Day 14 Depature

Day 13 Recuperation & Chicago

Day 12 Camden Markets & Dickens

Day 11 Paris Experience

Today we had to get up early to get on the train to Paris. The seats were not very comfortable. We were seated in a table like setting with no where to put your legs. I was able to get a small nap in on the way. When we got there we needed to go to the restroom, and we had to pay a euro ($1.50) to use them! Then we went to down to their subway system and tried to figure out how to get to the Eiffel Tower. Everything was in French of course, and the information desk was closed. I tried to ask someone with little success. It was very discouraging because we were all irritable, it was dark and dingy down there, and no one even appeared to be friendly. So Christina and I figured out what we thought was the best route on a map and we headed off. We got off the train, and couldn't wait to see the light of day! I was expecting to see the tower immediately, but we actually had to follow the signs and then it came into view and it was huge. The lines for the tickets were massive, and after that you had to wait in an even longer line to use the elevator. We were all stressed out and one girl left her wallet on the train. We decided to get some food, and I hadn't even eaten breakfast yet. I don't speak any French so ordering was a challenge, and I got a disgusting panini with funky ham and cheese. I scarfed it down anyway since I was hungry and there wasn't much of a food selection in the area. We finally arranged to take a river cruise on the Seine River. It was great. We were all able to relax a bit and see the sights without having to walk. On the way to the Louvre Museum I saw a police swat van, and keeping true to the tradition I asked them in hand gestures if I could take a picture with them. The teased me, and told me to hop in. So I did. Then the guy in the back piped in saying "kiss, kiss" so I planted a peck on the drivers cheek! All the girls and I gushed about the attractive officers. We liked the French dudes much more than the stuffy Englishmen. Anyway, eventually we made it to Louvre, and it was so massive that we were barely able to see much of the museum given our time limitations. I was able to see the Mona Lisa, the Venus De Milo, and my favorite The Winged Victory. We at at the cafe of the museum because we were short on time. I had yet another disgusting sandwich. We met back up with the other girls who didn't go to the museum. We were all sick of Paris and ready to leave. We had a hard time finding the subway station and we had some time so we stopped off at some shops to buy souvenirs. Upon checking in through customs we learned that our train had been delayed another hour. We were all disappointed and ready to leave. I decided to hit up some of the "duty free" gift shops. I bought an glass Eiffel Tower filled with French brandy. I may or may not have bought and later smuggled a bottle of Absinthe with me. By the time we got back to London we were all tired and out of it. Upon returning to our rooms the dorms were a buzz with the news that Michael Jackson was dead. It was such a strange day, but I had a sense of pride in my group leadership abilities. I know that even in a foreign country, with a language I do not speak, I can maintain confidence and lead us to our destination!

Day 10 Bath, Salisbury & Stonehenge

Today we were up in a hurry again as we had another organized Evans & Evans tour leaving at 7AM. As we drove through the countryside there were Fields of rolling green hills broken up by bright patches of yellow. Those were called rape seed, which is what canola oil is made of. It's called rape seed, because that's what it does to the soil. We stopped off at the Roman Bath house first. It was really interesting to see the way that they created the sauna type rooms by building a fire underneath the stone flooring and then creating ventilation passages. They had to wear wooden shoes because the floor would have burned their feet. I liked the green pool that shimmered with the thousands of coins that people had thrown into it. I wonder if any of their wishes have come true? The Romans believed the natural springs that fed the bath had mystical powers. The water comes out of the spring at 46 C which I looked up in Fahrenheit to be 114 degrees! I could see the steam coming off the overflow. After touring the bath I tried the coronation chicken salad sandwich which was really good. Then we were off to the Salisbury Cathedral. The countryside and the houses along the hill were so beautiful. I imagined myself living in this quaint little town, and thought I could be quite happy there. The cathedral was built in 1075, and it has beautiful architecture. I of course took the opportunity to light a candle and say thanks for my amazing journey thus far. While we were there a prayer was broadcast over the loud speaker and I had a seat and bowed my head. He included in his prayer a message about journey's and a blessing to those who had travelled far to be there. I was overcome with emotion at that moment, and brought to tears. It's hard to describe what internal changes have occurred as a result from that trip looking back. It has definitely caused an internal stirring in me and a yearning for more travel! I loved the huge dark blue stained glass window that cast it's violet shade upon the room. I got to see one of the last 4 remaining copies of the Magna Carta from 1215 and it was still in excellent condition. I was so excited to see it because it was an essential document in shaping our American freedoms. Finally we were off to Stonehenge. I had been excited to go there, but I found out that you can't really get within 15 feet of it. So me and a couple of the girls decided we weren't going to wait in line and pay for it when we had almost the same view from the road. I got an icecream and walked through the peaceful fields where cows were grazing. It was so peaceful breaking away from all the crowds.

