Runnymede: Location of the Signing of Magna Carta and the Place I Was First Stung by Stinging Nettle

I'm fairly certain every week here will be simply amazing. No questions asked.

Monday

Some of the Sphinx has scratches and small chips missing due to damage from a bomb dropped in WWII

 This obelisk was found in Alexandria (it's twin is in NYC) and sent to Britain as a gift. 

"One legend suggests that when Mary and Joseph fled into Egypt with the baby Jesus, On was where they sought refuge. If this is so, they would have seen the obelisk in its original setting."

 St. Martin's-in-the-field

Muffins, anyone?

Covent Gardens

 "Wine" and cheese night

Here's to us. Stay classy, London.

Tuesday

 Picadilly Circus

Emma is sooooo cute.

 As if I wasn't short enough....

"Here for the fun."

My shirt says it all.

Wednesday

Day trip! We hit Runnymede, Windsor Castle, and Stokes Poges Church.

It was really neat to be at Windsor on Wednesday; Queen Elizabeth II became the longest ruling British monarch! This happens very rarely, so it was especially cool to be at her summer home. There was a special part of the castle (usually kept private) that was opened up with a special display.

 Runnymede-where Magna Carta was signed. This year marks the 800th anniversary of its signing.

Also, I walked through a patch of stinging nettle. So that was fun.

  

Windsor Castle

Part of said exhibit for the Queen.

This one was my favourite picture of her-she's so cute!

Stoke Poges Church

Parts of this church are over 900 years old. And I got to walk through it.

 

Poet Thomas Gray is buried at the church yard, largely in part because his famous poem, "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard," was written about Stoke Poges. Dr. Westover read the poem aloud to us as we sat on the grass out front, viewing the scenes Gray poemed about.

"Beneath the yew tree's shade..."

Ice cream and best friend selfies are a frequent thing for us

Thursday

This was our "we are on the tube going to see Benedict Cumberbatch as Hamlet" selfie.

I could go on for hours-maybe even days-on how exceptional the performance was.

It completely surpassed all expectations.

Friday

London Field Trip-we visited the Inns of London (essentially the legal district). 

Ravenscroft has been making the powered wigs for hundreds of years. 

 Temple Church

I was in a rather dancey mood. Can you tell?

Cutest cripple I know

By far my favourite advertisement that I've seen.

Central Criminal Courts

Definitely more ominous than what I am used to...

Defend the children of the poor and punish the wrong doer.

 Saturday

 Buckingham Palace was rad.

So Bek and I went for a bike ride in the afternoon through Kensington and Hyde Park. However, due to some mishaps, we ended up walking most of the way home. But, we passed this beautiful corner of the park that I had never seen. It's so picturesque, right? Definitely worth the walk. ;)

We went to Borough Market for dinner. Much to our dismay, it was closed! Austin and I grabbed some fish and chips from a street vendor, while Bek got a bbq chicken sandwich. And what's dinner without dessert when you're out with the mayor's daughter?

I <3 this town.

Today was really neat; we went to the wards we were split into last week. I've been assigned to the Clapham Common ward, and I get to work in the primary! I am so thrilled. I'm teaching the 8-11 year olds, as well as doing singing time. It was definitely where I was hoping to be assigned. I heart has almost hurt in a way today; I was just so happy! Working with those darling little British primary children was such a joy; they have completely enraptured my heart. I look forward to the Sundays ahead with this ward; it is sure to be wonderful.