The Beauty of the Lake District

 Today has been a fantastic day! We started out our morning with a traditional English breakfast. I have to say that I am going to miss having baked beans for breakfast. However, I enjoy my eggs pre-seasoned. After breakfast we were still split into two groups. My group went back to Dove Cottage to do a seminar with actual Wordsworth manuscripts. So I actually handled the original manuscripts that are almost two hundred years old! We had a wonderful discussion about what you can tell from the handwriting. Some of the letters were impossible to figure out how you were supposed to read them. It was sectioned off into little sections going all directions. Then, to top it all off part of it over lapped! We then gave them ideas of how we would love to improve the Dove Cottage/Wordsworth experience. It was really awesome to realize that he really wanted to know our opinions. We even did a group project about how we would take an artifact and use it in the museum. It was really really fun.

Then we went back to town and had a two hour break to do what ever we pleased. Kristina and I wandered through a few shops. I am looking for a first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. I didn't find one but it was nice to just wander and enjoy a town while everything is open. Kristina and I got lunch at the Apple Cafe. I ordered a Chicken Tikka sandwich and Cadbury hot chocolate. It was so satisfying. We were joined by Ashley, Nicala and Kendall. We went to this really neat toy store where we got to play with some customers cute dogs. Then we rejoined our group in front of the church.

Kaitlyn, Kristina and Nicala at the beginning of our hike.

Then we started a three hour hike. It was absolutely gorgeous. The beginning was all up hill for about 15 minutes but then it became pretty easy. We had wonderful weather. It was over cast but not raining on us until the very end. I enjoyed talking to everyone and I worked on memorizing a poem I have to recite for Frank. It was great to commune with nature. On our hike we found a cave! We made so many references. I told Wade we could walk through Moria to get back to town. Jace whistled the theme for the Hunger Games. There were some others but I just cannot recall. Basically, it was an absolutely wonderful hike and I enjoyed every moment of it.

Erin, Kaitlyn, Janie, Sarah, Jace, Me, Ali and Chelsea still on the hike

Kaitlyn, Sarah and Jace: just enjoying the gorgeous countryside

Jace and Paul in the Cave of Wonders.

When we returned to the town we separated for dinner with the intention of meeting back up to go hike to a waterfall. Paul, Jace, Kristina, Nicala, Ashley, and I went to have dinner at the White Lion Pub. We were really happy to just sit and warm up since the rain had started about ten minutes before we went in doors. The food was pretty good. Then we went outside to wait for Wade and he just never came. So we went across the street and Paul kept an eye out for him. Jace and I purchased a Dr. Who magazine. I get to keep the magazine and trading cards and Jace kept the playing cards. So we waited about 30 minutes and then just went back to the hostel. Paul, Jace, Kristina, Nicala and I actually stopped in an open book store and looked around a bit. Then we just went back to the hostel and played card games. It was really nice to do something so normal with each other. Its actually the first time we have played cards this whole time. Then I blogged. Have a wonderful night. I love you all!

Cambridge and Dove Cottage.

 Today was the first day of the North trip! I cannot believe that it is already here. It means the program is ending which just makes me sad, but that is something to dwell on later. We started our journey by heading to Cambridge. There we were met by an LDS professor and some students on the Cambridge program. We sat in a chapel in one of the colleges and discussed the history of the college. It is eight hundred years old and was formed by disgruntled Oxford professors. They have one of one attention and just an entirely different system of learning. It was cool to learn about. Then we split into groups and the Cambridge students took us out punting. Some of the other kids did other things but most of us went punting.

So what is punting? It is riding in a flat bed canoe that uses a pole to push yourself along the river. Realistically it was more like bumper boats. It was so funny. In my boat was Scotty, Ali, Chelsea, Taylor and Cory (female). She was our Cambridge student who kinda gave us a tour of the buildings we managed to float by. We really didn’t manage to punt so far but it was just so much fun. Chelsea tried to punt and we ended up zigzagging the river and hitting the wall on both sides. It was so funny. Ali was freaking out and kept yelling “Taylor, take over, Taylor!” He just laughed and didn’t move. When we turned around I went to the front of the canoe and totally got another Pocahontas picture! Its funny how it is so easy to take pictures as her. It was so much fun but we were so late. We got back to the coach 20 minutes late, but it was so worth it. We then went to a wonderful memorial to American troops from WWII. It was really touching and really cool to see our troops honored here.