Day 9 British Museum & We Will Rock You

Today was another day that was relatively free for my enjoyment. I slept in a bit, but had to get up in time for breakfast since it was our one free meal. I had been really wanting to go the British Museum, and today I was going to cross it off my list. I got to see so many amazing artifacts from so many different cultures. I was overwhelmed with history. It was so hard to wrap my mind around how ancient some of the stuff was. I only had time to see maybe half the exhibits there. I got to see the Rosetta Stone! That was pretty amazing to think that we could actually reconstruct languages based on that piece of rock. My favorite exhibit was the mummies. They had one completely unwrapped and it was perfectly preserved. They had several mummies, and their tombs. They even had mummified cats and other animals. My second favorite would have to be remnants of the Parthenon. Having been to the life size replica of the Parthenon in Nashville, TN I felt mystically drawn to these relics. The parthenon is from 447 BC, and I was standing before it's well preserved sculptures. I didn't want to leave. I think I could have spent a week there. After the museum I was hungry and I wondered to a lovely little cafe called the Onion. I sat outside in the courtyard, and kicked off my shoes. I had a cup of soup, a salad, and had a spot of tea. I was having such a great day alone that I decided to take my own picture. After lunch I had to meet up with the group for yet another walking tour. This one was called literary London, and we toured the Bloomsbury area. I heard some interesting things about Virginia Woolf, and got to see her residence. I also got to see the house that Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes shared early in their marraige. I learned more about the bloomsbury writers group, and found the information about their sex lives to be very insteresting for their time period. However, I was tired of walking and the tour dragged on and on for what must have been miles! After the agony finally ended, it was back to the dorms to freshen up for our theatre night. We were going to see We Will Rock You, a Queen tribute. It was a little cheesy, but of course the music was good! I had a good time, and afterwards we of course headed for a pub..

Day 8 Portrait Gallery & The Globe

Today we visited St. Margaret's church, and went to see Westminister Abbey. Unfortunately, they wouldn't allow us to take any pictures inside. The architecture was pleasing to the eyes, and the tombs of the kings and queens were so ornately decorated. I also got to see Britain's oldest door, and the royal coronation chair still in use since 1300. It was so amazing to think about how many famous Britain's and royalty were buried there. The Abbey's website states that Over 3,000 people are buried in the Church and Cloisters and there are over 600 monuments and memorials. How much history the walls of that cathedral had seen, and there it was a becoming a part of my history too. After went to lunch at a pizza place, and then went to the National Portrait Gallery. I loved being able to see the portraits of kings, Queens and noble men from hundreds of years ago. To see how they looked, dressed and styled their hair made me feel like I had actually experienced a piece of history. I really liked the paintings of Queen Elizabeth, and I imagined her examining the painting of herself. I wonder if she thought it a like flattering image? I really enjoyed the BP portrait award section. These were modern day painted portraits, and some of them were so real looking that I couldn't tell it from an actual photograph. I actually even bought the book with all the paintings in the gallery in it. While we were in the gift shop an attractive man came and stood right behind me, and his hand grazed my butt. I turned around, and when he finally looked at me he was shocked. He told me he though I was his girlfriend from behind, and he immediately went directly to her side. It was so funny. Afterwards we went back to the dorms for a bit, and then it was off to see "As You Like It" at Shakespeare's Globe Theater. I was really excited to see it since I had helped to plan the event. It was only 5 pounds and we had a great view. The one problem was that we had to stand for almost three hours. The show was so great that I felt Shakespeare come to life, and I was able to imagine myself as a peasant back in his day. Although it would have been weird to see all male characters playing the roles back then. I liked Orlando, but my favorite character was the melancholy Jaques. I bought some Romeo & Juliet magnets there. By the time the show was over my feet were killing me. I had blisters from all my walking the previous few days. So on this night I ate some McDonald's as it I was the only place still open, and I went to bed without going to a pub.

