Big Ben, the London Eye, the London Bridge. All things that I knew I would be seeing in London; all things that I was still amazed at. We had spent a big chunk of the trip navigating London and for good reason. You could never run out of things to do while in this city. This city is one that a New York City lover would thrive in. As much as I love the vibes of small towns, I love the hurried pace that London brought.
Before getting into the things that we did for the academics, riding the London Eye is something that you should do once in your life. Yes, it is an insanely touristy thing to do. But, you are a tourist! Do it! All of the students went on together and we had a blast sitting in our cart just looking at the skyline. Sure, it’s just a huge Ferris wheel, but this is one that is worthwhile doing if you want the full experience of being a tourist in London. Same with Big Ben. Take a moment to admire it, even if you see it as a giant tower with a clock on it. It’s famous for a reason, so let yourself become immersed in it and understand why its beauty means something to people. You never know when you are going to be able to actually see it in person again.
Like the York Minster, the Westminster Abbey caught me breathless. This cathedral was nothing like I had expected it to be. Although it is startling to know that we were walking upon the graves of thousands of people, looking down and seeing names like Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin was astonishing. Don’t get me started on the literature memorial section that had statues and plaques for William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde and many, many other writers. Other than them, knowing that I was standing in a place that so many people have stood before, those who are held in high regards, is still something that I have not fully processed.
Speaking of things that I have not fully processed, as an English major, a big dream of many is to go to Shakespeare’s Globe Theater and see a play. One of my major dreams has come true. We saw the play, Much Ado About Nothing, and while this play was one that I considered one of my favorites, it has a guaranteed spot in my heart. Reading a play is one thing, but seeing it performed in the place that Shakespeare himself intended could bring an English major to tears. Even if you are not someone who has taken a liking to Shakespeare, or even plays in general, this could be an experience that will change your mind. The small differences between the written play and it being acted out did not go unnoticed, and just made me love it even more. Leonato’s character was changed to Leonata, creating story lines that were not created in the original, and brought an extra spice that Leonato’s original character was lacking, in my opinion. Not to go on too much about this event, even though I could probably go on all day, sitting in the seats of a theater that I know thousands have sat in before for the same reason that I was made me feel connected to every single person that was in the Globe with me, and even with the people that were there before and after me.
London was another city that exceeded expectations. Even though it did remind me of New York City, I tried to keep in mind that it wasn’t and that I was in fact in an entirely different country. Every city around the world has something special that makes it unique in its own way, so it is very important to seek out what makes it special, rather than what makes it just like everything else. It could be because I was lucky enough to meet amazing people on this trip that made every city enjoyable, but being in London was an experience I know I will never be able to replicate. I would relive this amazing experience over again if I could, but I’m proud to say I did not let a minute go to waste.
– Shannan Raynor <3
