Good evening.
I would like to thank the students for their presents and cards – it was kind of you. 
On the day of my birthday I decided to take off a rare day from teaching and use the opportunity to spend some time in the centre of London with friends and family. While being abroad, I have visited many beautiful places, but it is always the case that you never appreciate the things that are closest to you. It is somehow never the right time, so I decided that I would make sure that it was…
Among others I visited the outstanding British Museum, with its amazing architecture – particular with the roof that makes you feel like you are still outside – and excellent exhibitions. I also had the chance to visit the nearby London Review Bookshop, which is just right for both browsing and losing yourself in a book in the adjacent cafe.
The evening was particularly nice; I was fortunate enough to be taken to a production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. This was not just any production, but took place in the Middle Temple Hall where Shakespeare’s company performed in 1602. The hall is ornate, as you would expect of a place that was a dining room of Elizabeth I, with suits of amour lining the walls and carved wood decorating the room. The acting complemented this, particularly that of Juliet (played by aptly named Juliet Rylance) who really brought home the sense of tragedy. Other actors also included Santiago Cabrera who played Isaac Mendes in the cult TV series Heroes. I believe that the production is only running until the 13th September, but it is well worth the time if you are able to obtain a ticket.
Sifu