Scotty punting us with Taylor and Chelsea.

Part of the WWII tribute to American Troups

After Cambridge we drove to Grasmere where we split into two groups. My group went to Dove Cottage, which was the home of Wordsworth. We actually had dinner in this cottage out of the cookbook they would have used. It was really yummy. We then recited poetry and just enjoyed the atmosphere of the Lake District. I cannot describe to you how beautiful it is here. I am enjoying so much just basking in the beauty of this countryside. We are staying in a hostel in Ambleside which is right next to Grasmere or maybe even part of the town. I don’t really know, but it is probably 15 minutes from the cottage. After checking into our hostel Paul, Kristina, Kaitlyn, Jace and I walked through the town.

Dove Cottage

Paul reading poetry where Wordworth stood.

We walked until we found a church and we went through the graveyard. It was really neat to just walk through it as the sun was setting. Oh, before that, our hostel is located on the lake so we took tons of pictures. We even went out onto a pier and I got a great picture of Kristina and Paul gazing into the beauty. Paul decided that they needed dramatic dialogue and this is what I heard: “Oh, Tina…why did you eat the last cookie?” “Paul, I just don’t know. I could not control myself”. I was laughing really hard. Apparently he said her full name I just didn’t hear it. It was so funny. It is very gorgeous here. I am excited to spending tomorrow here.

Last Sunday in the Wandsworth Ward

The group I went to church with every Sunday: Kaitlyn, Emily, Me, Rob, Nicala and Becca

Today was our final Sunday in our wards. I am actually really sad because I was really excited to teach the youth. I only taught them one lesson and they remembered stuff! I asked them today and they could actually tell me things I taught them! I was so excited. In Sacrament (I pretty much ended up being Ward chorister as Kaitlyn played piano) we were surprised to find out that we were all bearing our testimony again. It was actually really sweet. After, they had a munch and mingle with fantastic food! It was a really good send off. We loved it, we felt loved and we can only hope that they felt that we loved them too. It was a great experience. I started out this trip with a horrible attitude about having a calling here but it was a fantastic experience. Sister Mills said it was like we were mini-missionaries and we really were. I was so glad.

Sister Mills and Me

After church, I napped. We had pesto for dinner and it was wonderful and I have blogged. That is seriously all that I have done today. We are about to watch Master and Commander. Have a wonderful rest of your Sunday. I love you!

Matilda!

Saturday was an adventure. So Sarah, Emily, Paul, Jace, Karley and I woke up early to try to get tickets for Matilda. This show has 8 tickets per show for 5 pounds. That is a ridiculously awesome price. However, it is really hard to get. The only restriction on the tickets is you have to be between 16-25. So we left the house at 7:30 and arrived at the theater at 8. Ticket sales start at 10. So we queued up and waited. We counted the people in line and total we made 14. However, that was because 3 of them had left to get coffee and breakfast. So there are 16 tickets available and counting all of us makes 17. So we are one too many people, but we figure that maybe someone will get disqualified or there is a not as expensive ticket so we decided to wait. About 15 minutes after we arrived a group of four walk up and just hang out close to the theater doors but they don't join the queue. So we just thought maybe they were just on a stroll and just stopped there or something. At like 9:15 we fix the queue (some of the groups were out of order and we weren't lined up in front of the main door). The group of four edges closer and someone says "Do you want to join the queue?" they responded with a "No, we are fine." 15 minutes before the doors open they forced their way into the queue behind the 1st group. We were so angry. Adding four people to the queue kicked out our entire group except 1 person. There were 2 girls in front of us who we had chatted with and they were just as incensed as we were. We sent Paul to go talk to these people because they were cutting in the queue and they were the rudest people I have ever experience. They were all up in everyone's face yelling, pointing fingers and telling us not to yell at them. They made EVERYONE in that line angry and they just did not care. At all. When the guy came to open the gate everyone started talking. The rude guy was like "I need to have a private conversation with you" and everyone was just incensed. Karley finally piped up and said "NO! They have been rude and aggressive this whole time. They need to leave!" Thankfully, the guy made the right decision. All of us agreed on the group who had been there since 6:40 so he let them in. As each group was allowed in he asked them who was behind them. Finally the two girls in front of us got in and they were very adamant that the group of 6 Americans were right behind them. So the six of us got in before the rude people! However, there were only 5 tickets left which is what we were expecting. Immediately Sarah said, "I could just not go, its ok, I'll come back another day". All of us were just not having that. There was a 60 pound ticket available and we all chipped in 10 pounds so she could go. So Matilda cost 15 pounds and it was such a moment of triumph. The rude people did not get tickets at all!

