"You sound like you're from London!"

    They say time flies when you're having fun.  But it must be at a stand still when you're having a ball. It's been almost a week now, but most of us would say it already feels like we've been here a month. This has nothing to do with the speed of clocks, but rather the content of our time.
     The first few days stretched an eternity as we slowly explored our new surroundings: learning the Underground, getting lost only to find our way around, and finding the best place to get a pint.  I can tell you already that the Underground really is quite simple, not to mention the best way to travel in the city.  A funny side note: Londoners DO NOT talk on the tube.  So it's always embarrassing when a group of 15 of us Americans hop on and disturb their peace (especially if we're on our way out for the night!)  And as far as exploring, there's nothing quite like getting lost and stumbling upon Trafalgar Square- finding yourself staring up at Big Ben.  Although technically, nobody can see Big Ben as it is the bell inside the tower, not the tower itself (I know, I'm a pretentious Brit already).
     We have found some great places to have a drink though.  The George and The Old Bell really stand out as my favourite.  It's funny, Pubs are here are more opulent and classic than most churches or courthouses back home.  Mind you, they're probably much older as well.  The only down side is that most close their doors by Midnight at the latest.  Then you have to continue to a club or bar that has a late-night license.  This can sometimes be an adventure unto itself!  I don't think we've ever walked through Piccadilly Circus without split up.
      Time was further compounded yesterday when class started.  For our first session, we met ON Tower Bridge at 9:30 a.m.  We then took about a 5 hour walk down the Thames as our Professor Lyndon gave us an abbreviated history as only a Brit could tell it. It really puts in perspective when he says "your Revolution" or "our Queen".  It also helped that each person in the group received an historical figure to research prior to the walk.  Then, once we were at a location relevant to that person, we could hear their story first-hand; it was incredibly insightful to hear Ann Boleyn show us herself where she was beheaded (Tower of London FYI).  Not only did this help put certain histories in context, but made remembering the various monarchs much easier.  I've been into world history for years, and only now could I tell you the differences between Victoria and Elizabeth or Richard and Henry(s).
      But the best part wasn't hearing the history, it was seeing it! That day on the Thames alone we saw Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, The Millennium Bridge, The Tate Modern,  Cleopatra's Needle, Parliament, and Big Ben.  Then just around the corner was Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, and The National Gallery.  We only went in the Gallery for about an hour (yes, like most museums in London, it's FREE) but that was enough time to hang out with some dudes named Botticelli, Monet, and Van Goh.
      I promise to have pictures up soon.  I already would but it was raining the majority of yesterday and I'm waiting for a nice day to really do it justice.  For although this extended week seems to have lasted forever, today is the first day we've actually seen the Sun.

Cheers!