It’s been a great couple of weeks so far studying at the London School of Economics. Class is very time-consuming, but I found some time this weekend to venture out to Buckingham Palace, which is only about 20 minutes from my flat. I’m not usually super interested in History, but I couldn’t pass up exploring the State Rooms and Gardens of one of the most well-known places on Earth. I arrived early, and quickly saw the massive line of tourists (like myself) waiting to enter the castle through a wooded path. Upon entering the building, I walked through massive doors, entering a giant hall which was intricately designed to make guests feel the magnitude of the building they are in. I was surrounded by royal staircases, bookshelves, and gifts from foreign nations, including a massive carriage sent by Australia. I was given headphones and a device that gave me a self-guided audio tour throughout the building, explaining the cultural and historical significance of various banquet halls and art galleries. The throne room was fascinating, and I could see the gorgeous and massive chandelier hanging above the chairs in which members of the royal family have been coronated for centuries. The art gallery was filled with expensive art from all over the world, with paintings of Venice, Italy next to one of a man in Paris. I wish I could take pictures of these rooms, but we were strictly forbidden from taking any pictures throughout the entire tour. I was able to get a picture of the royal gardens, as well as a royal guard patrolling outside the palace.
