Reali(s)ations of the First Week in Uganda

Over the course of the week, one of the things that has impressed me the most is the camaraderie and community that exists between the teaching faculty at my school. The students are divided into their grades and remain in the same classroom all day, thus the teachers spend their non teaching time together in the staff room. Secondary teachers here do not teach the whole day like at home, but teach classes at different time through out the day and week, much like college professors back home. So, teacher spend a lot of time together in the staff room. I think this is great. There is a lot of collaborating that happens and cross-curriculum support. ALL of the teachers are friends and express freely thoughts and expectations of each other. So at the end of the week I was very impressed, but something shook this ideology. On Friday the senior 4 students had a agriculture practical to help prepare them for their state exam coming up in July. Silvio and Alex (my two erg teachers) were in charge and I was helping them. We needed extra help to monitor the different rooms, but we were unable to rally up support. All of the teacher who were not teaching their own class (around 10) were all sitting in Boys Club (under the tree) and no one was willing to step up and help us monitor and run the practical (this was much like an FFA field day and you can imagine the need for extra supervision of students). I was so disappointed. It appears that the teachers are not willing to add to their own schedule or to their “contract.” I am intrigued to continue to observe this phenomena and see if it was just a fluke or if this attitude is common.

There were a few other things I realized Friday. I thought that Silvio trusted me, but as it came time to monitor the practical, he bluntly stated that I was not capable because I am a mazungo (white person). I was a little taking back considering the great respect he had shown me through out the week. I know that in his culture that is not rude, but it is a cultural difference that must be understood. Trust is something that is very hard for the Acholi people. Considering their past, this is understandable. They have spent the last 20+ plus years in war with rebel and government forces. As a result, it appears there is little trust between teacher and student, boss and employee, neighbor to neighbor, etc. However, I have found a few exceptions. Our cook, housekeeper and handy man at the house are so so so trusting and amazing. Also, one of my boda boda drivers. Saturday there was a sport competition at Keyo. I called Francis to give me a ride out there. He picked me up and we started on our way. As we were still in Gulu town he asked me, “do you know how to ride?” At first I did not know what he was talking about, but he wanted me to take his motor cycle and drive myself out to Keyo and that is exactly what happened. I dropped him off in town and took myself out to Keyo. I was amazed that he trusted me to take his boda, the one possession he owns that makes a living for his family, puts food on the table and pays for his daughter’s schooling. I seriously was taken back. But I’ll be honest, it was so much fun taking myself out to Keyo and riding through that countryside. It is such a beautiful drive! Another example of great friendships-trust I am building is with my more regular boda driver, Denis. Denis takes me to school each day. We normally we talk the whole way out there. He will tell me about his family, his life and also teaches me Luo along the way. I tell him about my family and farming in the US as well. Friday on our way home he asked me for my full name. I told him and asked him why he asked. He said he wanted to know so that he could name is son after me. Namesakes are huge here and I was so surprised that he considered me such a friend. I am going to go and meet his wife and son soon and am so excited to build that relationship.

I am making some really great friends here in Uganda. The IC staff we interact with at the house, my boda drivers, random locals and the teachers and students at Keyo. Richard is one of such students. He is a senior five student and has only been at Keyo for less than a month. Since day one, he has been willing to approach me and visit with me (many will approach me and shake my hand, but few will carry on conversation. So richard has become my friend. At Keyo, they start each morning with parade. At 8:00 AM, all the student line up to sing the national anthem, school song, school prayer and also receive necessary announcements. I love that they are able to sing the national anthem and also pray at school. America is a little ridiculous in that realm, but that is for another post. Anyway, I asked Richard to teach me the national anthem the school song and the school prayer. During our sessions, I have learned a lot about him. He is 20 years old and comes from a hard working-laboring family. Both of his parents are farm workers and spend their days out in the fields. His parents cannot afford to transport him back and forth from their home to school each day and so he just stays in a hut close to the school. They cannot afford a lunch card either and so many of the days he goes hungry. He is amazing though. Like I said above, he has only been at Keyo for a month, but already he has been elected as the student speaker at the school (equivalent of SBO Pres). He is articulate and leads other students so well. I am excited to teach him and the other student leaders public speaking Tuesday nights during club time.

