Sunday at St. Paul's

On Sunday we went to an 8AM church service at St. Paul's.  Mom, Jake and I were one of the first few there and actually waited outside for a few minutes before they opened the door.  We assumed you had to get there early for good seats but only about 20 people showed up to this service.  We were seated in the quire amongst some obvious locals, and tourists like ourselves.

The service was a little different than some that I've been to. During the Eucharist, we got up and kneeled on a bench before the priest.  I was hesitant to drink from the cup that everyone drank from before me but I felt uncomfortable saying no.  Jake and I would like to go back to the 11:30AM service sometime to see the full processional. 

The church was absolutely beautiful though.  We wanted to go on Thanksgiving but didn't have very much time.  I had a hard time paying attention to the service while there was a lovely mosaic ceiling above me.  I don't think I was the only one since that's how I distinguished the locals from the visitors. 

After church, we grabbed coffee and headed back to pack up.  I was able to fit a lot of gifts and extra clothing into Mom and Connor's bags which will help me out when returning home on December 16th.  I took them to the tube and put them on the line that would take them straight to Heathrow.  Although we only had 4 days or so together, I was so glad they were able to visit.  I was able to show them the main tourist attractions as well as my flat and some of the places we frequent.