Oh, the Places We Could Go!

Only 8 days now until London.

Seriously?  Is that for real?

I am SO excited :)

Well, I just have one more assignment for my prep class before I can go.

Each person in the class is asked to do a blogpost.

Now, this isn't just any blogpost.

This is my version of a Dr. Seuss classic

This is all about five cultural events or activites that I personally could want to do while abroad.

1.  Boat ride to Greenwich

City Cruises claims to be the number 1 tour on the Thames River.

Boats depart every 30 minutes from 1 of 4 locations:

- Tower Bridge

- London Eye

- Westminster

- Greenwich

It has been recommended to me to take a delightful 30 minute cruise from the

Tower Bridge to Greenwich.

Why go to Greenwich?

Greenwich is one of London's most popular tourist destinations.

That's right.  Not only do the Brits love to go for a visit, but people like me

coming all the way from Bend, Oregon

want to come and take a gander.

Only a short walk from Greenwich pier through quaint streets

parkland,

and stunning palatial grounds

and you will be surrounded by some of the top attractions in London.

- National Maritime Museum

- Greenwich Market

- Greenwich Royal Park

- Green Chain Walk

- Queen's House

-Cutty Sark tea clipper (just recently restored too!)

and sooooooooo much more :)

Why go by boat?

Well, a boat allows you to see everything from a new perspective.

And for only £8.40 you can get to Greenwich in a carefree, relaxing way.

Plus, the fleetboats are specially designed to give visitors the best vantage point possible of river life.

Extra Extra: historical and witty commentary while aboard is included :)

2. Weekend trip to the Cotswolds

 My friend Jordan who did this study abroad a couple years ago said,

and I quote,

" okay, go google "the cotswolds" and just look at the images that come up. that is why you should go. gardens, cottages and streams  are like something from a fairytale. You can't miss this place." 

I think that just about says it all, thanks Jordan :)

Other sites note Cotswolds as

"...an area of outstanding natural beauty where time has stood still for 300 years."

 the area is well known for:

gentle hillsides (‘wolds’),

outstanding countryside with river valleys,

water meadows and beech woods,

sleepy ancient limestone villages,

historic market towns

...and...

for being so ‘typically English’

Where is it?

The Cotswolds Map generally takes up an area from Worcester due north

to Bath due south,

across to Oxford

and then north to Stratford-upon-Avon.

How to get there:

The National Express Network runs coach travel throughout England.
The main route to the Cotswolds from London starts at Victoria Coach Station, takes about 3 - 4 hours and costs about £17.

3. Hampstead Heath

This is one ginormous park you do not want to miss.

Hampstead Heath is one of London's most popular open spaces

and is located just 6 kilometres from Trafalgar Square.

The magic of this place lies in its rich wildlife, extensive sports opportunities

and accessibility to millions of people.

So why go to Hampstead Heath?

There's even a zoo and a beautiful view too!

Plus, it seems like the ideal place to go for a picnic.

4. Covent Garden

Covent Garden is quite the place to be in London.

 The area is recognized as the capital's premier entertainment and leisure destination.

It's an Italian-style piazza packed with restaurants and fashionable boutiques.

This is the perfect place to take a break from homework - to just hang out and have a little fun!

 It's a place full of delicious treats, cute jewelry, fun trinkets and even street performers.

It's a place to just go and feel like one of the locals.

Pictured above is the Apple Market.

It's located at the heart of the Covent Garden piazza.

It's been entertaining people,

dressing them,

feeding them,

since 1632 when it was designed by Inigo Jones.

Now it's visited by 30 million people each year.

5. Ballet at the Royal Opera House

When I was little, my Dad would take me to the ballet every year at Christmas time

to see the Nutcracker.

 Even now, some of my favorite memories with my Dad took place at the ballet.

I think it's one of those cultural experiences you have to try at least once in your life.

What better place to try than in London?

 On June 7, for £15-25, the Royal Opera House is putting on

Ballo della regina / La Sylphide

It entails fashioned choreography that requires

dazzling footwork as well as precise leaps and turns.

La Sylphide:

It is a Romantic drama that tells the story of how a young man

chases in vain a beautiful, elusive spirit

at the cost of his happiness as well as that of his fiancée.

La Sylphide has become one of the great classics of ballet

and I want to see why :)