Our time in London has come to an end and there is so much from this experience I get to take home with me.  An internship opportunity that expanded my professional skills, a great set of friends and memories of a lifetime are now a part of who I am.  It's been a great few months and I am so sad to see it come to an end.

From my internship, I have added a couple of great new bullet points to my resume.  Social media management for a nonprofit organization, project coordination, research facilitation, and published interviewing just to name a few.  I have made connections with a great group of people that I will carry with me for a lifetime in this position.  And, I have learned more in three months about myself as a worker and the passion I have for my purpose in life than I have learned in my entire professional career.  It feels great!  I'm going to miss my British family.  Thank you to modern technology, they are only a few keystrokes and a "tweet" button away.

To my Washington Center classmates and new friends, thank you for a wonderful semester.  We have had some great times.  Scotland, Riverboat Tour to Greenwich, Bath, all the festivals and great food!!!!  We had a blast together and I truly feel as though I have connected with a great group of people.  London was a great time and you all helped make it home - away from home.  I can't wait to see you all on the next one.

For the rest of the world, I hope that you have found something throughout these blog posts to help you determine that the TWC program abroad is for you.  Whether it be London or Sydney, you will have a life transforming experience in how you work, how you love and how you live.  Best of luck to you in whatever choices you make.

Yours Truly,

Terés

With the 2012 Olympics in London fastly approaching, we had a wonderful opportunity to see what is Olympic Park on London's East End.  Problem: this picture is all there is to it.  Sure, there are a ton of buildings that have intended purposes throughout the East End and what are considered the five Olympic buroughs.  But, there isn't a lot to be excited about.  I've written majority of my blogs from a positive perspective, but having the opportunity to see this first hand, it really doesn't look like much - especially with the summer games kicking off in only months.

This picture is of the main stadium that is being built where the opening ceremonies will be held along with a few other games. When we found out that we would be going to see Olympic park because I know the Olympic Park in Atlanta is a huge tourist attraction from when I was living there.  I expected so much more.  Lots of lights. Colorful aesthetics. I think I expected a miniature city of purely Olympic-dedicated shrines.  But, London decided that it is not very practical to have lots of buildings being built that could not be used later.  Now, aside from my personal disappointment with the scenery, this was actually quite interesting to discover - particularly because the Olympic park was intentionally designed for practicality in an ever-declining economy.

Let's think about something really quickly. Basketball.  When America hosts the Olympics, there are basketball and/or other sports stadiums for days to choose from.  Why?  We love basketball and it is a national sport that is celebrated in our nation.  Britain? Not so much.  You won't find a basketball stadium anywhere. Schools. Parks. Stadiums. Basketball is non-existent.  But...basketball is a major olympic sport.  To build a structure for the sole purpose of playing basketball with no future intended purposes is actually really insane and completely unreasonable for taxpayers to continue paying for something they have no use for.  This is just a small example of some of the things that London had to consider in preparing for the games.  But many of the Olympic structures are built with the intention to be removed or dismantled after the games.  The main stadium (above) is a prime example.  Only 1/2 of the structure is permanent.  The top half is built for easy dismantling once the games have concluded. The city will have use for the smaller scale of the structure, but not for the 80,000 spectators it is built to seat in the structure that is shown.

There was one interesting stop we made on our walk up toward the Olympic stadium.  Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).  The wonder that wakes us all up every morning and puts us to bed every night.

This is the point in the world that separates the Eastern and Western Hemispheres and it is the dial to which all time around the world is set to. Pretty cool huh?

Anyhow, this is what Olympic Park was all about. Not much to it. Just something to think about when you are watching the Summer Games this year. The "tele" might create a much grander appearance than is really there.

I've spent much of the semester telling you about all of the festivals that London has to offer.  But if you want to check out something a little different, give the riverboat tour to Greenwich a try.  Get on at Westminster Pier and spend an hour taking in panoramic views of all the different parts of the city that were only previously viewed as you visit each location.  You will have a wonderful experience on the Thames River and even get a slight history lesson along the way.  Here are a few of the places we saw.

Our tour begins at Westminster Pier, right across the bridge from Westminster Palace.  No matter how many times I have seen this place, I still can not shake the sight of this building.  It really is a beautiful sight.  Although tours are available often to the public, I'm one of few that had an opportunity to sit in a gallery in the House of the Lords.

