This experience taught me a lot- both about the world around me, and myself. I learned to see architecture in ways I had never thought of. I learned how big the world really is beyond my little bubble here at OSU, and how passionate I am about how people experience a city. However, my favorite lesson was learning how to be a true traveler of the world. At the beginning of the trip, I found myself eager to experience every single part of the city. My goal was to see everything. I failed miserably at doing so of course, London is HUGE. Instead, I found myself happiest when I sat back and let the city take me where I wanted me to go. Enjoying the little things was the biggest thing for me. One night we took a spontaneous trip to Chinatown for dessert, and we were all overcome with a sense of awe. It wasn’t in our plans to even head that direction, but we were all so happy that we did. As a person that micromanages literally every aspect of her life, this realization that life still works out without a second by second plan was really nice. Not seeing everything in one trip is okay, because it means you have to come back! I can’t wait to continue my adventures in the future, with this new found knowledge in mind! I have both London and my travel companions to thank for these many lessons, so hey thanks guys!
Author: Becca
Day Seven
no pictures allowed inside, but the outside is a sight to see as well
This morning began with a visit to Westminster Abbey, which was, as with nearly everything else in London, beautiful. Our tour guide was very witty, and taught us a lot about the space. My favorite part was the space devoted to distinguished scientist such as Newton and Darwin.
a funny caption found at the transportation museum
During my free time following this, I made my first tube trip alone. It was a bit nerve wracking, but I made it exactly where I needed to be! I spent my time visiting the transportation museum, which was easily the most incredible museum I’ve ever been to. First off, the place was filled with even MORE British children. The museum really catered to people of all ages. Secondly, I learned more than I ever imagined. Following free time, half of our group met up to tour the firm Allies and Morrison. I loved the many models scattered throughout the firm.
something I never would have imagined I’d like
We then met back up for a group dinner at Wagamama. Being an extremely picky eater, I was really nervous about this. However, I really enjoyed the meal, and found something I really liked. Afterwards, we explored Chinatown for dessert! It’s been hard going without my fallback- chicken fingers and fries- but I’ve managed, and been forced to go a little out of my comfort zone doing so.
As my time ends here in London, I’m finding myself both excited and sad. I’m very homesick, but I’ve grown a bit attached to the routine I’ve developed over the past week. I’ll miss a lot of things, but I’m excited to get home as well. London has been an incredible introduction to what I hope to be many more adventures to come!
Day 5
We began our day at Temple, which consisted of a combination of many beautiful architectural spaces and courtyards. The history that coincides with this space is incredible, as is the history in all of London itself. I often forget how old everything is. The other day I sent my mom a picture of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and she responded “That’s older than America.” It’s something I find myself having a really time grasping.
a silly face I found in a beautiful church in Temple
We then went to Covent Garden, which was really cool. Inside the church, we watched some children having a debate regarding vegetarian versus meat diets. An odd subject, but adorable nonetheless. I could have stayed there all day, but after a while I made it outside. We spent a lot of time exploring the marketplace, and got a really nice lunch there.
Following Covent Garden, we went to Tate Modern. I was really excited to see work by my favorite artist, Salvador Dali. I also really enjoyed a couple of views that revealed the previous industrial life of the building. The recycling of this space into a modern art exhibit really interests me.
Salvador Dali work!
We ended our day of exploration with a short walk through Regent’s Park. We had intended a much more active visit, but at this point we were exhausted. We took a seat on a bench right by the water, and laughed at the various birds surrounding us all while watching the sun set.
sunset at Regents Park
We made our way back to the hotel via the tube (which is now my all time favorite mode of public transportation, and I will hate to say goodbye to it so soon). We made rush hour, which was super exciting for me. It amazed me that public transportation had a rush hour like this. Part of me was really excited that it was so popular, but part of me really wanted to not be smashed between strangers. It was interesting. I’m excited for another day filled with London tomorrow!
Exploring Outside the City
Today we got a break from the busy city of London, and instead experienced some of the more peaceful spots this country has to offer. We started off around 6:50 am, which although I was not happy about at the time, got us to Stonehenge right as it opened. We were some of the first people to visit that day, so we had a chance to really appreciate what was in front of us. (And take lots of pictures). My mom is very interested in Stonehenge, so I grew up with books about it all over the house. It was moving to see it in person, and not just a book cover. It almost didn’t feel real.
Stonehenge
Next up, we took a stroll around the wonderful Stourhead. Pictures just don’t do it justice. This place was beyond beautiful. It’s been such a busy few days, so I really enjoyed a chance to sit and think for a second.
Stourhead
Lastly, we ended the day in Salisbury. We wandered around a market, where I scored a Beatles record. The man selling the records let me take the record out to check the condition, and seemed genuinely excited about music. It was interesting to see all sorts of people coming together for this biweekly event in the town. It makes me wish we had more market places back home in Columbus. We then worked our way through little shops in the town. My favorite was a book store, where everything was five pounds or less. I got a really interesting book on city planning for only three pounds! Our walk led us to the incredible Salisbury Cathedral- home to one of the four Magna Cartas. A man told us about the frieze surrounding the chapter house where the Magna Carta was, and how it relates to the Bible. It was very beautiful work.
Salisbury Cathedral
The Tube
Today marks my first tube ride. I was initially terrified of the tube. Being a college student without a car, public transit itself isn’t new to me. But a couple stories underground? Um, no thank you. However the tube is one of the quickest ways to get to your destination, because cars, stoplights, and potential speeding tickets aren’t interfering. So in attempting to get to Abbey Road for an iconic OH-IO before dark, the tube was my best bet.
Finding the tube stop was relatively easy, nearly all maps include them, and the icon is displayed clearly above and around the stations that lead underground. Once we descended and tapped in, we were surrounded by visuals directing us right away. Wherever you need to go you can find directions to within seconds. Because everyone pays before making their way to the tube itself, boarding and exiting happens within seconds (this was an incredible shift from taking the COTA throughout Columbus). The tubes are well lit, and seem to be well taken care of. The sides have large windows, so when entering a new station, it was obvious where we were because the walls are covered with the station name. Even transferring to a different line was an easy process.
I was surprised how much I took to the tube within the first few minutes of being introduced to it. It made some really scary sounds, and didn’t always seem entirely stable, but I’ll put my trust into the engineers that designed it. The best part was that I got my OH-IO in the middle of Abbey Road- despite a lot of honking cars.
Becca Finkes
Hey! My name is Becca Finkes. I’m a freshmen architecture major. I’m from West Chester, OH. I am most excited for Tate Modern!