I have the greatest respect and admiration for all the students here at Keyo, but in the end many of them are your classic shit-heads. I think I lived in denial-innocence the first week and did not want to see that at times they can be just as disrespectful and rude as American students. I believe this could be addressed if the teachers took a more vested interest in the personal lives of their students. Many of the teachers (including Silvio) do not even know any of the names of their students. It is incredibly sad that they don’t put forth that effort. It seems that the role of school here in Uganda is purely academic. There does not appear to be any counseling-mentoring at all happening. When students get mad or upset they revolt, as witnessed by their rioting past. They need attention and I hope that we (the American teachers) can share with them ways and reasons why teachers need to feel that role in their lives. It is certainly not happening in home either. It is hard to think that a civilization will improve if the adults do not invest and respect the youth. This needs to happen in social institutions as well as at home. How thankful am I for the up-bringing I had in a school where I was a person (not a number) and a church where I was empowered with knowledge of God and myself.

Speaking of church, it was amazing this week! Even from last week I knew that it would good because the mission president was going to be here. Unlike last week, the chapel was nearly full as we arrived at the church. I greeted the missionaries and then several of the members that I had met last week. The sacrament meeting began with a few testimonies. The branch president announced that two elders from the ward had received mission calls and they both were able to stand and bear testimony of their experiences of preparing for their missions. They both will be serving in Ghana, but in different missions. It was pretty amazing to see the excitement both of these young men had to serve the Lord and inspiring to know that they will the first two missionaries to ever serve from the Gulu branch. The next lady to bear testimony was Lisa. Lisa first came to Uganda a year ago to build huts in a small village outside Gulu. She brougt back a group again this year to do service and also a film crewe to make a documentary. She had an amazing-piercing testimony that was so simple and sweet. It was easy to see that she truly understands and lives a charitable life. Both President and Sister Jackson’s talks were amazing. Sister Jackson spoke on developing and maintaining a personal testimony. President Jackson spoke a little on the history of the Gulu branch. One year ago he was here and there were 12 members. There were over 200 this week! They have already moved buildings in the last 6 months and they will move again soon to accommodate the great growth. There were 8 baptism after church and there are that many or more every week! It is amazing to be here and witness this great work as it roles forth to ever corner of the earth.

taking care of business!

And these are the restrooms! The first picture shows the pit latrines in the middle (used for long call) and the bottom picture is of the boys urinal. It is kinda fun to just pee in the middle :)

the Kitchen!

So these are pictures of the kitchen at my school here in Uganda...Keyo SS. As I saw it and entered in and visited with the cooks, I couldn't help but think of my grandma kate and georgia at north summit. How would they like cooking here? I will say though that the food is great. It is the same everyday! We have posho and beans everyday for lunch. Posho is a rice based mush and beans are just boiled beens. On Wednesdays we get the treat of also having meat served with the posho and beans. The cooks also prepare a scone like bread and local tea for us everyday at 11 AM for break. They are supper nice ladies and it is fun interacting with the whole community at Keyo.

Pics of Keyo SS

This is my school...Keyo SS! The building to the left is the administrative offices and a couple of classrooms including a small primitive computer lab and a lab. I teach tractors 101 in the lab.

First Day of School @ Keyo SS

Today was my first day at Keyo Secondary School. It was great. We left the house around 10 and arrived a little before 11 at the school. The ride on the boda boda was amazing. Basically we take off from Gulu and head off through the valley towards the mountains. We passed the airport and then also the water treatment facility for Gulu. There were all sorts of activity going on the whole way out there. Most of the farmers (both men and women) were out in their fields with their hoes. There was one farm that had four cows harnessed together and using a one bottom plow to turn over the soil. As far as I can tell, it takes a while to get a good seed bed ready. After they clear the trees and shrubs, it looks as if it takes again some time to get the grasses cleared out and ready for planting. Again, it appears that each farmer only owns a few hectares each. As we arrived into Keyo all I could see were huts for homes. (Remember Keyo was camp for refugees from the towns around Gulu during the conflict.) Basically the only buildings in the area are the schools (primary and secondary). Keyo SS sits on the bench looking over the whole valley. It is a breath taking view. As we rolled up our boda drivers dropped us off and we headed for the teachers room, there we were greeted by al the teachers. Everyone was was so incredibly happy to have us there to teach with them for the next 5 weeks. After meeting everyone, we headed to the library for a round table meeting. Joe and I meet with Lindsey (from IC) and our cooperating teachers. We went over expectations and goals for the program. After, it was break time and we were served a tribal tea and a scone like bread. I then met with my two teachers and we created a schedule. Looks like I will be teaching all four secondary grades. I will be teaching soils with Silvio to the S-1 group and vegetable production with Silvio again to the S-2 kids. With Alex I will be teaching the S-3 kids cattle production and the S-4 group agriculture economics. Oh, and also tractors with Silvio to the oldest kids, S-5. I also will be paring up with Ms. Grace to teach KOBS (Knowledge of Behavior and Self) one day a week. We next were served lunch-pocho and beans. Pocho is a rice paste stuff that reminds me of sticky mashed potatoes, but tastes like rice. Needless to say, that will be my lunch for the next 5 weeks! After lunch classes were canceled and the students had student leader campaigning. It was classic! Even though I am in a 3^rd world, election campaigning is the same. Students were obnoxious, showy, cocky, etc. It was fun to observe the students and see them interacting with each other and the staff. There is no assembly hall, and so we all just met under a couple of big trees in the shade in the middle of the campus. It was just as you imagine when you see African documentaries. I made to like 4, but then I had to pee. I leaned over to Alex and asked him where I could go short call. He turns around and points to a small tin shack behind us. Well that was all fine and dandy except the fact that it was right behind us and all the students were already facing us anyway. Well, they all watched me head that way. Luckily there were two sides divided with a little wall, so I went to the side opposite the audience. I cracked open the shafty door and it was like a flock of bats coming right at me (actually flies, but just as dramatic). I decided that I would just stan at the door and aim for the little hole. It was nasty and I have decided there is no way that I will ever go long call while at school. I came home and told Lindsey about it and she simply decided last year to dehydrate herself in order to avoid the pit latrines at the school. The boda ride home was just as surreal and beautiful as the ride out.

