Arrival in London

During our final day in Washington, D.C. (day 4) we were given great advice by recent Marshall Alumni that had just returned from the U.K., as well as a final briefing on what to expect during our two years. Afterwards, we had lunch near the British Embassy, where we all continued to get to know each other, before heading back to the hotel to grab our luggage and go to the airport.

Despite having a group of 33 students traveling overseas, many with several pieces of luggage, we were able to quickly get through the check-in process and security. Waiting at the gate everyone made a few last calls or emails to family before we began boarding the plane, where we all sat very close to each other on a relatively empty flight.

Unfortunately, we were taking off at 3pm Oregon time, 6pm D.C. time and yet needed to sleep to avoid being exhausted the next day. I was unable to sleep right away, and ended up watching a couple movies on the plane, and before I knew it we were beginning to land in London at 6:30am London time.

London from the London Eye

Customs and baggage claim went well for all of us, and we met up with our leaders in the U.K., Mary and Lizzie, who had a coach waiting for us nearby by a company appropriately called “Marshalls.”

Our us for the few days in London

When we arrived at the hotel our rooms were not ready, so we had a 5 hour briefing on life in the U.K. and details about our scholarship conditions. Since none of us had slept the night before, it was a grueling process. While many of the Marshalls had their rooms ready by 1pm, four of us were unable to get into our rooms before 2pm, where we had to quickly shower to prepare for our trip to the London Eye.

London Eye

The London Eye, a gigantic attraction constructed this past decade, was a great experience and chance to view the entire city of London from every angle. Although a bit expensive, I should thank the Marshall Commission for paying the bills on this trip. We even had a London Eye 4D Experience, where the 4^th D was the bubbles and water sprayed on us in the theatre. 

London from the London Eye.

After the London Eye, we rode the tube (London subway system) back to our hotel. In the evening we went out with 2010 Marshalls living in London. I chose to go to Mexican food, which was far different than U.S. Mexican food. After the dinner most of us, having been up for nearly 40 hours, decided to go to bed. Overall, my first day in London was very successful and it was a fantastic city. Tomorrow, when not jet lagged, we will be going to Parliament as well as the London Reception, for my 6^th day as a Marshall Scholar.

Me on the London Eye with Parliament in the background.