Sustainability

There's a general consciousness that seems to surround London, relating to lowering carbon emissions, recycling, and other aspects of sustainability. Most of the food labels describe how much recycled material was used to make them, and tells which parts can be recycled and where.

Example from my sandwich carton

This consciousness even extends to the demolition and construction of Olympic Park where the 2012 Summer Games will be held. The site was selected in part because it will benefit London's east end. Sustainability has also been a key factor from the start. According to Sean (our Blue Badge Guide), a promise that 95% of the demolished material would be recycled was part of the contract. In reality, 98% of the materials were recycled for the Olympic Park and other projects.

2012 Olympic Stadium: After the games, everything behind the
white beams will disappear to create a smaller stadium.

Hiring local workers was also part of the agreement. It was agreed that at least 350 local workers would be trained and employed during the construction of the site. At the last count, 408 local workers have been
utilized.

2012 Sculpture, ArcellorMittal Orbit will
 be the tallest structure at the Olympic site.
 Later it will be an East End London Eye.

Working to become part of the community and to better the world does not stop with the end of construction. On site, there is a rain water catch with the intention that rain water be used for the toilets in the park, with any leftover being using to water the greenery. Also, following the games certain structures will be removed altogether or morph into something that can bring events to the community. This a huge part of the legacy of the park.

Going Green in the United States is the in  thing to do, but the way it's done makes it seem more like a passing fad (like the reduce, reuse, recycle of the 90s) rather than something of value. While, these pieces of sustainability are built into what's already being done and work to complete a larger puzzle. This is one aspect of London living that I would like to follow me home.

Westminster

Inside the cloister. The ceilings are quite
high, as the people demonstrate.

My first Monday in London has been a busy one. We started out this morning with a quick stop at the Study Center, then off to Westminster Abbey to meet our Blue Badge Guide Brian. Westminster Abbey is absolutely beautiful. The architecture is stunning. Much of the interior is carved stone. The only disappointment is that no photography is allowed inside the Abbey.This is because it is a working Abbey with daily prayers. While we were inside the Abbey they held their 11am prayer service. As we had been instructed, our group paused and were silent while the prayer was taking place. Once it was completed, we continued with the tour.

Politicians, musicians, scientists, as well as poets and other literary figures are buried or memorialized in the Abbey. These include Charles Darwin, Ben Jonson, Henry Purcell, and Florida State University's own Paul Dirac, who has a memorial beside Isaac Newton. It seems that there are always curiosities and scandals related in the history of buildings that are over 900 years old. For instance, Ben Jonson did not have enough money to be buried in the Abbey in the traditional style, so he was buried standing up. On top of that, his name was spelled wrong, with an 'h' included in his last name, Johnson instead of Jonson.

This fountain is in the College Garden, which is in the
part of the Abbey not open to the public.

Another interesting fact is that Oliver Cromwell was only buried in Westminster Abbey for three years. When Charles II took the throne, his vengeful mother demanded any and all individuals involved in the death of her husband, Charles I should be prosecuted, hung, drawn, and quartered. This included Oliver Cromwell. He was disinterred, hung, drawn and quartered. The body of Cromwell, and the others, were buried under the Tyburn gallows.

The final burial at Westminster Abbey occurred in 1920 and was the body of The Unknown Soldier. The idea behind the inclusion of the unknown solider was to give Brits who had lost loved ones in World War I the opportunity to morn those that did not return and were assumed dead. It gave hope to families to believe that maybe, just maybe, their loved one was buried in Westminster Abbey. This is the only grave in the Abbey that is never walked on. Even during the Royal Wedding this past April and Princess Diana's funeral in 1997, the processionals navigated around the grave.

These statues were used to fill the niches that were formerly
empty. The fifth one from the left is Martin Luther King.

After a picnic lunch in Trafalgar Square, we sat in on a concert in St. Martin's-in-the-Fields. Then we made our way to the London Eye where I took a great shot of parliament along with skyline views of London. Afterward, a group of us made our way to Notting Hill Gate to catch a discounted showing of Harry Potter. The perfect end to another wonderful day in London.

