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!

Roman Baths, originally uploaded by ECUK08.

Monday and Tuesday have been very busy for the UK Crew. On Monday we stayed in London. We went to the Churchill War Museum to see the bunker he called home for much of World War II, especially during Hitler's blitzkrieg on London. Then we took a stroll down Parliament Ave to see Westminster Abbey. Unfortunately they did not allow any pictures to be taken, but I can attest to its beauty. Hundreds of graves and memorials have been packed into the Abbey over the course of 1,000 years. And, staying true to the stereotypes of the English nobility, each grave and memorial is elaborately fashioned in gold-flake paint, elaborate sculptures, and Latinaic verse. Some of the names include Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton (the same sculpture from the Da Vinci Code movie), William Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth I, King Henry III, and Mary Queen of Scots.
After all that we hopped across the street to Parlaiment, where we saw the House of Lords in action (It seems to work much more smoothly than US Congress. The House of Lords debate, Congress jibbers). The Gothic architecture inside is the same as the outside, simply beautiful. But, with good reason, no pictures are allowed inside.
On Tuesday we took the train to Bath, where we saw the ancient Roman Baths still working. The water is highly sulphurous, and comes out of the ground at a steamy 114.8 degrees. Little of the intricacies of the Roman Baths remain. There are no elaborate filigrees or rosettes, and what they have found is only a small glimpse into the beauty of the Roman Baths. Nevertheless, the accomplishment of Romans at Bath attests to their power and influence felt throughout the Mediterranean and Europe.

The Tower of London, originally uploaded by ECUK08.

Everyone has been busy over the weekend. On Saturday Prof. Wolfe took everyone to the Tower of London. Built in 1078 by William the Conquerer, the royal families called it home for nearly 600 years. We saw the Queen's jewels, rooms filled with muskets, pistols and sabers. We saw the torture rack and the chopping block, instruments that ensured the Tower of London would be haunted for centuries. Once we finished there, Prof. Wolfe set us free to explore London for the rest of the weekend. On Sunday Ken, Kate and Erica spent the day at the London Zoo. Emily, Andrew and John went to visit Emily's family just outside of London. And Coleman, Zach and Ben watched Manchester United Football team capture the Premier Title, while Jeremy and Jess went to Movieum in London to see the UK's contribution to the Cinema. We've used our time very well.

Fountains at Trafalgar Square, originally uploaded by ECUK08.

What a day! With the expert navigational skills of Prof. Gerald Parkhouse and Prof. Alison Wolfe we navigated Trafalgar Square and Parlaiment Street. Gigantic monuments honor the achievements of the 19th century British Empire and the heroes from both world wars. They start at Trafalgar Square and run down Parlaiment St., past Big Ben. We got a glimpse down Downing St, where former prime minister Tony Blare and Prime Minister Gordon Brown live. And just look at all that exquisit architecture! We've been finding it down every street. Shades of a once wealthy and powerful empire. In comparison, it makes New York look pretty cheap.

DSCN4171, originally uploaded by ECUK08.

We made it to Regent's College! We still have our sanity after a seven hour flight and time's five hour leap into the future. We used the afternoon to acclamate into London life. Some explored Regent's College campus. Others explored Regent's Park with its giant trees and small waterways bustling with people running and reading and laying in the sun. By the end of the day we had used the Underground Tube, stood in Piccadilly Circus. This taste of London has us giddy for the adventures to come, which include the Tower of London, Oxford University, and St. Paul's Cathedral.

DSCN4129, originally uploaded by ECUK08.

Name: Andrew Nielson
Year: 2010
Major: Political Science and Art
Hometown: Watkins Glen, NY
UK Project: Compare the British Parliamentary System with the American Presidential System
What I hope to learn: I want to learn about the British culture and its influence on the world.

DSCN4136, originally uploaded by ECUK08.

Name: Coleman Kelley
Class Year: 2011
Major: Biology, Chemistry, and Political Science
Hometown: Canton, PA
UK Project: Overview of the British National Health System and Medical School System
What I hope to learn: Everything!

DSCN4141, originally uploaded by ECUK08.

Name: Jessica Parsons
Year: 2010
Major: English Literature
Hometown: Sakcets Harbor, NY
UK Project: What Film Owes to England: The Impact of Charlie Chaplin and Alfred Hitchcock on Film
What I hope to learn: While visiting England I hope to continue my research on Chaplin and Hitchcock and the British Film Industry at the British Film Industry while also enjoying the other sights and sounds of London.

DSCN4142, originally uploaded by ECUK08.

Name: Adam Killebrew
Class Year: 2009
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Penn Yan, NY
UK Project: History and Evolution of the British Tea Trade
What I hope to learn: Honestly, I'm not sure that I can claim to want to learn about any one specific thing; I'll learn what I learn, and I'm looking forward to the surprise.

DSCN4140, originally uploaded by ECUK08.

Name: John Dillard
Class Year: 2010
Major: Chemistry and Mathematics
Hometown: Somers, CT
UK Project: Architecture in London: Gothic and Modern Gothic
What I hope to learn: I hope to go observe and admire the beautiful architectural designs of the Gothic age and how their influences can still be seen in todays society.

DSCN4137, originally uploaded by ECUK08.

Name: Zach Newirth
Class Year: 2011
Major: Undecided
Hometown: South Windsor, CT
UK Project: The History and Evolution of Manchester United Football Club
What I hope to learn: I hope to visit Old Trafford and learn as much as I can about Manchester United. I'll also ask some people at the USA vs England game how they feel about soccer.

Marie &Tori, originally uploaded by ECUK08.

Name: Marie Herow (On right)
Class Year: 2010
Major: Art Education
Hometown: Wassaic, New York
UK Project: Compare and Contrast Three London Galleries- The National Gallery, Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern
What I hope to learn: I am eager to explore the art scene throughout the thriving city of London and visit art museums such as The National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and The Tate Modern! I can't wait to explore cultures old and new and to see what exciting things the UK has in store! I am looking forward to 3 weeks of exciting travels and self exploration. I plan on letting my imagination run free and seeing where it takes me!

Quote: "Art is your personal diary where you may color your thoughts and emotions on a page." ~Anonymous

DSCN4143, originally uploaded by ECUK08.

Name: Erin Francisco
Class Year: 2009
Major: English Literature, Music
Hometown, State, Country: Laurens, New York, USA
UK Project: Contemporary English Poetry in the UK
What I hope to learn: I acknowledge the relevance of experimenting and exposing oneself to a vast array of poetry; to seek the influential nature of other poets and what mediums they work with in order to better express the content of their poetry. I am interested to know what variants of today’s world are affecting the subjects and focus of English poetry. A current American education in poetry discusses many contemporary US writers, who have traveled extensively outside of the country’s boarders, yet it only addresses poets from the United Kingdom who composed poetry centuries ago. I want to know what is happening now.

DSCN4134, originally uploaded by ECUK08.

Name: Victoria Herow
Class: 2009
Major: History and American Studies
Hometown: Wassaic, NY
UK Project: Christopher Wren's Architectural Achievements
What I hope to learn: I am very excited to be visiting London! I am thrilled to see all of the different kinds of buildings and places that we will be visiting during the few weeks that we are there. I also want to see the works of Christopher Wren that I researched for my paper.

DSCN4131, originally uploaded by ECUK08.

Name: Ken Baker
Class Year: 2009
Major: Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology
Hometown: Northbridge, MA, USA
UK Project: Origins and History of Stonehenge and Other Mysterious Creations in the UK
What I hope to learn: In the UK, I hope to learn more about my term project (Stonehenge), as well as about the culture of the United Kingdom more generally.