While in D.C., it never hit me this summer that I was actually leaving, that I wasn't going back to Bucknell. Everyone else seemed to be more conscious of what was yet to happen to me than myself. Daily, several people would ask, "Are you ready?" "Have you packed?" My answer of course was, NO. I wasn't ready because I thought I had abundant time.

Just two days before leaving for London, I finally realized that I was going somewhere. Weirdly enough, I wasn't scared, nervous, excited or worried. All of a sudden, I'm here in London. It happened so slowly yet so quickly it's like a dream. London happened to me. That's best way I can phrase the way I feel. And what a great happening it is.

In the span of a week I have been blessed with the opportunity to see parts of this great regal abyss of history. London is like a shell coated with the majestic history of its past in its beautiful architecture, infrastructure, and numerous remnants and vestiges. Yet, London harbors a modern, yet unique, culture, infusing today's culture with its past, allowing for an economically and socially sound city.

In fact, some consider London to be the world capital and it is quite evident. The architecture of London's many historic buildings, some of the most aesthetically pleasing structures I've ever seen, and the ancient dates of its construction is even more astounding. I have been impressed with London's ability to preserve its history through these structures allowing to one envision the events of its past.

I have been to, among many other places, Kew Garden, the Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's, St. James Park, and, last but not least, Parliament. Taking a tour of Parliament is one of the most riveting experiences I've had. My goodness, I wish I could illustrate the glory of this building, which is home to political, economic, and governmental endeavors and also to the royal celebratory, and ceremonious events. Walking down the path of Queen Elizabeth and the many Queens and Kings before her was a great experience. (They didn't let me take pictures. I know, it sucks.)

The glory of the throne and the rooms in that building made me feel so small. It also got me thinking, these were 'mere' human beings that created such a glorious structure, how much greater is the Glory of God. I have found him in everything here. I have never been the one for nature, given my allergies and all, but London's parks and gardens are beautiful. Kew Garden was infiltrated with plants from all over the world. It is such a beautiful exhibit, so colorful and vibrant. God has a beautiful eye for creating such things and I am blessed to witness them. I love nature now, and my allergies have been perfectly fine.

Exploring Tower Bridge and the many other sites have also been great and I will be posting pictures. I also had the opportunity to see a production of Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer Night's Dream. It was wonderful and very comical, more comical than any other production I've seen. And it was in an outdoor theatre.

Now aside from the sight-seeing, I do actually have to live here. It hit me hard that this is home for a while. When I went into a grocery store I realized that I wasn't home anymore. I do shop for groceries at home, they just don't cost twice the price. I would stare at prices in the store hoping that they would miraculously change. All I need is some Water, Milk, Bread, and Fruit. It may not be all that I want but it's all I end up getting because of these prices. Pounds are not funny, although I'm laughing right now. I'm on an involuntary diet, y'all. I've come to realize that the prices aren't going to change any time soon and I have to eat, so hey.

What's even funnier is how easy it is for me to do the math and multiply everything I want to buy by two, because it is in Pounds. I am not a mathematically inclined individual but it happens so quickly. I'm getting used to it. I've found myself and my fellow Study Abroad students scoping most of Central London looking for the cheapest prices.

On a positive note, we get a nice tour of the city and become familiar with the streets by hunting and walking.

In a nutshell, I'm beginning to like London. I miss my family at home and at Bucknell dearly. I wish you all were here with me. I will be updating you all very often with my journey in London. Keep me in your prayers. God bless you all.

Cheers!