Thames River Festival

Today was an absolutely beautiful day! It was one of those very confusing fall days, where the sun is very hot so you think "wow I should've worn a dress" but the shade is very chilly so you think "wow, why didn't I bring a sweatshirt?". Very bipolar. But nonetheless beautiful.

It was the Thames River Festival today. All along the river, from the West Minster Bridge to the Tower Bridge, shops opened up their doors, artisans set up tents, boats cruised up and down the river, and bands played familiar music. At one point, I even heard the Ghostbusters song!

The festival lasted all day, and culminated with a mile long parade up and across the river. There were bands, drums, loud speakers, and so many costumes. I wish I knew exactly how you could get into the parade, because it looked like they were having so much fun. It turned into another dance party in the streets. We made our way down along the river towards the West Minster bridge, where we watched fireworks! Apparently these are referred to as the Olympics of fireworks, because they are so skilled at timing everything. They do fireworks very different in the UK. In America, fireworks can last FOREVER, with only one firework being set off at a time and then everything left over at the end. Here, they time it up so it only lasts about 15 minutes and are all coordinated with when they will explode and what not. It was beautiful.

It was so incredible to be standing in front of Parliament watching fireworks over the Thames! It seems that there are a lot of festivals here, something that you do not see often in America. It so much fun to get out of the house and see everything. I do not think that there has been a day yet where I haven't seen something new or explored a new area.

Alright well off to sleep...I actually have class tomorrow?

Cheers!