We closed our trip by working our way back to London by way of Bath and Oxford. Our driving and walking tour of Bath took us through the long history of the town, including the Roman Baths, the 500-year-old Gothic cathedral Bath Abbey, the Pulteney Bridge, and Jane Austen Centre. Lunch was grab-and-go around an outdoor market where many took their first taste of a traditional Cornish pasty. While walking through Oxford we learned about the ancient university system and visited the Sheldonian Theatre, Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library, St. Mary's Church, Bridge of Sighs, and the Ashmolean Museum. In another fortunate bit of timing for our trip, that evening we dressed in our most patriotic clothes to aggravate a rowdy group of Brits we joined to watch the U.S. beat England 0-0 in the World Cup. Our last day of touring took us to Windsor Castle to see the State Apartments, the Order of the Garter, St. George's Hall, Garter Throne Room, and St. George's Chapel where student's saw where 25 royals are entombed, including Henry VIII and now Elizabeth II. Afterwards we hit London one last time where different groups headed out in different directions from Piccadilly Circus to visit the National Gallery, Camden Market, King's Cross Station (of Harry Potter's Platform 9 3/4 fame), and more Christmas decorations and shops. Our final dinner was at a pub to eat fish and chips, reflect together on the amazing experience we had all shared together, and then do just a little more shopping at Fortnum and Mason!