Next stop, the London Eye.  I didn't have the chance to take a ride, but a few of my classmates took the opportunity when we first arrived.  You will get a wonderful view of the entire city from the top of the eye.  Have fun!

Like marine life? Don't forget to visit the London Aquarium.  I usually make every effort to visit aquariums in new places, but somehow time got away from me.  Besides, I have yet to visit one better than Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.  Maybe its this one...

Tower of London Castle and Tower Hill Bridge.  These sights are even more beautiful at night.  And if you catch the bridge when its open, be sure to snap a shot.  I did have this opportunity when I was wandering on a different bridge one night, but it may have been better if I was able to catch a pic from right under the bridge.

This was an interesting find.  The HMS Belfast is a museum ship operated by the Imperial War Museum.  Originally, it was a Royal Navy light cruiser.  It was the first Royal Navy ship to be named after the Irish capital and was officially launched on St. Patty's Day, 1938.  Another one of London's many, many, many, many museums.

Its the Gherkin... a.k.a. the Swiss Re building.  And this, ladies and gentlemen, represents the heart of the city - the City of London.  Probably the smallest of the 32 buroughs, but none the less the most significant.  The City of London is home to the first financial district known to the city.  Not the greatest view from the river, but it is definitely a must see.

Anyone want to guess what this place is named after?  It was from this area of the river where the Pilgrims set sail for America to flee religious persecution.  The original pub located on this site was called "The Shippe."  Then named "The Spread Eagle," then the "Crown."  In 1957, it was renamed to rightfully adopt its historic significance.  Just another great spot on the Thames.

This is the city's second financial district, which is the site of a huge development boom as we speak.  Canary Wharf!  As you can tell, it looks much more modernized than other parts of the city.  This is a part of that "new" that London is so proud to showcase.  Not too bad, eh?

FINAL STOP! University of Greenwich.  Looks like classes just let out for the day.  But the University sits in Greenwich Park where the Greenwich castle and observatory can also be found.  After we made it to Greenwich pier, we walked to the Greenwich market and bought a few cool trinkets.  My favorite find was a set of handmade marbelized coasters.  Greenwich is great for shopping and smaller indie-style events.  Not really sure about nightlife, but the few times I did go, were great days with lots of fun!

Promise me something; when you accept your internship, make the absolute most of it.  This is the connection of a lifetime and could be the experience you need to jumpstart your career.  Not only have I developed a very positive relationship with my supervisor and colleagues, I have realized that many of the individuals I have met during the semester have also become significant connections for future projects.  We often speak of internship sites that do not necessarily provide a meaningful experience for interns.  However, we have to also recognize that as interns there is plenty we can do to add to that experience - aside from just doing a good job with the responsibilities you are given.  Be an innovator.  Initiate creativity.  Take initiative on various tasks.  In short, stand out among your colleagues.  Make sure you are a name they will remember when you leave.

As I prepare to leave for the semester, my internship site has already begun to speak of continuing specific projects into the coming year.  Unfortunately, no, I am not staying.  However, I will be able to finally add that "completed product" for special projects to my resume.  Just as a bit of encouragement, I will be returning to London to present a research paper and facilitate an expert panel for a symposium that the organization intends to host in the Spring. (Maybe I will get the chance to tackle a few of those sites I missed out on when I return.)  In addition, a larger phase of the project is set to execute later in the year to which could be a possible flight to South Africa! I can't wait!!!  It truly is an honor just to hear my supervisor speak of wanting me to help him complete a project that I was a significant part of.  Now, this isn't to toot my own horn.  But, it is okay to be proud of the work I set forth - especially since that work is translating into more connections, larger range of work experience and his faith in my ability to be a part of his "expert" team.  I love that word!

Anyhow, as my one piece of advice, do not take this opportunity for granted.  This will not be an internship that you can ever forget, nor will you regret.  Fall in love with what it is you are doing and in spite of the plans others may have for you, make this internship an opportunity.  It will definitely pay off.  And in an ever growing global society, just think about how 3 months in London will look on your revised resume.

Make it count!