After getting the tickets Karley and I went to the London Museum to get a site visit done (homework). It is a great museum and had this funny section called the "Pleasure Garden" during the Victorian Era. Basically they had the outfits that were appropriate for wear in an garden with a movie projected on the walls. This movie showed how people interacted and used the garden in a social setting. It also had an exhibit of the Great Fire which had a lot of good info. Which is a silly statement because it is a museum. Then we headed back to the house to eat some lunch before the Matinee of Matilda. After lunch I did a quick run through Portobello Market looking to see if I could find a 1st edition Harry Potter and the Philosophers stone. I didn't find one but the Market is super cool...even though I flew through it. It is a great place for clothes, jewelry, silverware, and nicknacks but that just isn't what I was looking for. Then I went to see Matilda.

This show was soo cute! While it had the same storyline as the movie it felt like an entirely different production. Ms. Trunchbull is played by a guy but it works so perfectly. They don't make Matilda move as many objects with her eyes as they do in the movie but it doesn't really matter. They actually focus more on Matilda's "telepathic" abilities and she tells a story to the nice librarian. However, the story turns out to be a true story: Miss Jenny's story. This extra element is absolutely fantastic and it was just so much fun. It was totally worth the battle of trying to get the tickets. After the show Karley and I went to the Forbidden Planet where I bought a Tardis piggy bank and Sting as a letter opener! I am soo excited for them! The Tardis is currently sitting next to me with all of the left over Euro coins inside. It just makes me happy.

The stage for Matilda!

Sting!

Doctor! It's bigger on the inside!

Then upon our return we went and got Tazas for dinner. It was Karley's first time having the Shawarma that is so delicious!  We brought it back to the center and watched Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. It was a great relaxing way to end the evening! Love you all!

Olympic Ceremony!!!

 Friday was a fantastic day! We started out our morning with a boat ride down the Thames. I have never been on the actual river before. So it was pretty sweet. We got a great picture with the Tower Bridge as you can see! As we were going down the river we had seen one battleship from WWII. So when we happened upon a second one we were all like "Cool, another WWII ship". Wrong! It is a fully working, fully armed, ready for anything war ship. Just in case things go wrong...I felt pretty safe. 

Picture from a boat on the Thames! Lauren, Kristina and Nicala

A battleship on the Thames...fully working

 After our boat tour we went to the Maritine Museum. Filled with boats and this fantastic kid section! They had hats, a working telegraph with morse code beside it. The museum itself was interesting, it had many different exhibits but that was yesterday...so I don't remember anything specific that I learned. The kids floor was super fun though. We goofed off. It was great. We were also super close to the Prime Meridian but we could not get to the observatory because of the Olympics. Then I went to Nandos with a group of friends and had a fantastic meal!

Yo, Ho, Yo, Ho a pirates life for us?

The next thing I did was go to St. Bartholomew's Hospital. Why? Well, if you are a fan of BBC's Sherlock Holmes series you will know why! Past that I cannot really tell you except that it played a huge role in the season finale. I even did my first bit of graffiti writing "I believe in Sherlock Holmes" on the wall. I am actually pretty proud. I did not however, sign my name cause that would be stupid. Then I made a mad dash to the John Lewis store an hour before dinner. It was kinda a stupid idea. Yet, somehow I managed to get my mug in an hour. I was only 30 minutes late to dinner! Then we headed out to Hyde Park for what we thought was a free place to watch the opening ceremonies...boy we were misled.

