Sightseeing Tour

Wow. I can't believe that it was just a week ago today that I arrived in London. It already feels like so much has happened...I can't even begin to imagine how I'll feel in a couple of months! 

Having never been to London before, I was pretty bummed this first week when I realized that I hadn't had a chance to see any of the major sites around the city because most of my time was spent stressing over classes. Today, however, completely made up for that, because the 40 or-so BC students studying in London this semester were taken around to see some of the most famous sites. The day started somewhat early (for a Saturday), as we had to be at the Liverpool Street tube station before 10am to catch our tour bus. After grabbing some coffee, we all boarded the bus (or "coach," as they call it here) and were on our way.

Waiting for the tube! 

Probably the nicest public transportation I've ever seen...

At first, I was a little disappointed when I saw that our tour bus would not be one of those double-decker ones where you can sit on the top in open air (in other words, it was a regular coach bus). I quickly realized, though, that this was a good thing. Today was probably the coldest day since my arrival in London, especially because of the strong and biting wind. We would have all been miserable up there. Once it gets a little warmer, I definitely want to sit on the top of an open-air tour bus, because it really is a great way to see the city.

Our first stop was the Tower Bridge, perhaps the most famous bridge in the world (unless you're from California/San Francisco). When watching the Olympics last summer, I think I saw a shot of this bridge on TV during the beginning and end of every commercial break. It was so cool to see it in person, and I definitely want to take a closer look at it in the coming weeks.

Tower Bridge

Can't believe we live only a short tube ride away from here!

At the major stops, we were able to get off the bus to take pictures, and learn a little more specifics about each location from our wonderful tour guide, Warren. It was a great way to get an introduction to the city, and be able to pinpoint where exactly everything is, so that I know where to go when I come back!

The Shard, soon to be the tallest building in the European Union

St. Paul's Cathedral

Coutts - the Queen's bank! I doubt she stands in line, though... 

A movie being filmed in Piccadilly Circus!

The London Eye

Westminster Abbey

Buckingham Palace

We arrived just in time to see the changing of the Royal Guard!

Royal Guard

Big Ben

Up close!

After about two hours of the bus tour, we ate lunch at a riverside pub: Founder's Pub. After a week, I finally had my first fish and chips! It was absolutely delicious.

What is likely to become my new staple food here...

After lunch, we had an abbreviated (because of the cold) walking tour of the Southbank area, across the River Thames. We got to see the Globe Theatre, which to be honest, was somewhat of a disappointment for me. I don't know how I didn't know this already, but the Globe Theatre that everyone goes to see in London is not the original Globe Theatre. It was only built a couple of decades ago, as a replica of the original one. To me, that just seems a little weird that it is so famous, but it is not even the real thing. Or, maybe I'm just being too critical.

Globe Theatre

It does look pretty cool, I must say...

As a sort of side-note, one of my favorite things about London so far is all of the Harry Potter references! During our bus tour, we passed the street used to film Diagon Alley (we zoomed by too quickly for me to snap a picture), and during our walking tour, we passed the Millenium Bridge, which was part of a prominent seen in the 6th movie, when Death Eaters attack London! Watch this video for the scene I'm referencing, as well as some other cool shots of London!

Millenium Bridge

Thankfully, it's in better shape than in the movie!

Today was a fantastic introduction to the city of London, and made me so excited for future exploring. After the tour, I took the tube back and relaxed for a bit, before going out to dinner with Eric to celebrate our first full week in London. We went to O'Neil's, an Irish gastro-pub right across the street from King's Cross Station. It was delicious! 

Tomorrow I'm planning on going grocery shopping at the Farmer's Market near the Sainsbury's to look for some fresh produce. And unfortunately, I have some reading for classes to do as well. I keep forgetting that I'm actually going to school here...oops!