Trip to Greenwich

I apologise for neglecting my blogging responsibilities, and now that I realise my last entry was from over a week ago, I feel compelled to give a full run through of my London experience so far, starting from where I left off last.

September 11, 2009

Just some news surrounding the UK on this particular day - 3 men charged with conspiracy to blow up 7 airliners heaving from London to various American cities, including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and even Canada. After successive retrials since the original 2006 incident (and the ensuing

changes in security policy at airports around the world), the men were convicted that week and were later sentenced to 100+ years in prison. While the threat of international terrorism has been garnering more media attention since 9/11, this was the first I had heard of homegrown terrorism in the UK. Of course, the thought crosses my mind every time I board a plane from New York heading home or vice versa, but I was particularly shocked to hear that Canada, who hadn't really done anything to anyone, had become caught in the crossfire that is international conflict.

Today was also the NYUL excursion to Greenwich. We left Kings Cross and took the tube down to Westminster Pier to catch the boat that would take us to Greenwich. The weather was fantastic all day, albeit chilly on the boat, but nice nevertheless. Technically the trip was required for my History of London class, but I would have gone anyway. On the boat ride over, the guide pointed out attractions along the river, including Tower bridge, the Tower of London, the gerkin, St. Paul's cathedral, and etc.

When we arrived, the boat left us right in front of the Royal Naval College, which used to be a hospital and before that a home for the queen. After a 90 minute guided tour around the area

(which I have to be honest that I was only paying half attention to the guide because I was scoping out places I could take

pictures) we were given free time to explore and visit the other attractions. Since we were starving (and at this point hardly any of us had eaten a proper meal since the last time NYUL fed us during orientation week), we stopped off at a typical British pub for lunch before setting out.

We then climbed up the hill to get to the Royal Observatory, where the first clock was invented, and where time zones were first conceived. There we saw the Prime Meridian and I got to do the whole "being in 2 places at once" deal. After that we left and went to the planetarium, which was quite underwhelming actually. Then we went to the famed Greenwich market, which had food and knickacks from local artisans. I bought a name train for Joey and eyed a gorgeous vintage purse before deciding I do not need anymore handbags. Also, since everything basically shuts down around 5pm, we just decided to leave. Turns out that was a big mistake, as it was a weekday and rush hour was upon us. Now if you think the subway is bad at rush hour in Manhattan, think again. The compartments were so jam packed with people you're being bumped from all angles and luck if you even have space to grab onto the bar. Regardless of if the train is full or not, commuters continue to pile into the train, reminding me of this one video I saw on youtube of Japanese commuters and officials that actually shove people into the train until everyone fits and then at which point the doors close. So, I was quite happy when we got back to Nido and I was able to regain my sense of personal space again.

Overall, a nice trip to a place I wouldn't have found myself - kudos to NYUL for taking us. As always, check facebook for more photos. Or for those of you who don't do facebook, here's the link to my album.