.blenheim palace.

7.28.09

Today was such a nice day. It was a group day, but it was a little less structured which was really so nice! We took a train to Oxford and then made our way to Blenheim Palace, which was so much fun. We made our way there and then Susie told us the plan and set us free. We were free to do whatever we wanted for the rest of the day. She suggested taking time to enjoy Blenheim and then head back to Oxford for some fun shopping and architecture. It loved being able to enjoy Blenheim at our own pace. Jeanette, Allie, and I spent the day together and had so much fun.

Blenheim Palace itself was beautiful. We were able to go inside and see the public/entertainment aspects of the building. It was built in 1705 to 1722 and houses the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough. It is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and has been their home for nearly 300 years. I enjoyed seeing that. We could have paid an extra fee to see the current wing where the Duke lives now, but we opted out on that one and decided to spend more time outside on the property. It was comprised of gardens and grass and a beautiful lake. It was so nice to be outside. It felt so refreshing and relaxing to just walk around and smell the fresh air and see the beautiful sights. It helped that we were able to just enjoy it on our own time and go at our own pace.

My favorite was the Secret Garden. It had abundant trees and colorful flowers. It was a nice nature walk for us. There were streams of water with small waterfalls and huge goldfish. I loved it! It almost felt like we were in the mountains at home which are always refreshing to me. We had fun getting our photography on, taking pictures of the flowers and streams and, not to forget, one another. We had a fun time with that.
There was also a rose garden filled with vibrant colors and sizes of roses all around. They smelled fresh and looked so beautiful. About a week or so ago, a girl named Malory offered us some Rose Chocolates from here in London. She warned us that they were not very good, but that she knew a lady that wanted her to bring back a box of Rose Chocolates for her. Malory was interested to know how they tasted so she spent 5 pounds (nearly $8.50) for these chocolates. She gladly offered them to us, allowing us to try them. I can tell you exactly how it tasted . . . just like the scent of the rose. It sounds like it would be pretty good. Let’s just say that it tasted like perfume in our mouths with a hint of dark chocolate. It was nasty!! It was hard to get the taste out of our mouths as well. Unfortunately, due to that experience, smelling the roses today just wasn’t the same. By smelling them, I could almost taste them. I will only hope that that passes, because I love roses. I never hope to eat them in a piece of chocolate again. Regardless of the flashback, I enjoyed the garden.

After Blenheim Palace, we decided that we ought to just head home. We have a lot to do so we made our way home. We stopped in at Notting Hill where Portobello Road is located. On weekends there is a street market, but every other day, there are fun shops all around. We made our way there and had a great time. I had so much fun today! It was good to be able to just take the time to wander in such beautiful grounds and territory. Every once in a while, I just think about it . . . .I am in London. I am in London! I really like it here.

Oh, I can't forget to say that our transportation for the day was a double decker bus!! It was crazy to be in the top portion of it, but we quite enjoyed it. Unfortunately, it wasn't red like the ones we see in the heart of London; but we still rode it one. . . .on the opposite side of the road! Way cool!!!

.full day.

7.27.09

I’d like to say first off that Allie and I made it to our meeting place early, well a few minutes late, but before anyone else got there. We were both so proud for making it on time. We have struggled from the combination of being so tired, and having to wake up so early, when we are truly not morning people. Hopefully we can keep it up for the next week that we are here . . . we’ll see how that one goes.

