pretty good. They played some really interesting music, four pieces total, one of which included the theme to ‘the Incredibles.’ This threw me for a curve because I was really expecting some traditional British music, or English marches, or something, because English ceremonies are known for being very, very traditional. I thought it was great!

After the ceremony, we took some pictures of the palace and the famous statue in front, and then left on our way back to ISH for lunch. I got a wonderful smoked salmon baguette. I have absolutely gotten hooked on baguettes (basically a sub sandwich with really good French bread (ish) and great fillings. Common types are ham and cheese, tuna and cucumber, salmon and cream cheese, or cheese/tomato/cucumber). I have had the pleasure of sampling each of these… all absolutely delicious!

Later that night, Colin, Cody, and myself went to the New Orleans Festival at the O2. The NFL Saints/Chargers game is playing in London on Sunday, and preceeding the game is a 2 day New Orleans Festival. Inside of the arena, there were three stages setup, along with a parade of bands that traveled around the outer circle of the arena. There were supposed to be authentic food demonstrations as well, but we couldn’t find those.

We walked around for a bit, watched some of the ‘parade,’ which was really a group of musicians and people in crazy, bright feathered outfits marching around the outer circle of the arena. It is setup as one giant circle for the inner arena, and outside of that is a walkway with restaurants and other stages and events, finally closed in by the outer wall of the arena. The architecture is really cool, with posts sticking out of the ceiling. Very modern. I wish I would have taken pictures.

We then found our way to the main stage where we watched the Rebirth Brass Band. I LOVE brass bands! Last year I had the opportunity to watch the Youngblood Brass Band at UWSP and it was incredible. What makes these ensemble unique is that with the exception of a percussionist or two, the entire band is made of brass instruments. Even the percussionists have different perspectives. Usually, one has a bass drum with a ride symbol, and then there is another on a snare drum with some other crazy accessories. As for the winds, the tuba takes over the role of the bass, and the winds have awesome melodies interchanging all over the place. The music is so lively and upbeat and definitely authentic New Orleans.

We watched them play, and when they were done, we decided to go get something to eat from the ‘American Bar and Grill.’ I decided to get the Cajun Chicken sandwich to continue with my New Orleans experience. However, the restaurant wasn’t very American at all. I wanted to eat at an American restaurant while overseas to see the different perspective, and that I did. We ordered lemonade, which we found out really means sprite. Colin’s chili dog and quite the absence of chili, and there were a few other differences that I have forgotten. Either way, it was definitely not all that ‘American.’

We sat and watched new members of the parade, and then went to the main stage again. This time we got to see and accordion and washboard act by Buckwheat Zydeco. This guy was really entertaining as well, and was more of the stereotypical Louisiana feel.

After quite the enjoyable evening, we left back on the tube, through some very futuristic feeling stations, and went home to some internet time and bed. I was really excited for more planning for Becca’s visit, and actually booked our train tickets to Paris.

There is so much to look forward to each and every day on this trip! I am coming to the realization that even with the crazy amounts of events I have been doing, and the amount of time I am spending here, I would never be able to see everything… there is so much to do, and that is why I LOVE this city!