Sweet 16:

The title is no joke. Today has been SWEET! We started our day with the entire group touring the Banqueting House. This is the only remaining building from Whitehall Palace which was burned in the Great Fire. It is most commonly associated with Charles 1 who commissioned Peter Reuben to paint huge murals for the ceilings. These paintings make a huge statement on Charles' view on the divine right of kings, depicting his father James 1 being crowned in heaven. Another one shows James as the protector of the innocent and virtuous while taming the rebellious. Unfortunately, Charles' belief that the king was divine and need not rely on Parliament (which he dismissed, leading to a civil war) resulted in "regicide" which I feel smart using, but just means killing a king. Charles was beheaded in front of the Banquet House before a huge crowd. His final speech upheld his Christian morals, but also reinforced his belief in royal divinity.

The Banqueting Hall

The ceiling painting of James I by Reuben

Grace and Franny posing in front of the throne

After this tour we walked down the street to Wesminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament where we went on our shortest (and one of the most exciting) walks. Then I went home for lunch and homework... effective homework! I also took a quick nap before dinner - why don't I take naps more often?!

Big Ben

A beautiful path along the Thames, right behind the Houses of Parliament

Crossing Lambeth Bridge through a blustery wind (Houses of Parliament in the background)

Westminster Abbey

Houses of Parliament (this photo doesn't do justice to the incredible detail work that covers the building, which was at one point a palace)

Tonight I saw Les Miserables at Queen's Theatre. I loved it every bit as much as when I saw it in London 2 years ago. (Megan would be proud to know that I didn't cry quite as much this time around). That will always be one of favorite musicals, if not the favorite. Mallory and I met up with Dave Bennion (my friend from my University Villa ward) and his friends who are on a touring study abroad and are leaving London tomorrow. Allison Smith (a friend from high school) happened to be on the study abroad and it was so fun to catch up with her. The play itself was remarkable. I don't even know how to comment on it. Let me just end with lines from the last song:

Mallory and I after Les Mis (Dave ran off too fast to get a picture with him)

"Will you join in our crusade? Who will be strong and stand with me? Somewhere beyond the barricade is there a world you long to see? Do you hear the people sing? Say, can you hear the distant drum? There is a night about to start when tomorrow comes."
Doesn't that just inspire you? Ahh... what a wonderful night!