Dec 6
I slept more on the boat and took some great pictures of the sunrise. It was nice to relax on the boat. I also read Romans, which I thought was appropriate since I was on my way to Rome.
When we got off the ship we had to wait for a shuttle to get to the train station. We got there and the guy only spoke in Italian, so we hoped that we got on the right train to Rome. We did and we arrived in Rome. We walked to our hostel, which was pretty nice and had really funny roles in English, which was a nice treat. We had some great pasta for dinner. We found Kaitlin, Chanel, and Megan and then went to the Trevi Fountain and found the Spanish steps.
It was strange to sleep in another co-ed hostel and have a co-ed bathroom, but at least there were no guys in there while I was.
Fri Dec 7
We got up really early to pack up our stuff. We headed to the Vatican and waited in line for an hour and a half before finally getting inside. We hurried through to see the Sistine Chapel. It was a lot bigger than I thought it would be. The paintings were fantastic, but the one with God and man was not very prominient and it was hard to find.
We left and went to St. Peter's Bascillica. It was huge! I kept getting annoyed with all of these people praying to the Pope's and honoring them rather than God.
We got on the Metro and headed to the Colosseum. These gladitors outside wanted to take pictures with us. One insisted on holding my hand and kept kissing my face, which was awkward. We had lunch with Kaitlin, Chanel, Megan, Julie, and Courtney W. Gelato was amazing! Then we went through the Roman Forum. It was so cool to see all of these old buildings and ruins. We went inside the Colosseum, which was really neat as well. Finally we went to the Pantenon to take pictures.
Then we took a train to Florence. On the train the lady from our hostel in Florence called and told me to go to the different address. I could not really understand her.
We got to Florence and are dragging our luggage in the rain. We go to the original address but no one there answers. We can't get ahold of anyone on the phone either and we are walking trying to find whatever street she told me. It sounded like Bank. Just then a father and son about our age walked by and commented that we looked lost. We said that we were and they stopped to help us. It turns out that they were from Michigan. They had a map and were so nice to help us find the correct street. It turns out it was Banci...so close to sounding like bank. We walked in that direction and when we turned around, they were gone. They could have gone down another street, but I choose to believe they were angels from Michigan.
Sat Dec 8
We had our own room in the hotel, which was up like 4 flights of weird cement stairs. I've never seen a hotel on just one floor of a building. But at least we had a place to sleep and shower, and dry our clothes.
We went to the museum where the statue of David was. It cost a lot to get in, but it was really neat to see the statue. It was huge! I was very impressed.
We also went to the Duormo Cathedral. The outside is massive and the decorations are beautiful. However, the inside was very simple. We did some shopping at a market and also went to the Vecchio bridge, which was pretty at nice. The architecture of Florence was neat, but there was so much shopping and not a whole lot to do.
Sun Dec 9
We woke up and were going to go to the church that they go to at HUF. However, the buses we needed did not exist. So we tried to go to another church, but the bus was confusing and did not take us near there. So we rode on the bus for a while. It was cold and rainy and I could not feel my feet. We went to thaw in the train station and got some lunch. We went back and got our bags and sat in the train station reading magazines. At 8:00 we checked for our platform but it did not show up. So we asked at information and the guy freaked out because our train was leaving from a different station. So we freaked out and got on a train to take us there. The train seemed to take forever to leave. It finally pulled away from the station and then stopped before we got to the next one. I just sat there shaking and praying for the train to start and for us not to miss our night train to Paris. We pulled into the new station at 8:45 and our train was supposed to leave at 8:53. We checked the tv to find our platform and it was one over. We ran to that platform, but the train had not even arrived yet. So I just sat there praising God for getting us there in time.
On the train there were 6 people assigned to our cabin. There were 3 girls from America and then one Asian guy. We didn't really want him in there with us. The people who worked for the train were not helpful at all, but the guy did leave. So we locked ourselves in and had some interesting conversations and tried to sleep in the strange pull down beds. For me it was like being on a couch in a cave.
Mon Dec 10
We arrived in Paris and took the Metro to Nord to catch our train to London. We checked in and waited for a bit. It was nice to take the Chunnel because it was only like 2 hours to get there! We sat across from a couple with an adorable baby girl.
Being back in London was incredible! It felt so good to be home. We dropped off our stuff at the flats reception and were able to change. That felt good. We went to eat at Nandos and then went to Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. It was not really what I thought it would be. It was a really expensive carnival type place. But after that we walked around and found our way to Picadilly and then looked around Burlington Arcade. We walked back down Shaftsbury and stopped at Starbucks and Borders. It was so nice to be in familiar places. We headed back to the flats to relax and we met up with the girls that were supposed to be taking the shuttle to the airport. The guy was really difficult and sent a little car. We got it worked out and were able to get us all to where we needed to be, but it was frustrating.
Kaitlin, Chanel, Courtney, and I slept at the airport. We didn't get much sleep but it was free.
Tue Dec 11
I sat by Liz and Megan on our 10 hour flight to Atlanta. The Harlem Globetrotters were on our flight. I watched "Hairspray," "No Reservations" and "Transformers." I didn't sleep at all which was weird. They fed us so much, it was crazy. I was not used to eating that much.
