This week in London has been just as eventful as the first. Monday our class visited the Museum of Childhood. We were able to listen to a thirty minute lecture which proved to be very historical and culturally enlightening. My favorite part of learning from this lecture was the board game viewing American history from the British perspective.  After class was dismissed, Terrence and I went to Camden Market. I had not been to the market there yet, and was pleasantly surprised once we walked through the entire place. Tuesday was spent in the Natural History Museum. It was amazing to witness the remains of dinosaurs, plants, human biology, a giant sequoia, and much more. I think I spent close to four hours walking around that museum, and I honestly feel like I could have spent four more hours and been perfectly fine. It was huge, and incredible to witness preserved giraffes, lions, zebras, penguins, cheetahs, and different whale species. Wednesday our class got a great lesson in dance. My favorite was learning the Virginia Reel.  It was fun to learn together as a class and be actively doing things- I learn much better in that kinetic learning style kind of way. After class, a few friends and I went to the Lion bar and the Walkabout (an Australian bar).  Thursday was my favorite day this week- our class toured Wimbledon. We had an awesome tour guide, and I have not learned that much in a single tour that I can remember. The museum at the end of touring the club was also outstanding. I am so thankful for that opportunity. Afterwards we walked through Regent Park and photographed the lovely scenery. It is so neat how much pride the British take in the aesthetics of nature within parks. Friday a small group of us went back to Camden market to make a few purchases on “sales.” Friday night we attended the Zoo Late where we walked around the Zoo and looked at all of the animals. It was a blast. There was also a silent disco that I believe myself and Janaye (as well as a few other girls) stayed and danced at for a solid hour and a half. Today a group of us got dressed up and went to a polo match- it was so neat, and completely different than any sport I’ve watched in America. The fact that the game is played as the players are riding a horse made me very distracted. It was a good time, and nice to “play the part” and assume the role of a fellow Londoner with a fancy polo hat. Terrence had a good time having four girls on his arm, too! Tomorrow I plan on doing some serious laundry, and touring the Spencer House (where Princess Diana grew up). I am having a blast here during my study abroad time, and am so happy I chose to take this class as it has already proven to be very educational and fun at the same time.

 This first week in London has been so incredibly busy. Last Sunday I went to St. Paul’s Cathedral for service in the morning, wandered through the city of Westminster by foot, and finally made my way to Westminster Abbey. I then proceeded to get lost for about three hours. By far, last Sunday was the most I have walked in one day since I have been here. Monday was the first day of class, where we were able to meet our classmates and professor, while also getting the opportunity to watch ballet film and learn how intricate and athletic ballet dancing really is. Tuesday our class toured the Royal Opera House- which was fantastic! It was so intriguing to learn the history behind the building that stands there today (especially since it has burned down three times before). Following our tour, we went on a Harry Potter walk where we were forced to work together as a team and find highlighted spots relating to the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.  My favorite part of the walk was getting to platform nine and three quarters. That same night, a group of us went to The Globe bar and were able to catch a glimpse of what night life in London looks like. Wednesday was our fitness day for class. We completed various fitness tasks in Heath Park, and learned about the differences between anaerobic and aerobic activity.
                Thursday marked the first “free day” I had during the school week. I used my first BritRail pass and went to Bath. It was by far my favorite day I have spent here yet. Three of us paid around twenty American dollars to tour a Roman bath built when the Romans invaded Britain. It was such a cool history lesson, and that city is absolutely gorgeous. It was perfect. Friday I went on the Stonehenge optional trip. My group (bus two) went to avebury, Stonehenge, and the Salisbury Cathedral. Our guide was very informative, and the weather was fantastic. My favorite part of the trip was seeing Stonehenge, as it is one of the seven world wonders of the medieval mind.  Friday night a group of us went down to Camden Market to find some cheap places to go out. We went to a three story bar and met people from all over the world. It was a fun night out. Once again, on Saturday I used my BritRail pass to travel to Liverpool to go on the Magical Mystery Tour. I loved everything about going, but the weather was rainy and cold. The tour itself was excellent- we visited each of the “Fab Four’s” childhood homes, as well as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields.  Today I am going to evensong at Westminster Abbey at 2 P.M., and going to the Freud Museum after that. Overall, this week has gone by so fast and I have had an excellent time traveling throughout the United Kingdom and navigating through London. I am eager to see what this week has in store!