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Published: June 29th 2008
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Buckingham Statue
I climed up to a statue that was in front of Buckingham Palace Well, apart from all the walking and miss-stops we had today, and the lack of my luggage for the 3rd day in a row, I'm in London and couldn't be happier.
Saturday the 28th was brilliant! We had to go to an 'orientation' at around 10, which lasted an hour and was rather boring, but afterwards some of us loaded up on a bus for 'Asda', which is like wal-mart (and is in fact owned by them). This was a great opportunity for me, seeing as I have no luggage, and thusly no clothing. We went and spent around 2 hours (because that is how they told us it'd be before the bus came back), but found some neat pastry shop down the way and had some interesting English pastry. Once we were back on campus it was time to prepare for a 'guides bus tour of central london, ending with a flight on the london eye'.
The bus tour was very interesting. We had a guide, and she told us all about the history of London, and pointed out some amazing things, such as a Roman wall that is 2000 years old. She also showed us the 'dragons'
which mark the original square mile of the town of London, as built by the Romans 2000 years ago. The streets there are still named after what was originally sold in that market area, such as wood street, milk street, honey street, etc.
In the span of about 2 hours of a bus ride, we saw so many things I cannot even recall them all. Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abby, Parliament, Big Ben, the Lord Mayor's House, the Mayor's office, The Tower of London, London Bridge, Tower Bridge...the list goes on.
Afterwards, we arrived at the London Eye, which is the world's largest ferris wheel. We had a 'flight' scheduled at 7, so we nipped into the 'Slug and Lettuce' for a bite to eat before the flight. This 'ride' was probably the most amazing thing we had done and seen all day. The view was spectacular, and we could see everything for miles.
Once this was over, it was either back on the bus, or stay in London and find your own way back. Of course, being the well-traveled and highly experienced subway/bus system man that I am, I suggested we stay. Clara, James (A young man
Buckingham
A good view of Buckingham. The Queen was away that day.. from Oklahoma) and I started walking around London, with no sense or direction.
We went everywhere! Every time we came to an intersection we said 'left right or straight', and one of us answered, and there we went. We stopped in shops along the way, took funny pictures, and just had an all around good time. It was so fun having no clue where we were, but being in the heart of London. We actually ended up (on foot) at the same places we had driven by earlier, which was nice, because we could actually take decent photos. Navigating the rails home was a breeze! We made it in no time and with little effort. The tube system here is amazing.
Anyway, this blog is getting rather long, so I think I'll nip it short by saying today was less eventful, but we visited Hampsteed (a rich part of upper London), and saw places where charles dickenson visited and wrote about, and we even saw Dame Judy Dench's house. Then we went to the 'eclectic' Camden Market, and shopped for a bit, then off home to drop of the bags, and to a Movie. We saw "Wanted" and
My View
This is the view from my Dorm room quite enjoyed it. A few bus-mis-haps on the way back and here we are. So, with that, I leave you all.
What a great/eventful first weekend in London! (SEE the pictures!!)
-Ryan
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kimber
non-member comment
so beautiful!!! so that black shirt is that one u had to buy there? How is the tea? and English pastry? you look like your having fun love you lots