I got off and had an hour to get through passport control, get my bags, go through customs, re-check my bags, go through security, and find my gate. Thankfully my gate moved closer to me. And my flight to KC was the only one not canceled. God is good. It was great to get home. And my luggage made it as well.
This semester was wonderful and one that I will never forget. I feel so blessed to have had this experience.
Barcelona: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2059061&l=54244&id=71005171
More Barcelona: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2059437&l=652e1&id=71005171
Civitavecchia and Florence: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2059436&l=97cce&id=71005171
Rome: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2059439&l=127e9&id=71005171
Rome: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2059441&l=29dc8&id=71005171
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Thursday, December 6, 2007
You've Got to Take the Lord With You Everywhere You Go
December 1
I got up early to shower and finish packing. Sarah, Courtney, and I got our luggage down all 74 stairs and headed out. It was an adventure trying to take our luggage from our flat to the Tube. Sarah had one of Jason’s bags too, so there were 4 big suitcases, plus our backpacks and some smaller bags for us to carry around. Thankfully many times some nice people helped us carry stuff, but usually we would take a round up the stairs, then I would wait with the bags and they would bring up the rest. Europe really needs to get some elevators.
We got checked into our coach. I slept for a lot of it. The coach drove into what looked like a cattle car for coaches and it took us across the English Channel.
Once we got to Paris we had an adventure of trying to figure out what Metro line to take to our hotel...or even where the hotel was. We figured out what line we had to take and thankfully we didn’t have to change lines, but we did have to ride for 21 stops to get there. Then we had to drag our bags to our hotel. The room was very small, with one full sized bed, but we had our own bathroom. We relaxed there for a bit before heading off to the Eiffel Tower. It is beautiful at night when it is all lit up. It even sparkles, but only for 10 minutes on the hour. The line was too long to climb it.
Back at the hotel Law and Order: SVU was on dubbed over in French. I had seen the episode before so that was really funny.
Sun Dec 2
We got up and got some really good croissants at the bakery across the street. Then we helped Sarah get her bags down to another hotel where the shuttle picked her up to take her to the airport. Courtney and I headed to Notre Dame to meet Chris and Dave. After sitting in mass and walking around for an hour, we still could not find them, so we did some shopping and headed to the Louvre. The weather was so cold and rainy.
At the Louvre the line was so long that it was wrapped around the glass pyramid. We checked our phone and the boys had called and were really lost, so we went to go get them at Notre Dame.
We were all starving so we ate some lunch and then took Dave to catch his train. Chris, Courtney, and I went to the Moulin Rouge to take pictures outside. Then we went to the Eiffel Tower again so Chris could see it. The line was short so we got to go up to the second viewing level. The weather was so rainy and windy that we could not go up further. The view of the city was beautiful!
When we came down it was a torrential downpour! We were soaked. I came back to the hotel and took a hot shower and went to bed.
Mon Dec 3
Courtney and I got up and checked out of the hotel, stored our bags, and headed to the Louvre. There was no line, so we got right in and walked around for a few hours. I saw the Mona Lisa, but was not very impressed. I don’t know why it is such a famous painting.
We still had a lot of time to kill before our night train, so we walked from the Louvre to the Arc de Triomphe. It was funny to see so many Asian tourists there. I tried to get in as many pictures as possible so that when people go back and look at their pictures and say, “Who’s that girl in the background?” it will be me.
The weather was sunny and beautiful so we decided to go back to the Eiffel Tower to get some pictures during the day. We still had a lot of time so we went back to the hotel to get our stuff and upload our pictures online.
We took the long Metro ride to the train station. While we were waiting for our train, we changed the time of our train to London so that we would not miss that one. I feel much better knowing that I have more time to catch that one. God has truly been answering prayers and been with us every step of the way.
On the night train Courtney and I were in the same car but in different rooms. I was with two nice older ladies who spoke French, Spanish, and English. I could understand a lot of what they said in Spanish, but I kept getting tired and I would stop focusing on translating and then I would get lost. They translated to English for me sometimes. It is strange to me how comfortable European women are with getting naked in front of strangers. I don’t know if I will ever really get used to that.
All my Paris pictures:
The Louvre: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2058819&l=cc87a&id=71005171
The Eiffel Tower: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2058629&l=d81ba&id=71005171
Around Paris: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2058820&l=a57fd&id=71005171
Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Moulin Rouge: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2058824&l=3b703&id=71005171
Tue Dec 4
We were woken up at 730 to say that we would be arriving in Barcelona soon. Once we got there we had a long walk to try and find the port to book our ticket to Civitavecchia. Dragging suitcases around lost for an hour is no fun. We knew we were close, but every building we went to kept pointing us further down the road. We finally found the building but their computer was down, so we waited for a while, but it was still down. So we got directions to the Metro and thankfully it was a straight shot to our hostel.
We checked in and showered and then headed out to take a bus tour of the city. We got a 2 day pass, which was great because we could get on and off at any stop and then get back on the next bus and see some more when we were ready. We went to the beach and took some pictures. It was great to have warm weather and not have to wear a jacket. I loved it!