Differences

Sean with our group at St. Paul's Cathedral

Today was our Coach (i.e. bus) tour of London. Our tour guide, Sean, was not of the "To your left is this ..." followed by one or two memorized details. Blue Badge Guides are the creme de le creme of tour guides. In order to become a Blue Badge Guide, individuals undergo extensive training and must complete tough examinations in order to achieve the highest honor bestowed upon guides. When our group was first told about the blue badge guides, we were told to show them the same respect that you would show a professor. That is how knowledgeable these guys and gals are. Also, they do wear blue badges while they are out giving tours.  Nothing ostentatious, just an ornament of distinction.

Tour guides are not the only Brits who endure rigorous testing to excel in their profession. Before individuals can become taxi drivers they must take an exam called the Knowledge. This test shows how well they know all parts of Lodon. Both city and suburban drivers must learn the ins and outs of London; suburban drivers must know their sectors just as well. I was actually surprised to learn this, because on the way in, our taxi driver asked us if we had a map to the Study Center. We did not, but the number is pretty visible along Great Russell Street, so we reached our destination. Along with the exam, drivers must meet other requirements, including passing a background check and being medically sound.

Wait staff are also treated  and act in a very different manner in the UK. In America they continually return to the table to ensure customers are placated. Whereas here, wait staff rely on you to let them know if you would like anything else and when you are ready for the check and maybe a take away.  There are two reasons for this: 1) there are no refills, so there is no obligation to return to the table and 2) tips, though appreciated, do not make up the bulk of a servers income because they are paid a decent wage.

V & A

Our scheduled tour for Saturday was canceled on account of the guide not showing and we were free to explore the city. A small group of us decided to make our way to the museums. Getting to the V&A, The Victoria & Albert Museum, was quite fun. I mean that truthfully and sarcastically. It just so happened that it was also our first taste of rainy London. And it was our first taste of underground delays. The Piccadilly line was basically not running at all, so after going ahead one stop we headed back up top and took quite a long detour to reach a different station where another train would take us to the V&A.

A rainy day in London. On the other side of the bridge is the
London Eye and the tower that houses Big Ben.

The V&A is HUGE. I had an hour and half to roam and explore and I know I saw less than half of what the museum has to offer.  The images below are highlights of things that caught my attention.  The image of the man sketching Jesus is my favorite, even though it's not the best shot.

Needless to say, the five of us had quite an adventure and came back with some bragging points: we found the river, we navigated the underground system successfully (thanks in large part to Elizabeth), no one was splashed by a bus, and we spent the afternoon in a beautiful museum. All in all it was a great day that was capped with Billy Elliot the Musical, which is a pretty great show. Now I just need tickets to Les Miserables with Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean and I'll be a happy(er) camper.

The obligatory "Mind the Gap" photo taken from the tube.

Experience

Australian Landscape in London

"Embrace the difference," is the mantra of the Director of the London Study Center, Kathleen Paul.* Having experienced studying abroad for a number of years, her advice is worth taking. 

Even with the differences, I already feel comfortable with the neighborhood. This is due in large part to the tour yesterday and walking back and forth between the Study Center. I stopped in to Boots to get a new adapter, picked up a few groceries at Tesco, and went for a solitary walk and checked out the Australian Landscape at the forecourt of the British Museum. The British Museum, by the way, is just around the corner from my flat.

Every experience here is different, though some only slightly, from my experiences at home. I'm just used to the experiences at home. When I had my "difference of the day" today, I decided it would be a good idea to make a conscious decision to experience differences when given the opportunity. Some may seem small, but those are the things I tend to remember the most.

My difference of the day was enjoying warm custard with my apple pie instead of ice cream. It was a delicious difference. Just as sweet as ice cream, but without turning the pie cold. The whole group enjoyed fish & chips (or a vegetarian substitute), apple pie, and local ale at the Marlborough Arms.

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*Previously, this read "experience the difference," but it was brought to my attention that I mistyped. Though I believe the sentiment is very much the same.