Day 5: WW2 is Everywhere and VE Day Celebrations continue!

VE Day Continues today! 

Another big day with lots of great events and tons of history. This morning we went on a walking tour of London's East End. This area has undergone an amazing and diverse history. It started out as the outskirts of London housing the slums and immigrants. Eventually the Huguenots from France came over to London to avoid persecution for their protestant religion and began a thriving silk weaving trade in this area of town. The buildings they lived in still survive. This area underwent many ethnic changes as groups moved in and out based on the economy. Eventually the Jews replaced the French and then the Bangladesh replaced the Jews. More about this tour in my other blog post. This area was heavily bombed during World War 2 since it was a hub of industry. Evidence of this bombing was noticeable on buildings such as the building below.

Our tour guide's family is Jewish and they lived in this area. Her father was born in 1938 and was evacuated to the countryside during the Blitz Bombing of London several times, as were many children from London. The evacuation was called operation Pied Piper and began on September 1, 1939 and 3.5 million people (mostly children) were evacuated during the war time conditions. Not just children were evacuated to the countryside for safety- art and national treasures were also moved.  Those who were not evacuated retreated to bomb shelters built in backyards throughout London and evacuation locations. Some children were evacuated as far as Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. A famous representation of the WW2 evacuations is in C.S. Lewis' famous book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe were the 4 Pevensie children were evacuated to a country manor house where they found the magical wardrobe that led to Narnia. 

Children being evacuated to the countryside in 1939

The Pevensie children at the train station after evacuation to the countryside. Notice the tickets on their jackets with their information and destination.

After the East End tour, we headed for the Victoria and Albert Museum. The museum was awe inspiring and more will be told about that in my next blog post. However, there was a nice exhibition about the style of WW2. Cloth was rationed along with everything else and the result was a very plain and functional wardrobe called "Utility" wear. It was rationed to the point that no pleating or folds were allowed in skirt because it was an unnecessary use of fabric and skirts could only be knee length. Jackets could only have 3 buttons. This wardrobe is undeniably English and I recognized it immediately from photos and history books. 

Utility Outfits

Utility Womens shoes

Also in honor of VE Day's 70th Anniversary, there was a 1940's themed concert at Horse Guards Parade Grounds tonight. I was not able to go but I did watch on the telly and the celebration was so cool. It felt like the celebration was truly taking place 70 years ago. Tomorrow morning there is a special VE Day service in Westminster Abbey and I will be in the area and hopefully will see some of the happenings. Overall, being in London for this 70th Anniversary of VE Day has been so incredible. To be a part of the ceremony at the Cenotaph yesterday, witness the memorials city wide and feel the pulse of national pride and see veterans who gave so much honored so wonderfully is an unforgettable experience. Upcoming on the blog will be how the Tube was used in WW2 and what the original 1945 VE Day celebration was like. Stay tuned!!

Day 4: Victory in Europe Day 70th Anniversary

Victory in Europe 70th Anniversary 

Today was VE Day here in London. I had the privilege to be in Westminster during the 70th Anniversary of the Victory in Europe Day Ceremony at the Cenotaph (Britains tomb of the unknown soldier essentially) and the laying of the wreaths. It was so incredible- I cannot even describe the feeling of that moment and how lucky I feel to have been in London for this monumental moment in history. I literally stood on a fence to be able to see some of the ceremony and caught glimpses of Prince Andrew and all the party leaders of Britain including newly elected Prime Minister David Cameron. I was able to go and view the wreaths up close after the ceremony. What a moment. There were also many WW2 veterans there for the ceremony and I stood beside one at the Cenotaph and I was just in awe of what he lived through and helped to do. What an event and I am just so grateful to have witnessed it in person amidst a giant crowd and sing God Bless the Queen with them (because when in London....) as they celebrated the biggest Victory their country may ever see.

Standing on the fence to see it all happen!

Look at that crowd!!!

The Cenotaph

There was also a collection of World War 2 vehicles and artillery showcased in St. James Park today. There were men and women dressed in period uniforms and it was like stepping back in time to the war. War memorials all around London had wreaths placed on them as well. 

A bit rainy today. Always wear your trench coat with a hood when in London. Always

We also visited the Banqueting House today. This is one of the only surviving architectural pieces from the banqueting era and was designed by the famed architect Inigo Jones in 1619. It is also famous for the ornate ceiling by Ruben's painted in 1635. This is the only remaining part of Whitehall Palace and is famous as the site of King Charles I's beheading in 1649.

Wow. 

Next up was the Household Cavalry Museum and Horse Guards Parade area. There were the classic mounted cavalry outside the museum and of course I had to get a picture. The Horse Guards and Horse Guards Parade have barely changed over time. They retain ancient practices and keep the traditions of Britain alive.

I would find the horses in London

Also visited Trafalgar Square for the WW2 memorials featured there today. While standing in Trafalgar, this old style London double decker bus with 1940's advertisements and the people on the bus were dressed in period 1940's outfits and waving newspapers flashing the famous VICTORY headline. I thought this was such a fun touch. 

Back in time 70 years

In Trafalgar Square, the change the far right statue regularly. Right now it is "Gift Horse", a large skeletal horse with a bow on its front leg that reads the daily London financial market. Of course I was excited about another Equestrian thing in London.

