"To thine own self be true," the words of Shakespeare echoed through me this morning, as I awoke with silent dread at another day of compromising my desires to those of the group. I also did not want the group to have to bend to my will if they had other interests. I definitely did not want to have another day of shopping considering that everything is almost double US dollars anyway. So after breakfast I headed off with a couple of the girls and we agreed to just stop off at one store before heading off for our days events. We couldn't find the store though, and I was at the end of my patience. As we were walking by I saw an old church and I immediately stopped in. I was filled with peace, and a voice that told me that I couldn't proceed with them any longer. So I told them I must go, and I hopped on the tube determined to hop off at any stop and make the best of it. As soon as I was on my own, an immense feeling of relief came over me. Finally it was my London, and my day to do as I wished with it. I walked over the the Millennium bridge to the South bank, and relished in my solitary sense of freedom. I had a beautiful view of the Parliament building and took a great picture. As I was walking along enjoying the street performers I noticed some large Salvador Dali sculptures. I am a big Dali fan and I decided to pay to see his exhibit. He is so inspirationally outrageous and elitist to me. I wasn't supposed to take any pictures inside the exhibit, but other people were and so I couldn't resist snapping a couple as well. After enjoying the exhibit I passed a Turkish restaurant and decided to try something new. I asked for take out, and chatted with the waiter for a bit. He gave me a discount, and assured me I would enjoy my lunch. I walked over to the park next to the South bank of the Thames and watched the street performers while I ate. The food was amazing, the best food I had the entire trip. The weather was perfect, and I was in utter content. Unfortunately I had to cut it short, and walk back to the station to meet back up with the group for yet another organized walking tour. I am a big Harry Potter fan, but I was dreading another walking tour. I arrived before the other girls, and observed that the walking tour had a group of about 50 people already. Some of the girls arrived late after the tour had left, and they were all clamoring to join the tour. I decided to follow my gut, and I skipped the tour. I walked quite a ways to the Tate Modern Museum that I had been wanting to see. They had some really weird stuff there that I scarcely viewed as art, but I did appreciate the opportunity to visit. My favorite exhibit was the oversized table and chair set. It was so gigantic that I could picture a giant family eating there. They had some weird old footage of naked people doing weird stuff as part of the exhibits, and a room full of hundreds of red objects. I was really tired from all the walking but I decided to stop of at St. Paul's Cathedral on my way home. It was Sunday so it was free admission during the service. I took the opportunity to light a candle and say a prayer for those in need, but mostly to give my thanks for such an amazing day.
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