Ethan Knox

“You find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” -Samuel Johnson

Another great day in the city has begun, and we students have spent the day, once again, adjusting and acclimating to this strange new world. After a quick coffee stop, and a mild panic after a few students almost missed the bus, a scheduled coach tour took us on a quick jaunt to all the tourist destinations we could fit into a couple hours’ time. Almost everything was within a 30 min walk from our flats. It was all a perfect introduction to the basics of government, culture, and arts in London, and I can tell we’re excited to see it all, from the museums to the theatre to the food.

I definitely know more about London than I did before, and I’m starting to get my bearings on the streets. The London Eye, Big Ben, The Financial District, and Piccadilly Circus are all slightly more familiar!

We were also lucky to catch the Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace. Although The Queen wasn’t in (she’s still on her winter holiday, apparently), it was so interesting to see! The theatricality of the event, combined with its regality, was really something else, and the beauty of St. James Park as a backdrop made it all seem otherworldly.

Finally, we stopped at Covent Garden for lunch and an antique market that had a bunch of really cool books, clothing, jewelry, and old knick-knacks. I’m trying to control my spending– but I’m sure I’ll be back soon.

Tomorrow, classes will begin and we will see a production of Everbody’s Talking About Jamie! I’m so excited to update you about one of my most anticipated shows here (and to finally have my schedule to plan some travel!)! Talk to you soon!