Once everyone showed up, we made our way to the train station to head to Salisbury where we were able to go to the Wilton House, Salisbury Cathedral, and Stonehenge. What a fun and exhausting day it has been. Once we made it into town we took a bus ride to the Wilton House.
This is where the Earle of Pembroke has resided for hundreds of years. It was a beautiful house and the guides and employees were just delighted to have us and were so excited to show us around. It is amazing to see the difference in tour guides and the participation of the students. I am so much more captivated when the tour guide is excited about the space and has information that we can take it as a result of their enthusiasm. Our tour guide was Jose. She was really cute with such a fun and unique fashion about her. She told us that several movies have been filmed in this home because it can resemble other historical spaces. She said that Sense and Sensibility as well as Young Victoria had significant scenes filmed there. It was a beautiful space. I didn’t fully understand the role of the Earle of Pembroke. The current Earle, Jose explained, is in his thirties and is recently engaged to a young lady from Scotland. We saw their picture and they appear to be normal people. I came to conclude that the Earle is supposed to carry on the family name and keep the House running. . . not much else other than be rich and famous. Will, the young Earle as Jose described, is a classy, handsome man. We saw some pictures of him. I couldn’t imagine living that kind of life. Regardless, the house was incredible, the property and exterior, even better!! It was absolutely beautiful. To top it all off, they served us pastries and Lemonade. We enjoyed our time there and then headed to Salisbury Cathedral.

On our way, we walked past a small business that had our name posted on the sign!! I was so excited!! It was really nothing too excited but as soon as I saw Whitehead, I couldn't contain my excitement. It appears to be a soliciting company. I knew that my time at good ol Aggie Connection was fitting. :) Fun. It's not everyday that you see your last name posted on a company in Salisbury!!

Another favorite shop we ran into was called "Best of Buds." I thought it would be appropriate for Allie and I to snap a picture with it. It fits.

Once again, Salisbury was another cathedral that was very different than the others we have seen. It is amazing to me to see so many designs in cathedrals. They are all so impressive in their own ways. I really enjoyed Salisbury. This building was commissioned in 1217!! 1217? Can anyone even imagine what life must have been like in 1217? This cathedral was the most impressive thing I have seen, coming from a time like 1217. I loved most of all, to see the structural aspects of the cathedral. There is a central spire that was never originally intended for the design but was later added. The entire building was built using a mortise and tenon joint with wooden pegs to secure it. I really enjoyed a tour that we were able to take into the bell tower and later on, into the spire. What a site to see from the top. Salisbury is a beautiful area of England. I loved it so much. Salisbury Cathedral is listed in the Guinness Book of Records to have the highest spire in Great Britain, reaching 404 ft. It was so beautiful!! It helped, once again to have a wonderful tour guide who was passionate about his job. It was fun because we were in the bell tower when the clock struck 4. It was a fun experience for us. The engineering behind the spire alone is absolutely incredible. The wood structures on the interior are truly an art. I loved to see the structure behind the beautiful spire.

Last but not least was our adventure to Stonehenge. I was really excited to visit Stonehenge. I’ve only ever seen pictures of it, but never knew anything about it. It turns out that the stone comes from Wales. It is assumed that is was brought across the river, and then somehow transported to it’s current location. How that was done is unknown, as each stone weighs up to several tons. I just enjoyed the scenery most. The sky was so beautiful at the time that we were there as it was the sun began to go down. I thought that Stonehenge was beautiful and I am grateful that we were able to spend a half hour or so there, as it was originally thought that we’d only have 10 minutes there. Although there is not a whole lot to do or experience while there, I still feel that it was worth seeing.

Exhausted and tired after a long day, we are home, preparing for another early morning tomorrow. This is our last little while here and I want to be able to enjoy it with as much energy as possible. We have had a wonderful time. I expect tomorrow to be a wonderful day as well. It is truly a blessing to be here to be learning and experiencing so much.

.I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

7.26.09
We went to church today and it was so cool. I loved it so much. There were quite a few visitors there but it felt like home to me. I am amazed to see the church around the world. How comforting to know that no matter where we are, the gospel stays the same. The testimonies of those who spoke today were incredible. Our gospel doctrine class was really good. I was impressed with the teacher and the comments that were made. She talked about trials and tribulations and to think about a difficult time in our lives the we have experienced or are experiencing. She told of the experience of Joseph Smith and the others in Liberty Jail. As she spoke she testified that God knows what is best. He knows what we can and can't handle in our lives, but that through the refiner's fire, we are shaped and moulded to become like him. There was a woman from California who spoke about the challenge of Proposition 8. She told us that the members of the church were asked to become very involved and to show what is right. She explained what a challenge it was for several people as they knew people or had family members who were practicing homosexuality, but regardless, chose to stand for what is right. This woman told us that Elder Bednar came and spoke at their stake conference and told them that what they had experienced was no battle, rather a small skurmish. He told them that the battle is ahead. He gave an apostolic blessing to the stake, that if they will do what is right, that their burdens may be made light. I was impressed with this woman's testimony. To see the faith of these people was very touching to me.

