Sunny Sunday

So after waking up at 12 p.m. my flat mates, our friend Jamie and decided to go to Hyde Park today to take some touristy pictures.  Once we got there we were looking for Speakers Corner but stumbled upon a Muslim protest against Israeli terrorists in defense of hurting children in the Gaza strip.  Although it wasn't what we thought at first it was pretty interesting to watch.  I had never seen a live protest before so it was pretty eye-opening.  I realized that I don't really know too much about what's going on in the world either.  Most of the news is either local shootings or robberies, high school sports and celebrity gossip.  After thinking of all the usual junk I listen to or watch everyday I feel guilty not knowing about other parts of the world.

After the protest we headed over to the actual Speakers Corner for another new experience.  Speaker's Corner features various people who literally stand up on step ladders and voice their opinions to the public there.  For example, today there were 2 or 3 speakers talking about religion and promoting Christianity yet there were people there bashing the speakers too.  There was also a Princess Di/Queen impersonator, a guy giving our free hugs and another guy singing gospel songs.  

While we were at Speakers Corner we met this guy, Billy, who was from Texas but was working and living in London for now.  He was telling us all about the people at Speakers Corner and how they come every week to bicker and argue.  It was a very different experience because although we have freedom of speech in America I've never seen people debate or argue in each other's faces like they did today.   Apparently here though, it is quite normal for Speaker's Corner.

I also went to Westminster Abbey today for an organ recietal.  It was GORGEOUS!  I'm not a big one for classical gospel music but this was just the coolest thing you can ever experience.  Imagine sitting there listening to beautiful organ music and looking up and seeing all these old, classical arches and marble statues along the side of the walls.  It was just the best experience in London so far.  I'm pretty sure I'll be going back next Sunday for another concert.  I loved it!

Well tomorrow is the first day of classes so I should rest up.  We are taking a 4 mile walk through London to learn some history about different aspects of the city.  It will be a great photo opp. - as long as it doesn't rain!