Carol made an amazing spaghetti and green bean dinner! She is a amazing cook and I am so content to have someone here that prepares great breakfasts and dinners. Around 8 it started to thunder and lightning and the down pour began soon after. Since we have not had power nor running water in the house for the past 3 days I have not taken a real shower. So, I grabbed my loofa, shower gel and shampoo and took a shower in the rain gutter! It was cold, but oh so worth it!

I am so loving my summer so far. I know that it is only the fist week, but it has been such a great experience so far. I am very excited to continue to learn from my Ugandan teachers and students. This culture is so rich and I have a lot to learn.

Church and Momma T's

Sunday

Today was yet another amazing day! I know I say that almost every single day, but they just keep getting better! The rain started here at about 3 AM...and when it rains, it rains! Wow, we live under a tin roof and I used to love that sound, but not when it persists loudly all night long. It seriously was pouring cats and dogs. When I rolled out of bed around 8:30 it was still coming down hard and I was nervous we would not be able to make it to church. After a short prayer, it stopped around 9 and we were able to get a boda boda (we probably would have been better off with a canoe!). I say we because there ended up being a few of us Mormon's on this trip. Christina is from Las Vegas and has been a member now for a few years. Joe is from Kansas, but grew up in Logan and did his freshman year at Utah State. Small small world! Anyhow, we made it to the church around 9:30 and the missionaries were just pulling up. There are 3 companionships (6 elders) here in the little village of Gulu. Church doesn't regularly start till 10, but they tell everyone 9:30. The Acholi people are notoriously late for everything! So with the rain storm, everyone was running behind even more. There is one elder from the CONGO! It was so much fun to talk in French with him and learn more about the Congo. Pretty sure I should go there next. The elders say on average there are 160 people at church, but at 10:15 we started with only like 15 of us! By the end of sacrament, the building had filled right up! They also told me that 90% of their membership has only been baptised in the past year! They had 17 baptisms last week! It is going to be so much fun to see them grow and be a part of it for the little remaining time I have. We also met another Moonau (white person). Her name is Morgan and she also went to Utah State and graduated in 2005. She worked in DC for a while teaching and then decided that if she was going to be a good steward she needed to see the world. She is a manager here for a company that makes paper bead necklaces. I am excited to get to know here more, we're going to try having FHE tomorrow with her. Church was just great! It is so amazing to me that where ever I travel in the world, whether it be France, Thailand, Cambodia or Uganda, the gospel is the same. The same wonderful spirit can be felt all over the world. Since they are so new, they were just taught about home teaching/ visiting teaching today. I love to see their enthusiasm as they begin this great responsibility. After church we grabbed a boda boda home to get ready to the Mother Theresa Orphanage. That was an amazing and humbling experience. As I visited with Sister Helen I learned that there are over 250 children at the orphanage and about 70 of them are deaf or hearing impaired. Most all of the children have learned sign. We got there and they instntly grabbed a hold of our hands and would not let go. We played games, sang, talked and at times, just held there hand and gazed at each other. It was moving to see their lives. They had meal time while we were there and it was literally the saddest thing I have ever seen. It was not bad, but just made me realize how blessed I was as a child to have parents who loved me and a home to live together in. They all lined up with their bowl/bucket/tin, really whatever they had. They received a scoop of rice mush, beans and some meat. It was all prepared in a hut over a camp fire. They have no utensils and so they used their fingers to eat. Some did not even eat because they only wanted be with us. After their meal they taught us how to dance and then performed a dance for us! It was so much fun. I haven't smiled like that for a long time. Again, I am just very thankful for the life that I was blessed with, but also that great blessing I have to be here and live and learn from these people. I am so so happy to begin teaching tomorrow and meet the others that I will be working with at Keyo. This is going to be an amazing summer!