My first piece of graffiti. Probably the last.

So Hyde Park was having a concert with Snow Patrol, Duran Duran, and a Welsh Band. It cost 60 quid to get in. I did not pay to go in. The only other free venue was Victoria Park, 40 minutes away and already at capacity. So it was time for plan B. After discovering this information we started heading back when Kaitlyn, who was wearing her Canada shirt, was stopped by a news reporter for an impromptu interview. We crowded around her and answered questions. They might have aired it too but a homeless man came in front of the camera and flipped it off and started going off. So we don't know what station it was or if they aired it but I may have been on British TV. Woohoo!

So Kim and I decided we needed a picture like we were actually able to get into the park. Out of no where this guy walks up and says "I have 1 free ticket. Would you like it?" Kim and I look at each other and Kim told me I should take it. I declined because I didn't know the bands and I knew I would have more fun with a bunch of people I knew. Plus, I was super tired. So Kim got in for free! I was so excited for her and a little bit nervous. As we were walking back to the house to watch the games six jets flew over head with red, white and blue behind it. It was soooo cool! Then we went to Tesco and got some candy. Then we got in the kitchen and set it up for awesomeness.

Kim and I outside Hyde Park Olympic viewing event!

Red, White, and Blue behind jet planes it was pretty cool!

The opening ceremonies were fantastic! It perfectly represents everything I have been doing in London for the last 5 weeks. It started with a small provincial English town per-industrial revolution! Rob sees it and goes "Hey look, Kibworth". We started laughing so hard. Kibworth (since explanation is necessary) is the town that we have been studying while here. We have studied it from the Roman times to present day. So the beginning of the ceremonies the provincial town to industrial revolution and just how society has advanced. Also, I have been to every land mark that they showed in the Ceremony. I dearly loved the fact that Mr. Bean was in the show playing Chariots of Fire! We cheered so loudly for him. Voldemort, Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, just all of the wonderful references they made in the ceremonies was so fun! I still cannot believe that they would even insinuate that James Bond escorted the Queen or that she jumped from an airplane. It was ridiculously awesome! I really enjoyed that they made the Olympic rings out of iron from the industrial revolution as well. Just a fantastic ceremony. It was so much fun to watch! I hope you all enjoyed it and that you watched it! I love you but I am off to bed so a blog post about today will have to wait but it is an adventure!

I SAW THE OLYMPIC TORCH!!!

My free Union Jack that I am using as a sun shade. Looks more like a Pioneer bonnet though.

 What? A blog post on the actual day?!? Plus it is only 7:45 at night for you Valerie. What is wrong with you?!?! Well, I have an essay due tomorrow. So basically blogging is my excuse for not currently working on it. Hurray! The essay is actually half way done, but you know how procrastinators are. Anyway, as you can tell by my title I saw the Olympic Torch! With my own eyes! It was literally 3 feet away from me and it was totally awesome! The sad thing is...that is pretty much my entire day.

So the day started with class this morning. Most people were zombies today. Everyone has been super stressed over this midterm essay because we just don't have a lot of time this week. We have had a ton of required things that we have been doing. Last night, I was the first person in bed and I went to bed at 12:30. Most of the people stayed up till 1 am or 2 because on top of the paper we had 50 pages of reading for the same class and then an entire book for our other class. I took a nap between Wade's and Frank's class and I felt so much better! Lunch consisted of finger foods left over from the Professor Black reception. Then I went into the library and started my paper. I wrote from 1-3:30 and then I went to line up on the street for the Olympic torch relay!

It was actually almost a mini parade. The first van driving up had multiple torches and some athletes. I am assuming that they were the athletes for different legs of the relay and they each had their own torch. Then we saw a Coke Van and some other vans with music, cheerleaders, athletes and just the excitement of the crowd. It was so much fun! I couldn't believe how close we were to the torch. The athlete had bouncers around him to keep us from getting too close but it was just an awesome experience! My very first live Olympic experience. I am feeling pretty blessed.

The Olympic torch!!! AHHHHHH I am so lucky!

A picture with the actual flame. It was so cool to see it live!

