London with So Young

My trip to London on December 1st with my South Korean friend, So Young, could not have been more perfect. We saw the Moctezuma Aztecs exhibit who, technically, belong to the Mexica culture. most of their artwork was commissioned by the Mexica from the Mixtecs, however. So, the Aztecs is actually a misnomer and they called themselves the Mexica and their most famous artwork was actually of Mixtec origin. Kind of confusing, but there you go.
There was one particular piece, a human skull encrusted with turquoise, which was particularly striking. Perhaps this is because it was a real human skull, with teeth still in the jaw and everything, but the turquoise detail was exquisite. Different shades of turquoise were used to define different parts of the mask, and the effect was astonishing. The Mexica, apparently were very fond of the turquoise blue-green color and valued things of this color more than anything else, except maybe for coral colored shell and gold. The gold work was also incredibly detailed and beautifully wrought. The stonework was also very intricate and expertly carved. Many of the artifacts looked as if they had been made yesterday. The pictoral Codex of the Mexica which showed the coming of the Spanish, their rule, the disease, wars, plans, etc. were also interesting. It was a large exhibit and took a couple hours. I kept thinking of my good friend Adriana throughout the whole thing, as I know she would have been so happy to see it all. Plus we went upstairs to see Korean ceramics, which were very nice. So Young and I had such a good time.
We had lunch in the Forum cafe, a little cafe across the street from the museum. It was very good, and then we went to a matinee of the Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre. It was, of course, a great show. The Phantom was at least on par with the Phantom on Broadway, although, it's a little difficult to compare since So Young and I were sitting in the stalls very close to the stage compared to the balcony seat we had in New York City when I went with dad and my family. So, to me, it seemed as if the Phantom was more awesome in London. He was a perfect singer, and a great actor. The visual tricks were also fantastic, the stage crew for that show muct be some of the best in the business. It must be such a difficult show to orchestrate backstage, as well as on stage, and in the pit. I enjoyed it thoroughly, as did So Young. It was her first musical she had seen. What a good one to start with!