We got some dinner and walked around the city for a bit, got our tickets for our boat the next day, and then came back and went to bed. Our room was for 12 people, but there were only 7 of us; 3 girls and 4 guys. I only met one of the guys, Collin, who was from Canada. He was nice. The others were asleep and I never met them. I met the other girl in the bathroom the next morning. She was very interesting. She gave me her card because she is a musician....She told me to drop her a line, but I’m not sure that I wil.
Wed Dec 5
We woke up, got breakfast, checked out, stored our luggage, and took the Metro to the Picasso Museum. A lot of his earlier portrait works were really good. Then there were some gross nudie drawings. So basically he was really talented, turned perverted, and then went crazy and invented Cubism.
We took our bus to Sagrada Familia. I loved this church! I can’t believe that it is taking so long to build it, but the carvings are so intricate and detailed. The stained glass was gorgeous as well. This was one of the coolest churches I have ever seen.
We ate lunch and then went to the Park Guell. This architect does some crazy things, but I really like them. The park was beautiful and had a great view of the city. We walked around some more and then got our luggage and headed back to the port.
We waited to catch our boat. We just bought tickets for a chair, not for a cabin, because it was cheaper. The room with the chairs was huge and there were only 8 of us in there. We met two nice American boys, Shaun and Nate, and we played Uno with them. They are from Oregon and doing a study abroad tour in Spain for a year, but this is their Christmas break. They are headed to Rome as well. 19 hours on a boat is a long time! But thankfully I slept a lot. Since the room was empty, I just stretched out over 4 chairs to sleep.
This trip has taught me so much about relying on God. It is only by His grace and help that I am safe and making my way around. I am so thankful that He is here. It’s like a family vacation with God. It’s great to see other parts of the world and what He created. I’ve learned to be more assertive and self-sufficient, but also to worry less. That is hard for me, but God has been taking care of us, so worrying is pointless. Earlier I was worried about not getting our boat and the song that came into my head was “Living by Faith.” As I sung the lyrics I kind of laughed and was like “Okay, God, I get it.”
Friday, November 30, 2007
My final update from London
Mon Nov 26
I had class in the morning. Since Chris didn't have class later, he left and stood in line so that we could get tickets for "King Lear" staring Ian McKellen. We got them for 5 pounds! The seats were great and the show was fantastic! Except for the part where Ian McKellen was naked...ew.
Tues Nov 27
We took the coach to Warwick Castle. It was fun to explore. One exhibit "Dream of Battle" reminded me of Starwars meets Lord of the Rings meets...hell. It was very odd. But really funny. We also tried on funny clothes and the lady tried to make me look ridculous. I was an inch away from touching a peacock and it gobbled! It was hilarious. I didn't know that peacocks could gobble.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2058429&l=ac0f7&id=71005171
We then spent the afternoon in Stratford-Upon-Avon. It was so neat to see Shakespeare's birthhome, church, and grave. We also saw Anne Hathaway's home and many other signigicant places. It was really cool.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2058430&l=6474d&id=71005171
I came back and went with Lolli, Jillian, and Courtney to see "Desperarately Seeking Susan." It is a new musical based off the movie and using the music of Blondie. It was a fun show, especially after two nights of Shakespeare tragedy.
Wed Nov 28
I took my monarch's quiz...glad it is over. Then we went and took pictures at Abbey Road. It was hard to do it and dodge traffic, but we got a couple and I signed the wall.
I went to the Elvis store because they had a Beatles sale. The lady there was so nice and loved America and we had a really good talk.
I went and took pictures at the British Museum for the last time. Then I went and watched "Rent" with Dr. Cox which was hilarious. She actually kind of enjoyed it, which is a bit surprising.
I got back and found out that I had a Theatre History test to take the next day...so with less than 24 hour notice....boo.
We had a fake ring ceremony for Lolli and Clive Owen. It was pretty funny.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2058431&l=ee0b4&id=71005171
Thurs Nov 29
I slept in a bit and studied and then went to lunch at Dionysis for lunch. It was hard to order because my eye was hurting. I'm sure I looked stupid and kind of like a pirate, but oh well.
We had a group dinner at Ye Old Cheshire Cheese. The food was pretty good and we had fun conversation with our group.
I came back and went to take my test, but beforehand I found out that Maxine died, so I was very distracted. I am happy that she is not in pain and is much better off in heaven, but I wish that I could be home with my church family right now.
Fri Nov 30
I had my last day in London. So sad. We went out and were kind of buying our feelings, which was sad. We thought that if we bought more London things it would be like we weren't leaving. Then I finished packing and hung out.
I am leaving early in the morning to head for Paris. Please pray for my safety and that I can get all of the trains that I need. This will be an adventure....
I had class in the morning. Since Chris didn't have class later, he left and stood in line so that we could get tickets for "King Lear" staring Ian McKellen. We got them for 5 pounds! The seats were great and the show was fantastic! Except for the part where Ian McKellen was naked...ew.
Tues Nov 27
We took the coach to Warwick Castle. It was fun to explore. One exhibit "Dream of Battle" reminded me of Starwars meets Lord of the Rings meets...hell. It was very odd. But really funny. We also tried on funny clothes and the lady tried to make me look ridculous. I was an inch away from touching a peacock and it gobbled! It was hilarious. I didn't know that peacocks could gobble.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2058429&l=ac0f7&id=71005171
We then spent the afternoon in Stratford-Upon-Avon. It was so neat to see Shakespeare's birthhome, church, and grave. We also saw Anne Hathaway's home and many other signigicant places. It was really cool.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2058430&l=6474d&id=71005171
I came back and went with Lolli, Jillian, and Courtney to see "Desperarately Seeking Susan." It is a new musical based off the movie and using the music of Blondie. It was a fun show, especially after two nights of Shakespeare tragedy.
