Phantom of the Opera

Just back from the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in downtown Dallas, where we saw the original 1925 silent movie of the Phantom of the Orchestra accompanied by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra playing the score of the movie. The theatre organ was used as part of the orchestra. The performance was excellent, really atmospheric, the movie really good, I preferred it to the modern version which I saw recently (and which I also enjoyed).

The theatre was an amazing place, surrounded by the tall buildings of Dallas. We had dinner in the theatre restaurant beforehand which was nice, but didn't have a great veggie selection, but then I'm used to that here.

Back in Vegas

Back in Las Vegas after a wonderful trip to the US southwest. Our final walk was in the Grand Canyon, from the south rim down the Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point, then back up again. A total of about 12 miles. Easy to get down - much more difficult to get back up! It was fantastic to be inside the Grand Canyon and to see the Colorado river.

Page, Arizona

This is a fantastic holiday, with scenery which is just out of this world and we haven't even reached the Grand Canyon yet! Flickr isn't working at the moment so I've uploaded some photos here. As usual I've taken loads and need to do some editing.

Zion National Park.


Bryce Canyon.

Gone to the Grand Canyon

be back soon...

Marching Band

Marching Band At the Plano East marching festival. Think that this is the Allen band. They had 500 students in the band.

After dinner, we went to the Clark Stadium in Plano to watch the matching band festival. All very well organised, with schools from all over north Texas, as far away as Tyler and Waco. Sat at the back of the stadium to provide fodder for the many insects. It takes lots of dedication and hard work from the kids and their teachers.

Dinner in the restaurant kitchen

Dinner in the restaurant kitchen Had dinner in the kitchen of this restaurant. The restaurant has lots of different rooms, all themed, we booked the table in the kitchen where you can watch the meals being prepared. The staff bring over dishes to show you before serving them. Fun.

The food is served family style, so you get to try lots of things. The quantities are huge!