London Calling

Last year, our teacher, Mrs Weitensfelder, told us about a trip we’re doing in the upcoming second semester. As I thought it would be another trip like any other, I quickly realised that it was much more than that. My class and the 6A would be flying to London, one of the most well-known cities in the world. Although there was a comedic twist: We had to fulfil challenges our teacher gave us the week before, mostly regarding, to talk to people or ask them funny stuff. With many sights to see, a packed plan for the week and a lot of anticipation, the time of departure came, and one week full of surprises was ahead of us.  

Sunday, 4th of May, day of departure:  

With our luggage and a whole lot of happiness on board, we eventually drove to Ljubljana Airport. Late in the evening and after the check-in, we took a small stroll around the stores in the facility and headed to our gate. Everything went smoothly, we got on the plane, took off, and landed safely at Heathrow Airport, London. Everyone gathered their stuff and after another hour and a half of a night drive with the bus, we arrived at our hostel, the Smart Russel Square. Although the rooms were small, with some difficulties regarding space, and who sleeps where, we got in our kind of comfortable beds. Monday morning, we got ready, had some food and went on to the first day of our adventure.  

Monday 

We went to Trafalgar Square, from there to the Buckingham Palace, where we saw a parade in memory of the Second World War. Some folk songs later, we headed to Saint James Park and Westminster Abbey. After we’ve grabbed lunch from Borough Market, we headed to the inner city, the Monument of the Great Fire of London, Sky Garden and the Tower Bridge. We bought our lunch from Tesco, as we would more times throughout the week, and went for the “Jack-the-Ripper-Walk”, learning about this fearful time and horrific things which have happened on the very places we stood.  

Tuesday 

At 10 o’ clock, we paid a visit to the National History Museum and later to the world-famous Harrods. Hyde Park was a brilliant place to have a small scavenger hunt and lunch, which I’d say was an afternoon well spent. Early in the evening, we strolled around the Oxford Street, grabbed lunch at Covent Garden and went to see the fantastic musical “Mamma Mia”. What was strange though was that we weren’t allowed to sing, at least not before the end of the show. A night walk to the hotel, and we went straight to sleep. 

Wednesday  

This day revolved entirely around Oxford, a very kind and funny tour-guide named Matthew showed us, what the University of Oxford looked like, alongside providing us with information and cultural knowledge. The campus was amazing, but I didn’t know that it was strictly forbidden to step on the grass. Very interesting! We grabbed lunch at Oxford Market and had a walk around the city, shopping a bit here and there, before returning to the hostel, making some quick exercises about “The Crucible”, which we were going to see the day after and then seeing London and the Tower Bridge at night. 

Thursday 

Thursday was my favourite day, alongside Monday, we went to the London Dungeon and got scared the hell out of whilst learning about the darker history of London itself. After that, we grabbed food - once again - from Tesco and with a great view of the Big Ben, we got on a boat to Greenwich, visiting the Meridian and the Cutty Sark. Next, we drove back to the city centre and got ready to go to the Globe Theatre, where we’d watch Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”. 

Friday 

The last day of our journey is here, in the morning, we packed our things and brought them down into the cellar, before going to the British Museum. I guess from the three museums we visited, this one was the most interesting. The whole international history was packed inside of this gorgeous palace, and I never wanted to leave. But after I’ve spent almost my entire money on souvenirs, we left, grabbed lunch for the last time at Tesco and went picnicking at the Russel Square. Finally, we grabbed our luggage and left for Heathrow Airport, which was even more massive than I remember when first checking in. With a beautiful and safe flight home, this then concluded one adventurous, gorgeous and ever lasting memory. I really hope to return to visit this beautiful city once again and see even more of it.   

Jonathan Prem (6B)