Wed Nov 28
I took my monarch's quiz...glad it is over. Then we went and took pictures at Abbey Road. It was hard to do it and dodge traffic, but we got a couple and I signed the wall.
I went to the Elvis store because they had a Beatles sale. The lady there was so nice and loved America and we had a really good talk.
I went and took pictures at the British Museum for the last time. Then I went and watched "Rent" with Dr. Cox which was hilarious. She actually kind of enjoyed it, which is a bit surprising.
I got back and found out that I had a Theatre History test to take the next day...so with less than 24 hour notice....boo.
We had a fake ring ceremony for Lolli and Clive Owen. It was pretty funny.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2058431&l=ee0b4&id=71005171
Thurs Nov 29
I slept in a bit and studied and then went to lunch at Dionysis for lunch. It was hard to order because my eye was hurting. I'm sure I looked stupid and kind of like a pirate, but oh well.
We had a group dinner at Ye Old Cheshire Cheese. The food was pretty good and we had fun conversation with our group.
I came back and went to take my test, but beforehand I found out that Maxine died, so I was very distracted. I am happy that she is not in pain and is much better off in heaven, but I wish that I could be home with my church family right now.
Fri Nov 30
I had my last day in London. So sad. We went out and were kind of buying our feelings, which was sad. We thought that if we bought more London things it would be like we weren't leaving. Then I finished packing and hung out.
I am leaving early in the morning to head for Paris. Please pray for my safety and that I can get all of the trains that I need. This will be an adventure....
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Mon Nov 19
I worked on homework and then Courtney, Lolli, and I ended up talking with Dr. Cox for hours. She is so funny and it was nice to talk with her. I know she gets lonely by herself in her flat so I'm glad that our visit cheered her up.
Tue Nov 20
We went to Hampton Court. The palace was big and confusing, but the gardens were beautiful. We also went through an outdoor maze. It would have been a lot nicer if it wasn't raining.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057888&l=465c1&id=71005171
We toured Windsor Castle, where the Royal families live for a majority of the year. It was huge!
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057886&l=81791&id=71005171
Wed Nov 21
I went shopping to try and find ingredients for cooking for Thanksgiving, but it is tricky when most of the things that you need cannot be purchased here in London.
I went to "Shadowlands" tonight. It was a play about C.S. Lewis and how he fell in love with Joy. It was a fabulous play and so well done. I cried a lot, but I loved the show. It was one of my favorites.
Thurs Nov 22
Happy Thanksgiving!
We cooked today and had a massive potluck! There was so much food and it was delicious. Our improvizations with food seemed to turn out alright. We had and watched a movie and had a nice, relaxing day. It was strange to not be home, but spending time with my HUE family was great.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057961&l=63391&id=71005171
Sat Nov 24
I went to the Victoria and Albert Museum, which was interesting, but very big, so I did not tour the whole thing. I wanted to see the theatre museum, but we could not find it. The Natural History Museum had a line out the door to enter, so we left.
We got homework and waited in line outside in the cold for 2 hours, but we got standing room only tickets for "Macbeth" for 12 pounds. We stood for the first half and then found seats for the second half, which was great because those people paid 5o or 60 pounds for those seats. The show was an updated version in terms of sets and costumes, but it was fantastic. Afterwards, we waited outside and we met Patrick Stewart! A guy from "A Knight's Tale" was in it as well. Paul McCartney was in the audience and we tried to find him, but we couldn't. If we had been in line earlier we would have ended up with seats next to him. Regardless, it was a fun night.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2058151&l=002fd&id=71005171
I worked on homework and then Courtney, Lolli, and I ended up talking with Dr. Cox for hours. She is so funny and it was nice to talk with her. I know she gets lonely by herself in her flat so I'm glad that our visit cheered her up.
Tue Nov 20
We went to Hampton Court. The palace was big and confusing, but the gardens were beautiful. We also went through an outdoor maze. It would have been a lot nicer if it wasn't raining.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057888&l=465c1&id=71005171
We toured Windsor Castle, where the Royal families live for a majority of the year. It was huge!
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057886&l=81791&id=71005171
Wed Nov 21
I went shopping to try and find ingredients for cooking for Thanksgiving, but it is tricky when most of the things that you need cannot be purchased here in London.
I went to "Shadowlands" tonight. It was a play about C.S. Lewis and how he fell in love with Joy. It was a fabulous play and so well done. I cried a lot, but I loved the show. It was one of my favorites.
Thurs Nov 22
Happy Thanksgiving!
We cooked today and had a massive potluck! There was so much food and it was delicious. Our improvizations with food seemed to turn out alright. We had and watched a movie and had a nice, relaxing day. It was strange to not be home, but spending time with my HUE family was great.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057961&l=63391&id=71005171
Sat Nov 24
I went to the Victoria and Albert Museum, which was interesting, but very big, so I did not tour the whole thing. I wanted to see the theatre museum, but we could not find it. The Natural History Museum had a line out the door to enter, so we left.
