Big Ben Baby!!

On Saturday May 16th we went on two tours. One of the Houses of Parliament (oh my gosh!) and the other of Westminster Abbey (holy beautiful)!  

For obvious reasons we were not allowed to take pictures inside of either places. It's extremely sacred. 

Look how close I was! It was an amazing experience. The architecture of the building was spectacular!! And our tour guide was quite nice to look at. (: 

Parliament consists of the House of Commons and House of Lords. We learned that in there they make laws, decide taxes and sometimes scrutinize the Government. 

The history and length of time these ceremonies have been occurring and the tradition that continues just amazes me. Blows my  mind. 

  

And then the Westminster Abbey, my goodness. I'll be honest the beauty and history almost brought me to tears. 

The Gothic design of the Abbey is nothing like anything I have seen before. So much little detail on each and every inch. It’s truly breathtaking. Something I found extremely interesting here was the royalty that was buried inside the Chapel dating as far back as the 17^th century! The memorials are sacred and still today treasured and admired. 

Below are a couple of my best shots! 

Lenient? Or Naw?!

On Friday May 15^th we went on a Magistrate Court Visit.

We learned a magistrates' court is a lower level court (similar to our traffic courts) where all the criminal proceedings start. Also some civil matters are decided here, namely family proceedings. They have been trained to “swiftly” deliver justice. So the people arrested on Sunday will be in court on Monday. Honestly the one we sat in on was not “swift”! There are over 360 magistrates' courts in England and Wales.

Let me tell you a little bit of  what we saw…

Entering the court house, quite similar to ours we had to go through security and walk up some stairs. 

In the first session there was a gentleman accused of stealing 80 pounds worth of merchandise, with a record of about 90 other drug, alcohol and theft convictions they were determined to punish and attempt to rehabilitate. He had already been in prison for a week and was sentenced to four more weeks. From the day he was released he had six months to pay a fine and court costs totaling 280 pounds. This case was interesting in itself. But the next one is better.

The second session, a young female accused of public disorder plead guilty to 5 counts of assaulting 5 different police officers and also causing self-harm as she head butted the floor and cut open her forehead. Her defense claimed mental instability. With a criminal record of violence before the court ordered a doctor to take a look at her metal issues if any and then return to the court in five weeks to evaluate an appropriate sentence. I was specifically interested in this one because if this had happened in the United States she would have gotten at least 5 years per officer totaling 25 years in prison regardless of mental capability.

This case was interesting to me only because I was under the impression if you claim to have mental instabilities maybe she should have plead not guilty.. SO interesting! 

I really enjoyed this visit, I probably could have stayed all day and I learned a whole lot! 

186 Years of Progress

I've met the Met, how about you?!

I’ve said it once or twice, but I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to learn from Constable Richard Watson (the picture above). Just in time, I might add, because he is retiring this year! He is well known in London, so well that him and his wife received a personal invite to the Trooping of the Colour. Which for those reading that don’t know is a celebration for the Queen’s birthday.

On Thursday May 14th we went to the Metropolitan Police (Met) Mini Museum.  There we learned the history and development of the Police and their uniforms. Technically beginning in the 17^th century with “Watchmen”. “Watchmen” were paid to guard gates of cemeteries and patrol the streets at night. In the 18^th century because of social changes “Watchmen” were no longer sufficient. And so in 1829 Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel founded the Metropolitan Police Service, officers were then called “Peeler’s” and “Bobbies”, to me these are funny names, obviously created to give credit to Sir Robert Peel. Ten years later all police in London, except ironically the City of London Police, were under Met control.

The picture below is of me holding Sir Robert Peel’s cane, and again Constable Watson behind me.

How freaking cool is that?! Seriously.

In 1829 training to become a Met Police Officer took only twenty days, believe that?! 20 days!! Below the first picture is of the first Instruction Book issued to all officers. Tiny isn’t it? Below that one is a picture, kind of blurry, of the obviously improved Instruction Book issued in 1939. Now that’s more like it!!  

We were shown the first uniform, and things that were distributed to the paid “bobbies”. Things like hang cuffs with a key that you had turn about 8 times to lock; the first wooden truncheon; and the “Rattles” they used to make noise to get the attention of those around, when you heard this noise you were required to join the chase of the criminal, in 1885 those were replaced by a whistle. Let me tell you it is loud and would get the job done. In the mid-1960’s those were replaced by the first radio, many complained about the size and weight, I held one!!  I was also lucky and got to use their first form of the siren, it was NOT easy and extremely loud. I had to use all my might. Imagine the grief I received from that, hahah!!

Below is a picture of some of the first uniform Jacket’s. (I apologize for the glare.)

Now let's talk about us females! Women were finally invited to join the Metropolitan Police in 1919 beginning with only 25 recruits to fill spots of men drafted by the army. However they were not given a uniform nor handcuffs and had no power of arrest until 1923. Instead their duties consisted of caring for females, juveniles and children. Today there are over 8,000 women officers and they perform the same duties as the males.

Below is a picture of the changes in the women uniform over the years. The dates are kind of blurry starting in 1919 all the way to 2003.

