Today was our last day in London before we head off to Liverpool!
Our first activity of the day was a tour of Parliament. This way really interesting, as I have always seen the Parliament building and Big Ben on TV, but I never actually knew what it was or what goes on inside.
During our tour, we got to see both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, and learn how their government process works. It was interesting to see the differences between our own government, especially since we have nothing like the House of Lords (or nobility for that matter.)
Parliament, with the British Flag flying
Parliament’s Westminster Hall
View of Big Ben from Parliament
After our tour of Parliament, we went to the Borough Market to get lunch. Borough Market is a huge food market in London. It is actually one of the oldest and largest food markets in London! It was really fun to walk around and look at the different food stands. There was so much variety, including food from different countries, as well as other unique foods you wouldn’t normally come across. I tried my first pork pie while I was there, which was definitely an experience!
Borough Market
After lunch, we walked to St. Paul’s Cathedral, passing the globe theater and crossing Millenni Bridge. St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of the most recognizable buildings in London’s skyline, is an Anglican Cathedral built by Sir Christopher Wren. It is currently a working church, and prayers are said every hour, which we got to take part in.
Globe Theater
View of St. Paul’s Cathedral from Millennium Bridge
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Philippa strongly encouraged us to climb the stairs to the top of St. Paul’s in order to see the view of London. Trusting Philippa’s judgment, which had been flawless so far, I decided to go for it, even though climbing 528 steps to the top seemed pretty daunting.
One thing Philippa mentioned when we were about halfway up was that those afraid of heights may not want to climb all the way to the top. I am absolutely terrified of heights, but since Philippa said the view was so spectacular at the top, I was resolved to go all the way to the top.
It must be mentioned that until this point, the stairs were regular stone stairs, solid and enclosed by walls. But as soon as we entered the door to go up the stairs to the very top, I quickly realized why Philippa said it might be hard for those afraid of heights. The stairs were metal lattice stairs, winging up to the very top – and you could see right through them. But once you start walked up the stairs, you can’t turn back because they are so narrow, so I had to keep going. I honestly thought I was going to have a heart attack and/or pass out, and I was crawling up those stairs at a snail’s pace, eyes glued to the railing lest I start bawling my eyes out from sheer terror. This sounds like an exaggeration, but I assure you, this is exactly what happened. Ask anyone in my group; more than one of my friends gave me a very concerned “are you okay?” as were were walking up.
But I was able to make it to the top, despite my (nearly crippling) fear of heights! How’s that for conquering your fears? (Though I will admit, despite surviving the climb to the top, I remain just as fearful of heights as I was before. *Sigh.*) I really was glad that I decided to go all the way to the top, because as Philippa said, the view from the dome of St. Paul’s was absolutely breathtaking. You could see London stretching out in all directions, which was really spectacular to see.
Despite being terrified, I was still able to take a picture!
London Skyline – view from the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral
To end the day, everyone in my group went dancing at O’Neil’s, a popular bar chain in London. It was a really fun way to end our time in London!