Westminster Abbey

     It was quite the rude awakening having to go back to class today. After having a couple of delightful mornings in Stratford, having to wake up and walk over to "school" was hard, but fortunately class was excellent as usual. I didn't sleep the best last night because my allergies decided to act up in the middle of the night. I woke up to the sudden realization that I could not breath through my nose! On the bright side, it seems that once I woke up again in the morning that the allergies had passed, and I managed to get through the rest of the day without problem.
     Our class today was our final class period for the trip! It was so incredibly strange to sit in class and think back to our first day. I remember the apprehension that I felt initially as we met for the first time, but it all seems so far away now. We talked about the last two plays we saw while in Stratford (Arden of Faversham and Henry IV Part 1). It's crazy to see how much we have grown in our analysis of this form of art. I feel like I really appreciate the different nuances of theatre, and how the works of the writer can be converted into a show. Playwriting is so interesting because the author can write the play to be so many things, but there will always be different contributions from directors, actors, and those that work behind the scenes in wardrobe, makeup, set design, and all the rest. It's been so great to read these texts and look at how different people interpret them. It reflects a lot about a culture. One thing that is always very fascinating about George's class is the amount of insight he shares about how these works relate to our own beliefs as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Many of his classes are fantastic because they are so inspiring spiritually as well as academically.
     Following class and a brief break for lunch I made my way over to Westminster Abbey. It was one of the main things on my to do list, and I was not going to let it slip by like I did my first time in London. It's been hard because the doors to the Abbey close to the public around 3:30, and with class typically ending at 12:30 I couldn't bring myself to get up and get over there. If you recall, the one time I did get over there bright and early, the abbey was closed for a special service! I finally got there right in time to get in. I arrived around 2:30, which turned out to be the perfect time to go. The doors close at 3:30, but they let tourists continue to wander through until 4:30. I was nervous about having enough time, but it was just enough. Since it was the end of the day and the doors were closed part way into my experience, it was not nearly as crowded as I've heard it can be, so I got to explore the many wonders of Westminster Abbey.

Line of flags along Westminster 

Westminster Abbey

     
     The church, that serves as the sight of coronations, wedding services, and burials is packed with incredible amounts of history. While St. Pauls (London) or St. Peter's Basilica (Rome) may win as far as grandeur are concerned, I feel the history makes Westminster just as incredible. Upon entering the cathedral, the attendants hand out my favorite little self-guided tour devices. Just punch in the number seen at different parts of the cathedral and the device will tell you all you want to know! It's great because you can move at your own speed, which in a place like this....is slowly. There are so many things to see. The floors, walls, and ceiling are all covered with names and significant historical treasures. Right at the beginning of the tour I was walking pretty briskly and then noticed upon looking down that I was standing on the stone tomb of Charles Darwin! I quickly backtracked just to make sure I didn't miss anyone else! This place is almost as much a graveyard as anything else, with people buried beneath the church as well as in the walls and in dedicated tombs. I also stumbled upon Oliver Cromwell, Isaac Newton, and Laurence Olivier!
       Towards one end of the abbey there are many smaller cathedrals that serve as the tombs for many royals. It was so incredible to see that actual tombs of Richard II, Henry III, Henry IV, Henry V, and the like! I've been reading about Henry IV and Prince Hal for Brett's Shakespeare class, so it was incredibly thrilling to see their actual resting places! I feel like I know these fascinating people from long ago! I also saw the tomb of Elizabeth I and Mary I. The two were sisters, with Elizabeth taking the throne after the death of Mary. I found it incredibly intriguing to read about their lives and see a very fascinating quote on their plaque. The two were very different in their spiritual beliefs in life, but written on their tomb it says, "Partners in throne and grave, here we sleep, Elizabeth and Mary, sisters, in hope of one Resurrection." I thought it was incredibly beautiful.
    My favorite part of the whole experience was visiting what is known as "The Poet's Corner". In the South transept of the Cathedral, many fantastic writers and artists were buried and commemorated. I got chills as I saw the names of many fantastic that were buried underneath my feet. Charles Dickens, Samuel Johnson, Lord Byron, Alfred Tennyson, Geoffrey Chaucer, and Henry Irving to name a few. I seriously felt so incredible standing in the midst of these amazing people! Also included with our dear poets was Handel. The little audio guide that I had held to my ear began to play music from Handel's Messiah and I got tears in my eyes. I felt incredibly blessed to be at this wonderful spot. Other authors were also honored there, though their bodies were not laid to rest there, like Jane Austen, Lewis Carroll, Shakespeare, and many others. It's times like these that I know I was meant to be an English major, because I was so overcome with appreciation for all that these artists have done and shared.
     My time went by so quickly, and soon I found myself touring the cloisters and museums of the abbey. Also included were several other memorials on the grounds. There were plaques dedicated in the memory of people like Winston Churchill and even President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Another of my favorite spots was the tomb of the Unknown Warrior. It contains the body of an unknown soldier from the First World War. His body was buried amongst the royalty and high standing to show appreciation for all the others like him that died fighting in the war. The grave was beautiful and was outlined completely with poppies.

(No photo taking was allowed in Westminster Abbey, but I snagged some in the cloisters)

A view of Westminster in the cloisters 

Enjoying myself very much

Westminster Abbey with Victoria Tower in the background

Beaming after an incredible experience 

     As Westminster Abbey was emptied out to prepare for services, I made my way across the street to a beautiful park. I sat down at the base of a tree to read. I finished reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and enjoyed the beautiful weather that we had today. It was a bit cooler than it has been the past couple of days, which was much appreciated. I then walked around the area, enjoying the view of Parliament and the Thames as well.

Reading in the park

Glanced up from my book every now and then to enjoy this view

London - A city of the old and the new

     After an incredible afternoon I made my way back to the flats. Dallin and I were both pretty lazy and though we initially set out to write our final essays, we ended up watching The World Cup instead. We watched a very unfortunate game for Spain, as they lost to the Netherlands, 5-1. After the game was finished some other guys from our building came into the common room, beginning and undesired invasion. All the guys (and some of the girls) in this building are from different Universities, and they all drink alcohol...a lot. It made me realize how grateful I am to attend a school like Brigham Young University. I know many of my friends have issues with BYU, and that people make jokes about the Honor Code or some of the weirder social atmospheres there, but I am glad that I get to learn in an environment where I don't have to worry about people drinking, doing drugs, or any of that other stuff. It's been a bit of a struggle living with people like the ones here, but I'm trying to make the most of it. It's an opportunity to learn something in some way, I am sure! 

    Today was my last Friday in London. I can't believe that I've seen so many shows and done so much! I put together a list of all the shows that we saw. I've seen 19 different productions, and have already purchased a ticket for 1 more next week. I may even sneak in another one or two! I hope to keep the energy up and get through finals while still managing to continue these awesome adventures. 

Jace's Guide to the shows seen while abroad:

Bonus Picture: Flashback to Hampton Court and capes! 

Courtesy of Emily Codling