New York

a row of EC students on the plane back to New York 1 (sorry it's blurry)
Originally uploaded by ecuk07.

On Thursday May 31st, after our adventures with a surly bus driver, we took a plane back to New York from London Heathrow Airport. Many of us were sad to leave London, but most of us were relieved to be home again. Our flight went well, and we all landed safe and sound back in the United States. The past three weeks have been the experience of a lifetime, one that we will never forget. I thank everyone involved, especially the Professors and the students, for making this trip such an amazing one. Cheerio!

Our professors

Prof. Parkhouse (L) and Prof. Wolfe (R)
Originally uploaded by ecuk07.

I would like to thank Prof. Parkhouse (L) and Prof. Wolfe(R) for planning an executing such an amazing trip. I have made so many friends and have had an amazing time with everyone. I believe the class would agree that this trip was amazing and we would all choose to do it again. Thanks for the amazing memories!

Our last night

The class at our final night after the show 2
Originally uploaded by ecuk07.

On our last night in London, Wednesday May 30th, our professors took us out to an awesome italian restaurant where we all had amazing food. After dinner we went to a show in Piccadilly Circus called "The 39 Steps" - a British Comedy about a man forced into being a hero of sorts. What was most interesting about the show is that it was put on by only four actors. Two of them, credited as 'clowns' played many different roles, at points they even played two different characters in one scene! It was an awesome show and incredibly funny. We all had an amazing night.

Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral 1
Originally uploaded by ecuk07.

After visiting Dover we headed back on the train for a short trip to Canterbury. When we got to Canterbury we had a delicious lunch after which we visited Canterbury Cathedral. The Archibishop of Canterbury is the head of the Church of England. In fact, the Archbishop of Canterbury is the person who crowns the King or Queen of England. It's a beautiful Cathedral that is undergoing a few renovations and repairs. We really enjoyed our visit to Canterbury Cathedral.

The white cliffs of Dover

The white cliffs of Dover
Originally uploaded by ecuk07.

On Tuesday the 29th of May the class took a train to Dover. Dover faces the strait of Dover and France. In fact, on a clear day it is possible to see the shores of France. What Dover is most famous for is it's White Cliffs. These cliffs are made of chalk, or pure white lime. The white against the blue creates a striking profile against the ocean. In Dover we all had Dover Rock, a type of candy whose taste resembles a candy cane. It is well known because it's name, Dover Rock, is printed on the candy and at any point when you bite it you can read its name.

We all enjoyed sitting on the rocky beach and watching the ocean. Some of us even took off our shoes and dipped our feet in the ocean. It was a great time.

The Imperial War Museum, London

The Imperial War Museum, London
Originally uploaded by ecuk07.

On Monday May 28th the class went to the Imperial War Museum in London. The students took a walk through a bombed out London street for The Blitz Experience. The also saw the conditions endured by British soldiers in The Trench Experience. in the Trench Experience they experienced the front lines as "Tommies." The class really enjoyed this museum, and were amazed by what they were able to experience in it. Some students plan on returning later to go through the museum more slowly and to better experience everything.

After the War Museum students were off to do their own thing again. One popular event was to see a show, like Wicked or Equus. Some stayed in for the night, and others explored London some more.

Weekend 3, May 26 and 27th

For the final weekend, everyone was left to their own devices. Some went out to museums or theatre shows like Othello. A few of us stayed in for various reasons. A couple went to the Odeon theatre to see a movie. One of the students met up with a good friend for dinner. Overall, our final weekend was used to fit in the last few things we wanted to see and experience in London. The reality of how fast our trip has gone and how soon we are due home has begun to hit many of us, and we are making the most of our last few days here.

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace
Originally uploaded by ecuk07.

On Friday May 25th, the class took a trip to Hampton Court Palace, which is known for its beautiful gardens and it's Hedge Maze. The Maze, thought to be planted between 1689 and 1695 it covers a third of an acre and contains half a mile of paths. The Palace has had a long and varied history involving Thomas Wosley -once the Archbiship of York- The Tudors, Henry VIII, William and Mary, and Queen Victoria. This history had led to the belief that there are Ghosts haunting the Palace, and there have even been some citings of paranormal activity.

Wedgwood

The Wedgewood Sign
Originally uploaded by ecuk07.

On Thursday May 24th the class took a train and a taxi ride to the Wedgwood factories. We got to go into the factory and see the history of Wedgwood in their museum, but the best part was being able to make our own little pieces of Wedgwood. In a back room, visitors had the options of painting plates, throwing pottery, and dipping ceramic flowers (among other things), and Wedgwood ships it right back to the United States for us. After our activities, we ate at the Wedgwood restaurant, visited the gift shops, then headed back to London with another taxi and train ride.

The London Eye

The London Eye
Originally uploaded by ecuk07.

After the Globe Theatre we had a lovely lunch then headed to the London Eye. The London Eye is located on the bank of the River Thames and it is the tallest observation wheel in the world at 135 meters tall. In its short lifespan (it opened in the new millenium) it has become as iconic a landmark as Big Ben and the Tower of London. In fact, it has become the most popular paid for UK visitor attraction, partly because it provides breathtaking views up to 40 kilometres in all directions on a clear day, while providing the rider comfort and safety.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Originally uploaded by ecuk07.

Once across the Millennium Bridge, we came to the Globe Theatre. The Globe Theatre is famous for being the home of Shakespeare's plays. This building is not the original Globe, but is built to the specifications and size of the original, based on excavations of the original theatre. Interestingly, an american was the one who decided to raise the money and rebuild this important piece of history.

The Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge
Originally uploaded by ecuk07.

On Wednesday May 23, after visiting St. Paul's Cathedral, we walked to our next destination - which was on the other side of the Thames - vis the Millennium Bridge. The Millennium Bridge was opened for the Millenium, and is a beautiful piece of architecture.