view of st. paul's from the thames


westminster abby


tower bridge


eye of london

February 16, 2006

Today was a full day in London. It was full of sightseeing and discovery. We started the day with brisk walk to the subway finding our way to Buckingham palace. We thought he had arrived just in time to see the changing of the guard. Of course with our luck, today was not a day in which the held the ceremony. Talk about bummer. We took our snapshots and watch the men on horse back make their way to the palace and proceed to the stables behind the massive gates, not very exciting but at least it was something. Making our way to Westminster Abby we passed St. James park, in desperate search of a trash can to get rid of various breakfast wrappers and bags. For some reason England is against having rubbish bins anywhere in the tube station or out on the streets, it’s a conspiracy! At Westminster Abby we were finally able to find a trash receptacle and make our way into the massive church. After we spent 6.00 pounds to get in we made our way through the various chapels and cloisters. The church was absolutely stunning! The spider web like fanned ribs overhead spread across the ceiling so elegantly. The ribs of the vaulted ceiling looked graceful and elegant. It looked as though these thin strips of carved stone were not enough to hold the ceiling above. The light that reflected off the ceilings captured the amazing detail of the arches above. After walking through the Abby for over an hour we made our way to Big Ben and the houses of parlemnt, we took the usual tourist pictures and made our way back to the subway to catch the tube to the tower of London. Upon reaching the tower, we say that the price of admissions was 14.50 pounds which is roughly equal to 30 u.s. dollars. Not wanting to spend nearly 30 bucks we took pictures and admired tower bridge. It wasn’t too long until we went back to central London and got in the tremendous line for the eye of London. Line reminded me of the type you would find in Disney land, just short of the signs that claim “ if you are reading this sign your wait will be approximately 2 hours.” Thank God we had made reservations, because they meant absolutely nothing, we sat in line with our tickets that we saved 10% on and waited with everyone else. The line went fast and soon we found ourselves boarding the capsule like “ships.” The capsules did not stop for the exiting passengers or the people boarding. Taking care to time my steps I boarded the ship and began to rise into the air. We watched the sky line rise and fall, giving us the best view of London I have ever seen. It was breath taking.
We made our way back to the hotel shortly after departing the London eye, only to have dinner at the Fountains Abby where we had a pint and a had a game of miniature pool. This was a great ending to our time in London, relaxed and fun.
Tomorrow we say good bye to this awesome city and board a plane bound for the Czech Republic to meet out buddies and begin our semester of unquantifiable. I’m a little nervous but that is over shadowed by my excitement. Homesickness hasn’t hit me yet but that is not to say that it won’t or I don’t miss my friends and family. However when I do have internet access I have to say that getting those e-mails makes my heart swell even more, so keep ‘em coming guys I love them!