My favorite day in the UK!
Westminster Abbey, Changing of the Guard, The London Eye and Buck Pal!
To say the least it was a very long and fulfilling day. Westminster Abbey was incredible from the outstanding architecture to the history within the walls themselves. Our tour guide Shaun was the highlight of this trip personally since he was so well educated on his craft and really immersed us in the culture and surroundings. Unfortunately we couldn’t take photos inside the actually building but I can’t complain since it will be engraved in my brain forever. Another favorite moment from this place was the grave of the unnamed solider. Similar as we have it in DC for the tomb of the unknown shoulder symbolizing condolences for those who fought in battle and we lost without recognizing them individually. Truly touching. Moving on next to the changing of the guard, it was a movement in its own. I was amazed by how many people stood to watch them pass as they played their songs from Buckingham Palace. The way the guards carry themselves is to make you feel some type of way, they embody strength an discipline. The London Eye was a beautiful sight from the height at which we were at. You could literally see everything in London. It was crazy to think that it was only to be open for 5 years and be taken down after creating and building such a huge monument. But needless to say people like us, tourists, kept it up and running. And by the way it’s not a Ferris wheel like you think it is! Buckingham Palace was absolutely incredible in its size and stature. Not to mention the artwork and tapestry inside was so detailed and well taken care of. You could tell that this place was special for the people of London. I personally am a huge art fan and love seeing the progression of time within art. So it was interesting to see there was a lot more modern paintings within the walls of “Buck Pal” (As our new local friends call it) next to all the centuries of artworks not to mention the statues. The detailing of the marble is absolutely mind boggling to think someone carved it by hand. And to wrap up our day in cultural time, some of us went to the London Dungeon an interactive show with mazes and amusement. It was very fun and informational when educating us of the more morbid history of London. Personally I loved it even though I was scared by Jack the Ripper. I still cannot express how grateful I am to be here even for only a short time and how amazing the friends I have made on this journey. Again I’m moving here.
