As the plane took off from the Columbus airport (CMH), I honestly could not believe this trip was finally happening. I had never flown before, nor have I left the country. As Sara Wendel and I traveled from CMH to JFK to LHR (Heathrow), I was overcome with nerves and excitement. That first day in London, Sara and I explored the city on our own. We had arrived a day early, so it was up to us entirely what to do that day.
The plane ride to London.
We became masters of the Tube (Underground), witnessed London’s beautiful architecture, and got lost a few times. I was overwhelmed with the history that was so visible around me. Walking through the Tube, I could not help but to think of the people who took shelter down there during the bombings of World War II. Londoners daily live in the history of their country.
The Underground, Marble Arch Station
One of my favorite excursions that first day was climbing to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Sara and I took the 550 steps up to the rotunda at the very top. It was the most amazing view I had ever witnessed. Not only could I see buildings that were hundreds of years old, like the Tower of London, but I could also see buildings that were only a few years old, like the Shard. That drastic contrast of architecture and history amazed me. It was beautiful to see the past and present so intertwined.
London, view from St. Paul’s
Another unforgettable moment from that first day was traversing Hyde Park. It was a warm and sunny day so the park was full of kids, dogs, and runners. Not only was the park itself stunning, but so too was the life surrounding me. As Sara and I walked, I could hear so many different languages being spoken, it filled me with awe. It is so rare to hear a romance language spoken in the United States. Throughout the park were monuments and memorials dedicated to monarchs and great people of the past. I constantly felt immersed in both modern culture and history.
Sara Wendel and I in Hyde Park
My first day in London was an excellent precursor for the rest of my time there. It was hard to move from one area to the next because I felt like I had not soaked up enough of the history or culture (or both) in that particular part of London. There was always something new to learn and explore. I loved exploring Westminster Abbey with its rich monarchal (ancient and current) history. Leaving London now, I feel there is so much more I could have learned and I pray that in the future I have the chance to return to this amazing city.