Sunday, September 27, 2015

Surviving a London Cold and a Face-Sized Fritter

Getting sick in London is an absolute crime. You feel so torn; do you sacrifice your health and go adventuring, because you live in London? Or do you rest up all week, in hopes that you might get better? I did a bit of both. And I'm still sick. It was just so hard to stay cooped up inside all day when there is this amazing city right outside your door. I didn't leave the house once Monday; my day was spent sleeping and doing homework. As you can imagine, I was stir crazy by the end of the day. So, since I do not have any pictures from Monday, please enjoy this video from our grand trip last week. If you remember our trip to ...and chocolate on Saturday, and my mentioning of the infamous Oompa Loompa video, well, here it is. Please enjoy.

TUESDAY
Matilda the musical with Emma, Bek, and Austin

WEDNESDAY
Day trip! The city of Winchester, Stourhead, and Stonehenge.

Winchester Cathedral

Jane Austen's grave, Winchester Cathedral

King Arthur's Table



I felt real swell in regards to the large baked goods found in Winchester.

 This is Stourhead: several acres of lovely British gardens. For all you Pride and Prejudice fans (Keira Knightly version), Stourhead is the shooting location for a well-remembered scene. Recognize the bridge? If so, stand by. To be continued . . .




Alrighty, brace yourself: a large wave of dance photos are on their way. Can't help but do what I love!





#photobombed  


The Temple of Apollo, and view from.
Alright, here's what I promised you. Remember the scene where Mr. Darcy first proposes to Elizabeth, dreamily in the rain, but she denies him? Yep. Stourhead is where that was filmed. 



Stonehenge!

We got stoned . . . ;)

THURSDAY
Pretty low key day. After classes and an afternoon nap, Emma and I went to Primark.
Primark: a magical land where somehow, you loose all self control and buy all manners of clothes you don't need, but really really want. And you think it's ok, because they are all low priced. But that's where they get you. You buy more, because it's so cheap. Anywho. I'll probably be going back this week to make some returns, because I won't be able to eat blouses when I'm broke. ;)
But I really dig my new cat pajamas. Those will remain mine. I wore them while Emma, Bek, and I watched "The Help." I love that show. One of my all time favourite books as well as movies. If you have not seen nor read it, I strongly recommend that you do.

FRIDAY
London Walk to start the day off: "Whitehall and the Mall." I loved this one.


Left: Statue of William Tyndale. Well known for his translation of the Bible into English. 
Right: war monument. There are so many across the city. So many. The English really take pride in those who served their country, especially those who served with their lives. It's really neat to see this.


Left: Changing of the guard at Horse Guard Parade, Whitehall.
Right: I sure do love this city. And this cozy sweater from Primark.

Back side of where we saw the changing of the guard. Peeking over the top is the London Eye.

Lovely vine-coloured wall, hinting that autumn is on its way.

Admiralty Arch

I finally got my red telephone box photo. Bonus: Big Ben is in the background.
(This screams "Cheesy tourist," but I am very ok with it.)

Walking the streets.

So much sushi. So much happy. Que Belinda Carlisle's "Heaven Is a Place on Earth."

SATURDAY
 We visited Will and Kate! Ok, not really, but their home is lovely! The quality of these photos are not great, the lighting was poor and flash photography was not allowed. I am in love with Victoria and Albert's love story; I got to be in the place where she saw Albert for the first time, which was pretty neat. Other parts of Kensington included a wing exhibiting HM Queen Elizabeth II, her sister Margaret, and Diana's dresses throughout the years. It was oh-so fancy and grand,

 Room in which Victoria was born.


Left: Victoria and Albert portrait, as well as their piano.
Right: Journal entry of Victoria, upon seeing Albert for the first time.
"Albert, who is just as tall as Ernest, but stouter, is extremely handsome; is hair is about the same colour as mine; his eyes are large and blue, and he has a beautiful nose and a very smart mouth."

Kensington Palace

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Please Don't Flush Your Ex's Favourite T-Shirt: Alternative Bins Are Available

What a fun week! We were gone Monday-Saturday as we traveled to the northern parts of England, as well as the southern parts of Scotland! I have fallen completely in love with the Lake District; it has "bewitched me both body and soul!"

MONDAY



The week included hours upon hours of riding in a large coach (bus). I will be the first to say I cracked a bit.
Left: There's so much going on here...Bek's face. The owl necklace I have on my forehead.
Right: I had to hide from the world (or at least everyone else on the bus) for a brief spell. So I ducked under my blanket. Yes-that weird looking red thing is my foot.

 The docks of Liverpool

Statue of the early pioneers. So many went through the port of Liverpool.

Love these cuties. Hard core. 


The gang! Dr. Westover, his wife and kids, Dr. Ringer and his wife, Dr. Kirkham and his wife, 37 girls, and 1 boy.

TUESDAY

  



 Preston Temple


 





River Ribble (say that one 10xs fast)

Preston, England

More bus silliness. We love and miss our Megs!

This was on the back of the door in the hostel we stayed at. Guys, I dig the UK.

Seflie at the top of this hike we took in Ambleside. It was such a beautiful view of Lake Windermere, the biggest lake in the Lake District. 


The clouds broke, and this single ray of sunshine came pouring in, illuminating that small patch of lake.




I don't plan on coming back to the U.S.

WEDNESDAY 
 Rydal Hall



THURSDAY
Welcome to Scotland! 



Arthur's Seat-overlooking Edinburgh

 Isn't the view lovely?




Ghost Tour of Edinburgh: We walked through Black Friar's Cemetery, supposedly the most haunted cemetery in the UK, and went underneath the city, which was pretty cool. Supposedly, "Annie," the ghost, has been spotted in the back left corner of this chasm under the city. *insert DUH DUH DUH noise*
St. Giles

Elephant Cafe: the birthplace of Mr. Harry Potter

FRIDAY
Edinburgh Castle

Scotland-England border
2 places at once!

SATURDAY
Home of the Bronte Sisters



Fun fact: church yards, cemeteries, graveyards, etc. creep me out. Not in the ghost way, but just knowing that I'm walking over hundreds of deceased people weirds me out. However, I was not bothered in this church yard. It was the most beautiful church yard I've ever seen! It's off the side of the parsonage where the Bronte sisters lived with their father.

 
Flemmy (aka Emma)


...and chocolate
The BEST chocolate I have ever tasted. And, the shop owner was the most darling old man. He had us stand on the step in his shop and sing the Oompa Loompa song while doing a dance. I am know a Junior Oompa Loompa. And about 5 pounds heavier from eating his delicious chocolate.
At one point during the day, I went out on my own to wander the moors. They were absolutely breath taking. It was a grand two-hour opportunity for some time to my self, to meditate, self-evaluate, what ever you want to call it. This was the only picture I took, because I felt I couldn't capture the beauty, nor the experience it was to me. However, I found this daisy growing on its own in a rather large patch of heather. I picked it and played the "He loves me, he loves me not" game. Verdict: He loves me. Disclaimer: "he" has yet to be determined.