Day 7 Best Day

"To thine own self be true," the words of Shakespeare echoed through me this morning, as I awoke with silent dread at another day of compromising my desires to those of the group. I also did not want the group to have to bend to my will if they had other interests. I definitely did not want to have another day of shopping considering that everything is almost double US dollars anyway. So after breakfast I headed off with a couple of the girls and we agreed to just stop off at one store before heading off for our days events. We couldn't find the store though, and I was at the end of my patience. As we were walking by I saw an old church and I immediately stopped in. I was filled with peace, and a voice that told me that I couldn't proceed with them any longer. So I told them I must go, and I hopped on the tube determined to hop off at any stop and make the best of it. As soon as I was on my own, an immense feeling of relief came over me. Finally it was my London, and my day to do as I wished with it. I walked over the the Millennium bridge to the South bank, and relished in my solitary sense of freedom. I had a beautiful view of the Parliament building and took a great picture. As I was walking along enjoying the street performers I noticed some large Salvador Dali sculptures. I am a big Dali fan and I decided to pay to see his exhibit. He is so inspirationally outrageous and elitist to me. I wasn't supposed to take any pictures inside the exhibit, but other people were and so I couldn't resist snapping a couple as well. After enjoying the exhibit I passed a Turkish restaurant and decided to try something new. I asked for take out, and chatted with the waiter for a bit. He gave me a discount, and assured me I would enjoy my lunch. I walked over to the park next to the South bank of the Thames and watched the street performers while I ate. The food was amazing, the best food I had the entire trip. The weather was perfect, and I was in utter content. Unfortunately I had to cut it short, and walk back to the station to meet back up with the group for yet another organized walking tour. I am a big Harry Potter fan, but I was dreading another walking tour. I arrived before the other girls, and observed that the walking tour had a group of about 50 people already. Some of the girls arrived late after the tour had left, and they were all clamoring to join the tour. I decided to follow my gut, and I skipped the tour. I walked quite a ways to the Tate Modern Museum that I had been wanting to see. They had some really weird stuff there that I scarcely viewed as art, but I did appreciate the opportunity to visit. My favorite exhibit was the oversized table and chair set. It was so gigantic that I could picture a giant family eating there. They had some weird old footage of naked people doing weird stuff as part of the exhibits, and a room full of hundreds of red objects. I was really tired from all the walking but I decided to stop of at St. Paul's Cathedral on my way home. It was Sunday so it was free admission during the service. I took the opportunity to light a candle and say a prayer for those in need, but mostly to give my thanks for such an amazing day.

Day 6 Free day, Shopping

Today I was able to sleep in a little which was nice. It was a free day, and unfortunately I had not planned well enough in advance to go to one of the neighboring countries. It was only one day though, and that was a lot of hassle to try to get to Edinburgh or Brussels. So I joined several of the girls for a day of shopping. Oxford street is completely lined with stores, and the streets were crowded just like busy Manhatten streets. Saturday turned out to be a poor choice to go shopping, but I really wanted to visit Primark. Primark is like a high fashion store with really cheap prices. So of course the place was a madhouse, even worse than the Friday after thanksgiving shoppers. I bought a bright pink Mexican style shirt, and some leggings so that I could participate in the current trend here in London. I bought a turquoise dress that looks great with my cowboy boots, and a white purse at H&M too. I was really tired of shopping and we decided to go and get lunch. Well lunch was expensive and not very good. I only took one photo that day, and it was at that cafe. After that we headed back to the dorms and I decided to do some laundry. Later we headed off to Bella Italia for some italian food. Most of us ordered the same dish, and it was so good. We also got to have some delicious cheesecake for dessert. I was so full but wanted to go out since I was dressed up in my new dress. So some of the girls and I headed out to Leicester square to check it out. This is where all the night clubs are, but they all charged a cover and the other girls weren't really interested in going to a dance club. So we walked on down to Piccadilly Circus and stood under the cupid statue, but alas there was no love of my life waiting there for me. I might as well mention here that the English men were not very flirty. They were quite reserved, but I talked to a few of them here and there of course. Upon walking back to the tube I saw a London police car and in staying true to my vacation tradition I had my picture taken next to it. We stopped off at out local pub for a couple of drinks before heading back to the dorms. I was kind of dissapointed that I didn't get to go to one of the night clubs, or get to do something more meaningful than shopping but it was nice to have a day that wasn't previously scheduled and planned out.

