BRB...pivoting from this whole teaching thing to become a full-time traveler blogger...just kidding! This week was JAM-packed with activities and excursions, SO much to take absorb in such a short amount of time. We hit the ground running.
Top Highlights
Buckingham Palace
We spent the the hottest day on record (for London) discovering St. James Park which leads to Buckingham Palace. At 102 in the hottest part of the day, our immunity to the South Central Kentucky humidity served us well. It was extremely hot, but it wasn't that wet/sticky/gross heat; spent lots of time breaking in the shade under the lush/large trees in St. James Park...I have never been so thankful for trees. I got some interesting looks sporting my portable neck fan, but I'd like to think that folks were just jealous of my portable breeze. When it's that hot, comfort outweighs looking like a tourist. I figure I stick out like a sore thumb anyway, might as well lean into it. Outside the palace we witnessed the changing of the guard, which is a ceremony and procedure, in its own right. I did learn that you can determine whether or not the Queen is in residence based on the flag that's flying above the palace...alas, she was not in when we were there.
Westminster Abbey
We continued through the other side of the park to Westminster Abbey, the famous church where most of the royals are married. Fun fact, the main religion is not Catholic, it is the Church of England.
British Museum & Museum of London
Day 2 was spent at the British Museum and Museum of London. The British Museum is HUGE and contains a large collection of artifacts from all over the world. Some of my favorites were the original hand-made book prints and pages, some from famous literature. The Rosetta Stone is also housed here.
National Gallery
Day 3 was work day and casual day for the students, so we took some down time. On Day 4 we spent the afternoon at the National Gallery, which was probably my favorite museum so far. SO many famous paintings, several of which I studied in Art History class when I was an art student.
Camden Market
During the week, we also visited Camden Market, an eclectic/artsy neighborhood, stores, and open-air market...tons of fun shops and artisan vendors.
Stonehenge
On Saturday, Kara and I adventured to Salisbury, the home of Stonehenge. A train ride from London and then a 25-30 minute bus ride took us to the sprawling countryside where Stonehenge resides. I know what you're thinking..."it's just a bunch of rocks", it is, but it's also very intriguing and mesmerizing. Stonehenge is the most famous prehistoric monument in the world. Begun over 5,000 years ago, archaeologists still debate theories of its use and meaning. The stones are massive and it's mind-boggling to know that they were sourced, relocated, and re-arranged in this manner with minimal technology and manpower alone. As you walk around it, the view/landscape changes and new shapes and "windows" in the monuments are revealed.
Misc. Photo Dump
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