Getting acquainted with London
The Tower Bridge in London, England. Completed in 1894, Tower Bridge was instantly hailed as a London icon and one of the great engineering marvels of its age. (Aug. 15, 2011) Credit: Stony Brook
LONDON -- This city is as big as it seems on a map. The hustle and bustle of the huge metropolis can be daunting to many, but the Seawolves have soaked up the opportunity to explore the great city.
Upon arrival Monday, the Seawolves went on a sightseeing tour and passed such sites as the London Bridge, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Parliament, Big Ben, Hyde Park and Westminster Abbey. Afterwards, the team ventured to Windsor, England, home to senior forward Danny Carter. He showed everyone his town, which included Windsor Castle, where the Queen takes up residence part of the year. Then, he took everyone to his house, where his parents put on a barbecue for the squad.
Tuesday morning, the team went to a unique museum that some may pass over in London, the Churchill War Rooms. The museum is located near Winston Churchill’s residence, and it was where the British Prime Minister directed the United Kingdom’s war efforts during World War II. The players went down into the war rooms, which were actually not that far below street level and were not bombproof. Much of the original details of the war rooms was either still there or had been replicated from photographs, and there was a museum dedicated to Churchill himself, reliving his entire life.
The team then visited Buckingham Palace to see the home of the Queen, but was disappointed to miss out on a “Changing of the Guard” ceremony.
Tuesday was was Bryan Dougher’s 22nd birthday and head coach Steve Pikiell’s 15th anniversary with his wife, Kate. The players celebrated by taking Bryan out to dinner, and giving Coach Pikiell and Kate a thoughtful anniversary card.
On Wednesday, the Seawolves will take on Midnight Madness at Kingston College Arena just outside the city.