After seeing the torch Megan, Sarah, Janie, Abbey and I went to Gelato Mio to get some gelato. It was delicious! I got Cioccolatte which is milk chocolate and Biscotto which is cookies and cream. It was so refreshing to have something cold and just not go back to the looming essay. We laughed and enjoyed each others company. We talked about how cool it was to see the torch run right down the street from our home and just relaxed.

Now, I am going to finish my essay! I hope you have a wonderful afternoon. I love you! Wish all of us luck!

P.S. I just made some changes to my blog layout. What do you think? Opinions are greatly appreciated.

Unexpected

Happy Wednesday! I hope you did something fun. I learned a lot but as far as adventures in London’s go, it was a slow day. We started out with class. One of our professors handed back an assignment and is making all of us redo it. On top of a midterm paper, site assignments, planned activities, class times, reading assignments, London walks assignments and anything else that we have to do. Needless to say, after class there were some very heated remarks. Especially since the things he disliked in our papers were things that he had not even defined prior to our turning in the assignment. It was a bit frustrating. The other class is going very well and I enjoy every moment of it.

After class, I grabbed a quick lunch of left overs and then headed out to do a London walk. My walk began at the St. Paul’s Cathedral tube stop, walked down to Bank and continued on until the Monument. It was a decently long walk and helped me to relieve some steam while still being productive toward my school work. I actually did enjoy it. I stopped in this little church and learned about the architect who also designed St. Pauls. It was very beautiful with open space that was filled with light. It had a dome that raised the ceiling. This church was also the place where the Samaritan program (like a suicide hotline) began here in London. It was just a very nice stop. It was also just nice to take an hour and a half to myself.

Upon my return to the center I attended a lecture by Professor Black. This man is incredibly intelligent and knows a ton about history and politics. The lecture was incredible but I cannot even tell you what it was about. Most of it went over my head because I had no background knowledge to attach it to. All of the students who studied political science asked spectacular questions. I just sat in awe.

After the lecture I went to Wagamamma with Abbey, Kim, Kristina, Megan and Sarah. It was yummy. Not my favorite thing I have had in London but it was good. We enjoyed each other’s company and then had to go to the Hyde Park Chapel for another lecture by Professor Black. Once again I was blown away and enjoyed myself. Upon exiting the chapel I was faced with a situation I had never actually faced before. There was a protestor outside the chapel. He saw me and looked me in the eye and told me I was a part of a cult and that I was not a Christian. I turned around and walked back into the building. Without even thinking about it, I grabbed a pass-a-long card with Christ on it and the 13 articles of faith on the back. I walked up to the man, handed it to him. I stated “Thank you for your concern for my soul” and just left and walked  toward Kensington Gardens. I thought I handled the situation well, however, when I told some of my classmates what I had done they were disappointed. Apparently, I just should not have done anything, or given him any sort of attention at all. I am not sure if I made an intelligent decision about the situation but I leave the decision up to you.

I then spent the rest of my night doing homework until midnight. Except for the 5 minutes when I broke the rules by going out onto the fire escape. Karley and I walked to the very top of the building. I stopped at each of the girls floors and poked my head through their windows and whispered “Peek-a-boo”. I keep me in your mind as I have a ton of homework to get done today (Thursday). I love you!

Hurray for not caring about homework!

So we have a lot of homework here this week but I so do not care! I will get everything done but I do know that tomorrow and Thursday I will not be doing much besides homework. Instead, I went on a hike in Kent. It was so much fun!! The sun was shinning. It was definitely one of the warmest days we have had yet, and we were joined by the BYU film study abroad. First though, I have to tell you about getting out to Kent.

So we left the house on time and headed to Blackfriars train station. So we got our ticket and we headed to the platform. There was a train sitting on the platform and we weren't sure if it was the right train. I actually stood on the train but since half of our group hesitated and the whistle blew, I got off the train. Turns out it was the right train. So Wade started discussing vehemently with the workers and then went off to complain to management that they had left while customers were still on the platform. A little later an announcement came on the intercom saying that they are more than happy to help their customers but if anyone is verbally abusive they will arrest them. We looked at each other and briefly contemplated if our teacher had been arrested. The answer was no but for a brief moment we hopped we would not need to finish our midterm paper.