Wednesday

Wow! Today was amazing. We arrived into Gulu late last night and got settled into our home. We live at a compound type place that has two buildings. In the main building there are rooms for the girls and common areas and then the guys are in a back building that just has bedrooms and a shower room. Short hall (going pee) is just done outside behind the house and long hall (going poop) is done in the pit latrine (literally a whole in the ground). I am realizing very quickly the great caliber of the individuals I will be working with this summer--both American participants and Ugandan natives. I am so happy and so lucky to be here. I know I say this each summer, but I really think this truly will be the greatest yet. I am learning so much about education, development, social justices, cultures, agriculture and myself. Today we went on a tour of the Invisible Children (IC) offices here in Gulu. I’ll be honest, since taking my non-profit and international development courses at the Bush, I have doubted that there is actually an NGO that really does everything right and is legitimate, but IC is pretty dang close. There are a few things that I’d like to learn more about, but all in all, IC is amazing. I was most impressed by the people we met. They all were absolutely genuine and dedicated individuals. There are over 90 employees in country and only four are American. Their human capacity is by far the driving force of this NGO. The mission of IC states it is an organization focused on helping war-affected Ugandans by improving their access to education and innovative economic opportunities. There are four main aspect

s of IC: Legacy Scholarship Program (LSP), Schools for Schools (S4S), The Teacher Exchange (TeX) and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA).

LSP gives scholarships and mentoring to roughly 750 secondary and university student from Northern Uganda. What I love most about this program is the mentoring that is provided to the students. This psycho-social counseling helps students who are orphans, heads of their households, formerly abducted returnees, students infected with HIV/Aids or child mothers. LSP also provides extra-curricular activities--sports clubs, debate tournaments, academic seminars and essay competitions. I really like the idea of introducing the idea of SAE’s to the ag students. I know that I was directly benefited from this mentorship and encour

agement in my projects at home.

More to come on the others.

Thursday

Wow! Today was another amazing day learning more about Ugandan education. Our first discussion we were taught some basics of the Luo language by Alex (Keyo) and Little John. It was amazing to listen

to Alex. He had a perma grin from ear to ear and just a light in his eye. He was so happy and proud to teach us his native tongue. The official language in Uganda is English, but their local tribal language here in the Acholi region is Luo. The next session was about school systems in Northern Uganda. There were several take-aways. Their primary sch

ool is 7 years long (primary 1 - 7), their secondary school is for four years (senior 1-4) and then there are two years of advanced secondary school (senior 5-6). Students do not advance tot he next grade if they do not pass their third term. It is possible for siblings to pass each other and for ages to vary even between ten years all in the same grade. Primary schools are subsidized by the government and so there are more students including girls. Secondary schools are less supported-subsidized by the government and there are less and less students, especially girls (pyramidal shape). I am very intrigued and excited to get into the classroom and see it first hand. The last session after lunch was about teaching and living through the conflict. This session was presented by Calistas, Jennifer and Katy. In 1986, the conflict began in Gulu with the first LRA rebel forces. Calistas tells of being in the classroom when he

heard the first gun shots. Jennifer was with her two boys when they heard the first gun shots. She knew that there was a threat in her small village and so she was working to prepare food for their departure. When they heard the first gun shots they were not ready and just had to leave without their food. She grabbed her two boys by their hands and starting run into the bush. After running for a while, another woman grabbed one of the boys and they were both able to carry one and run faster.

