6A and 6B visit London, the city of diversity!

How was England? – This was the first question we were all asked after we got home. However, it is not that easy to answer this question.

Exploring London´s rich history and vibrant culture, iconic landmarks and hidden gems was an unforgettable experience. One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the ‘Tower of London’. This historic fortress has served many purposes over the centuries, once being a royal palace, a prison, and a place of execution. Today, it is home to the Crown Jewels, which we were lucky enough to see up close. The Tower's history is fascinating, and it was truly awe-inspiring to walk in the footsteps of so many historical figures.

Another stunning landmark that we visited was St Paul's Cathedral. Its striking dome dominates the skyline and is a symbol of London's resilience and determination. The cathedral is a masterpiece of architecture and art, and we were particularly struck by the beautiful mosaics and intricate carvings.

We also had the chance to visit Westminster Cathedral, another beautiful place of worship. Its ornate interior and impressive architecture were truly breath-taking, and it was humbling to witness the devotion of those attending services there.

One of the more unique experiences we had was climbing the Monument. This towering column was built in the aftermath of the Great Fire of London in 1666 and offers stunning views of the city. The climb up the narrow staircase was a bit daunting, but the view from the top was well worth it.

Attending the musical ‘Frozen’ ranked among the most enjoyable events. The catchy songs and dazzling choreography were a true feast for the senses, and we left the theatre feeling energized and inspired.

Greenwich proved to be an additional highlight of our trip. The National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory, and the Prime Meridian, where the Eastern and Western Hemispheres meet, were fascinating to visit. Greenwich Park offered stunning views and was a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the city.

We also visited Borough Market, a foodie's paradise. The sights, sounds, and smells of this bustling marketplace were incredible, and we enjoyed sampling some of the delicious treats on offer.

Covent Garden was one more fun spot to explore. The street performers, shops, and restaurants created a lively atmosphere, and we spent hours wandering around and soaking up the energy. Another area that we loved was Camden Town. Its alternative vibe and quirky shops and stalls provided a refreshing change from the more traditional parts of the city. Furthermore, we took part in a ‘Jack the Ripper-Tour’, a spine-tingling experience that gave us a glimpse into the darker side of London's history.

Finally, we enjoyed a boat trip from Greenwich to Westminster. It was a beautiful way to see the city from a different perspective, and we loved passing by some of London's most iconic landmarks, such as the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.

All in all, London was a very successful trip; we were finally able to use our English skills to our advantage. Not only did we talk to the salespeople in shops, we also had conversations with people in the streets. You don't only meet English people in London; any nationality can be found there. For us Austrians this is something quite new since here in Kufstein almost everyone knows everyone, but over there, you are lucky to recognize the faces of your friends among the legion of people.

Regarding friendship this journey has turned out to be a valuable experience: we always stuck together no matter what the circumstances were.  Our teachers were also a part of this friendship, always trying their best, especially when things didn’t work out as planned. Therefore, we really enjoyed every single day in London, no matter what challenge we faced.

We would like to thank our teachers Mrs. Maria Fellner and Mr. Patrick Brunner for making this trip possible, and our school’s parents’ association and the department JUFF for their financial support.

(Mehmet Dereköy and Dora Despotovic, 6B)