There and back again…

 Dear reader, 

I woke up early today! I covered a lot of ground on foot today just wandering alone. I can’t explain it, but I’ve been here only 2 weeks but navigating this city is no great challenge to me. I carry a map guide in my back pocket, but I rarely have to refer to it. London reminds me of Philly in a lot of ways. Green parks interrupting busy streets, a respect for old structures and monuments.

I began my journey this morning , waking up even before the most diligent girls in the group. I got myself together and scrambled over to join the crowds at Buckingham Palace. I heard a lot of American voices amaong the tourists there. A middle class American dad videotaped the scsne as his kids grew restless, forced to stand waiting for something to happen at the palace gates. They looked bored as hell. I bet they’ll really watch that video often when they get back home.

Mounted police kept order as people looked around toward the palace gates waiting for some sign of activity. Finally, from behind me I hear the sound of a brass band and snare drums. getting louder and louder. Then the red coats come into view. Topped with their distinctive black helmets the soldiers kept perfect formation as they passed through the open gate.

Another regiment joined them and both sides of the palace yard glowed red. A company of horse guards trotted by and disappread from sight. Their horsehair tassles wagged as the rode by, and their hemets and silver breastplates gleamed brightly from the reflected sun. Each carried a polished sabre and wore thigh-high black boots.

Once they were gone, the redcoat band stopped front and center between the palace and the gate. I couldn’t hear the songs right away, too many people were making noise, but I soon realized that they were playing a selection of Billy Joel songs! I heard Anthony’s Song, Only the Good Die Young, and Just the Way You Are. I couldn’t believe it! I can’t wait to call home and tell dad about it.

Remember to change your own guard every now and again,

Zack