Imagine this: you’re standing in the heart of London, surrounded by bustling crowds and iconic landmarks. This is exactly what our class experienced on our recent trip to the English capital!
Our journey began on a Friday morning with an early departure from Kufstein. After a quick flight, we arrived in London around noon, ready to explore. Our teachers, determined to make the most of our time, wasted no time in immersing us in the city’s vibrant culture. We spent the afternoon strolling through the renowned Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, taking in the sights and sounds of this world-famous metropolis. We were truly blown away by the scale and energy of London, yet we managed to navigate the city without getting lost on our first day! Exhausted from our travels, we were thrilled to finally meet our host families and settle in for a well-deserved night’s rest.
Exploring London’s Iconic Landmarks
The following day was just as action-packed as the first. After a quick breakfast with our host families, we hopped on a train into the city. We couldn’t escape the catchy slogan that echoed throughout the train carriages: “See it, say it, sorted.” Although it grew a bit tiresome after a few days, it certainly added to the unique London experience!
We arrived at Charing Cross and set off on foot towards the historic Westminster Abbey. Along the way, we encountered the Horse Guards, who, sadly, couldn’t reciprocate our greetings. Inside Westminster Abbey, we were captivated by the awe-inspiring architecture and exquisite artwork adorning the walls and ceiling. Each of us received a headset to guide us through the vast church, allowing us to explore at our own pace.
Our next stop was the tranquil St. James’s Park, where we enjoyed a relaxing break from the city’s hustle and bustle. Afterwards, we ventured back into the city, navigating the underground system, before embarking on a boat tour along the majestic Thames River. This gave us a sneak peek at some of the incredible monuments we were eager to explore in the coming days. As the sun began to set, we were left with sun-kissed skin and a delightful home-cooked dinner, marking the end of another memorable day.
Camden Market, Street Art, and a Soccer Match
Day three was the most tiring of the week, but also one of the most exhilarating! We kicked off the morning at the bustling Camden Market, where we spent three hours indulging in shopping and savoring diverse culinary delights. It was sensory overload, with vendors from every corner of the world tempting us with their wares. By the time we were done, lunch was the furthest thing from our minds.
Next up was a two-hour street art tour, showcasing London’s impressive graffiti scene. While waiting for our guides, some of the boys decided to show off their soccer skills and challenged a group of local players to a friendly match. It was an exciting clash, Austria vs. UK, but in the end, our boys emerged victorious! The street art tour revealed a vibrant and artistic side of London, exposing us to the city’s creative energy. By the end of the day, our phones displayed an impressive 20,000 steps, a testament to the day’s adventures.
The British Museum, Oxford Street, and Mamma Mia
The weather took a turn for the worse on Monday, but it didn’t dampen our spirits. We arrived at the British Museum soaked to the bone, but were immediately captivated by the world-renowned exhibits, including the legendary Rosetta Stone. After an afternoon of shopping on Oxford Street and a quick stop at the opulent Harrods, we enjoyed dinner in Chinatown before experiencing one of the highlights of our trip: the Mamma Mia musical. We danced, sang, and laughed along, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Covent Garden
Tuesday saw us venturing to Buckingham Palace to witness the iconic Changing of the Guards ceremony. After a relaxing stroll through St. James’s Park, where we encountered hundreds of friendly squirrels, we arrived at the London Eye, a truly awe-inspiring experience. The entire class fitted into one cabin, allowing us to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views together. We continued our sightseeing adventure with visits to Tate Modern and St. Paul’s Cathedral, before ending the day with some free time in Covent Garden.
Jack the Ripper, Spitalfields Market, and National Gallery
Wednesday’s highlight was a chilling Jack the Ripper walk guided by a skilled storyteller who, despite the sunshine, managed to create a truly eerie atmosphere. The tour concluded at Spitalfields Market, where we had some time to shop or browse before making our way to the National Gallery. There, we admired world-famous masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Monet’s Water-Lillies, soaking in the artistic legacy of these renowned painters.
Notting Hill and a Farewell to London
Our final day was a relaxing one, beginning with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque neighborhood of Notting Hill. When our teachers asked us what we wanted to do with our remaining time, we all agreed: one last visit to Oxford Street to complete our shopping spree!
Our time in London was truly amazing. Our teachers perfectly balanced cultural experiences, sightseeing, unique events, and free time, creating an unforgettable journey for all of us. We are eternally grateful to Frau Prof. März, Frau Prof. Riethorst, and Herrn Prof. Schönherr for their meticulous planning and organization, which made this trip a memorable one. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the school’s parents’ association and JUFF Tirol for their invaluable financial support, which made this incredible adventure possible.
