Musicality

As a lover of musicals, I'm feeling rather disappointed in my good friends Rodgers and Hammerstein today. My flatmate and I decided we needed to watch a light, cheery sort of film the other day and I have the R&H boxset, three of which I'd never seen so we picked one of those at random on the principle that we knew of one ace song in it. South Pacific (we knew 'I'm gonna wash that man right outta my hair'). We were badly let down. This film breaks all the rules! Now, I'm not claiming to be an expert on musicals but even I know that there are specific rules for musicals... There must be a majority of upbeat, slightly cheesy but wonderful songs that you can sing along to with gusto, an unequivocal happy ending and NO DEATHS. Except minor, preferably bad, characters (Nancy in Oliver is a borderline rule-breakage. They only just get away with that). They can die if necessary. But in South Pacific one half of one of the couples actually dies! No mistake, I watched right through to the end hoping it was a mistake but no. He was actually dead. Disgraceful. And the songs? Turns out there's a reason that the only one we knew was 'I'm gonna wash...' they rest are extremely sickly - think where is love from Oliver and multiply the badness and sickliness by a million and you're getting close. Ugh. And to add insult to injury, each of these songs was accompanied by scenery turned a strange colour and fog coming in; it's a good thing none of the characters had asthma is all I can say.

 

So, all in all I was disappointed (can you tell?). Maybe some of you like it and if so, good for you. I don't think I'll be watching it again any time soon but maybe sometime I'll give it another chance. Perhaps with the right company and when I'm prepared for such cheese and rule breaking. In the meantime, however, I'm going to comfort myself with one that I know keeps to the rules. Oliver, or Sound of Music? Or Maybe Oklahoma. Decisions, decisions....

Pancake Day!

I just remembered that today is Pancake Day! Or, to give it the official name 'Shrove Tuesday' <something to do with your sins being 'shriven' or confession as you're traditionally supposed to do on Ash Wednesday - the day after pancake day>. Now, this time last year I was on the Doulos and I seem to remember having some sort of pancake day party. Today I will be initiating my American flatmate into the joys... Although minus the jif lemon - I could've got a real lemon if I'd remembered in time but it was not to be. It probably won't be quite as fun as it is in England, when you know that the majority of the country is having the same for dinner as you are and the whole family gathers around the Pancake-meister of the day, waiting for their turn before turning to the tricky decision of what toppings to go for; personally I believe that you can't beat a classic sugar and lemon. There are other good combinations for the rest of the year but I'm a big fan of tradtion and you can't get much more traditional than S&L!

 

Speaking of pancakes and other toppings, I've just had a flashback to the pancake cafe in Durham... Mmmmm, now my mouth's watering... Their banana, honey and cinnamon was one of the best pancakes I ever had... But not today. The menu for tonight will probably be sugar and grapefruit juice due to the lack of lemon in the house. It's close enough and fortunately I do happen to have all the ingredients necessary for the batter!

 

Now all that remains is to think of a Lenten resolution to put into effect tomorrow...

A great relief

So, I was wise and filled with foresight for this trip abroad... having spent the majority of last year only having proper tea maybe once a week – if i was lucky – I decided to be sure to bring all the necessary supplies with me this time, even asking for a teapot set for Christmas. Alas! It was not to be – I had enough luggage allowance but no space in my bags for anything other than the tea bags themselves. Fortunately my host here is most understanding and although not optimistic she did agree to keep an eye out for a teapot for me. Unlikely, but imagine my joy when she told me last week that she'd seen one in town! Needless to say, I was champing at the bit to get down there and yesterday I finally made it and purchased not only a teapot but two teacups and a milk jug to go with it – they're made of china and everything! Now, if you'll excuse me I have a pot of tea to make...