Mind the Gap: FOR JESS: Westminster and Lambeth: Church and State

London Eye

This is a short walk that everyone loves doing because it's basically like walking in the foot of a tourist. So... I figure that I would be amiss to disregard tourists as part of this culture. Here's something though (ready for this, Jess?) - there are so many wonderful things to see and do in London so what is it that makes certain things more touristy than others? Bam. That's my thought. I'm really getting deep here.

So first item of touristy excitement was the London Eye. It's ginormous. I know I have to go because... it's quintessential London. See that's the thing about the culture here, even if you live here you also have to participate in the tourist side of life. Here's a fun fact, the London Eye was only built
in the turn of the millennium. I've thought it was such a permanent part of London, but who knew?! It really shouldn't surprise me. London is constantly changing and growing and it's only natural that the famous skyline is a mix of old and new.

Parliament and Big Ben

Speaking of the London skyline, we then made our way to Big Ben. Second fun fact, Big Ben is actually the name of the bell within the tower. So... That's something. I don't think it really makes much of a difference, but now we're all better educated. Big Ben is attached to parliament and parliament is another classic aspect to London. The architecture behind London
is really
fascinating. When it was built there was a lot of discussion over what to make the new and current legislation building. So rather than going classical and building a Greek government building - which is definitely what we do in America - they decided to build it in the Gothic style. It's pretty unique.

St. Margaret's Church

Finally, we were able to look at Westminster and this fun church next to it - St. Margaret's Church. This was a church I had no idea existed, but I'm so glad I got to visit! We were really lucky because we got to be there right on the hour when - I guess - they do a prayer. They asked us all to find a seat or to stop walking and we all stopped for a prayer. They prayed for the queen, Ebola, serving military, and then they made a special prayer for families all across the world who all struggle and have their own problems. It was really, really cool. It was a fun taste of London that I love having because it's not typical London. So even when you think you're in a very touristy area, you still get small little London treats. And then of course Westminster is overwhelming and beautiful though I couldn't get in because it costs money.

So there you have it! These amazing monuments are integral to London not only because they're touristy, but because they're so rich in culture and beauty. I love it here.

"I'm not sure what I'll do, but -- well, I want to go places and see people. I want my mind to grow. I want to live where things happen on a big scale" - F Scott Fitzgerald