They ran through the night and when they stopped the boys would not stop crying. Jennifer went out and dug up raw cassava for them to eat. Katy was only nine when she heard the first gun shots. She was staying with her aunty at the time. Her aunty gave her a pack to carry that had sword in it and they began to run. Not to far into the bush, they were captured by the rebel forces. They searched everyone and found the sword. As soon as they discovered it, her aunty disowned her. They threatened her that anyone with a sword as such would be a collaborator with the government and be killed. They demanded her to tell them who had given her the sword so that they could kill that person. She said she did not know who nor what she was carrying. They continued to demand of her that she tell them, but she would not. They lined up all the women in the group so that she could identify the person. She looked right past her aunty and cried that she did not know. They told her the only reason they did not kill her was that she was a young girl. All three of their stories were moving and intriguing. I just cannot believe that I am her working with these people who have recently lived though a war of conflict against rebel forces. It reminds me so much of visiting Cambodia and the reality of the devastating affects that come from bad men.

Friday

Today we started with a discussion on the ethics of aid. It was a pretty amazing dialogue about several of the issues I have thought about since several conversations this past year at the Bush School. We looked at a couple of articles together called To Hell with Good Intentions and Serving with Eyes Wide Open. Many people come here to Uganda with great intentions and even the resources to make a difference, but there are many also that do not take time to truly assess the needs of the people and provide a sustainable service. After our discussion I had a chance to visit a bit with Catherine (the TeX director) about the idea of providing so much service/charity/relief abroad when we have so many disparities in our own country. I really appreciated her response. In her opinion, people have differing passions and desires and their interests lie differently. There are people (like myself) that are interested in travel and learning about different cultures, some are interested in the work that can be done within their own country. I am not saying that I am not, because I am, but my I am definitely so intrigued and interested in seeing the world and learning from different cultures of people. She kinda described it as some people are interested helping humanity out as a whole and others have strong nationality, passions and desires to help out within their own borders. You can’t tell someone who really wants to be a doctor that they have to be a lawyer and just the same you cant be pretentious about people who desire and prefer to interact on a global level. I am supper grateful that I have desires to do both. All I know that is I

must do something and if I have the ability and opportunities to travel abroad now, I can’t let it pass me by.

So the African aroma... (Ashton you know what I mean). It is amazing how quickly I have grown used to it and don’t even notice it nearly as much as I did when I first arrived. 45 minutes on a boda boda each way each day to my school may change my mind :)

Tonight we got to meet our Ugandan partner teachers!!! I am so excited! I will be working with two teachers in Keyo. One is an older gentleman named Silvio (Muze). He has been teaching for 35 years and pretty much is ligit. The other guy is named Ojera Alex. He is younger and was Silvio’s student back in the day. They both are very excited to have me teach with them at Keyo. Keyo is an IDP camp that has turned into a village. It will take us about 30 - 45 minutes to get there each day on a boda boda. I plan to do a video blog one day going out! It is going to be amazing to work with these two teachers and also the students at Keyo!

Oh yeah and I think I have received my new Acholi name...Ocen (pronounced O-chen). It means second born of twins, but has to be confirmed by the students.

I read this quote last tonight and I don’t really understand it yet, but I am excited to think on it and my experiences here.

Leonardo Da Vinci “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

It came from a talk by President Uchtdorf talking about the the Lord’s plan for us...the path is narrow and straight, but it is designed for us. Whether I am American or Acholi, the Lord has a plan designed for me and it is simple. Their lives are very simple and I am a bit jealous!

Today I felt a feeling that I have never felt before and I am having trouble naming exactly what it was. It is a feeling that made me feel very uncomfortable, but at the same time taught me some very impactful life lessons. I found out Sunday morning when I checked into my flight to Uganda that durning the second leg I would be sitting in first class on our flight from London to Entebbe. At first, I didn’t think much of it. Sure, I was excited, but the reality of what that meant hadn’t set in until I boarded the plan. Instantly, I was very uncomfortable for several reasons. For starters we had spent the entire day visiting the city of London at a very fast pace (which was amazing) and I had looked ragged compared to the other business men in first class. My looks don’t normally throw me off, so I knew it was something else that had to be bothering me. As I took my seat, I felt so uncomfortable that my stomach began to react and I was very confused. I quickly grew shy and did not know really what to do. I began what was happening around me. I saw business men, most likely wealthy, stroll about as if nothing was out of place for them. They sat down and were greeted quickly by a stewardess and given a refreshment of orange juice and champagne. If something was not to their comfort or likes, they would order to have something changed in their environment. It is not the purpose to place judgement on these men, but appea

