As our second week of consuming theatre productions begins, we as a class also have the opportunity to explore more of the city together.

Today we took a class trip to see Westminster Abbey, one of the most beautiful historical churches and the resting place of 17 monarchs. Along with the monarchs lie other historical figures like George Frideric Handel, Sir Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, Chaucer, and the Unknown Warrior. It’s said that over 3,300 people have been buried or commemorated in Westminster Abby.

Although this church is the burial ground for many, it is filled with life on a daily basis. The church hosts approximately 28 services during the week, including baptisms, coronations, and weddings. On top of that, numerous tourists make their way through the building each day.

As a tourist myself, I had an odd paradoxical feeling going about the chapels and the tombs with my audio guide and map while simultaneously listening to clergy lead prayers. It felt odd to me that such holy ground was for some people just an excuse to admire sculptures and high ceilings, bask in the light shining through intricate stained glass windows, and feel giddy walking over the tomb of Charles Darwin.

To say the least, walking through Westminster Abbey was an experience that I will never forget.