Daily diary of local Boy Scouts traveling in London

The members of Boy Scout Troop 207 from Brownsville are in London to take part in the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts at the 21st World Scouting Jamboree.

They are sending the Brownsville Herald daily updates about their travels.

Tuesday, August 1

“Troop 207 Experiences Diversity and Makes New Friends from Different Countries”

By: Alejandro S. Zendejas

Southern Region Troop 207 arrived at the Jamboree Site in Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex, England on July 27, 2007. We arrived safely and were welcomed by nice British hospitality. Right next to our campsite are the New Zealanders, Portuguese, English, Swiss, and Danish Scouts. That day we got everything set up from our campsite to our gateway.

The next day was the opening ceremony for the Jamboree and that was when all the 40,000 Scouts and Scout Leaders congregated together for the first time. There the host country, the United Kingdom, introduced the four countries that are part of the Kingdom which are England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The highlight of the event was that Prince William and the Duke of Kent came and welcomed us.

The activities that we have done so far are fun and interesting. One of the exhibits was the GloBuses (Global Buses) which had information about world top0ics that affect us. One fact that I learned was each American uses about 600 liters of water per day. Other exhibit places include Aquaville and Terraville which include exhibitions from the Scouting countries all over the world there at the Jamboree. Those exhibitions showed the culture and customs of the different countries there. Then there is Elements where we did science related activities like building rockets. Finally, there was Starburst where my group from Troop 207 was put with groups from Croatia, Belgium, and Poland. We went to a park 20 minutes away from Hylands Park, and we did service there all day by clearing overgrowth from the grass, trees, and forests.

On August 1, 2007, was the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Scouting movement. This was called Sunrise Day in which there was activities related to the centennial of the Scouting movement. We woke up at 4:30 in the morning to see the sunrise. After that, we went to the Sunrise Day Ceremony in which we renewed our Scout Oath and Promise with a live broadcast from Brownsea Island, the first Scout campsite in which Robert Baden-Powell took twenty boys to camp there. There we also called for peace and unity between races, colors, and religions. As soon as the Sunrise Ceremony ended, there were religious services as part of the day’s activities to celebrate the anniversary. There was also a food festival throughout the Jamboree in every subcamp and there was a concert for peace.

This Jamboree has impacted me in a positive way. My friends from my troop and I have made many friends. I have personally made friends from France, the United Kingdom, Chile, Argentina, Canada, Angola, and Japan just to name a few. I also have traded a lot of patches and one uniform. This has made me see how we can interact with each other in a worldwide basis. At the Sunrise Ceremony I felt moved by what Baden-Powell said which, in my opinion, must not only apply to Scouts but to others as well: ¨I believe God put us in this world to be happy and enjoy life…happiness should not be attained by working…but the real way to get happiness is by giving your happiness to others.¨ I hope that anyone that reads this reflects on what is going on in the world so we can care more about the happiness of other and have a greater sense of well-being.

Friday, July 27

“Troop 207 Visits London: A Diverse Place Filled with History and Culture”

By: Alejandro S. Zendejas Velarde

On 10:00 AM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), Southern Region Troop 207 from Texas comprised of the Boy Scouts from the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Austin, and San Angelo areas arrived safely at Gatwick International Airport. Some of the Scouts arrived weary and tired because of the infamous “Jet Lag” that happens in transatlantic flights by lack of sleep.

As soon as the troop arrived and passed through immigration, we headed on to Windsor Castle, which is one of three of official residences of the Queen. Located in the town of Windsor and 45 minutes away to the west of central London, it is the largest inhabited castle in the world and oldest in continuous occupation. It was built by William the Conqueror to serve as a fortress against any enemies and since then, Windsor Castle has been home to the Sovereign for more than 100 years. When visiting the castle, you can see St. George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Doll House, and the luxurious State Apartments where there are events hosted by the Queen to other worldwide state officials. Windsor Castle has gone through extensive renovations to their original appearance since the fire of 1992. It is Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite residence and she goes there frequently. When she is there, her Royal Standard flies from the round tower and when she is not there you will see the Union Jack. We also saw some of the Queen’s Royal Guards, which must be treated with respect since they are her soldiers. The castle is decorated with such extravagancy that it kept us in awe while also looking at the Queen’s many belongings.

On the second day, Troop 207 went out to visit major attractions in the City of London. We first set out to the Tower of London which was also built by William the Conqueror in 1078 on the banks of the Thames River as a means of defense. It stands right next to the famous Tower Bridge and spans more than 900 years of history. It has been used a fortress, palace, prison, arsenal, garrison, and a place of execution. Today, it houses the Crown Jewels, armories, Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), and ravens. The Crown Jewels and the armories of the different kings and queens of England are splendid that you can imagine how they looked with those things on. The Beefeaters are the Queen’s guards that maintain the Tower of London. They are responsible for the Tower’s ravens, which, according to legend, must always reside in the fortress on the Thames River banks to ensure the future of the royal family and the kingdom of England. The Tower of London is a good place to learn more about England’s history and to imagine how London was in the Middle Ages.

After that we went to Greenwich which is the place where the National Maritime Museum, the oldest Royal Park in London, and the Royal Observatory. The National Maritime Museum has England’s naval history which dates back to the ages of exploration. The Royal Observatory is the site of GMT and the Prime Meridian line making it one of the most important historic scientific places in the world. It was founded by Charles II in 1675 and is, by international decree, the official starting point for each new day, year, and millennium.