Gift Horse

Trafalgar Square

Another aspect of the VE day celebration was these informational points all throughout Trafalgar. They each had photos and information and even an audio speech from Winston Churchill about what happened on VE Day in 1945 in London. People crowded Trafalgar then and jumped in the fountains, danced in the street and celebrated in a way they had not celebrated in years. To glimpse that through photos in the place it happened on the day it happened was so incrediable.

VE Day Remembrance

Overall, what a day. I am so grateful to have been in London for the 70th anniversary of VE Day. To have it coincide with my project and add so much to my understanding of the war and the people who survived it is just beyond amazing. Everywhere I turn I see something else I want to do or see and I know my 3 weeks will go too quick but I am enjoying every second. I am off to bed, walked 8 miles today. Tomorrow we have a walking tour of the East End and then because it is going to rain (surprise, surprise) we are planning to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum. Fun fun fun!!!

Day 3: Green in the City

What a day! Today was voting day in London which was pretty cool to see. We logged 13.5 miles today walking around the city. We had class this morning and went to a cute little Camden farmers market and had the best hamburger and apple juice ever.

We hit the parks today because it was absolutely beautiful- sunny, mid 60's and just gorgeous walking weather. Getting there was a fun challenge, lots of Tube platform changes but we are really starting to get the hang of the Tube. The parks are amazing. We did St. James Park, Green Park, Hyde Park and started exploring Kensington Gardens (more time for that later). The parks are so nicely landscaped and there are so many amazing memorials and statues. I even saw a paint horse being ridden in Hyde Park and it made me very happy.

I did not realize how many World War 2 memorials there were in the parks. Every time I turned around there was a different one. My favorite was the Bombing of Britain Memorial in Green Park. The statue was so awe inspiring and just stunningly gorgeous from every angle. Since it is the 70th anniversary of the end of World War 2 in Europe tomorrow, there is a ton of memorials and wreaths all over the memorials which adds an extra element to the experience.

Other memorials in the parks included the Canadian Forces, Australian forces, Asian and Indian Forces and the Cavalry.

British Version the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from my understanding

Memorial to the Royal Calvary 

My favorite element was this personal memorial placed on the base of the Battle of Britain Memorial for Sgt. Nobby Clark who lost his life in the skies of Austria in 1944. It was placed there by his crewmate and friend Mike McGrory. It's the things like that that bring the war to life for me and give me a feel for the amazing people who lived through it and allowed for the victory achieved on May 8, 1945, now know as Victory in Europe Day. 

RIP Sgt. Clark. Thank you

Tomorrow is the 70th Anniversary of VE Day and there are many events happening around the city tomorrow and this weekend. I will have more about that in tomorrow's blog as I am trying to attend as much of the VE Day celebration as possible.

For now, I am going to rest my aching feet and hit the sack. It was a big day and I am just ready for more tomorrow! What an experience of a lifetime this has been so far and it's just the beginning.

Day 2: Mind the Gap

Day 2 is in the books!!! I took my first tube today and I minded the gap! The oyster cards are amazing. The tube system is so nice and runs so smoothly.

Today we had Orientation with AIFS (our study abroad company) and a guided sightseeing coach tour to all the major sites! It was such a fun day and when we finally saw Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, etc. I actually felt like I was IN London!!! It was rather rainy off and on and I am getting lots of use out of my trench coat. We walked around 5 miles today according to our phones... it is a walking city! I played tourist today and carried my camera and took pictures and several times exclaimed over the sites... tomorrow I will start acting less like a tourist and more like a Londoner. Dinner tonight was Mac N Cheese and fresh bakery bread- living it up!

Here are some pictures!

St. Pauls Cathedral

St. Pauls Cathedral

Tower Bridge

Big Ben!

Buckingham Palace

Victoria Memorial

Buckingham Palace

The Eye

The things you see in Trafalgar Square

National Gallery

I found the TK Maxx!!!!!! 

Our tour guide pointed out this old church that was heavily bombed during the Blitz Bombing of WW2. The Blitz lasted between September 7, 1940 and May 21, 1941. The German Luftwaffe bombed London heavily for 57 nights. More than 1 million homes were destroyed, 40,000 civilians lost their lives and the Royal Airforce sustained heavy losses. The reason for the bombing was to demoralize Britain and break them down. This failed- Britain rose above the bombing stronger than ever and never lost hope and faith in their city. Untouched by the bombing was the iconic St. Pauls Cathedral. Bombs fell around the cathedral but never destroyed it. On December 29, 1941, Hitler specifically ordered the destruction of St. Pauls. Winston Churchill ordered the protection of St, Pauls in every way possible. Many firemen lost their lives fighting the incendiary bombs but when morning rose, St. Pauls still stood- strong and majestic above the German fires. This was symbolic also of the British people who never faltered and stayed strong amid the destruction.

St. Paul's Cathedral rising above the fires and destruction

Here are the pictures of this small church we passed today. Even today, the remnants of the Blitz Bombing show on this stone building.

It was unbelievable to see the actual bombing damage. Reading about it just doesn't make it as real as actually seeing it. I can't wait to delve deeper into the research available about the Blitz bombing and London in WW2. 

Well, that is all for now! We are going out for dinner soon, time to find a London pub to get some real London food!