Tea for Two in London

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London (Hendon Central), Bath, Salsbury, London (Lexingham Gardens)

Our first day in London we lived like true Americans, visiting Costco, Borders, and Starbucks. After a long evening in the Border’s Starbucks on Oxford Circus, we went back to our hostel in Hendon Central.

We made our way to Bath, England and spent a day there before seeing Stonehenge. Bath is a quaint town with not much to do but look at the scenery. I was glad there was not much to do because we need a day of recovery from traveling. Many people visit Bath to see the roman bath exhibit but considering we went in a roman bath while visiting Budapest there was not much for us to see. The youth there was out of control. We saw groups of preteens and teens drinking and smoking in the streets making complete fools of themselves. Needless to say it was interesting!

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To all of those who said Stonehenge was boring and lame, thank you! Since I did not think it would be that exciting my expectations were not high . Despite having to bring in all of our luggage for security reasons, Stonehenge was awesome! Yes it’s a pile of rocks on a field but its absolutely beautiful! It continues to amaze me what human beings are capable of. I would definitely put this site on my must visit list. It is a place of reflection.

While still soaking wet from Stonehenge, Ryan and I arrived to Earls Court and made the short walk to Lee Abbey (the place I stayed for school). The next morning we all went to Westminster Abbey for a “proper” English church service. The music was amazing. Afterwards we were free to venture, Ryan, Tracey, Marissa, and I went to Hyde Park into the Kensington gardens, where Princess Dianna once lived. Due to the ridiculous cost to get inside the Kensington palace we just walked around the outside and viewed all the memorial sites to Dianna. After dinner we went to the London Tower (sadly it was closed by the time we got there) and we took pictures of the London Tower Bridge (the cooler bridge).

inside the british musem - thats my roommate tracey
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Wednesday after lecture, Ryan and I went to Abbey Road to walk across the famous crosswalk. Locals have come to hate this road because they always have to stop for tourist. Then we got ready for Les Mis. Since one of the guys canceled on euroterm really late we had an extra ticket and Euge (my professor) invited Ryan to come. The musical was a lot better than I had remembered it (considering my mom and I fell asleep the first time I saw it); knowing the story definitely helped out a lot! Overall it was a great day.

yep thats right Costco
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Thursday night, after dropping Ryan off at the airport for his departure to India, I met up with my roommate and some French people we had met. They decided that we were to go to a club with them and bring all our friends. When we first arrived to the club it was pretty empty but the 50 of us students filled it up quite fast. With the exception of one really drunk French guy the night was really fun, it was nice to experience the nightlife or England.

Finally we had a three-day weekend, which I spent in bed due to illness. Thankfully on Monday I was ready to go to class. As a group, we went to big Ben and took a picture in front of it. Throughout the week we ventured in many museums – so far my favorite has been the Tate modern. I have always loved Rothko paintings because you cant explain them but being there witnessing the overpowering effect of a large canvas and brilliant lighting was extremely moving. I cannot explain what I felt seeing those pieces, other than utter awe and peace. I talked to the other students who have studied his work too and they claimed to have similar experiences. The other big highlight was viewing Barrett Newman’s Adam and Eve This was the second time viewing his work and I love it so much that I have decided to base my senior show off of it.

Kensington palace
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On top of this I walked through Camden, partook in fun adventures with my roommate on the tube and throughout oxford circus (we missed our exit twice due to laughter), St Paul’s cathedral, and ended my weekend with visiting Kensington gardens again to pay my respects to Princess Dianna. To be there was an amazing site! So many people come every year to lay down flowers upon Kensington palace’s gate floors. Its absolutely beautiful to see others who care so much for one woman, a woman who loved the world so much her name will forever live!

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Overall London has been an exciting roller coaster of emotions. The most memorable part of the trip, with Kensington and the Tate modern following close behind was meeting this wonderful man named Brian. Brian, I am assuming is poor, in order to gain money he draws tourist attractions on the sidewalk. Unlike other peddlers he seems sincere in his desire to draw rather than to make money. I have no idea why I am so drawn to him. He was very humble and deeply sincere. He thought his art was horrible (like most artist) and gave up on beautiful pieces quickly. He was a many of many mysteries. I am extraordinarily happy that no one erases his work. I can’t imagine starting over day after day. I was drawn to this man so much that I visited him 3 times in one day and twice at a later time. It seemed as if no one had truly exchanged kind words to him. I could tell he was grateful when I spoke to him, I just wish that he believed the compliments I gave him.

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Now I'm on my way to Italy, but first I am stopping off in Paris for a day! I love being in France- when I am there I feel like I belong.