Then, we finally made it to Kent and our hike. We started the hike at 11 am in the morning and finished at 4 pm when we got back on the train. We traveled to Eynsford Castle, Lullingstone Castle, the Hop Shop and just the wonderful countryside. The other study abroad has only 25 students. 13 boys and 12 girls. It was actually an even number and they were really nice people. I met George and Abbey. What was really exciting though was that Mallory from Divine Comedy was there! I totally got a picture with her! It only took me the whole time to become brave enough but I asked her! It was hot and sweaty but I was so happy I did it! We ended our hike in an old chapel and sang some hymns. It was really really fun. I am now sun kissed and really feel like its summer!

Eynsford Castle

More of Eynsford castle ruins

Waves of golden grain

The church we stopped at

Mallory from Divine Comedy!!!! Isn't she cute?!?

After the hike we ran home for a very delicious dinner of something that I think was chinese. I am not entirely sure but I loved it!!! Then I took a very quick shower and felt so much better! We finished our night watching Chariots of Fire on stage. It was very good. A little slow at time but it was very creative staging. I really really enjoyed it! Well, I am going to bed. Goodnight all! I love you!

I feel British!

Today I went to a Cricket Match!!! It was actually a ton of fun. I never realized how hard it is for your eyes to follow a deep red ball over green grass when it is being pitched at 85mph. Basically, the ball was invisible most of the time. We actually had a lecture this morning to help us know what it was that we were watching. Unfortunately, Britain lost to South Africa but it was so much fun to watch. South Africa just played much better. It was a very interesting experience. Don't ask me to explain Cricket to you but I can at least explain how scoring works. It was just so much fun! Fun fact: everyone wears white. Both teams do, however, at any given time only the two batters are from the other team on the field.

Cricket field with the game in play!

After Cricket I headed out on my lonesome to the British Library. There I went into a literature exhibit that was so worth the money I paid. It had a Tolkien original painting of the Shire. He painted it himself and it was so beautiful. There was a manuscript of Persuasion by Jane Austen. I saw one of the original Sherlock Holmes books and Alice in Wonderland. There was things by Dickens, Conrad and so many other authors. There was a 1,000 year old book and the original manuscript for Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. J.K Rowling has very legible handwriting. The two pages that you could read was the page where Harry was asking Vernon for a ride to the train station and Harry being unable to figure out how to get onto the platform. It was so cute to read! There was also an old copy, I hesitate to say original because they did not specify, of Wuthering Heights. There was also a copy of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. So right after it came out in the 1880's it was turned into a stage production. Then in 1888 was Jack the Ripper and people made connections between the book/stage production and Jack the Ripper. It was just very interesting to read about. It was a new way to think about things. All in all it was a fantastic exhibit and I was very glad that I did it at my own pace.

At this moment I have been working on my homework which feels a little overwhelming. I have no idea if I have time to go on an optional hike in Kent tomorrow because I have a paper and book I need to finish and really not a lot of time to do things. If I don't do the hike tomorrow I can finish all of my homework and then free up my time for finishing my expansive To Do list before I leave. If I go on the hike I run the risk of not finishing my work and losing even more sleep. Well, as I ponder my decision I am going to see Batman! In the oldest theater in London with a bunch of really cool people. Have a wonderful day! Love you lots and lots!

I am caught up!

I will catch up and be totally up to date on this blog!!! It is currently 11:45 and I will tell you about my Sunday!! So started out the day with church. My first time ever teaching the youth (12-18) and I was actually super excited! When I taught my peers back at school it was just terrifying. Probably because they are my age or older than me. I was really happy to be so excited and I taught them a lesson on faith. I hope they learned something. I tried really hard to get the to ask me questions and I think I navigated them pretty well. Things got a little bit hairy when I suggested that before people have a faith in any sort of knowledge our Father in Heaven gives they have to create faith in the concept of faith. Except I did not state it that well but I think eventually we got through it. I actually did not want Sunday school to end and I am so excited to get to teach them again!