red as if these men were talking to someone less than themselves. Now I know it tis their job to wait on these people, but I did not appreciate their tone nor mannerisms. I thought of the great lesson of Coach Larry Gelwix. A few years ago he taught me that the way I treated those I do not need is a reflection of my true character and who I am. I decided then, again, that I must be mindful of those I do not need and how I treat them. I felt out of place sitting in the lounge chair and the fancy cabin, knowing that there were hundreds of other passengers just like me sitting in the other cabin not receiving the same service as I was. I did not feel deserving nor in need of such service. It was interesting. I thought that I would enjoy my flight in first class, but it ended up bothering me more than I was able to enjoy it. I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ that has taught me humility and even though I have much to learn and develop, I feel as if today I was shown a new side of myself that I did not know existed. I am thankful to my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ for the im

mense amount of blessings and favors I have received in my life and hope that I will always recognize their power and influence in my life. I saw today that I don’t need to extras in my life to be happy. Although I may not have received the same service or rest in the economy cabin, I would have been more comfortable in my own skin.

I got to see LONDON today! Wow, what an amazing and fun day. We were delayed in JFK for two hours and missed our connecting flight at Heathrow International Airport (London) and British Airways put us up for the night! We didn’t arrive to the hotel near the airport till nearly 1:00 AM and so we were not able to see any of the city...yet! We didn’t fly out the next day till 9:15 PM and so we had the whole day to explore London. I didn’t realize how excited I was to be able to see London until we were walking up out of the tube stop (metro) at our first stop, Westminster. My eyes first caught glimpse of the old British buildings as I came up out of the station

and my heart just started a pounding! I turned to

my left and saw the Thames River with gorgeous buildings at the opposite shore and then I looked to my right and saw Big Ben towering into the sky! It was then that it hot me how excited I really was. Big Ben! In real life. The golden numbers were so vibrant and the clock tower stood strong against the back-drop of the parliament buildings. We made our way Westminster Bridge and took pictures looking back at Parliament and Big Ben. Just over the crest of spirals I could see the two towers of Westminster Abbey! Quickly, we crossed back over the bridge to begin our journey into the A

bbey. I don’t know if it was the excitement of Jenni over the royal wedding or Nick’s fascinating knowledge of the theology, but I quickly became really exited to enter in and explore th

e Abb

ey. It was beautiful inside. We had audio tour gadgets to listen to as we journey throughout the different chapels and burial areas of all the famous British greats; including King Henry VIII and the many Queen Elizabeths and Mary’s. Even the remains of Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin

are within the walls of the Westminster Abbey. (A bit ironic that is deserving of more attention later.) I was able to see the royal coronation chair and stage where Kings and Queens had been crowned and married. It was really cool to learn a bit about British history, the monarchy and the Church of England.

After spending quit some time there, we were off to walk again across Westminster Bridge toward the London Bridge and the Globe Theatre. Along we the way, we stopped and enjoyed a some awesome Fish and Chips in a pretty swell British pub called the Stage Door. We walked through the Waterloo chartier and then into Southwark. Below the London Bridge in the old cobble stone streets we ran into the London Experience (Tombs of London). We knew that it would contain some fictitious acts, but really hoped that we would be able to see some of the actual catacombs, but sadly it was only a “spook alley.” We had a lot of fun and then continued on our way to see the London Bridge and the Globe Theatre. Sadly, London Bridge was probably the most boring bridge we saw all day. Even a nice Chinese man who took our photo was not impressed. The Globe Theatre is where William Shakespeare’s work was created and performed. It was way cool to see and learn so much about Shakespeare and the theater community through British History. After a good tour and a quick stop at the gift shop for a souvenir poster, we decided to go fast to be able to fit in one more stop...Buckingham Palace! It was a bit of a walk outside the Green Park tube station, but well worth it to see the Royal Residence. I loved it and was so happy to be able to check that one off my list. We then fought throw rush hour pedestrians in the tube and ma

de it back tot he airport just in time for some dinner and to board the plan.

We traveled from the Holiday Inn, M4 on the

shuttle bus to terminal 5 where we were able to place our bags in a locker for the day for 8.50 pounds/item. We then made several purchases to accommodate our limited time in London. We bought a Heathrow Express pass that granted two-way passage to and from central London in just 15 minutes for 32 pounds. We also purchased an all-day tube pass for 6.60 pounds that got us around downtown. We then were kinda suckered into buying what is called a London Pass for 39 pounds. This granted us access into all the locations we visited and paid for itself. There were many more features with the pass I wish we would have had time to utilize...next time! With food, travel and entertainment I spent right around 150 pounds. With the exchange rate right around $1.80, that equals out to about $270 bucks. Not bad, but more than I think I probably spent...mom? Anyway, London was awesome! I can’t wait to make it back to the United Kingdom and see more!