London Baby!

Well, it's been 4 days, two plain rides, numerous underground trips, miles of walking, and lots of exploration. I just returned from a four day excursion to London- and I must say, it was a great trip. We arrived in London on Sunday afternoon, found our hotel, and immediately explored the West end of the city. We saw Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Parliament Building, and visited the Dali Museum. The museum, although it didn't have many of his famous paintings, had almost all of his sculptures, drawings, and even dresses he designed after his ideas. Next, we went and saw Westminster Abbey and headed over to Abbey Road.

Abbey Road was somewhat of a hike as it was further north than downtown London- but that only meant one thing, we were able to ride the infamous double decker bus to Abbey Road. We hopped off the bus and immediately saw graffiti all along the barrier wall in front of the studio where worshipers of the Beatles have traveled long distances to write their undying words of love. Although I do enjoy the Beatles, I know my mother would have loved to see this- so there's a part of her that will always be there.

We were lucky in that they had the gates open and were able to walk right up to the studio itself. But of course we took a walk across the crosswalk, dodging traffic and all, and were able to experience one of the Beatles greatest memories.

The following day was a full day trip to Windsor Caste, Stonehenge, and Oxford. We took a coach bus with tour guide and all, traveling over 300 miles throughout the 9 hour excursion. The first stop was Windsor Castle, one of the Queen's homes. It was originally built in 1066 and then added on until around 1700. Although its function was quite similar to that of Versailles, I thought this castle was more homely, engaging, and interesting. Every room is still used by the Queen to this day, and it is her favorite location. Guns, armour, and paintings lined the walls, yet at the same time, you could tell that this building was still very much in use and felt like walking into someone's home.

We hopped back on the bus, traveled for an hour and a half, and arrived in one of the most mind-altering locations in the world: Stonehenge. The site was literally in the middle of nowhere, the only thing surrounding the henge was an air force training area and a parking lot for tour buses. Unfortunately, the stones are a huge tourist attraction today, and you are not able to touch the stones due to graffiti in years past. But they were definitely a site I could never forget. These massive stones, some of which coming from over 200 miles away and being placed 5000 years, are just mind-blowing to look at trying to analyze how they were placed in such a way- and why. The newest information says that Stonehenge was used almost as a "funeral" location, where the body would be brought to the center of the henge, burned in a ceremonial process, and then the ashes scattered in the river not too far away. It's amazing to think that I was looking at something comprised 5000 years ago. I can only imagine how impressive it was when it was first built, knowing how impressive it is still so many years later.

Our final destination on the tour was Oxford- the town. Oxford- the school- is the main attraction of the town, however it turns out Oxford is actually comprised of about 30 different schools. In order to attend, you must have an interview and take an exam for Oxford, as a whole. If you pass both, you are then recommended a college based on your choice of study, and then must have an interview and take exam for that school. Finally, if you end up passing all four, you are accepted as a student and can attend. Oxford was founded around 500 A.D. The oldest building standing in the city today was built around 1200- so its a fairly old town. There were students everywhere, dressed in their hip modern clothes, and it gave a very interesting feel for the town. I really enjoyed it- a small, quaint, neighborly town- yet with so much history and thought.

Tuesday was another long day. We woke up bright and early and headed over to the Tower of London- the first medieval castle. We explored the castle, learned the history, saw the execution room, read the prisoner's last words etched in the walls, saw the royal crown jewels (including the world's largest 500 carat diamond), and toured with a Beefeater. It was a great place to really learn the history of London and of the royalty.

We then walked over to the Tower Bridge where we were able to walk across the very top. The bridge stands out in London not only for its size, but also its color. It's painted turquoise- merely because it's the Queen's favorite color! There were some spectacular views of London from the top of this intuitive bridge.

From the bridge, we walked over to St. Paul's Cathedral designed by Christopher Wren in 1666. The cathedral is impressive from the exterior, just with its massive dome rising above most buildings in the city, and it's greatest whiteness it has in the city center. However, when I walked inside, I was completely awe-struck. Wren never liked to use stain glass because of its obstruction of light- so the large open glass windows among white walls made the interior of this building look lighter than when outside. Yet, in the nave towards the back, the cathedral was decorated in dark colors with immense gold- giving a completely different feel here worshiping than entry into the building. We were able to take stairs all the way up to dome to three different levels. The first, 250 steps up, was half way up the dome. We were able to look down in the cathedral from above and experience what it felt like to be in the massive dome. Next, 380 steps up, was a terrace on the exterior of the building. And finally, 550 steps up was another exterior terrace at, almost, the very top of the dome. The views were extraordinary, but honestly, I almost didn't make it. In order to reach the last point, I had to walk a narrow, spiral, steel grate staircase. Now- I've never really been afraid of heights until going to Europe for the first time, and it was these kind of stairs that started it all. I was on the verge of tears as I looked down and could see the 100 stairs below me, legs shaking, and hand grabing the railing. There was one stair where my shoe slipped and fell off- almost all the way down the 100 steps I just walked up, and it was then that my heart pretty much stopped. My hands are sweating now just thinking of it. But eventually, I made it up, and am glad I did.

The last stop of the day was Tate Modern. I must say, it was very similar to the Pompidou Center- with similar artists on display. But the circulation in this building was horrible. The entry was the same as the exit- you had to pass through the same exhibits several times to see everything, and the passageways were narrow and crowded. But-other than that, I loved the artwork and it was worth the free admission.

Today was the last day in London. We didn't have too much time to explore before our flight this afternoon, but we were able to stop by London's most famous department store: Harrods. Here- I found a scarf for 325 pounds- which is equivalent to about $600! There was not one thing in this store I could every afford, and there were several areas you couldn't even shop in without an appointment!

But here I am, back in Paris after the London excursion. It was a great couple of days, and tomorrow is my first day of class. I'm excited, and ready, for school to start, but it's also going to mean less sight seeing. I will still keep you updated as to what is going on- but I'm sure I won't have as much time as I have for the past two weeks. I miss all of you so much back at home and I thank you so much for reading! I hope all is well- I would love to hear what is going on in your life. Love you all!