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Today began with class, where we discussed the history of the Olympics and the Olympic bidding process.  Time went by very fast, which is always an indication that the class is engaging.  During our lunch break, we went to a sandwich shop called Pret A Manager.  They’re very common here, especially in the area we’re staying in.  I got an avocado wrap, and we ate our meals down by the Thames River.

After class, we met with some of our advisors to discuss the Fulbright project we have on top of our other work.  We are to work on a group blog together that will encapsulate all that we have learned over the course of these weeks, both in the city and in the classroom.  This blog will be linked to the King’s College website for students to view if they are considering a study abroad here.  We also have to type up a more structured report based on this blog, which will then be turned into a full presentation will we give at the closing reception.

Two of our group members, Laura and Lindsey, bought tickets to Olympic events, so we went with them to the Marylebone stop to pick them up.  Our first time using the tube!  It was successful.  It reminds me of a larger version of the T.  The Marylebone stop was close to Baker Street, so we decided to go see 221B Baker Street, where Sherlock Holmes “lived.”  We then stopped at King’s Cross Station, and found Platform 9 3/4.

By this point, we were hungry again, so we found a pub close by called O’Neill’s.  I tried a Pimm’s & Lemonade and got a salad.  When the meal was over and we had paid, we awkwardly stood around waiting to give our server a tip.  Another server asked if we didn’t know where to go, and we even more awkwardly explained that we were trying to tip.  Apparently tips weren’t expected or necessary there, but we gave it to him anyway.

We decided to take a bus back, and we rode on the top of a double decker.  We had been planning all day to go to the London Eye, and we made it there with literally one minute to spare.  We got our tickets as they were closing up, and got into the last car/bubble/whatever it should be called.  Incredible, incredible view! It looked like the city went on forever.  We could see one of the Olympic Arenas, and we could also see a Fire Garden that was going on at the National Theatre.

We stopped by to check out the Fire Garden on our way back to the apartments.  It marked the arrival of the torch in London, and I think it will be going on for a few days!