In relief society, we talked of the blessings of the temple. We talked of the blessings of regular attendance and being worthy to enter. There was a woman behind us who told the teacher that she was visiting our church today and wanted to know what the temple was for. If it is for worshiping, then what was church for. She didn't quite know the difference and she asked very sincerely. I think that the teacher did a pretty good job of explaining and another woman who was a covert explained a little bit more about the temple. I got thinking how grateful I am for the knowledge that we have. We know so much. It all makes so much sense. There was a spirit about us that was very special, and I hope that this investigator was able to feel of it. Our teacher talked about how we must fulfill our own temple ordinances before performing them for others and it hit me so strongly that in 2 weeks and 2 days, I get to go through the temple. And then 2 days later, be married for time and all eternity. How grateful I am for the knowledge and testimony that is in me. Our dear teacher bore her testimony as she expressed how grateful she was for the temple. She taught that if we are worthy at all times, then when things get rough, we don't have to worry, because we are worthy. She told us that she lost her little girl one year ago. She had severe special needs and it was her time to go. On top of that, she said that she had lost her husband 12 years ago. She testified of the peace within the temple and comfort of knowing of eternal families, and that if she lives worthily, that she will be able to see her daughter and husband again. Such faith. I couldn't imaging going through what she has, but she was so graceful and confident in the plan of salvation, that everything was okay.


Church was so great! I am so glad that we were able to go. We just stuck around our flat afterwords. We were hoping to catch up on some sleep and on our assignments. Well, we definitely got some sleep. . .our one hour nap turned into 3 1/2. Funny how that happens. It has been such a great day!!!!

.lion king.

7.25.09

What a day! Slept in til 9, went with Jeanette to get Phantom tickets for her and her parents, came back and went out with Courtney and Allie. This was where the fun began!! We made our way to an area near Trafalgar Square, near the Lyceum Theater. We were able to eat at a restaurant that was on the corner, just next to the theater. It was my original intent to order fish and chips, as we have heard so much about the famous fish and chips in London (every restaurant advertises them as well). I thought that I'd go ahead and order them, even though I am not the biggest fish fan. Well, I backed down and ordered a club sandwich instead, which was very delicious, and I still tasted the fish and chips! I'll have to say, they were yummy. I'm glad that I ordered something that I knew I would like, but it was fun to taste the famous fish and chips. It's always a good time to go to lunch with the girls.

We made perfect timing for the show. We wrapped up lunch just 10 minutes before the show started but that was when they recommended we be there. I was excitedly anticipating our show. I have heard so many people just rave about Lion King. I am going to add to the rave. . . HOLY COW!!!! Lion King was incredible, absolutely amazing. It literally brought tears to my eyes, multiple times. There were so many things about it that got to me. To start off, the set, and the costumes, oh, the costumes were so cool!!! The very first scene, the Circle of Life scene, made all three of us tear up. I can't explain why, well yes I can, the costumes were so cool!! The stage was filled with giraffes (made up of a men on stilts, both hands and legs), a giant elephant, made up of 6 people, lions birds, Rafiki, Zazu. . . .it got me alright. It was breathtaking! Even in the middle of the play, there was a song that touched me so much. I began to recognize a lot of symbolism, in a religious way, and yet again, I cried. I laughed at myself for crying, but it was so cool! I will encourage anyone who has the opportunity to see Lion King, to do it because it is so worth it!!! Side note: Lion is coming to Salt Lake next summer. . look into it. I enjoy Broadway Musicals way too much. . . I'm okay with it!

