London

The first part of our trip took us to London for the U.S. Fulbright Reception at the embassy. This was an opportunity to see my fellow American teachers who are in the UK, and a chance to meet the UK participants returning from the United States after their year-long exchanges abroad. We began the evening by meeting in geographic groups (good to hang out with "Team Scotland" ) and having a Q&A session with current Scottish teachers. It's always nice getting insight from teachers who have gone through the experience and are happy to share their stories and answer questions. During the evening we heard from a Fulbright teacher from 1946 discuss the impact of her exchange and visited with staff and participants from both countries. A big thanks to the British Counsul, U.S. Embassy, and the Fulbright staff for making us all feel so welcome.

Since we had to be in London for the reception, we decided to spend a few days and see the sights. The kids did exceptionally well with all of the "tube" travels and long walks across town. The weather was fantastic, with pleasant temperatures and only occasional grey skies. Christa and I had been here once before, years ago, so this was a nice chance to visit some favorite places and see London again through the kids eyes.

As you all must certainly know, Harry Potter makes his way to Hogwarts from Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross station in London. We arrived in London at Kings Cross, and quickly made our way to the platform. Seeing how the kids are not yet 11 years old, and have yet to receive their invitations to Hogwarts by owl, they were not magically able to enter the platform. We will simply have to come back later.

We also made our way to Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guards. Funny to think that two months ago we were close enough to shake hands with the Queen, but today there was a sea of humanity for the changing of the guards at the palace, a place where the Royal Family was not even staying. This picture was taken by Ainsley, who was on my shoulders. Will squirmed his way up to the railing and was able to see the whole thing, but Christa and I just stood back and listened to the band.

 

After  our Buckingham Palace visit, we made our way to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Will has always wanted the Lego Tower Bridge, and was very excited to finally see (and walk on) the real thing. 

Entrance to the Tower of London

Ainsley strolling through the Tower of London

Posing with the Yeoman Warder, or "Beefeater" (Can you spot Ainsley's new skill?)

At the close of our first full day, we finished the evening with a visit to the London Eye. I think this is what the kids wanted to do most in London, although I hadn't been too keen on the idea. I'm not great with heights, and the London Eye is 443 feet tall. As it turns out it was one of my favorite moments. I'm still not thrilled about the idea of giant ferris wheels, but the view was spectacular.

 

View from the top with Parliament/Big Ben below.

On the south bank of the Thames we stumbled on to an outdoor food market with exceptional options! It was a welcome solution to the "whats for dinner?" question. It was one of the best meals we've had since we left California and came at the perfect time. The kids went to buy a brownie near closing time and the nice man gave them a whole pan for 50 pence. You can tell that this made their night. We went back the next night too.

We eventually made our way to the British Museum. I'll spare you the pictures of the Rosetta Stone, mummified cats, and the history stuff (just google it), but we did find an exhibition room we really liked- the watch and clock room. Particularly we were taken by the Mechanical Galleon (click here for more info), a gold clock probably from the 16th century. 

Who could resist this photo op?

The Mechanical Galleon

The kids sketching their favorite artifacts.

After the British Museum we left for Westminster Abbey for an Evensong Service. Hard to describe what its like sitting in Westminster Abbey, listening to the choir sing and staring up at the stained glass, but it was very special and memorable.

Westminster Abbey after the service.

Harry Potter fans will recognize this as the entrance to the Ministry of Magic. To all you "muggles", this is simply one of the traditional red phone booths.

The Olympic countdown clock at Trafalgar Square (National Gallery in the background)

View of Big Ben from Trafalgar Square

Big ship-in-a-bottle in Trafalgar Square. It's meant to represent Lord Nelson's victory over the French. Apparently the French used tiny ships that could fit inside bottles- no wonder they lost. 

At this point it was time to head back to the hotel and get ready for the next leg of our journey. We had a great time in London and felt good about the fact that it would not be too difficult to get back here before our stay is over. So with a backpack full of great memories, were packed up to take the "chunnel" to Paris.