Editor’s note: This first-person story is the third of three parts covering the City College photography department’s 2007 Eurofoto tour. This year’s tour covered the United Kingdom.
After arriving from Shannon, we quickly hopped a tour bus and were treated to such sights as The Elephant House (where the story of Harry Potter was written), the university and its magnificent buildings (we actually stayed at the new dorms), an old prison, and several castles; then I was off early for my tour to Loch Ness (foggy, eerie – and very exciting).
The next day, we embarked on our own discoveries, and I was fortunate enough to find a new museum, “The Mother Earth,” a hand- on experience providing actual encounters with environments built to mimic such places as the Arctic, rainforests, etc. It is reputed to be a place especially for children to interact and foster their interests in these sciences. It was one of the museums I was able to visit, and spent three hours there. I had forgotten about the usual rainy weather, and as I exited (finally) the predicted rainstorm had begun.
When we were finally off to England, my weary back began to ache. If there is one tip to give prospective “Eurofotoists,” it’s pack light, pack light and pack light. I was glad to have the extra clothes; however, I did need help at times with my luggage when going from train to trolley or hotel. There are often no lifts, and you must carry all of your items with you.
Hyde Park captured most of my attention while in London – it is a massive park full of activity – concerts, displays, lakes, restaurants and, of course, swans. And while traveling there, I was able to make use of the public transportation and get a glimpse of real city life. Lots of clothing stores, smaller streets and a bit more of a bustle would be a good way to describe the area in comparison to the California experience.
On our last night of the tour, we had a long walk and found a friendly eating place, and sadly enjoyed our last dinner together. They cordially sat us at a large table, and even dropped us an extra bottle of wine. I was glad to be wearing an outfit I probably shouldn’t have taken, and was sitting on my very last pence of spending money. One thing I did learn, credit cards are the best way to travel over there – my ignorance about how to exchange money probably cost me at least $50, when there are many cards are widely accepted, and the ATMs will provide cash with a small fee.
Interested students are welcome to visit the display in the Photography Department, which shows some of the work of the tour. Also, a compilation of the students’ work, called “Eurofoto 2007” will be available in late December at www.amazon.com.
Donna Maranto is a frequent contributor
to City Times