I tried.  I really tried my best to stand firm in maintaining my American cultural norms.  I didn't want to go back to America with a slightly confused accent or using vocabulary that means absolutely nothing to the average American.  But, it happened.  Of course I think I am still holding on to my Midwest accent fairly well, I have to chuckle when I notice little things throughout my day that are more British than American.  My internship supervisor used the phrase 'practically a Londoner' jokingly after I had been in London for 2 weeks.  Ironically, after a couple of months in London, you realize that you actually are adopting certain elements of the 'British Way' as your own:

1. My Love-Hate Relationship with The Underground (The Tube)

The Underground is your primary form of transportation in London.  But as one of our instructors put it "The moment you start to love it, you will hate it."  This is absolutely true.  The Underground is extremely convenient but unlike the Washington, D.C. and Atlanta mass transit systems that I am used to - there are always problems.  Signal failures, scheduled maintenance or someone irresponsibly practicing basketball drills on the platform and the ball only expectedly rolling onto the tracks (yes, I witnessed this), there is always something holding up major portions of the system.  Then there is the District Line which stops every five minutes in between stations for no reason at all.  This is not to scare you.  When it works it really is the most convenient way to get around town.  But, on the very day that you say to yourself "I really like this system," it will be the same day that one of the above occurs causing train delays, line closures or just you getting stuck in one of the underground tubes.

2. Slow Walkers

I am from a small town in Northern Indiana.  We don't walk to many places once you pass your first driver's test.  So leisurely walking is our thing.  We take our time getting to where we have to go.  EVERY morning is Sunday morning!  Moving to London has changed that for me.  If you don't keep up with the pace of the city you will get run over.  Once you begin to realize the necessity for walking a steady pace, you begin to get annoyed with everyone else who isn't.

3. British Vocabulary

Particularly at your internship site, you will find yourself using British English in an attempt to just make life simple for everyone.  You are more than likely to understand them before they understand you.  As a matter of fact, I made the mistake of using the word "elevator" when planning for an event several weeks ago.  Something like 10 minutes later my colleagues realized I meant "lift" and were able to help me out.  Okay, 10 minutes is a bit exaggerated, but still...  Here are just a few of the common words that I had to make changes to for my own usage:

Pants  =  Trousers (No really, don't ever say pants. It will give them plenty of laughs.)

A little = A bit

Goodbye = Cheers (This can also be a Thank you)

Trash = Rubbish

Restroom = Loo or Toilet

The changes appear to be so subtle, yet really it is challenging when it forces you to go against what your normal behavior is.  Everyone has their own minor changes they have had to get adjusted to.  Some of it depends on who you work with and what they know if anything about America.  However, it is pretty fun when you begin noticing your differences.  You might vocalize your opinion about the tube as I have or you may realize that you complain at about 5 times the normal rate of acceptable complaining.  Whatever your difference is, try to appreciate it.  It will be one more piece that will reshape and define you when you return from your time abroad.

When studying abroad, I don't think anyone is ever fully prepared for the experiences they will encounter.  In the weeks leading up to my departure, I planned for sharing my personal space; I planned for underseasoned meals; I planned (partially) for the exchange rate; and I planned for a culturally different environment - although, how different can it really be?  We share a common language.  In all of this, however, I did not prepare to be challenged.

I do not think that people often understand how living away from home and in a place that is unfamiliar will challenge you.  Your belief systems will be challenged.  Your mental and emotional strength will be challenged.  Your cultural understanding of the world will be challenged.  Studying/Interning abroad is not just about backpacking through a a cool country on the other side of the world or gaining international work experience.  Your time abroad will cause you to learn about yourself in a way that you won't be quite prepared for.  It may also cause a paradigm shift - a change in how you view the world.  Most often, you will hear these same expressions from someone who has visited an undeveloped or underdeveloped nation.  But, it is not impossible to have similar experiences in a nation you believe to be just like your own.

This is not to discourage anyone from taking this sort of risk.  In fact, it is an even greater reason to encourage all students who have an opportunity to study in a different nation.  Because it is this change in your world view that will shape the real you.  It will lead you to ask questions; to challenge normalcy; to dare to be different.  After all, aren't these some of the best qualities of a great leader?

I won't lie to you.  You will definitely miss home.  And since we are just past the halfway mark in the program, I can say that it is right around this moment when you start realizing all the little things about your "normal" life that you miss.  But what will be more interesting, will be to see what "my normal" becomes when I go back home.  Somehow, I don't believe it will be quite the same as it was on the day I left.

I absolutely fell in love with the beauty and magnificence of Scotland.  There is so much natural beauty that city development cannot destroy and this visit was a true connection with nature.  I would love to share my entire Scotland photo album with all of you. However, I have over 300 photos and clearly not enough time, nor space to share them all.

First thing I learned in Scotland...our Statue of Liberty has a sister. Meet the Statue of Truth. 

