On January 19 we finally got a chance to go somewhere outside of the class. The class began at the Monument station where met and then started our journey (flanuering) across the east endof London, close to the Tower Bridge. Our first stop right outside the Tube station was at the monument to the Great Fire of London of 1666. This 202 ft. towering pieceof architecture of definitely a sight to behold. I think it looked especially pretty at night when giant spotlights shone on it. Our professor explained aboutthe monument in general detail adding that many people, especially women would use the viewing platform as a place to jump to their death. So from now on, agiant net surrounds the golden flame observation deck on very top. I definitely will find some time one day to go to the top to get a bird’s eye view glimpse of the city for my own pleasure.
Our next destination took us to an ancient church called St. Magnus the Martyr which is across the street from the monument. At one time it stood on the edge of the city by the River Thames. There, I got a chance to touch a very old piece of wood that remained there since A.D. 75. Wow, that was such a great experience to touch something that’s this old! Usually I have to go to a museum to just look at it (no touching allowed) but this piece of wood is pinned against the corner of the church for all to see and touch as they feel.
.I was glad that we took this trip when it was dark because the Tower Bridge at night looked especially mesmerizing. I simply posed for a moment to soak in the scene and suddenly lost the entire class in a rushing flow of people. It seems all Europeans are power walkers. They all were walking so far, bumping into each other that it made me a little bit nervous. I lost sight of my class but soon was able to find them. I need to get cell phone so next timeI get lost, I know I will get in touch with someone from the group.
One of the remarkable places of the night we had visited was the ancient mass grave site of forgotten prostitutes from London. This place called Cross Bones Graveyard looked like a makeshift memorial to the victims of 9/11. I was expecting to walk through an actual cemetery with thousands of graves around but it turned out to be a simple gate plastered with all kinds of material likewritten notes, ribbons, flowers and soft toys. Behind the gate was what looked like a large parking lot surrounded by residential buildings. Soon this area will be excavated, as we were told, to determine if this is an actual mass grave yard where more than 15,000 prostitutes are claimed to be buried.
I really enjoyed the walk across this historic, yet mysterious part of London. I really do need to get out more often and try to discover places like one I’ve been last Tuesday night. This city really has hidden treasures of history buried throughout--only a real flauneurer will discover.