On the third and final day of touring London, we went to Westminster Abbey, the shrine of Edward the Confessor, the tombs of kings and queens; and countless memorials to the famous and the great. It is the site for every Coronation of the king and queen of England since 1066 and for numerous other royal occasions. Today, it remains an Anglican church for regular worship and to the celebration of great events that happened in England. Westminster Abbey is a “Royal Peculiar” under the jurisdiction of a Dean and Chapter, subject only to the Sovereign. After that, we passed by Buckingham Palace, which is the Queen’s official residence in London that used to be the home of Lord Buckingham and it was Queen Victoria that lived there after she succeeded to the throne in the 19th century. There we saw the parade of the Queen’s Royal Guards march into the palace grounds. Later on, we got on the bus and passed by the British Airways London Eye, which is the largest wheel in the world, and the House of Parliament which is commonly referred to as Big Ben, which is the bell that rings every hour in the clock tower. Finally, our last stop was St. Paul’s Cathedral, also an Anglican Church, before we went back to our dorms. The cathedral has been in the City of London since 604 AD and is a constant reminder of the importance of the spiritual side of life. The current cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and built between 1675 and 1710 after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. St. Paul’s Cathedral was the site where Prince Charles and Lady Diana were married. Troop 207 climbed all 530 to the top of the dome to the Golden Gallery and got breathtaking views of the British capital.

The place Troop 207 stayed in was Hertfordshire University de Havilland campus in Hatfield, a city about an hour away from central London. The facilities were very nice and I am very thankful and appreciative for the services the campus has given us. In Hatfield, there is a shopping mall called The Gallerias and that is where I got my real authentic England soccer Jersey for about £12 (about $24 USD, $240 MXP).

In London, I have learned a lot about the culture and customs here. First of all, the British currency is the Great British Pound (£). One pound is equal to 100 pence there, similar to 1 Dollar being equal to 100 cents. The exchange rate goes against us with one pound equaling approximately $2 Dollars (about $20 pesos) because it is stronger and worth more. It is probably the strongest and most valuable currency in the world. People in England drive on the left lanes and the steering wheel for any car brand is on the right front seat. London has a population of about 7 million people equaling the amount of people in New York City and is the most cosmopolitan city in the world according to the United Nations. In the city, the Thames River is an important part for the people and is the reason why London exists. It has been used as the main highway through the city and the main sewage outlet for many years. It is still used as a method of transportation and it is a wonderful way to explore London. The river looks murky and dirty because the Thames is tidal, but it is actually one of the cleanest rivers in Europe. Learning from this pre-trip before the Jamboree has made me more aware of the diversity that exists in London and has prepared me for what I might expect at Chelmsford. When I arrive at the 21st World Scout Jamboree in Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex, England, I hope that I will be able to make new relationships with different Boy and Girl Scouts from around the world and make this an everlasting experience.

Thursday, July 26

One thing I forgot to mention in yesterday’s entry was Hertfordshire University. Located about an hour outside of London, the University poses an oddity in the world of Scout Lodging. We all stay in single rooms! We have our own bathrooms and everything. The grounds are nice and large, perfect for playing with Frisbees and footballs. The architecture is very modern and I keep finding myself forgetting that I’m in Great Britain. The food is amazing also. It has none off the chemicals and additives that we find in our food in the U.S.. It tastes much better.

Today, we entered London by tour bus. Our guide gave us an in depth description of the 32 boroughs that make up the city and also of the local culture and history. Our destination was the infamous Tower of London, where many English crown heads have met their ends at the blade of an ax. However, nowadays, the place is an excellent museum, housing an armoury of antique weapons, the renowned Crown Jewels, and, well, torture chambers and cells. But all perfectly safe and on display. The 900 year castle was much more interactive than Windsor castle, considering that we were able to take pictures. We also met some Belgian Scouts, so some of the Scouts traded patches and contacts with them.

Then, we took a tour by boat on the docklands. The tour boat also carried 2 other troops from the southern contingent, so there was more patch trading and contact exchanging. The docklands, formally warehouse and docks that lined the shore line of the Thames, are now luxury apartments and fine restaurants. The views were spectacular! We saw the sky line of London, and we passed under London Bridge.

Our next stop was Greenwich. We toured the Royal Observatory, and were able to stand in two hemispheres at once on the metal line marking the Prime Meridian. We also had the options of touring the Maritime Museum, home to the history of the sea and its connection to Britain, and the Queen’s Palace at Windsor, which serves as an art gallery and was also the inspiration for the design of the White House. However, we could’ve also opted for the “less educational” tour of Greenwich, where there are many souvenir shops and restaurants (I think they just prey on tourists).

In Greenwich, there was a film crew filming the production of “National Treasure II”. Some Scouts gathered the bravery to walk on the site and got to meet Ed Harris! How cool. After that, we headed on back to the University. Tomorrow, we tour Saint Paul’s Cathedral and more of central London. Until I blog again, this is Cutter Uhlhorn, signing off.

Wednesday, July 25

A look at our first day on our tour of London. After a long, long flight across the Atlantic, the weary Scouts of Troop 207 bordered a charter bus at Gatwick airport. We drove down M25, until we reached our goal, Windsor Castle. Windsor Castle is the favorite residence of the Queen. However, she was not there when we arrived. We had a hasty lunch on the lawn, we toured the castle.

The artwork and artifacts truly played to the rich history of the British Isles. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the tour. From the musket adorned walls to the luxurious seating rooms, every member of Troop 207 found something interesting to look at. It's an interesting adjustment. A new country, new rules, new lifestyle. It's weird; we're finally here. We're so close to the Jamboree, so close to all the fun and excitement and life long bonds that will be found on that site in Essex, England.

Tomorrow, we tour central London, but, at least in my opinion, we long for the unknown experiences that wait for us at the 21st World Scouting Jamboree.