We got homework and waited in line outside in the cold for 2 hours, but we got standing room only tickets for "Macbeth" for 12 pounds. We stood for the first half and then found seats for the second half, which was great because those people paid 5o or 60 pounds for those seats. The show was an updated version in terms of sets and costumes, but it was fantastic. Afterwards, we waited outside and we met Patrick Stewart! A guy from "A Knight's Tale" was in it as well. Paul McCartney was in the audience and we tried to find him, but we couldn't. If we had been in line earlier we would have ended up with seats next to him. Regardless, it was a fun night.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2058151&l=002fd&id=71005171
Monday, November 19, 2007
Wed Nov 7
I went to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. I stood on the Prime Meridian. I waited in line to stand there and take my picture, and this old man just came up and kept reading the ground around me and wouldn't move out of the way for my picture. He clearly spoke English and was just being rude. They got a video of him walking around me. He even bent over and it looked like he was smelling my butt. I was kind of mad, but mostly just shocked and could not stop laughing.
http://harding.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=514703388831 (I don't know if this link will work or not)
After that we went to the park and took jump shot pictures, which was really fun. Those are on my friend's camera, so you'll just have to check them out under pictures of me on facebook.
I got to have Mexican food and it was amazing!
We came back on the ferry and it was awesome to see the city at night. All of the lights are so beautiful. I love it!
I went to Phantom of the Opera that night. There was an understudy for the Phantom and he was awful. Actually everyone was awful. I don't know what the deal was, but everyone seemed to be having an off night. The singing and acting were painfully terrible. We tried to get a refund at intermission, but they would not give us one, so we just left. I was so disappointed.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057130&l=8c6f3&id=71005171
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057132&l=46245&id=71005171
Thurs Nov 8
I went to the Cabinet War Rooms that Churchill used during WWII. It was really neat to see them and learn more about Churchill. He is a very interesting and funny man.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057144&l=f273a&id=71005171
We had a group chili dinner and it was yummy!
Fri Nov 9
Courtney, Jillian, Lolli, and I went to find Hard Rock Cafe and went on an adventure all over London.
That night we had a Medieval Dinner at Hatfield Palace, where Henry VIII and Elizabeth I held dinner parties. It was so much fun! We had a 4 course dinner served by wenches and there were actors playing the roles of Henry and Elizabeth. They sang songs and had audience participation. It was a great night!
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057240&l=34332&id=71005171
Sat Nov 10
I went to The Mousetrap! It was performance number 22898! The show has been running for 55 years! It was a great experience to see it and get ideas for my show.
Sun Nov 11
It was Remembrance Day. We went to a church service at St. Paul's. It is nice that they have a whole day dedicated to the memory of those who served in WWII and other wars.
The service was very British and proper, but it was nice. St. Paul's is beautiful!
Mon Nov 12
I went to Hairspray. I hadn't planned on going, but I am so glad that I did. It was so much fun! The cast was great and it was one of my favorite shows so far! We met some of the cast after the show as well.
Tues Nov 13
We went to Portsmouth and toured an old British naval ship, the HMS Victory. I was shocked to learn about what the sailors go through, sleeping and eating in such awful conditions and washing their clothes in urine. Gross! Jenn and I went to the Spinnacle Tower that overlooked the city, and it was beautiful to see all of the ports.
We went to Salisbury Cathedral, that has one of the highest spires in the England and maybe the world. I wish we could have climbed it, but it was too dark and the tour was over. I did see an orignal copy of the Magna Carta and the oldest working clock.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057487&l=d74df&id=71005171
Wed Nov 14
I went to the British Museum for my last assignment and finished that homework. Then I went to the train station to pick up Michelle. We had some pizza and hung out.
Thurs Nov 15
We went to Covent Garden and did some shopping at the stores and markets there. We also went to what is Diagon Alley and Platform 9 3/4. That night we ate at Wagamama, which is a Japanese noodle place that is amazing! Then we went to Wicked! It was a great show! It was strange to hear it with British accents at first, but Elphaba was amazing and I'm so glad that I got to see it again.
On the way back, the tube station nearest us was closed, so we had to walk for a bit. But we saw Big Ben, the London eye, and Westminster, all in a line lit up at night. It was beautiful!
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057677&l=8e4fe&id=71005171
Fri Nov 16
I took Michelle to Hard Rock, Green Park, and Buckingham Palace. We also went to Tate Modern and saw "The World as a Stage" exhibit. The concept sounded very interesting to me because it was artists exploring the relationship between visual art and theatre. It was a cool concept, but some of the pieces were very strange. I'm glad that I got to see it though. Many of them relied on the visitor being a participant in the art, which was a neat concept. One room was completely dark, but as I walked it, lights began to shine, so I was creating the artwork, which was really cool. One piece was just a pile of clothing. It was titled “Self-Portrait of a Businessman” and when the artist originally did the work in Berlin, he appeared dressed as a businessman and then took off his clothes and walked away naked, leaving his belongings there in the exhibition. This is rather odd to me, but it is a funny concept. I’m glad that he was not around leaving his clothes when I was there.