On our first day in Scotland, we were able to take advantage of a tour of Glasgow.  One of the interesting finds we came across was the historic Victorian cemetery, Necropolis.  Necropolis is a cemetery that is marked with some amazing architecture and stories of some historic names and figures.  One of the names that I personally came across was that of William M'Gavin, author of The Protestant.  It was just an interesting find seeing as though I was not actually looking for anyone in particular.  But his grave marking was massive.  It resembled that of a memorial or monument (similar to the statues that you may find in a war memorial rather than a grave).  One thing to keep in mind is during this time, people were often recogized for what they did.  For instance, you will notice that the enscription on the stone reads "Merchant, Glasgow" and that he was the "Author, The Protestant."  Many of the headstones would also read their lineage - particularly for women who were married into a family.

Necropolis Cemetery

Now that formal introductions are out of the way...Again, one of the things I don't think I could have captured enough was the natural beauty of this country.  There are over 31,000 lochs (big and small) in Scotland.  I found it kind of hard to believe myself but the majority of our driving tour through the country was near or surrounded by water, so it isn't too hard to believe.  Another great thing that this natural beauty provides is the natural waterfalls that poor from many of the mountains.  Here are a few photos from our tour.

If you have never learned about the Glencoe massacre, you should try and read up on it.  Really a tragic story, but these three mountains below represent a sense of hope for the community.  In order, they are Faith, Hope, and Charity.  Officially, this is my favorite place in the world - even if my time there was just for 10 minutes.  Simply beautiful!!!!

Here are a few more pictures taken on our way to the famous Loch Ness.  First, we had the privilege of taking a picture with a bagpipe player.  You can't see it, but he was actually wearing his kilt.  The second picture is of part of our group in front of "Hope."  The last picture is another bridge in the world that leads to absolutely nowhere.  But, it is a part of Scotland's history and scenic beauty.

We have all heard the stories of the Loch Ness monster.  Well, here is our visit to Loch Ness.  All of the below pictures are of the remains of Urquhart Castle but they were taken from the lake since we were on a boat ride tour of the lake.  The story that we were told is that if you take all the lakes and rivers in England and dump them into the area that is Loch Ness, you still would't be able to fill it.  And unfortunately, we did not see Nessie, the infamous Loch Ness Monster.  However, we did leave an interesting story in the book on our lake tour in which our run in with Nessie may have been embellished slightly.

Scotland was simply a beautiful country.  Didn't get a chance to try any famous Scottish dishes, but the experience itself was wonderful.

In the past few weeks I have done a ton of traveling and city exploration.  It is only fair that I share some of this fun with you.  One thing you learn very quickly in the United Kingdom is that they are very much aware of their historical existence.  I mentioned in a previous post about visiting Bath, England so I decided to bring the focus in on a little of that experience.

Bath is really a gorgeous city with a serious mentality about preserving its history.  I don't think I saw one modern building among the history of Roman and Georgian architecture.  It was simply amazing.  In London, it is easy to get confused in the combination of old and new throughout the city's development.  Bath provided the expectation of English history that we had hoped for when we first arrived to the island.

The picture above was my first real view of the city within minutes of getting off the train.  This is when I knew that I was entering a city with a lot of rich history and culture.  The picture below is a nearby park - beautifully manicured and a small tribute to the "British Love" of Will and Kate.

Bath is known for the Roman baths discovered in the 11th Century.  There are 3 hot springs that naturally flow into the city.  In a time when medicine was not as it is today, these baths were used as a source for healing.  I'm sure they benefited from the external cleansing effects as well.  These three baths include The Cross Bath and The Royal Bath (which are still used today) and the King's Bath.  The King's Bath is not used today, but I did get to take a look at it.  Water level is not as high as it once was and surely not purified and cleaned the way the others are.

The Royal Bath (which is directly connected to the new Thermae Spa). I am definitely going back to get a treatment.  The stone walls surround the spring.  These are the original walls built to protect the springs.

The Cross Bath.  The banner at the top says 1174, celebrating 800 years! That is a long time.

Another interesting view of the city included the East Gate (Below.)  It is the only visible gate left from the original city.  As you can tell, we are standing above the gate.  This is because in the more recent developments of the 16th and 17th centuries, they began to build the city at its current level above the river crest.  This is because the entire city would flood when the river overflowed making it impossible to do....well....anything.  It is the only gate remaining from the original city.

