Tours Galore!

Hi all!

Still in London, and I’ve seen all sorts of weather and things. We had our official orientation yesterday morning, everyone was [somewhat] introduced, and we had our first tour! It was a simple bus tour around a few parts of London – with quite a rambling guide who enjoyed pointing out all the dogs we drove past as much as the buildings. I did learn a lot and see a lot, though. We made a stop at Westminster Abbey – so beautiful. I was itching to pull out my camera the whole time we were inside, and I wish I had been allowed to! I took plenty of shots of the outside, though, and soaked up as much of the inside as I could while I was there. Oh, and don’t worry, a few of us did wander through the photo gallery of the Royal Wedding. Almost as phenomenal as the church in which it was held. Don’t worry, I’ll probably get married there, too, you’re all invited. 

After the tour ended, early afternoon, a few of us decided to take an adventure on the tube back to the places we drove past. We saw a lot on the bus, but there is a huge difference between driving slowly past and standing there in front of something, gazing up in awe. Oh, and taking the typical pictures in front of everything. Among the sights discovered were Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the London Bridge. We were so lucky to have some gorgeous weather as we wandered around, so the pictures should come out quite nicely! You can take a look and see what you think for yourself. I’m lucky enough to be friends with someone who owns a Cannon Rebel – and though it is a little different from my Nikon, it’s still really easy to swap cameras and take photos for each other which is great. It’s way easier than having to explain how to zoom and look through a view finder every time I want my picture taken. She feels the same, too. 

After seeing some sights and wandering around (and maybe climbing on top of things to have pictures with statues), we tried to head home on the tube. I say tried because as soon as we were about to exit our station, we ran into a group of our friends heading out for the night. We turned around and headed out to explore the Picadilly Circus night life – definitely an adventure! Though I, sadly, did not get a chance to venture into M&M World. I’m sure I’ll make it back there, though. 

We had our first lecture this morning – mainly an introduction to European Art and Architecture, something the peak our interest and comfort those who have never seen or talking about art or architecture before. The more in depth things will happen during our visit to the National Gallery this afternoon. I haven’t been told if we’re allowed cameras or not inside, but I’ll be taking mine either way!

Also, just as a sidenote, I love you all, and really appreciate your comments, emails, facebooks, etc. But, with so much opportunity to do and see, I’m not spending infinite amounts of time in the computer lab – which is on campus, which is not as near our hotel as I’m sure you all imagine. And the wifi on campus isn’t particularly top notch – so please don’t think I don’t love you if I don’t send lengthy responses or if I fail to like your comments or whatever. Facebook particularly is slow to navigate, so I’m using it as minimally as possible. Reach me here or at my email address (if you don’t have it, let me know and I’ll message it to you!) if you need anything and I’ll do my best to respond when I find access! 

 Lucy