While there I was introduced to the idea of a Police Box. Police Boxes were used between 1929 and 1970 to provide shelter for officer’s in bad weather and held a public telephone, there was a light on the top that let the officer’s know they were needed. The personal radio and the domestic telephone pushed the boxes out and by 1970 they were all removed.

Something else I learned while visiting was that here in London they use the 999 service, which is the oldest emergency telephone service in the world, but 911 works also, for us visiting Americans, “in-case you cannot remember 999” Constable Watson joked.

In addition I had the chance to see police notes on Jack the Ripper case! That was COOL!

This was definitely one of my most favorite stops! I learned so much!  

Can you see what I see?!

The absolute beauty?! It's breathtaking.

 Just one side of the famous Windsor Castle. 

Parliament

I have the best group. Turning friends into family.

The Sherlock Holmes Pub!

Great food and even better company!

We went to the London Zoo today.. here's just a few pictures. It was amazing!

Kangaroo, because I have never seen one in person until today!! How cool!! 

There was a baby gorilla born just last week, this isn't it or the mom but it's a great picture!

Who doesn't just love seeing Giraffe's?! I know I do! 

We are on the London Eye!! What an amazing experience!!

 We saw so much of London!! And it's only day 3!!

I cannot get enough!

So much walking!! But I can't complain!! 

I am already in LOVE with London.

It's only day three.
The culture.
The pubs.
The people.
The restaurants.
The food.
The entertainment.
The architecture!!
I could go on and on. Seems like London Life is essential. Like it's the place to be. People aren't rude but they don't say "Hi" like we do in America, they don't smile at each other like we do in America everyone is always very nice, it's just different.

We went to the London Zoo, rode the London Eye, and visited the London Dungeon. Needless to say I was exhausted by the end of the day! However, I truly enjoyed every minute. I am trying to soak everything in I can because our time is flying by!
On our way to the Zoo we walked through Regents Park, it was huge, so green and so beautiful. I'm from Wyoming, where everything is brown, so I LOVE the green grass. Hahah There was a team of some sort practicing. There were people playing with their dogs, there were people just sitting and reading. It seems like such a chill hangout. The trees were beautiful, and HUGE!

Even there trash cans are "classy". 

I just love it here!! 

Bikes. SO many bikes. I was almost hit by a bike last night. I'm glad I wasn't because those on bikes cruise!! Let me tell ya. The girls watched and laughed for probably an hour. They now tell me they are going to put me on a leash (feel the love?). Every time we go to cross a street they shout "watch out Brenna". It's going to make for a hilarious story.

I am looking forward to M & M World and Camden Town!!



WHOOPWHOOP LONDON!!!! (:

Windsor Castle and St. George's Chapel.

First day here we went on a tour of Windsor Castle and St. George's Chapel, it was the most detailed and the most beautiful place of worship I have ever seen. I was taken back by the rich history and significant meaning it has to the Royal family.
Rumor has it when the flag is flying the Queen is present, and guess what?! The flag was flying when we were there!! How Cool!!

We were not allowed to take pictures of the inside but I will of course post the pictures I took very soon!

Something I found extremely interesting was the buried Royalty in the church. We were in the church walking over  the bodies of people that had died in 1750's, let that sink in. It was extremely touching.

I wouldn't mind living in a castle, I might get lost but hey that could be fun!! I am trying to think of words to describe the intricate art work and stone carvings. But to really understand I think you have to see it. The effort put in to building these places is essential, I am not surprised at all that it took 53 years to complete! 

Mary's Dollhouse is the biggest and most amazing dollhouse EVER. It was a gift from Queen Victoria to Queen Mary, and it is a replica of the Castle. Everything is set to scale, just you give you an idea the plates in the dollhouse are silver. The plumbing is even real. The paintings are from the Artist himself. I just can't imagine the amount of time or money spent. It is essential. And I am sure priceless. 

My most favorite Memorial in the Chapel was of Princess Charlotte, like I said we couldn't take a picture but it was of her with a gown covering her whole body and her fingers peaking out of the one side. It was after she had given birth to a still born and unfortunately she died also. The tour guide said this was actually pretty common. In the memorial she had two people mourning on each side of her. While above is her spirit rising to heaven with two Angels guiding her, one on each side. The one on the left carrying her baby. 

Leaving our first stop, I felt like this was an amazing opportunity that I will remember for a lifetime. 

What A Trip!!

We woke up to 10 inches of snow, I was worried we wouldn't make it. Just one of the things on my list to be worried about. I have never been to a different country. I was so nervous. After the plane being delayed just about an hour we made it to Minnesota, ate some Taco Bell (my absolute favorite) and got on the biggest plane I have ever been on. Huge but not comfortable, it was hard to sleep and after 8 hours I AM IN LONDON!!
It's beautiful. So different. And I am loving every minute!!

After such a long day, and the 7 hour time difference I slept like a baby.
Breakfast was different, to say the least but not bad at all! They have coffee, and honestly that's all I need. Paying for the coffee was interesting. I just put my hand out, full of change, and said "Can you help me?" hahah they look at my funny but are very patient. I am one happy American in London!
The shopping and the fashion seems more advanced. They are way ahead of us.
People  all over actually look at my funny. I am sure they know right away I am not from here. But even though I have only been here for a day I have already fallen in love with the London Lifestyle. I will be back, no doubt.