My Journey Through Student Teaching!

Friday, December 7, 2012

Buckingham Palace

If you go to London you have to try to see the Queen! On one of my last days I took a trip to Buckingham Palace. Unfortunately I did not see the Queen, Harry, Kate, or William but it was still pretty exciting.

I'm Home!

The Queen's Drive Way

It wasn't a windy day but the flag was up which means the Queen is home.

Queen Victoria statue in front!

Who's up there?!?!

London Eye

After Wicked I took a bus to the London Eye. I had always seen this in the movies and thought what a better way to see London! It took about 30 minutes to go around and it was amazing views. Next time I would like to go in the day as it was a little hard to see things at night.

St Paul's Cathedral

Ice Skaters

The Parliament was lit up beautifully at night.

Big Ben and Westminster Abbey

So lucky I was in London!

I've always seen Big Ben in movies so it was really exciting to see it in person.

Look closely you might be able to see Peter Pan

Wicked!

I am a huge fan of musicals and I knew when I was going to travel to London I would have to see a show. I always heard so much about Wicked so I bought a ticket and was off to the Apollo Victoria theater to see the show at 2:30. I got a ticket in the stalls and luckily was on the end. The show started and I was so excited. The show lasted about 2 and half hours and I loved every minute of it!!!

View from my seat! They were amazing

Outside the Apollo

Wicked Witch's Dragon.

First night in London

Once I landed in Stansted I took the train into the center of London where I had my first experience on the Underground. It wasn't as scary as I thought as I had a lot of help but after two transfers I made it to my hotel underground stop. Once into the London streets at night I had to find my way to the hotel. I had directions but when I was looking for street signs I was looking at the top of poles as they have them in America, but I found out they posted them on buildings, so solved problem number one. The next problem was walking through a dark alley to the next road. It wasn't so much a problem as something I was a little afraid to do. Once in the middle of the road I noticed I was in front of a catholic church and I would be safe the rest of the way as this was a sign. I finally made it to the Rose and Crown. It was a nice hostel that was on top of a pub and restaurant. I had three roommates and the pub was amazing!! The beds were so comfortable, the staff was friendly, and I even had a fridge and TV in my room! My first night I had been traveling for over 12 hours so I called it a night and got some much needed sleep.

My room was the top on the far left.

The room was equipped with two bunk beds! Luckily I had the bottom bunk.

While I was walking around I was so happy for these signs written on the road, because in London they drive on the opposite side of the road.

Just touched down in London town.

While in Norway I knew I wanted to take a little side trip to see more of Europe. After looking online I found a great plane ticket to London and couldn't resist! Traveling in Norway is a little difficult so I had to take a bus to get on a boat to get on another bus to then switch again for the bus to the airport which then took me to my plane. The tricky part was if I missed one of the following transportation's I was stuck and would not make my flight on time. Thankfully everything went smoothly and I made it to London safely.

Waiting for my first bus and journey!

One of my many delays at the bus station!

Last Day :(

Today was my last day in school and it was so sad! I only see my students twice a week so all week long was full of goodbyes but only the final day I had to say goodbye to my teachers. At lunch the principle stood up and gave a speech about the American student teachers. At the end of very nice words he presented us with a gift which was a glass replica of the sculpture in the middle of town. When we went to receive our presents we said a few words and I got so choked up! I am very excited about going home to see my family and friends, but it is so sad leaving a place you made your home for two months. I had an amazing time in Norway and I will never forget the people I have met or the things I have done.