Last Day in London

It’s officially our last day in London. Today we had the morning free, and as you may have read the US President is on a state visit here in London.  A small group of us headed down to check out the protests against Trump that were happening in Trafalgar Square. We arrived to find hundreds, maybe even thousands of people, with signs surrounding a large robot of Donald Trump. 

The signs ranged from referring to his role in Palestine, to his racist remarks, to his role in Brexit, to his sexist remarks, to his role in attempting to end the health system in the UK. It was an eye-opening experience to see the resistance not only by Americans but by Europeans from all over the continent, especially the United Kingdom. 

After our experiences in Trafalgar Square, we headed to the Victoria and Albert Museum. The museum housed much of the collection of the couple from throughout their lifetime including many different artifacts, fashion, works of art, and much more. 

To end the day, we traveled to the Viaduct Tavern to have one last drink before we head home tomorrow. The Tavern is the last gin palace still standing from the Victorian Era. It is rumored to be haunted as it sits across the street from what used to be the gallows of a nearby prison. Many would have their final drink there or would drink there prior to watching the executions cued by the bells in St. Paul’s cathedral. 

There is a gunshot hole in the ceiling from the first world war. An off-duty soldier had one too many drinks and shot his gun at a painting and then at the roof. Both of the holes from the bullet are still there and can be seen to this day. 

It was quite an interesting day to end the trip to say the least. 

I am so thankful for the opportunities this program has brought me over the last three weeks. I have learned so much. I have made new friends and countless new memories. I will remember this always as one of the highlights here at the College of St. Scholastica.