A Weekend Recap and a New Week

We've been as busy as ever here in London, but alas, many of the places and things we have seen have regrettably not allowed photography, so I have fewer pictures to share, but still just as many fond memories.

This evening, we went to the Royal Opera House to see "Faust." The theater was beautiful, and the opera was... well, "interesting" is probably the best word for it. Those who have seen Faust or know the story will understand.

Saw this cute sign in a bakery window and just couldn't resist a picture. :)

On Saturday, we took a tour of Westminster Palace, which is home to Britain's government and Parliament. I learned so much about the British government system and how it differs from our system in the U.S. For example, after the meeting room of the House of Commons was destroyed during WWII, Winston Churchill had it rebuilt, but he only included enough benches to seat 400-ish people, and there are 600+ MPs. He designed it that way because he wanted it to feel "up close and personal," so to speak. So, when the House of Commons meets, people have to sit on the floor, stand, etc. Crazy, but kind of funny, too.

Just an example of the cool buildings that we walk past on our way through the streets of London everyday.

Today we also went through the National History Museum, which is housed in this gorgeous building.

A glimpse inside the museum.

The other highlight of the last few days was visiting the British Library and seeing original manuscripts of the Tyndale New Testament, the King James Bible, a letter from Jane Austen, the original "Kubla Khan" text by Coleridge, several medieval texts, hand-written scores by Mozart and Beethoven, and more. I was geeking out over all of it just like a true English major should. It was awesome.

Sending love to you all from across the pond!

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