Oxford University, originally uploaded by ECUK08.

After the hour trip up to Bath on Tuesday, our coordinators Prof. Wolfe and Prof. Parkhouse wanted to spend Wednesday in London. We went to the British National Bank to learn more about Britain's monetary system, and to pick up a gold bar worth roughly $188,500. From there we took a boat ride up the River Thames. We spotted Shakespeare's Globe Theater and London Town Hall before hopping off at the Naval University. Built by Sir Christopher Wren, the Naval University was a sight to behold. The wall and ceiling paintings inside the Banquet Hall and Church were remarkably detailed. The ceiling of the Banquet Hall alone took 19 to paint. From there we walked up the street to the London Observatory, which was also designed by Wren. Wren had a vested interest in the observatory. He was an astronomer, and he sought to fill the observatory with giant telescopes, theadolites, and all the small necessities needed to explore the stars.

Thursday was a very special day for several reasons. First, it was the first day of rain since our arrival at Regent's College. For the first 10 days we've had sun and 80+ degree temperatures. Unheard of for this time of the year. Many Londoners say they've never experienced weather like this before. It's been a treat. Second, it was Prof. Parkhouse's 37th birthday. He looks great... And to mark the occasion we went to Oxford University, his alma mater. It is an old, but beautiful place. Castle-like architecture, vast court yards, and wonderful little details could be found everywhere. Because we were with Prof. Parkhouse, we were given the rare honor of eating in the Christ's College Refectory, which has been used as the Great Hall in all of the Harry Potter films. Wonderful!