Learning in London

Not quite sure where I left off - I did enjoy the National Gallery! It was phenomenal and I spent plenty of time there, as well as talking to my professor. Steve is great, and I enjoy learning what he does know. And what he doesn't know is just as interesting because trading ideas is definitely rewarding.

Yesterday morning we went to St. Paul's Cathedral! It was delightful - though yet another place we could not take pictures. The architecture was phenomenal though. Its visits like this that have me befriending my hand sanitizer because I walk around looking up, touching all the walls, which can't leave my hands very clean. I think the most surprising thing about the Cathedral was learning how part of it is dedicated to America. Yup. Apparently, after the second world war, they redid the front (the section considered to resemble the head of Christ on a Latin Cross layout) because it was hit by a bomb. In the stained glass there is a symbol for each of the states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). There is a book on display with the names of all known 1200 or so dead who lost their lives in the war. There is even a space ship in one of the floral wood carvings to represent the USA. Cool, right?

Also sweet, which made me think of Dan Brown, was how the architect (who wasn't really an architect) was a Free Mason, so inside the Cathedral, one of the ceiling designs is the symbol of the Free Masons and he is buried in the crypt directly below this symbol. Sweet.

After St. Paul's we had some time to walk around with our tour guide, learning about the architecture of the city. Yet another thing that I took a million pictures of. I've had my camera in action 4 days and already taken over 400 pictures. Course I take every picture at least three times, so some editing will be done, but don't worry, I have plenty to share! I learned a lot there too, but I won't bore you with the details.

Afterwards we had an afternoon lecture, followed by some relaxing. We attempting to do some assignments.. but hanging out is way more fun! And then we ended up on a boat, so homework was out of the question. The boat was a lot of fun - yes, I made my typical musical requests and spent most of the time on the dance floor. So yes, I had a good time! And seeing the London sunset and the night lights was great. I loved it!

Today we took two tours - the Tate Modern, which was phenomenal, especially with my low expectations, and the Victoria and Albert - again phenomenal. I could have easily stayed at either for the whole day. Yes, this is a great program for me and I'm having a blast!

I finished the evening with seeing some family for a nice dinner which was really great too! There are pictures then, too! Those will be shared when I figure out my memory card, I promise.

Tomorrow I get a free day and more time to see family!
Afterwards, we travel to Amsterdam. We do not have a campus there, so no promises on updates. Wifi may possibly be a lot harder to come by so don't worry, I'll update when I can, but it probably won't be as regular! We also get a lot busier after London because our stays are shorter, so I'll be absorbing as much as possible. I'll check in when I can though.
Love you all!
Lucy