LIYSF 2015: Day 12 – Sunday Things

Today was another optional sightseeing day for us. I decided I needed a day with a bit of time to myself and didn’t end up joining the majority of members, who left very early this morning to bus to Stonehenge and Salisbury for the day. (From what I hear it was a very long trip, but the sites were really cool to visit!)

This morning I went off to attend a church service at the Anglican Westminster Abbey! It was an incredible experience as I come from a much smaller church in Abbotsford. Just being in such a historic building, hearing the preaching and listening to the choir made for an unforgettable experience. (There was no picture taking inside the Cathedral during worship)

This Abbey is used for the coronation of Kings and Queens, royal weddings, and is also the burial of many famous people, such as the Baroque musician Handel
This Abbey is used for the coronation of Kings and Queens, royal weddings, and is also the burial of many famous people, such as the Baroque musician Handel
The front of the Westminster Abbey! Very tall, very big building. While the cathedral was originally built around 1200, these two towers were added later in the 1700s.
The front of the Westminster Abbey! Very tall, very big building. While the cathedral was originally built around 1200, these two towers were added later in the 1700s.

After coming back for lunch, I teamed up with Swapnil from Turkey and we walked through Hyde Park, to Oxford Street (a major shopping area though neither of us were interested today), to Baker street! Precisely 221B Baker Street, home of the famous Sherlock Holmes! The walk was really long, and ended up taking the whole afternoon.

Had to try on the hat
Had to try on the hat
221B Baker Street with Swapnil!
221B Baker Street!

 

We made it back just in time for dinner! After dinner I joined the Norwegians for a few games of fooseball before we head off to the Chelsea Town Hall for the “Traditions of Home” event. This event was similar to the Cabaret though there was a larger focus on culture. So for example some countries brought food to share with everyone, others discussed cultural dress, and other groups performed traditional dances! I didn’t exactly realize what this event was when I read it in the description, and I wish I had teamed up with the other Canadians to prepare something beforehand. Regarless, it was a fantastic event!

For the Traditions of Home event, a few Chinese participants showed us how to make dumplings! The Aussies also introduced us to vegemite... Not something I intend to try again soon
For the Traditions of Home event, a few Chinese participants showed us how to make dumplings! The Aussies also introduced us to vegemite… Not something I intend to try again soon
Finally, the large number of Cyprus students led us all in a traditional dance that ended the evening
Finally, the large number of Cyprus students led us all in a traditional dance that ended the evening