The group has arrived! I'm sure the regular commuters in London hate us as we walk in our brisk lines and groups through the busy streets, but we're optimistic and happy as ever to be here!
Somehow, I was able to meander my way over to our housing in Victoria from the hotel I was in with my parents to meet up with the group. They looked pretty tired, and respectfully so after that plane ride. Regardless, we were off to the British National Library shortly. Unfortunately, I couldn't take pictures inside, because if I could have, I sure as hell would.
I was in heaven. Not only was the library incredible but the exhibit we explored had handwritten letters/notebooks by Jane Austen (AGH), Emily and Charlotte Bronte, a copy of Shakespeare's First Folio, sketches from Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks, and so much more I almost passed out. Good first lesson in my opinion. The rest of the afternoon was spent adjusting and getting to know the group a little better.
Today we chugged our way through coffee and class at 8am before heading off to Trafalgar Square and the National Art Gallery (both incredible). First stop: National Portrait Gallery. This was a section of the museum I found the most intriguing since I enjoy history so much and recently studied the British empires and all of the people whose portraits I was fortunate enough to stand before. Man, were they detailed. In particular, we focused on the Renaissance Age portraits, like those of Elizabeth I (this girl had three in there).
First off, Elizabeth I was a bad ass. She changed the game for the British monarchy, being the first woman ruler of England without a husband (aka king) to give her the title of Queen. Her reign was long and well-favored by the people, even giving her nickname, "The Virgin Queen," for her lack of children. Even when they tried to force her to get married near the end of her reign in order for her to produce some sort of blood related heir, she still said heck no. What a lady! Her paintings reflected this through the poignant colors and symbolism within. In the portrait, commonly referred to as "The Phoenix," a phoenix shaped broach is shown on Elizabeth's dress to symbolize rebirth.
Within the 1200-1500's sections of the National Portrait Gallery, some of the most exquisite and profound work was on display. One of the most fascinating, and honestly kind of bizarre, things to notice is that during the late 1500's, when wealthy families commissioned paintings to be made depicting religious scenes, they would also have their family painted in miniature at the bottom of the painting. I mean, you have to think you're pretty tight with Jesus and his Disciples to include yourself in a painting of them, don't you?
Witnessing the ornate detail that went into these masterpieces was astounding, reminding me to appreciate every ounce of history and culture I will experience here.
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