Afterwords, we ran into a missionary couple as they were coming out of Lion King. It was a fun to see them! We took a moment to talk with them and it was wonderful to do so. We will probably see them at church tomorrow. They confirmed our plans to attend church tomorrow morning. I can't wait. It has been too long. 3 weeks. I'm excited to go again.

We then walked around an enjoyed the shops around and then made our way to Covent Garden. It is really just a large tourist shopping haven. There are magicians and musicians entertaining the crowds. The most impressive performer was a man playing a Sheng. Sheng is the oldest wind instrument in the world. Dating 3000 years. The church organ and the accordion are based on it. I loved it!! This man was sucking and blowing into this instrument which allowed him to play continuously. The sound was incredible.

What a great day. We had so much fun together today. Allie and Courtney are adorable girls. Courtney is also engaged, to be married on September 5. We were able to get in some fun wedding talk: colors, bridesmaids dresses, everything. We all had so much fun together.

7.24.09

We had a free day. It was the first time that we've actually been able to sleep. We slept without an alarm and oh, it was so nice. Let's just say that we slept a good portion of the day away. 11:00 a.m. It was wonderful to say the least!! We got up and wanted to make our way to the Lyceum Theater to get tickets for Lion King. We were hoping to get them for tonight but they ended up only having them available for the matinee showing tomorrow. The timing actually worked out just fine for us so we purchased tickets for 22.50 pound. I was so excited to have those tickets! I have wanted to see Lion King for quite some time now so I am especially excited for it. Allie and I agreed that we'd go to Lion King and Wicked. We went to the Apollo Victoria theater to look into tickets and they recommended that we pick up an international student card in order to get a student rate of 25 pounds for tickets that are oringinally 60 pounds. They said to come back the morning of the show we want to see and they will have tickets available for us. We jumped right on it.

We had an assignment due today so we just came home after arranging for tickets and worked the rest of the afternoon. We were to design patterns from our inspirations from V&A, British Museum, and Tate Modern. We finished, thank goodness, that evening. We've got 3 patterns done now. . . now only 11 more to go for our assignments. There are hundreds of pattern inspirations here. I hope they all turn out. V&A

Tate Modern

British Museum

.cambridge university.

7.23.2009

Cambridge University. Nearly an hour away. Absolutely Beautiful. I didn't quite know what to expect but I knew I would enjoy it from the time we walked down the main road. Wonder why? Shopping!! Everywhere! And incredible buildings and greenery all around!! I'll be honest, I got a little tired throughout the day but overall, it was a fun day. We had a tour guide who had a passion for history. Cambridge University has been around for 800 years people!! 1209 is when it all began. Nick, our guide, explained that in individual interested in attending Cambridge must apply to the university, and then apply to a college: Trinity, King's, Claire, Jesus and 27 more. He said that it is within a college that one is lectured individually, studies, meets friends, gets into mischief. It would definitely be a different experience than I am having in my education now. Personally, I don't know that I would like that setup all too much but regardless, it is a well known school with high ranks. Members of the royal family have attended but Nick said it is because they are wealthy and pay their way in, not because of the brains. Prince Charles actually attended, and wanted a life as normal as possible. He had a guard with him in all his courses and activities. In order to graduate, there is a test that must be taken. His guard figured that he had been to all the courses, he might as well take the test. . . he performed better than Prince Charles. Kind of interesting.

My favorite touring aspect of the day was going inside the King's Chapel. It was so immaculate. It is the place where the Queen and royal family have come. There was one particular time when the Queen sat in the back corner to enjoy a play and didn't like it. This chapel was beautiful. I really liked it inside because, once again, it was different than any other we have seen.

The campus was beautiful! We were able to go out to the river to eat our lunch during our free time. We just sat on some grass nearby and watched the punters pass us by. Punting is very similar to a Gondola, just a different kind of boat that isn't as nice as a gondola, but regardless very fun. We were actually able to go later on in our day. When we ate lunch we were entertained by the people trying to control their own punts, running into edges and splashing water everwhere. We enjoyed that very much. My favorite was the little duck who was not afraid of us at all. It ate out of my hand. I have never met another duck who has it in them to do that. We laughed at us as it showed off for us as well. Lunch was a wonderful break after our 2 hour tour. We worked to gear up for another 2 hours of touring after lunch.