My favorite work on art in that room was a video of the artist Bodzianowski in a large rotating drum with one roller-blade on his hand and another on his foot. The whole video is him trying to keep balance and it is hilarious to watch.
That night I went to Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet. I enjoyed the show. I was surprised that they could hold my attention while sitting the entire first act, but the actors did a great job playing salesmen, and their dialogue and delivery held my attention.
Here are pictures from the shows that I have seen: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054106&l=485ac&id=71005171
Sat Nov 17
I went to the Portobello Road Market. It was so crowded, but I got some cool things and I'm glad that I got to go. We took Michelle back to the train station and then I planned my free travel.
Sun Nov 18
I went to church at Wembley again. They were actually friendly, which was a nice change.
I am starting to get sick, which is lame. Chris got some cough syrup for me because I had to go to class and it was raining and the store was going to close, so he went for me. The stuff looks kind of weird, so my roomies and I all took some in tea cups. It made us kind of loopy, but I did stop coughing, so that's good.
I can't believe that I only have a few weeks left! That makes me very sad!
I went to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. I stood on the Prime Meridian. I waited in line to stand there and take my picture, and this old man just came up and kept reading the ground around me and wouldn't move out of the way for my picture. He clearly spoke English and was just being rude. They got a video of him walking around me. He even bent over and it looked like he was smelling my butt. I was kind of mad, but mostly just shocked and could not stop laughing.
http://harding.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=514703388831 (I don't know if this link will work or not)
After that we went to the park and took jump shot pictures, which was really fun. Those are on my friend's camera, so you'll just have to check them out under pictures of me on facebook.
I got to have Mexican food and it was amazing!
We came back on the ferry and it was awesome to see the city at night. All of the lights are so beautiful. I love it!
I went to Phantom of the Opera that night. There was an understudy for the Phantom and he was awful. Actually everyone was awful. I don't know what the deal was, but everyone seemed to be having an off night. The singing and acting were painfully terrible. We tried to get a refund at intermission, but they would not give us one, so we just left. I was so disappointed.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057130&l=8c6f3&id=71005171
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057132&l=46245&id=71005171
Thurs Nov 8
I went to the Cabinet War Rooms that Churchill used during WWII. It was really neat to see them and learn more about Churchill. He is a very interesting and funny man.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057144&l=f273a&id=71005171
We had a group chili dinner and it was yummy!
Fri Nov 9
Courtney, Jillian, Lolli, and I went to find Hard Rock Cafe and went on an adventure all over London.
That night we had a Medieval Dinner at Hatfield Palace, where Henry VIII and Elizabeth I held dinner parties. It was so much fun! We had a 4 course dinner served by wenches and there were actors playing the roles of Henry and Elizabeth. They sang songs and had audience participation. It was a great night!
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057240&l=34332&id=71005171
Sat Nov 10
I went to The Mousetrap! It was performance number 22898! The show has been running for 55 years! It was a great experience to see it and get ideas for my show.
Sun Nov 11
It was Remembrance Day. We went to a church service at St. Paul's. It is nice that they have a whole day dedicated to the memory of those who served in WWII and other wars.
The service was very British and proper, but it was nice. St. Paul's is beautiful!
Mon Nov 12
I went to Hairspray. I hadn't planned on going, but I am so glad that I did. It was so much fun! The cast was great and it was one of my favorite shows so far! We met some of the cast after the show as well.
Tues Nov 13
We went to Portsmouth and toured an old British naval ship, the HMS Victory. I was shocked to learn about what the sailors go through, sleeping and eating in such awful conditions and washing their clothes in urine. Gross! Jenn and I went to the Spinnacle Tower that overlooked the city, and it was beautiful to see all of the ports.
We went to Salisbury Cathedral, that has one of the highest spires in the England and maybe the world. I wish we could have climbed it, but it was too dark and the tour was over. I did see an orignal copy of the Magna Carta and the oldest working clock.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057487&l=d74df&id=71005171
Wed Nov 14
I went to the British Museum for my last assignment and finished that homework. Then I went to the train station to pick up Michelle. We had some pizza and hung out.
Thurs Nov 15
We went to Covent Garden and did some shopping at the stores and markets there. We also went to what is Diagon Alley and Platform 9 3/4. That night we ate at Wagamama, which is a Japanese noodle place that is amazing! Then we went to Wicked! It was a great show! It was strange to hear it with British accents at first, but Elphaba was amazing and I'm so glad that I got to see it again.
On the way back, the tube station nearest us was closed, so we had to walk for a bit. But we saw Big Ben, the London eye, and Westminster, all in a line lit up at night. It was beautiful!
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057677&l=8e4fe&id=71005171
Fri Nov 16
I took Michelle to Hard Rock, Green Park, and Buckingham Palace. We also went to Tate Modern and saw "The World as a Stage" exhibit. The concept sounded very interesting to me because it was artists exploring the relationship between visual art and theatre. It was a cool concept, but some of the pieces were very strange. I'm glad that I got to see it though. Many of them relied on the visitor being a participant in the art, which was a neat concept. One room was completely dark, but as I walked it, lights began to shine, so I was creating the artwork, which was really cool. One piece was just a pile of clothing. It was titled “Self-Portrait of a Businessman” and when the artist originally did the work in Berlin, he appeared dressed as a businessman and then took off his clothes and walked away naked, leaving his belongings there in the exhibition. This is rather odd to me, but it is a funny concept. I’m glad that he was not around leaving his clothes when I was there.
