My trip to
London!!!
Sunday 23th February
First day, we took the bus. I had a very good place in the coach and I didn’t
sleep very well because of noises and the uncomfortable sit. It was long. I had a
little bag. And I think that everybody is stressed because they took so big bag …
We took the ferry it was really funny. We arrived in England. Then we looked
throw the window the landscape of this nation unknown for me.
Finally, we arrived at 6pm at the rendezvous. With Rémi, my friend, we were
waiting for our host. And of course they were late to make us feel stress. Then
we took the taxi after we waited again. And we discover each other and he
looked very nice and kind. He is old and named Ben and he has a wife named
Maria. He has a son which is married. All the family was great with us. Even
the dog was friendly, I thought he was older than the queen: he didn’t walk
right anymore, he was blind and deaf.
We had a bedroom with a TV, a bathroom and three beds. He left us a bit free,
so we could do whatever we wanted. Every day we ate only Rémi and I
delicious meal cooked by Ben. Indeed he is a great cook (better than my
mother). Finally, we were so tired that we slept really early.
Sunday, 23th February 2014
As every morning, we woke up at 6:40am. It was short to be ready at time, but
we didn’t want to lose one second of sleeping. Then we took the taxi to arrive
to the coach at time. The advantage was that we could choose our places in the
bus: where the seats are not broken.
Our first visit was the national gallery. We could discover many paintings as the
sunflowers of Van Gogh yet we missed the ambassadors and the amazing
anamorphosis we studied last year.
Moreover, I could see the self-portrait of Rembrandt, one of
the greatest artists of the XVII century in Europe. He created
many self-portraits which allow us to know better the artist
and his life. Indeed, at the aged of 34,
Rembrandt looked at the height of his
fame: well dressed, we can imagine
him rich and reputed. However, at the
age of 63, Rembrandt seems old, tired
with a huge life experience. Actually;
this painter used to make his masterpiece with realism,
and not to show only beauty. For example, the wrinkles
are not hidden at all, quite the opposite he used
chiaroscuro to highlight it. I appreciated it because of
this sincerity.
MONDAY, 24th February
At midday, we ate the lunch prepared by
the family. It was disappointing: we only
have cheese in our sandwiches; as much
the dinners were really great the
evening. With rumbling stomach but
open spirit, we follow our trip in the
globe theatre; the Shakespeare’s
theatre. We could see the genius of Shakespeare doesn’t only exist in the
words; but also in the action. The scene was really close to the public who can
see the actors wherever they are seating or
standing. Moreover the light was only
natural and the set was always the same.
Later in the afternoon; we played some
Romeo and Juliet’s verse. Surprise surprise,
Laure and I were chosen to perform in front
of the group!
Then we had some free time so we decided with Jean, Lois and Laure to make a
quick walk at the Tate museum.
However I think I don’t have
enough art sensibility to
understand what Kandinsky
wanted to express…
So after this small visit, we decided to have a break
in a Starbuck coffee, waiting for the other group.
Then, at the end of the day, we walked at
Greenwich where we could see the ship Cutty Sark,
but only a few minutes.
First, we began this 2nd day under the rain, but
it is not a problem, a hood was enough to fight
London weather! So we saw the tower of
London and the St Paul cathedral where we
only saw the entrance. The main activity of the
morning was the visit of
the museum of London.
We could see the evolution of the city throughout the
ages, from Roman civilization to nowadays. I enjoyed
modern history so I stayed longer in the room.
Londoners changed London. Difference could be looked without suspicion; it
became famous for the extraordinary diversity of its street life all around the
world. The population, really young and multicultural, fights for individual
freedom and right. Thanks to the Beatles who delivered a message of peace in
their concerts fully filled of rock. The national service stopped but the
technology improves the way of live of Londoners: they discovered television in
the 50’s; vespas developed in the 60’s to make easier the travels and by the
way Apple computer appeared in the 80’s. Finally fashion in the second half of
the XX century improve women conditions who released women with new
dress more comfortable!
Tuesday, 25th February
On the afternoon, we visited the cabinet war room
and the Churchill museum. Nevertheless, we had to
wait one moment but it was great to pet squirrels
and to take a time of respite. So after it, we could
enjoy finding out History closer than usual. Indeed, I
would never imagine that a prime minister could live
in a so narrow space. Churchill seemed to be very
involved to save Europe of Nazism. I think it is
important to know History for all unknown people
who fight whatever their nationality, for peace. By
the way, England and free Europe needed a
great leader to manage a hard and long war.
Finally, we had a small culinary surprise: cream tea and scones. In any case, we
won’t be able to say that all the English food is disgusting. Thank you to open
my mind!
To begin this 3rd day in the capital, we went to the
dockland to feel the modification of this part of the
city. We worked on as if it was a poor and popular
borough, however we could see a district similar at
the city, with huge building of glass. We had some
precision at the museum of dockland museum
where we can see the evolution through the
ages.
Then on the afternoon, we had the luck to
visit the Olympic center. As a sport lover
boy, I found this visit great and interesting
with a crazy guide with a lot of small
anecdote nice to know.
Despite our passion for culture, we also needed a few relaxing moment in the
biggest commercial center I ever seen. Well, I’m not really keen on shopping.
Wednesday, 26th February
Last day in London! First we thanked a lot our host family who was really kind
and hospitable with us. So we gave them chocolates
from home (the last day, so we can keep it if they
were not kind during the week) and left for the last
time … . First, we visited our last museum: the
British museum. I was totally impressed by the
quality, the precision and the size of all sculpture
which were built a thousand years ago. More than
the Parthenon frieze or the Rosetta stone, the chest
of Ramses II makes me feel so small behind the
genius artistic, that I was extremely happy.
There was an atmosphere of the Orient mix with a British architecture. We
were looking for a Banksy’s graffiti. We didn’t find it but I can learned to know
more about him once in France.
Thursday, 27th February
Finally, we finished by going to Buckingham palace even if the Queen didn’t
want to receive us. I think she didn’t know our presence, brilliant students as
we are; who wants to miss us?
For our last moment in London we had the happiness to walk on Oxford Street
which has the agitation of the city which makes me feel sick. In Vieugy, cows
and corn are more peaceful. Regardless I could fell in joy of childhood once in
Hamley’s and by the way I buy one big bottle of MnM’s in their store! To
conclude in beauty we eat (or maybe gobble) in KFC that I’ve known before. It
was so grass that we thought they soaked the chicken in the oil!
Last second in England. What a nice trip make in a good ambiance, with nice
classmates and nice teachers. I am a bit sad to leave Great Britain, but all good
thing come to the end so, why don’t be happy to find back a perfect bed, to
stay idle for two weeks of holidays and especially… eating vegetable. I’ve never
thought that kind of thing could happen to me. Not so young!
Thank you for this nice and enriching trip!
Friday, 28th February