The springs and the Bath Abbey all connect in a square (The Abbey Yard) where tourists pretty much flooded the entire area the whole time we were there.  Interestingly, though, we were able to have a rare opportunity to hear these men play an instrument that can only be found in Scotland - manufactured by one couple.  It is a metal top and bottom drum that is hammered in the right spots with a hammer.  Thats it.  The music was actually really nice that we bought their CD.  GREAT music for studying!  But I do challenge pop culture to add these to the next big hits.  What was interesting is that we were graced with entertainment in the yard every time we passed through. Singers, instrumentalists, magicians and a mime!  They, however, appeared to be everyone's favorite.

And of course there is the Bath Abbey. As a nation that is seriously tied to its religious history, the Abbey in Bath is just as symbolic as the Westminster Abbey is to Londoners.  It is symbolism that represents their faith and their connection to iconic Britain/Royalty all in one.

Don't you just love these beautiful ladies?  This was truly a great trip.  A nice time of great laughs, good shopping deals, and an introduction to history and culture.  I loved this city!!!!

Here are just a few more shots of some of the things we saw.....

The Abbey without our beautiful faces :-)

The Royal Crescent. The Royal Theatre (Official Royal Seal)

When I first arrived in London, my most difficult adjustment was the exchange rate and the difference in cost of living.  Well, after a little over a month in my new home, I've begun to take note of the areas where most of my money goes when I am not paying attention. So in order to help some of you who are considering London for your abroad experience, I put together a quick list of my top 5 tips for living on a London budget:

1. Avoid Eating Out & Cook

 Just like eating fast food can add up at home, it triples abroad.  As always, grocery shopping is always more cost effective.  There are always deals for buying multiple packages of items, and fruits and vegetables are priced really cheap.  Its the equivalent of getting 2-3 meals (or more) for the same price you would pay for 1 meal by eating out.  If you are on the run and have to make a stop to eat, go to the grocery store.  They have "meals on the go" sections and they are relatively cheap compared to the cost of the fast food restaurant.  This is not to discourage you from trying out the pubs or giving unique restaurants a try; just don't make it a habit.  For those of you who have not mastered the art of cooking, microwaves are supplied and pre-made meal options are available at the grocery store also!

2. Buy Weekly/Monthly Oyster Passes

You will be encouraged to "top-up/pay as you go." This is definitely something to use your own judgement for, but you will quickly find that your requirements for work, class, and then your personal explorations will add up quickly.  The unlimited trips you are afforded on a weekly/monthly pass will accommodate those unexpected trips and peak hour costs that can end up costing you more than expected.  Give it a couple of weeks to see what is most cost effective for your needs but if you are like many of us who want to take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities this city has to offer, consider the weekly/monthly passes - it is much easier to plan in your budget and you will definitely get your money's worth from it.

3. Shop on Trips Outside of London

The farther away from the city you go, the cheaper things will be.  London is known as a fashion capital and who wouldn't want to buy something that resonates "British Style." But, for the college student, the reality is most of you won't be able to afford it.  Avoid doing your leisure shopping in the city. As an example, I am a handbag fanatic.  I recently purchased 3 bags in Bath, England for the total of 1/2 the price I paid for 1 bag when I first got to London - and we aren't talking a major name brand either.  Getting the idea?  If you must shop in the city, go to the outdoor street markets.  There are plenty! Now, all I have to do is find out how I am getting all of these wonderful finds back to the states.

4. Tons of Festivals are Free...Take Advantage of It!

There are often several going on at one time.  This is a great way to experience the city without spending a lot of money.  It will be very tempting to try and have fun in a way that you can (or can't for those of you who are underage in the states) in the same way you would at home.  But it isn't always necessary.  The city has festivals all the time and many of them are free.  You have the opportunity to experience all types of food, music, and a general view of different areas throughout the city.  I can't say it enough, if you want to feel like you are seeing the most of London, this is the best way.

5. Travel 

London is in the center of some of the most desired tourist cities around the world, including Paris, Venice, and Barcelona.  Now let me begin with this disclaimer: I definitely encourage you to plan for at least one trip to one of these magnificent cities if you can afford it.  However, for those of you who have to be more conscious of your budget, do not feel as though you have to.  England is a wonderful country and there are plenty of wonderful and unique cities close by that are relatively inexpensive to travel to.  So as a note on traveling from London, follow these tips:

 a) Plan your trips and book as far in advance as possible.  The earlier you can book, the cheaper your transit and hostel costs will be.

b) Book in groups.  There are always group deals available so get to know your group colleagues well and plan trips together to get the best deals.

c) Pay attention to your CAPA memos.  There are often great deals being offered for CAPA students and when available, they will definitely let you know about it.  Don't miss out on these opportunities when you are able to take advantage of them.

