Day 12 was one of those rare, perfect travel days—packed with discovery, laughter, reflection, and spontaneity. Waking up in London felt like something out of a movie. There’s a certain thrill in stepping into a city so rich in history and culture; we could feel it from the moment the day began.

Our first official stop was the Florence Nightingale Museum. After discussing her extensively during our freshman year in class, it was surreal to be surrounded by her personal letters, uniforms, and artifacts. The museum captured her legacy as the founder of modern nursing and as a visionary reformer who helped shape public health as we know it. It was moving to see tangible evidence of her struggles and triumphs, especially in the context of the barriers she faced as a woman in Victorian Britain. Seeing photos and hearing recordings made her story feel incredibly real and powerful.

From there, we explored some of London’s most iconic landmarks. We walked past the London Eye, which was massive and striking against the skyline (and surprisingly expensive at £42 per ride). Though we opted not to ride it, the view from the ground was still impressive. Then we passed Big Ben, the Parliament building, and Westminster Abbey. These structures radiate centuries of history; it felt humbling just to stand near them.

Walking through St. James’s Park was a welcome break. The park was bursting with spring life, especially the ducklings we couldn’t stop fawning over. We continued to Buckingham Palace, marveling at the ornate gates and elegant architecture. It was hard to wrap our heads around the fact that this is a working residence of royalty.

We grabbed lunch at a nearby pub, enjoying classic British fare before setting off again—this time on a boat tour along the River Thames. The boat ride was a favorite part of the day for many of us. From the water, London looked completely different. We floated past Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, historic shipwrecks, and more—all narrated by an entertaining guide. There was a moment of unexpected delay in Greenwich due to a medical emergency onboard, but even that pause gave us time to enjoy the view and reflect on the day.

Dinner was a quick pit stop at McDonald’s, as our energy was running low, and we had one last big event ahead: Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre. The show was nothing short of electric. The cast brought energy and heart to the stage, but the actress playing Donna stole the spotlight. Sitting in that packed theater, surrounded by people clapping and singing along, I felt nothing but joy.

As the night wrapped up, I realized how much London had left its mark on me. From its historic streets to its vibrant culture, this city has a special kind of magic. Today was a day I’ll never forget—one filled with wonder, warmth, and the simple joy of exploring a place that felt both new and strangely familiar. Although I had been there before, I got to experience it with girls I had come to grow very close with over the past two weeks, which was special in itself.