My favorite work on art in that room was a video of the artist Bodzianowski in a large rotating drum with one roller-blade on his hand and another on his foot. The whole video is him trying to keep balance and it is hilarious to watch.
That night I went to Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet. I enjoyed the show. I was surprised that they could hold my attention while sitting the entire first act, but the actors did a great job playing salesmen, and their dialogue and delivery held my attention.
Here are pictures from the shows that I have seen: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054106&l=485ac&id=71005171
Sat Nov 17
I went to the Portobello Road Market. It was so crowded, but I got some cool things and I'm glad that I got to go. We took Michelle back to the train station and then I planned my free travel.
Sun Nov 18
I went to church at Wembley again. They were actually friendly, which was a nice change.
I am starting to get sick, which is lame. Chris got some cough syrup for me because I had to go to class and it was raining and the store was going to close, so he went for me. The stuff looks kind of weird, so my roomies and I all took some in tea cups. It made us kind of loopy, but I did stop coughing, so that's good.
I can't believe that I only have a few weeks left! That makes me very sad!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Monday Nov 5
Happy Guy Fawkes Day! After class I went to Tate Britain, another art gallery. It wasn't as interesting as some of the others. The more modern the art gets, the less I seem to like it. That night I tried to find a fireworks display with Chris, but the directions were terrible and we didn't know where we were and didn't feel like walking 30 minutes to the park, so we headed back. That was also an adventure, but we did get to ride on a Double Decker bus. Then we watched "V for Vendetta."
Guys Fawkes and the Park: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057003&l=a5609&id=71005171
Tuesday Nov 6
I got up early and went to Buckinham Palace to see the Queen leave to go open Parliament. It was so cool! Then I played in the park. The leaves are all changing and it was so beautiful! I went to "Les Miserables." The performance was really good and moving, but it is so depressing. It is not one of my favorite shows because it is too sad.
The Queen: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057006&l=18ba5&id=71005171
Happy Guy Fawkes Day! After class I went to Tate Britain, another art gallery. It wasn't as interesting as some of the others. The more modern the art gets, the less I seem to like it. That night I tried to find a fireworks display with Chris, but the directions were terrible and we didn't know where we were and didn't feel like walking 30 minutes to the park, so we headed back. That was also an adventure, but we did get to ride on a Double Decker bus. Then we watched "V for Vendetta."
Guys Fawkes and the Park: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057003&l=a5609&id=71005171
Tuesday Nov 6
I got up early and went to Buckinham Palace to see the Queen leave to go open Parliament. It was so cool! Then I played in the park. The leaves are all changing and it was so beautiful! I went to "Les Miserables." The performance was really good and moving, but it is so depressing. It is not one of my favorite shows because it is too sad.
The Queen: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057006&l=18ba5&id=71005171
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Wed Oct 31
It was Halloween. We had class really early in the morning, which was no fun. So we came back and took a nap before going to Camden Market to look for costumes. Then we had a costume party with our group. It was fun.
Thurs Nov 1
I went to see "The 39 Steps" which was a play with four actors playing multiple characters and it was based on an Alfred Hitchcock movie. It was hilarious! I had a lot of fun.
Fri Nov 2
I went to the British Library. The building was so big and beautiful. This was a highlight of my trip. I got to see the Gutenburg Bible, the second oldest copy of the book of Hebrews, Da Vinci's notebooks, Sir Thomas Moore's last letter to Henry VIII, Edward VI's diary, Lady Jane Grey's prayerbook, Queen Elizabeth I's marriage and successor refusal letter, and Galileo Galilei's notebook. Shakespeare's first folio, the Blackfriar's mortgage deed, Shakespeare's sonnets, and a sketch of his new Stratford home were there.
There were writings from Jane Austen, Wordsworth, Charolette Bronte, Lewis Carroll, Oscar Wilde and Virginia Woolf.
In the music case there were original copy of manuscripts by Handel (The Messiah, opened to the Hallelujah Chorus), Johann Sebastian Bach (Fugue in A flat major), Mozart, works by Gilbert and Sullivan, Beethoven's 9th and his tuning fork, Chopin, and the Beatles.
It was absolutely amazing to see all of these famous documents!
That night I tried to go see "Les Miz" but it was sold out. So I just hung out with friends and watched some fireworks from the roof.
Sat Nov 3
We woke up really early to go to the Harrod's Christmas Parade. It was a very strange parade. I'm not sure what Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan have to do with Christmas, but there were there. At least they had 'snow' and Father Christmas. Plus we all got balloons and light up reindeer antlers. It was fun!
I came back and had group breakfast. I love group breakfast. We don't get to have meals together very often, so it is a nice treat.
Sun Nov 4
We went to church at Wembley this morning, but instead of having a sermon, the preacher asked all the visitors to leave because he was going to make an announcement to the church. I'm not sure what that was about, but I'm sure it's not good. It was very frustrating for us, especially since I hate going there for worship anywhere since I get nothing out of it and that I had to spend an hour getting there just to sit and sing horribly pitched songs for 30 minutes. I won't continue to go into church rants, but this morning was very frustrating.