Do not be mistaken.  There is plenty of productivity happening on this side of the pond.  However, I wish I could have half as much fun at "work" in the states as I do here.  This week officially marked the beginning of my internship and class lectures have officially begun.  Within a timespan of 72 hours, I have experienced more by way of my internship than I could have ever imagined was possible.  The opportunity to gain valuable working experience, while learning about the various elements of what research in development policy entails, is certainly welcomed.

My internship site is with the Commonwealth Advisory Bureau (formerly the Commonwealth Policy Studies Unit) in the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London.  This was definitely the perfect match for my interests.  My primary interest has always been to affect policy change through evidence-based research, although I haven't chosen a specific area of policy to focus on.  This internship is the perfect combination of research and political involvement wrapped in a meaningful and educational experience.  I am particularly grateful that my internship site is trusting me with such significant projects that will contribute to the advancement of research in this area of policy.  I am not fetching tea/coffee, I am not being demoted to database entry for the purpose of relieving someone else from having to do it, and I am not making photocopies for the purpose of keeping me busy when they don't know what to do with me.  Do not get me wrong, all of these elements are still a part of the job and the projects that I am working on will require me to take part in one of the above at some point during the term - yes even getting tea/coffee may be a requirement to maintain workplace sanity.  (That one is for the caffeine addicts.)  I am gaining valuable experience performing specific tasks and working on significant projects that will not only help guide me toward a focus in my own research topics but, will give me the opportunity to discover exactly which occupations within this industry I would like to pursue.

I don't believe that I can accurately explain this week and just how much it meant to me to be able to participate, but I will try to sum it up briefly.  On my first day, I was able to participate in the organization's policy briefing launch and rebranding event.  (The day I started working was the official date the organization changed its name.)  At this event I was able to sit in a private meeting with a very influential political leader, meet the organization's founder, and greet High Commissioners representing over 30 Commonwealth nations.  Aside from networking with some of the world's most influential men and women, I was able to network with other researchers and individuals who work at the grassroots level of international development.  I was also briefed on the details of my first project, which I immediately began researching for, drafting correspondence, and working on a grant proposal.  This was just my first day.  On the second day, I had the pleasure of visiting Parliament AND sitting in on a discussion at the House of Lords.  Yes, I actually had a gallery seat with my colleagues in the House of Lords.  The purpose for our visit was to sit in on a discussion on the Commonwealth that is essential to some of the active projects facilitated by the CAB.  However, I was sincerely struck by all the magnificent detail of what I saw in that room - the Monarch's throne in the purest gold that can ever be obtained, paintings that tell a story of British history, and the beautifully architectured stone walls.  Lucky for me, I had the opportunity to visit the U.S. Capitol right before leaving D.C.  There is no comparison.  As beautiful as our capitol is, the Houses of Parliament possess a certain element of history, tradition, and reverence that the Capitol building in D.C. does not exhibit - at least for me.  This was truly an amazing experience.

I wanted to explain as much as I safely could about my internship, but the excellence of this program does not end there.  Class lectures are underway and are also providing a wealth of information that a typical textbook can not provide.  As a part of our London and Britian Culture class, we had the pleasure to see 'Much Ado About Nothing', a play by William Shakespeare.  The greatest part is that we actually were able to see the play at the Globe Theatre which is a reconstruction of the original Globe Theater built for Shakespeare in the 17th century.  This experience was truly amazing.  The play was absolutely wonderful and to see the play in the same way that it was experienced in the Shakespearean era was an added bonus. We also had the opportunity to experience the Mayor's Thames Festival this weekend.  This was the greatest fun I have ever had in experiencing a breadth of different cultures.  You really have to see it to believe it.  The dancing, the food, the costumes...it was simply amazing!

So, this was my first official week to kick-off my semester in London.  I'm not sure it could have been any better than this.  See pictures from the week.  There are a few to represent every major event from the week.  I apologize that I wasn't able to include anything from my visit to the House of Lords (no cameras were allowed), but take my word for it - it was absolutely beautiful.