We’re delighted to share a short account of Day 1 of our Mini Group Study Exchange (MGSE), a unique programme involving five “Pentangular” clubs across Europe that promotes cultural understanding. The first day, Monday, was packed with a number of highlights, including a tour of the Houses of Parliament, a ride on the London Eye, and a journey along the Thames aboard an Uber Boat.
Last Sunday we welcomed young people from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK to Canterbury for this year’s MGSE. On Monday, the group, accompanied by some of our members, set off to explore a number of London’s most famous sights. In this piece, Malini Karani, one of our newer members, shares her account of the first day’s activities.
“Our trip started at Canterbury East station, where we all met up. The 11 MGSE participants joined Clare Hewitt, Rosemary Doyle, MGSE organiser Martin Ward and myself for the trip. We were all at the station in time for the train – which allowed us time to introduce ourselves to each other. We soon boarded the train and reached Victoria station; there we quickly grabbed a sandwich and headed to the park. The train had arrived in London just a little late and we were rushing to make our first appointment which was at the Houses of Parliament! The building is amazing – both from the outside and the inside. It intrigues me as an interior designer/ architect and teacher. The ornamentation of each room and furniture was extraordinary. It is reflective of a time when people had time and took time to make things. We seem to be in a constant rush to do things – but at what cost?
From the Houses of Parliament we travelled to the London Eye, where we saw gorgeous views of the magnificent city that is London! The experience was followed by a bus ride (on a red London bus, of course) to Covent Garden for a lovely pizza dinner and some thoughtful conversations.
The MGSE participants got along well and were constantly busy chatting with each other, exchanging ideas, experiences and taking lots of pictures.
The day was well spent and the train ride back to Canterbury felt quite short. I was happy to return home after a wonderful day in London!”
Picture: A view of the Thames and Tower Bridge. Picture credit: Malini Karani.