Day 5 Oxford, Warwick Castle, & Stratford

Today we were in a hurry and had to scarf down some cereal before rushing off to catch out bus with Evans & Evans tours. Our first destination was Oxford college. I learned that Alice from Alice's adventures in wonderland, was actually a real girl who often played in the area's around the college. I had a nagging feeling of inferiority when thinking about all of the brilliant minds and even leaders of countries that had attended college there. I thought about how many doors would have been automatically opened for me just by attending that school. Then I came back to reality and realized how amazing it was that I was actually even visiting that school right then. It had a lot of great historical buildings, but it was a short rushed trip. We didn't even get to see the great hall that was the inspiration for the great hall in Harry Potter, so I was a bit disappointed by that. However, our next destination made up for that. Warwick Castle was exactly what I thought a castle would be like. On the inside they had restored all the rooms, and had a bunch of wax figurines to represent what it would have looked like in it's days of operation. They were made by Madame Tussuad's and they looked so realistic. I liked being able to see the gaol (jail). They had a hanging man shaped cage, and an oubliette where they left people to be forgotten. I also enjoyed getting to climb up to the top of the towers. We had to climb hundreds of narrow stairs that wrapped around and around. There was a great picturesque view of the surrounding village, and the river that flowed next to the castle. We didn't want to leave, but we had another stop which was Stratford upon Avon; the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Standing in the room where he was born it affected me to the point of chills. To know that such an extremely talented playwright and poet was born in that very room was amazing, but what was also intriguing to me was the thought that so many other famous authors had made the voyage there to admire Shakespeare standing in the very same place as I had. I made sure to sign the guest book so that if by chance one day I do become famous they will have my signature on the page as proof that I too visited the birthplace of a genius. I bought a mini-book version of Romeo & Juliet there as a souvenir. One of our girls was very late getting back on the bus, and we almost had to leave her. It was quite embarrassing for our entire group! On the trip back I met a lovely Canadian couple and we had a good chat about traveling. I know that now I want to do what it takes to go on more adventures abroad, and I am hoping Italy is next. After we got back we had a tasty dinner in China Town, and then me and two of the girls got ready to go out. It was a Friday night and I finally had a day that I could actually sleep in so I was excited to really hit the town. Unfortunately we ended up at some college dance. We thought it was a night club, and had already paid a cover so we stayed there a bit. I really didn't enjoy it too much, and after a long day we headed back early catching the last tube train of the night at 12:30AM.

Day 4 Winchester Cathedral & Jane Austen

Today we were picked up in a private shuttle and taken to the home where Jane Austen spent her final days. We all had a photo opportunity outside the house and then headed just down the street to see the remains of Wolvesey castle. It was built some time in the 1100's for the bishop of Winchester. It was another beautiful day and Winchester was a very quaint and beautiful little town. I would have loved to live there. After leaving the castle ruins we headed over to the Winchester Cathedral. I have never seen anything like it. It was so massive, and the huge vaulted ceilings were so high. It was such a breath taking view, and this cathedral was my favorite of all the churches and cathedrals that I visited on my trip. I took the opportunity to light a candle and say a prayer. Mostly to give thanks and grattitude at this opportunity to be there. It was so amazing observing a structure that was built in the 1000's, and thinking of how many century's of people had worshiped in that room. Inside the church was a tribute to Jane Austen, and it was her final resting place. What an honor to be burried among saints, kings, and bishops. After spending time in the cathedral we sat outside a little Italian restaurant for some lunch. While I was enjoying my delicious pizza, I saw two Mormon missionaries right by us. I joked about how they seem to find me everywhere. After getting my fill of pizza, Kelly and I shared a slice of delectable honey comb cheesecake. Then we were off to see the home where Jane Austen lived and wrote for a good portion of her life. It had been restored and turned into a museum. My favorite part of the visit was the gardens. They all kinds of flowers and plants, and they were all labeled. I could see how just lounging in such a garden could have been inspiration to her writing desires. Now I know that Jane Austen was a popular writer, and gave us a realistic glimpse of the mannerisms and customs of the people of her time, but I still have not been able to appreciate her on the level that some people esteem her. It was interesting to visit the places where she lived and died, however, it did not further any endearment of her writing for me. I do appreciate what she had to overcome as a female writer of her time, and that she didn't bend to the social norms and take a husband just out of security. After we returned we freshened up and some of the girls came with me to the find what I had researched to be one of the oldest pubs in London, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. We had a little difficulty finding it, but after having a few beers we headed back to our dorms for the night.

Day 3 Tower of London & pub walk

In the morning I decided to be adventurous and try the hot breakfast. I didn't like the sausage apparently no longer called bangers though we called them that for a laugh anyway. The sausage had a weird sort of fatty consistency and seemed more appropriately named heart attack in a casing. The bacon was different too, but I liked it; it was more like thin sliced pan fried ham. After breakfast we took the tube down to go on our Tower of London Walking tour. A castle in the heart of London that was built by William the Conqueror in the 1080's. It's hard to wrap your mind around being in a structure that has been around for so long. We were able to view the crown jewels, and the armor collection. Throughout our trip we heard much about King Henry VIII, he seems to be the most infamous monarch in their history. It was interesting to see the murder holes at the entry way to the castle. When an intruder was trying to gain access to the castle, they would open the gate and then lock them in a small space where hot water, oil, or burning sand would be poured over them, and if that didn't kill them arrows would be shot down at them as well. Unfortunately we didn't have time to see the prisoners chambers, as the castle is quite large and there was much to be seen. After leaving the castle we got lunch at an Indian food restaurant, and I went back to my room for a little nap. Then we were off to a literary London Pub walk along the Thames River. I got to try their local Real Ale brews, which are non carbonated cask beer hand pumped into your cup. they didn't taste too shabby, and not as filling as American brews. We got to see some historic pubs where famous authors gathered to share drinks and stories. We also got our first glimpse at the reproduction of Shakespears Globe Theatre, and saw the place that it was originally located in back in the 1590's.