Tales of walking, eating, watching and playing. Vintage treasures and simple pleasures ... the things that make her happy.

Wednesday 14 November 2012

Roll up, roll up ...

… for the greatest show on earth.
Queuing outside the Bristol Hippodrome.
Excitement building.
Awaiting the lion’s roar ...
As the sun rose on the theatre stage,
the anthemic ‘Circle of Life’ roused the onlookers.
The stage, aisles and even boxes teemed with African wildlife.
Photo from Hippodrome website
 The audience were mesmerized.  
The children gazed on with wonderment.
They were transported to the Pridelands.
Lion’s roared and hyena’s laughed. 
Photo from Hippodrome website
Musafa, Simba, Scar and Nala entranced.
There was laughter and there were tears. 

Mr VJ doesn’t like musical shows. 
He couldn’t find the words to praise this one highly enough!

Hakuna Matata! 

_____________________________________________

Next morning they headed for the North Somerset coast.
Their little man was going away for a few days.
To abseil and mountain bike, to shoot and climb.
A school trip - staying in little cabins with school friends for four days.
He will get muddy and tired ... 
will gain independence ... and grow.
They hunted for fossils.
Walking hand in hand
Watched the oncoming storm 
and said I love you's,
before dropping him off.
He wanted to carry his own bag, 
filled with hiking boots, woollens and waterproofs ... and teddy.
Each night she will whisper goodnight.

22 comments:

Outcast said...

I find it awesome that your husband enjoyed this so much Jane because it really does sound like a whole lot of fun. I never knew there was a Lion King stage show but it sounds awesome. The last few photos at the end of this post are incredible too, fossil hunting sounds so much fun!

Maria said...

Aww what a lovely post.
SOoo glad you had a wonderful time, sounds fabulous and how much do I love the lion king!!(brings back lots of lovely memories)
As for your young man may he have lots of fun discovering new adventures and bet you can't wait to hear about them too! Ooh they grow up too quickly..
Love Maria x

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Marina:
this was a delightful post, filled with the bittersweet emotions of happiness and sadness in equal measure. You sound to have all had a wonderful time at the theatre and we are sure that your son will have great adventures to tell you all about on his return.

Oh how we love the sea in all its moods. Your photographs here are absolutely stunning, a study in blues and greys, sunshine and shadow.....rather like your mood!

the vanilla squirrel said...

....it is the most breathtaking opening to a show....i remember i cried when i saw it.....love this post....brought a little tear to my eye...special moments to be treasured forever X

Kristie said...

Hi Marina,

I remember this movie so well as it was one of Disney's newest movies when our grandson was about 2 years old. I can't remember how many times we watched this movie. He loved it and so did we. He was full of questions about everything that was going on in the movie but kept wanting to re-watch it over and over. I bet the musical was even better!

Shame, your little guy going solo in the woods! That must have been terribly hard for you to let him go even though you know the independence is good for them it doesn't make it any easier. I love the photos, they are gorgeous especially the ones taken along the shoreline. Breathtaking!

thriftwood said...

We went to see Lion King in London a couple of years ago ... My musical hating sons and husband were quietly impressed too!

It's hard when they go away isn't it? I whisper goodnight too xxx

Rustic Vintage Country said...

Such a sweet and moving post! I've never seen the Lion King but this looks so good. Fabulous photos from Somerset. Suzy x

Rosemary said...

dear Marina - your little man looks destined to have an exciting time, but suspect that you will be pleased when the time comes for him to return.
The images of the sea and the pebbles are wonderful conveying both its power and its serenity.

A Treasured Past said...

You will miss him no doubt, but I am sure he will have a wonderful time.xx

Flaming Nora said...

Oh blimey, we had to do that one earlier this year too. Our little big man was fine, he had a most amazing time. But the house was very empty with out him.
Glad you enjoyed Lion king. Did you cry as the opening scene of the show came to an end? Its so emotional.
I made all the villagers costumes at the top of act two. When they are in the audience flying kites and on stage in huge patchwork robes.

greenthumb said...

Oh it's so hard to let them go and and find out who they are, but they still come back.

Jen said...

Hi Marina,

I love the Lion King too.

Somerset is so beautiful-your pictures are stunning. I hope your son has a wonderful time. It sounds like a great adventure.

Rose H (UK) said...

What a moving post Marina.
Your 'little man' is growing up knowing he is loved beyond words, and learning the importance of becoming independent - you are a lovely Mom :o)

Rose H
x

Melanie said...

Independence is a truly wonderful selfless gift. How much he'll enjoy coming back home too.

The Custards said...

A beautifully written post - there is something so wistful and poignant seeing your children walk away to becoming a little more grown up. Mixed emotions...sniff, sniff
Best wishes
Jenny

*Maristella* said...

Wow Marina...wonderful!! Come vorrei essere lì...sigh!
Hughs and kisses, *Maristella*.

Lorraine Young Pottery said...

Hakuna Matata that's a wonderful phrase :-)

Lorraine xx

mrs cheese said...

Oh the first trip away.......
How much will he love seeing you and sleeping in his own comfy bed :)
x

erleichda said...

Dear Marina,

it looks like a wonderful show both for kids nad grownups! And what a lovely idea fro you son to spend some days with friends in such great enviroment!
-although I do realise it's dificult for you (us) I do agree it's a good step toward indepentence ;)

lots of love from Norway

Madelief said...

I have seen the show in Holland and I loved it too. It was one of the best I have seen!! The animals are so impressive and the music lovely!

Your photo's of the beach look wonderful.

A happy weekend!

Madelief x

Cuby said...

What a wonderful post. That your husband had such a wonderful time at The Lion King is so moving. What an interesting beach your photos show.

Red Rose Alley said...

I would have loved to have seen the Lion King Production. What a special event. I used to watch the Lion King all the time with my son when he was little, so this brought back sweet memories for me. The pictures of the sea are gorgeous. Happy Thanksgiving to you.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley