Second Star to the Right: Top of the Bus

I think the thing that I need to say very first is that I saw the Queen of England today. It was so incredibly random and I am amazed that we were in the right place at exactly the right time. Emily, Sarah, Dallin, and I were walking around Buckingham Palace taking pictures like tourists do. We wandered over to a fountain where we began making wishes. Sarah lent me a 10 Pence coin and I made a wish that I would see someone famous while on the trip (after thinking about it later, I realize that it is a very shallow sort of wish to make, but we'll give it a pass considered what happened). Just a few moments after making certain wishes we walked back towards the Palace. We had to stop as one of the front gates opened and some cars began pulling out. We didn't think much of it as many of the people passing through are workers are other dignified people that we don't really know. Imagine my surprise when I saw the Queen sitting in the backseat of one of those cars. She was smiling and looking right at us out her window. I didn't believe what I saw, but when I looked at my friends and saw that they all had the same shocked looks on their faces, I knew that we were not mistaken. The Queen drove right past us! After the fact I wish that I had been fast enough to snap a photo, but I am still so excited that it happened! It's funny to think how excited things like that can make us. I'd like to think that I am not usually starstruck, but then stuff like this happens and I just can't help smiling when thinking about it. So that was amazing. Also, other things happened today I suppose!
We didn't have class today, but our group met up at the British Library to go and see the Special Collection exhibit. I have visited this once before, and it was still as amazing as I remember. They have original music sheets that were handwritten by Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, and Handel. In the Literature section they have the manuscripts for Persuasion, Tess of the D'Urberville's, Jane Eyre and other famous works. They also have Jane Austen's writing desk and several different sheets of paper with lyrics written by various members of the Beatles! They even have sections of the Magna Carta! It is such a fun place to visit, especially if you are fan of any sort of fine arts! One of my friends on this trip even confessed to having cried whens he saw the Jane Eyre manuscript. It's a big deal!
Just a block or so away from the library is King's Cross Station where we had to stop by and visit Platform 9 3/4 from the Harry Potter book series. They've created a fun little area where a cart is seemingly passing through the wall to take you to the Hogwarts Express. It had changed a bit since the last time I had seen it as they have now loaded it up with items you might be taking to Hogwarts, and there are now workers standing ready to let you wear one of the four different House Scarves and take a professional photograph. They still let you take your own pictures if you don't want to pay for the professional one, which I thought was nice. We waited in line for a bit, but it was really long and was moving so slowly that we ended up leaving early. I definitely want to go back when it is not as busy. We will have to go when it is not in the middle of the day when everyone else is there! I've already got a picture with it once before, but I'd still like another.
At this point I broke off from the main group with Dallin, Sarah, and Emily and we went to Borough Market to get some lunch, and then went adventuring. We looked in to getting tickets for a matinee show, but when that didn't work out we just start wandering instead. In Trafalgar Square a man from ~~Guam~~ ~~Jamaica~~ France (he kept changing his mind) walked over and just started weaving a wristband on to my wrist. He kept compliment me and saying how he loved Americans, all while creating a pretty cool wristband for me. I knew that any moment he was going to ask for money, and when he told me to give him whatever I felt was right (though once a person gave him £9), I gave him all the change I had: about 60p. I'd say it was a steal. :) We also stopped by Whitehall again so that I could get a picture with one of those amazing guard horses! They're beautiful!
We later stumbled upon James Park and decided to take a stroll. It had been raining all day but the sun came out briefly and lit up the park so that it was beautiful. We walked under the green trees at looked out over the river that ran through the park. There were ducks, swans, geese, and pigeons everywhere, as well as squirrels. We were watching the squirrels run all over the place, which was hysterical because they were not scared of anyone. Then imagine my surprise when one of them started running up my leg! It was amazing! I started laughing so hard and then I immediately wanted them to do it again! Those little guys were so much fun!
While walking through the park we hear a band playing music, and made our way over to the Guard Building where we saw the Guard Marching Band practicing in the yard. It was fun to watch them march around and perform. They played excellently and it was a very fun thing to stumble upon. We then walked down to Buckingham Palace where the Queen was waiting to become our friend! After our little encounter, all four of us were on a London high. We visited a few more sites and memorial grounds before taking a ride on a double-decker bus around town.
It's been peculiar not having a show to go to tonight after having seen so many in a row. A large group of people went to Miss Saigon, and another smaller group went to The Lion King. I turned down both, having already seen them. Instead I spent an evening in, which was actually quite nice. It's hard because you don't want to feel like you are ever wasting your time while you are here. It flies by so quickly that you want to make the most of it. So I was quite surprised by how I felt fine about spending a night in. I met up with Sarah and Camilla and we attempted to find some frozen yogurt, but it didn't work so well. Instead we tried to make our own desserts by combining Dark Chocolate Digestives (they sound so much better than the name implies), peanut butter, and strawberries. Twas surprisingly delicious. I also did homework and read from a book for pleasure, and really just enjoyed some time to think. Funny that I also realized I hadn't really had time to do that either! I have just been on the go! More adventures are sure to come tomorrow!

King's Cross Station