After church, I went to Evensong at Westminster Abbey. Westminster was very beautiful and it was nice to hear and experience Evensong there but the acoustics were not nearly as sublime as St. Pauls. It was a seriously a cool experience. Also, I did not have to pay 18 pounds to get in! Which is always a pleasant thing to think about. What I found the most interesting was as I listened/sung/participated in Evensong I looked around at the architecture and realized I was surrounded by graves and statues devoted to secular people. It was a strange moment but I was seriously glad for the experience! When I finally do my homework and have some time to upload some photos I will show you some of the pictures I procured from the inside of the building. 

Westminster Abbey, the view behind me. that is the tip of my head as I sneakily took the picture.

The view right in front of me.

After that I walked down Portobello Road to see if I really need to go back to the market next Saturday to do some shopping. I am proud to say that not all of the stalls that I saw being taken down yesterday were put back up on the Sabbath! So it was not nearly as busy and I think I shall return because I have decided to see if I can find a first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. If I don't that's ok and if I do that is awesome!

Sunset at the Serpintine.

Then I went for a walk with Ali, Chelsea and Taylor, for homework and just to enjoy the warm sunny day! Actually before that I received a surprised Skype call from my mom and dad! It was so awesome to talk to them. I love them both and they are so supportive of me and everything I do. It just made today even better! We walked pretty much most of Kennsington Gardens and Hyde Park. It started getting dark while we were in Hyde Park and while we were headed home we saw a row of geese in the river. They were literally swimming in a line under the bridge. Even the geese que properly here! We think maybe that is where the phrase "ducks in a row" comes from. We have no idea but it was really cool to see. Then on top of our wonderful 2-3 hour walk we returned to find cookies waiting for us!!! I ate like five of them. It was delicious and divine and perfect! Hope you had a wonderful Sabbath! I certainly did and I had really delicious homemade macaroni and cheese for dinner too! Love you all!

Saturday is a Special Day :)

All of my days in London are fun and Saturday was no exception. We started our day at Parliament. It was my first time going into those ancient hall ways and it was really cool. The building is so ancient and beautiful. The British really went all out when they had it. Surprisingly, during the Blitz only thing that had been hit was the House of Commons. The arch that survived still stands guarded by Winston Churchill who said it should be left there to remind us all. You are not allowed to take pictures in Westminster, unfortunately but there is one room with pictures that I will upload a little later.

After Parliament, I went with Ali and Chelsea to Borough market for lunch. It was delicious and I bought more peaches which are currently down in the kitchen smelling divine. I am really excited to eat them for lunch! Then we went and took an Olympic Tram ride over the Thames. This tram gives you and excellent view of the Olympic Arena and just reminded Ali of Utah and ski-lifts. At the other side there was this attraction where you get inside a plastic ball and they place you in the Thames, so basically you are a hamster and you try to run around. It looked hilarious. I might go back and try it!

The Emirates Tram ride across the Thames!

Our turn!

One side of the Thames (Not the side with the Olympic stuff, that is on my friends camera)

The most random attraction. You get to be a hamster is a plastic ball, on water.

After that we continued until we were actually at the Olympic Arenas. You can't go in but we went to the John Lewis store to the top floor which has all of the Olympic stuff. So, naturally, I went shopping. There is also a viewing platform with binoculars that allow you to take a closer look at where a lot of the Olympic events will be held. It was a really smart move on our part to get out there since the Olympics start soon!!

About to exit the tube! Look at me rocking the jacket around the waist look.

Olympic Park! The torch, and arenas :)

The Olympic Mascot. He is now all over London.

After that we headed to Portobello Road for the market! It was really cool but also shutting down when I got there...so I have to go back! Unfortunately it is only open on the weekends...so I am hoping that I have time next Saturday! Then I spent the evening working on homework and just relaxing. Have a wonderful Sabbath and hopefully I will actually be up to date on this by tonight! Love you all :)

