Day 5

Today was very eventful and packed with activities. After breakfast in the Refectory, we took the Tube to the American Express building to exchange more money. From there, we walked to the Churchill War Museum and saw the Cabinet War Rooms. We each had headsets that took us on a one-hour tour through the museum where we learned about Winston Churchill and his accomplishments and significance to England. Then, we walked to the Red Lion cafe where we were greeted and escorted downstairs to our lunch which was ready and waiting for us. Professor Wolfe pre-ordered us all chicken sandwiches and chips (french fries). We all tried Owen's idea to put salt and vinegar on our chips (french fries) and they tasted pretty good!

From there, we walked to Westminster Abbey, which we were all very excited to see after spending over five hours watching the Royal Wedding just over two weeks ago. We were able to get in quickly since we went as a group, and our jaws dropped the second we stepped foot into the Abbey. We each lit prayer candles, and deposited our written prayers into a box to be said in the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor later that day. We saw the coronation chair, tombs of past kings and queens, lords, authors, and scientists, and indescribable architecture. Our hearts skipped a beat when we stood in the very place the Queen sat for the Royal Wedding and when we saw the alter where William and Kate were married. We spent an hour in awe of the magnificent structure that was built over a thousand years ago with no equipment. We stopped at the gift shop on the way out, and then met back together as a group.

Professors Wolfe and Parkhouse led us to the Parliament building where we were able to sit in on a House of Lordes session about the economics and business of England. After about 30 minutes observing the House of Lordes in action, we decided to leave for Buckingham Palace. We walked through St. James Park, where we observed some strange wildlife, and Professor Wolfe fed some ducks peanuts.









We took pictures by the entrance of the Palace, purchased tickets to go inside, and then viewed the Queen's Gallery. Professor Wolfe said we were the first group she ever brought to Buckingham Palace, since historically, other groups had planned to travel there independently during their free time. After navigating the Tube system through London rush hour and a cancelled route line, we made it back to Regents College in time for dinner. Our feet were very sore by the end of the day.