London, England
I took my first trip to Europe with the Wichita Wind Ensemble June 5th-15th, 2001. This was one of the best trips I've ever been on. It was so well organized and I got to see so many things. I love Europe because of its culture and beauty. Crystal and Mary also got to come with me on this trip which mades things so much nicer. I had such a great time.
In England, their lights turn red, then yellow, then green. This is very strange. They also drive on the left side of the road, but it seems almost everyone does that.
This was the bus we drove through out our entire Europe trip. It was driven by Peter. You can see his picture on the Paris page.
This is Peter, our bus driver. He is from Holland and is VERY tall. All the high school girls went ga ga over him. He is cute, but HELLO!. He's from Holland! Crazy girls!
This is Geert, our tour guide. He is also from Holland. He did such a great job. He is probably one of the smartest guys I know. He speaks 7 different languages fluently. What a great personality! Our group got really attached to him. We will miss him.
Big Ben. It looks a lot more spectacular in person. Pictures don't do it justice.
We spent a day at Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Here is a a statue of the jester that he used in many of his writings. It is located right outside the William Shakespeare museum.
We got to see the production of "The Lion King" at the Lyceum Theatre. The actors weren't that great, but the special effects and costumes were awesome.
Here is one of the Ravens at the Tower of London. There is a saying that if there is ever less then 7 Ravens living at the Tower of London, that England will fall. They clip their wings and keep a couple of extra ones around just in case. =) Don't blame em!
Westminster Abbey. What a beautiful place. This is where Princess Diana's funeral was held. Many special events have taken place here. It was incredible just be standing in that room.
The Original Hard Rock Cafe - London, England
Our last night in England, we got the chance to go see Les Miserable at the Palace Theatre. I got awesome seats because I ended up getting them from a scouter. I was 3rd row back in the balcony. I love Les Mis and it was awesome to finally see it on the stage.
We were going to take the Chunnel over to France, but it was broken down. Instead, we took a ferrie across the English Channel and got to see The White Cliffs of Dover. See what I would have missed?
Here I am on the ferrie, with the White Cliffs of Dover behind me.
This is the water churning at the back of our ship. I love watching the water do that. It's so peaceful.