The Woman in Black

Friday was an awesome and yet slightly depressing day and here is why. We started out the morning going to the Imperial War Museum. This museum is fascinating. It has a lot of large military items such as guns from a war ship, a model of the nuclear bombs, a WWI ambulance, a trench warfare experience, WWII stuff and a Holocaust section. The trench warfare experience was very interesting. It smelled horrible (as it should) and it was actually walking through a trench. Every five feet there was a wax/fake person with a recording that would describe what happened at this particular place. Sleeping was awful. You were only allowed to lay down (no one wants to sleep with rats and feces in your face) unless you were injured. It really was just the stupidest way to fight a war. Horrible tactical idea. The WWII stuff was also really fascinating. I have really enjoyed learning about the world wars from a non-USA perspective. It is just really poignant to learn about the countries who were physically torn apart by the wars, more so than we were. The Holocaust section was the Holocaust. There are no words to describe the horror and the sadness it brings. I am incredibly thankful for its existence though because we should never forget the horrors that human beings can cause towards each other and we should always do our best to be accepting of all people and cultures.

Anyway, moving on. So after the war museum we went to see Richard III at the Globe Theater. While waiting for the doors to the theater (which has no roof) it started to pour. Like, really pour. I have not gotten so wet since Disney and of course, I did not have a rain jacket. So as soon as the doors opened I walked straight to the back wall to lean against it. This actually sheltered me from the rain because, while I have to stand, there are seats in the Globe. Above the seats is a thatch roof but the roof does not cover the entire structure. If this does not make sense, google the Globe theater and look at pictures :). So throughout the entire performance the rain came and went. It was a really excellent performance and Richard III seems to be an absolutely horrid character (although that may be because Shakespeare wrote this under the Kings who defeated Richard III). It was a good performance. I just wish it had not rained. Standing against the wall did help a ton with having to stand for 3 and a half hours.

After Shakespeare, we had dinner at the center. We had a Brazilian meat that was just delicious. Then I ran with a group to see the Woman in Black on stage. It was wonderfully terrifying. I will not tell you too much about it because I don't want to ruin it. Suffice it to say I would recommend it and I am going to watch the movie!! Love you lots!

Kew Gardens and Anigone!

The treetop walk :) it was really fun

Thursday was a really relaxing day. The morning was filled with classes which is still weird because I feel like I am on an awesome vacation. Then we went to Kew Gardens. Kew Gardens is 300 acres of beauty and charm. They had a treetop walk where basically you are walking around as tall as a tree. Taylor and I felt that it was "too safe" since we had done the walk at the top of the Eden Project which swung as you walk. I laughed at the different plaques on the wall which really dumbed down how plants work. It was kinda hilarious. There was also a Pagoda, rose garden, bamboo garden, shops, rock garden and random Greek Temple. It was huge and relaxing and just awesome. I spent the entire time with Taylor, Ali and Chelsea. Ali and Chelsea had to leave early to be on kitchen crew so Taylor and I enjoyed not being surrounded by a million people. In fact, every time we saw a group of more than 3 other students we would literally look at each other and say "run". It was just nice to not be stressed out by other people and their complaining.

Peacocks just get to roam free

An organized garden.

We actually spent most of the afternoon at the gardens which was just wonderful. Then after dinner I ventured with Lauren, Jace and Celeste to go see the National Theater's production of Antigone. For those who have not recently studied Greek Tragedies here is a synopsis: Antigone is the center play of a trilogy. The first play Oedipus Rex features Oedipus who murders his father and marries his mother (without actually knowing their relationship at all) and upon discovering what he has done gouges out his eyes leaving his four children abandoned as their mother/grandmother committed suicide. This is where Antigone starts: The two brothers are feuding over the throne and kill each other in a civil war. One brother has been buried with honors while the other has been left to rot. By royal decree anyone who buries the body will be put to death. Antigone will not allow her brother to just rot and breaks the law. That is actually all of the plot that I shall reveal unto you in case you want to read the play. So it is very dark and very tragic. It was also wonderful!! They set the play in a modern newspaper agency and there is no intermission. This allows the tension to just build and build and build. It was excellent! There was also and even bigger silver lining. Chris Eccelston was the main role!!! (9th Doctor!) He is soooo nice! He signed our tickets and my playbill but wouldn't take pictures because his baby was tired. It was just sooo awesome!!! :) I will post pictures on this blog a bit later of the Gardens but I don't have any pictures from the play but I might post one of the signature. Who knows? Thanks for reading and I love you!!!