Birthday Surprise Part II: Curious Winter Wonderland

Day two of Dad's  Birthday Weekend began at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.

Marilyn booked tickets for the Magical Ice Palace, an incredible land of snow and ice sculptures kept at a cool -8°

 

It was like stepping through the cupboard to Narnia. So beautiful, at once calling to mind images from The Night Circus and a documentary I recently saw on Ludwig II of Bavaria, Germany's Dream King, or Swan King. I think he would have loved this.

Which brings me to my next question...

When did Christmas become so German?

I'm not complaining, it's all very nice, but I must confess to being slightly confused by the matter. Over the past few years it seems that every major city in the United Kingdom has sprouted a bustling German market, selling gingerbread, kinderschokolade crepes and beer in steins so large you need two hands to lift them.

This makes Dad very happy, as he relives tales of umpa-ing at Munich beer festivals with my mother in his youth, and their mulled cider and wine (though shouldn't that be glühwein?) is second to none, but there is something rather disconcerting about the definition of Christmas equating to sitting in a beer hall with barmaids who don't smile, listening to a man with a Yamaha keyboard yodelling.

I'm just saying, it's slightly odd.

Moving on.

From Hyde Park we took a slow meander around Covent Garden (cue Santa's little gremlin, who appears to be levitating in mid-air, terrifying small children)...

 ... and stopped for coffee.

I have a heart in mine!

Then it was off to the Apollo for the main event of the weekend: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, adapted to stage.

It was absolutely outstanding. Seriously incredible adaptation of a much loved modern classic. Extremely innovative stage design and some very clever effects, which didn't detract from the power of the acting, only enhanced it. Well worth going to see.

[NEWS FLASH: Six days later the theatre collapsed!]

We stopped off at the Soho Theatre bar afterwards for a couple of rounds of well-earned drinks.

And became embroiled in a Santa rally as we left.

Just as we were trying to figure out where to eat, Marilyn spotted Jamie Oliver's Diner across the street. I didn't think we'd get in, but the wait was under ten minutes so we decided to see what it was like. I must say, I was impressed. Very nice food indeed, and a wonderful way to finish off the day. Two vegy burgers with shoestring fries, and a basket of monkfish. Perfect sized portions, and possibly the tastiest fish and chips I've ever had. An enjoyable celebrity dining experience.

From there we wended our way back to the hotel and rested our aching feet in front of the telly with a bottle of scotch and a box of baklava. Happy times had by all.