We made our way to meet up with the group again and went into an art museum. Nick was very helpful to explain various pieces to us. I actually really enjoyed the art. I saw another favorite of mine. It was a piece by Renoir. I like his work so much. I can't explain why but I think it is so beautiful!!

After the art museum, we finished off our activities with Punting. Of course, it poured right before we went so we enjoyed wet pads on the boat, but we had so much fun! It was there that we saw some of the most beautiful views of Cambridge.

Eventually we made our way out of the town, and on our way stopped in at Subway
Because we were already hungry and had an hour and a half or so before we would even be home. We ordered sandwiches and drinks and then headed towards the train station. We decided that we would prefer to just sit and eat and knew that there would be another subway along the way so we stopped in. I decided that I wanted some chips and wasn’t sure what kind to get. I was feeling Doritos but we had some at home so I thought I’d do get something else. There are not normal chips here. There is a brand called Walkers which is basically Lays potato chips. I thought BBQ sounded good for a change. As soon as I opened them, I knew they were different because they were not seasoned the way ours are at home. I quickly realized that they were BBQ Rib chips! SICK!! They had such a nasty aftertaste. If I ever see BBQ Rib chips at home, I will run!

Oh, good day. Good times.

.view.

7.21.09

I woke up, not knowing exactly what our itinerary was, but regardless, I enjoyed my day. We started out at the British Museum. Haha, I now have an official "Where's Waldo?" picture. Can you find me? We didn't intend for the picture to turn out this way but it made me laught when I saw it. This museum contained artifacts and collections from several countries that comes together as an artistic whole. I thought it was fabulous. We saw collections from Egypt: mummified bodies, sarcophoguses, sphinx. Africa: such fabulous color, clothing and textiles. Japan: sculptures and patterns. What I enjoyed most was looking closely to find my own inspirations for patterns and I found some great stuff. I was really excited to find what I did, and it made my time in the museum that much more fascinating. I was impressed to find that the Museum was free of charge (accepting donations of course). What a beautiful collection of history for all to see.

We also made our way to another museum, one that was rather interesting. It was the home of an architect by the name of . . . . The museum is really just a tour through his house. During his time, ... collected architectural elements from buildings and structures, art from various artists, and furniture that either he designed himself, or else furniture from other collections. I enjoyed the furniture the most and the architectural elements. However, to live in a space like his would drive me crazy. In collecting his goods, he placed them all over his house. Walking space was tight, the walls were filled with sculptures and the architectural pieces, art work, and so much more. Each individual piece he collected was quite impressive, but all together I felt was too much. I would have taken pictures, but it was not allowed. Quite an interesting collection.

We went to St. Paul's Cathedral today. It is the second largest cathedral in the world, second to St. Peter's (The Vatican). It was beautiful inside. We climbed the dome, nearly 500 stairs to the top. On the interior of the dome, there was a whispering wall. Kind of confusing to describe but I will try. There is a certain height along the dome wall that you can whisper along the wall and the person you are whispering too can stand on the opposite side of the room and hear your whisper. It didn't work for us to be so far apart but once we stood about 25 ft from each other, Allie and I could hear each other. You had to "whisper with force" to make it work but it was so cool!! After our conversation we made our way to to the very top where we saw a wonderful view of London. It is the moments like this that I take a step back and realize where I am. I am truly in London! How cool is that?! I have really enjoyed it here.

When I look back, I am amazed at the things we have done! We have not skipped a beat. We have seen and experienced so much and I am so grateful! I am grateful for this opportunity to travel and see the world. To see the locations, buildings, and artwork that I have learned about in school has been remarkable. I can now refer to my travels for inspiration, rather than images in a textbook or the internet. I know that this experience will be a benefit to me in so many ways.