So for class yesterday we went to Palace of Westminster (y’know the building with Big Ben in it? The clock? That’s the one.) to Westminster Hall, which is the oldest building on that estate.  Westminster Palace itself has the Houses of Parliament.  We were not there for that however, we were there to see an installation called the “Ethics of Dust.”  It consisted of sheets of special latex that had been painted on the wall and pulled off to show the dust that had accumulated there over the many years that the building had been standing. Our professor thought it would be a good exhibit to see since it meshed the history with the present. 

We next walked past Westminster Abbey, and onwards to near Buckingham Palace where we got to see part of the changing of the guard.

The last part of our day was spent at Kensington Palace (where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge live! No, we did not see them :() I got to see Princess Diana’s, Queen Elizabeth’s and Princess Margaret’s dresses and my god they were so pretty.

Today in class we had a short lecture on Harry Potter, and we let out early due to the fact that we had a full day excursion last week to Cardiff in Wales for a day trip. It honestly makes me so happy that we went to another country for a day. And it was for the Doctor Who Exhibition, and honestly who can really say that they went to that for class purposes?

Also we have a walking tour for Harry Potter this week, and next week we should be going on the studio tour. One of my biggest regrets for the trip, though, is not being able to see the new Harry Potter play since it is impossible to get tickets. It’s just really sad.

The classes I’m taking here are different from the ones over at New Paltz because of the topics really. There’s also the fact that this place is literally jam-packed with exhibits and things to visit within relatively close proximity with each other. It’s amazing being able to learn British culture right here! And even in the changing political/historical climate as well.

Plus, on the weekends I get to pack in more touristy things not covered by class. I get the inside look at London through my teacher’s eyes since he finds exhibits like this:

AND I got to go on the London Eye and walk across the Millennium Bridge (might recognize it if you’ve seen Harry Potter!)

See the Rosetta Stone:

And look down on the River Thames from the Tower Bridge:

Ok I looked up because there was a mirror above the glass floor ok?

And listen to a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London!

The classes are different mainly because the location is different, but I am so happy I chose the classes I did. Other classes travel farther, but I get to explore London and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.