It was Halloween. We had class really early in the morning, which was no fun. So we came back and took a nap before going to Camden Market to look for costumes. Then we had a costume party with our group. It was fun.
Thurs Nov 1
I went to see "The 39 Steps" which was a play with four actors playing multiple characters and it was based on an Alfred Hitchcock movie. It was hilarious! I had a lot of fun.
Fri Nov 2
I went to the British Library. The building was so big and beautiful. This was a highlight of my trip. I got to see the Gutenburg Bible, the second oldest copy of the book of Hebrews, Da Vinci's notebooks, Sir Thomas Moore's last letter to Henry VIII, Edward VI's diary, Lady Jane Grey's prayerbook, Queen Elizabeth I's marriage and successor refusal letter, and Galileo Galilei's notebook. Shakespeare's first folio, the Blackfriar's mortgage deed, Shakespeare's sonnets, and a sketch of his new Stratford home were there.
There were writings from Jane Austen, Wordsworth, Charolette Bronte, Lewis Carroll, Oscar Wilde and Virginia Woolf.
In the music case there were original copy of manuscripts by Handel (The Messiah, opened to the Hallelujah Chorus), Johann Sebastian Bach (Fugue in A flat major), Mozart, works by Gilbert and Sullivan, Beethoven's 9th and his tuning fork, Chopin, and the Beatles.
It was absolutely amazing to see all of these famous documents!
That night I tried to go see "Les Miz" but it was sold out. So I just hung out with friends and watched some fireworks from the roof.
Sat Nov 3
We woke up really early to go to the Harrod's Christmas Parade. It was a very strange parade. I'm not sure what Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan have to do with Christmas, but there were there. At least they had 'snow' and Father Christmas. Plus we all got balloons and light up reindeer antlers. It was fun!
I came back and had group breakfast. I love group breakfast. We don't get to have meals together very often, so it is a nice treat.
Sun Nov 4
We went to church at Wembley this morning, but instead of having a sermon, the preacher asked all the visitors to leave because he was going to make an announcement to the church. I'm not sure what that was about, but I'm sure it's not good. It was very frustrating for us, especially since I hate going there for worship anywhere since I get nothing out of it and that I had to spend an hour getting there just to sit and sing horribly pitched songs for 30 minutes. I won't continue to go into church rants, but this morning was very frustrating.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday Oct 29
After class, Courtney and I went to the National Gallery and looked at all of the cool artwork. I saw Monet and Van Gough and lots of other famous works. It was so cool! Then we went to the National Portrait Gallery, which was cool because there were so many famous people in there, including the only real portrait of Shakespeare. I felt so blessed to be seeing all of these cool things and to look out of Trafalgar Square and see how beautiful the city is!
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2056450&l=25d26&id=71005171
Tuesday Oct 30
We went to Canterbury and toured the Cathedral. It was huge! This was where Thomas Beckett was murdered and buried. Then we went to Dover and I got to tour the castle and the secret war rooms. We also had a great view of the city and the white cliffs. I wish we had time to go to the beach as well.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2056453&l=f6a3e&id=71005171
After class, Courtney and I went to the National Gallery and looked at all of the cool artwork. I saw Monet and Van Gough and lots of other famous works. It was so cool! Then we went to the National Portrait Gallery, which was cool because there were so many famous people in there, including the only real portrait of Shakespeare. I felt so blessed to be seeing all of these cool things and to look out of Trafalgar Square and see how beautiful the city is!
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2056450&l=25d26&id=71005171
Tuesday Oct 30
We went to Canterbury and toured the Cathedral. It was huge! This was where Thomas Beckett was murdered and buried. Then we went to Dover and I got to tour the castle and the secret war rooms. We also had a great view of the city and the white cliffs. I wish we had time to go to the beach as well.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2056453&l=f6a3e&id=71005171
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Monday Oct 22
Our girls' Bible study was a lot of fun. We sang a bunch of old VBS songs and relived our childhood.
Tue Oct 23
We took our day trip to Cambridge and had a guided tour. Then we went to Ely Cathedral and got to sing in the Lady Chapel. The chapel has a seven second echo so that accoustics were fantastic! On the way back we stopped at the memorial to American soldiers that died during WWII. It was a beautiful monument and very moving. I was at a loss for words when I got on the bus and as I prayed God put the song "Be Still and Know that I am God" into my head. It was so comforting. I then opened my Bible to read and I turned to Romans 8:31-39. It was exactly what I needed to read. God is so cool when He does things like that!
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055708&l=407a6&id=71005171
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055709&l=70f8c&id=71005171
Wed Oct 24
Today we toured Westminster Abbey. It was really neat to see, but after a while I got tired of seeing tombs and gravemarkings. That night we had a girls' night and watched "Pride and Prejudice" and had girl talk. It was lots of fun.
Westminster and Tower of London: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055856&l=00591&id=71005171
Thurs Oct 25
We went to the Tower of London today. It was really cool to see the Crown Jewels. There was a lot to see at the Tower, but the weather made it not so much fun to be there for too long. So I tried to at least quickly look at everything.
That night we went to "The Woman in Black." I was kind of disappointed because the show didn't scare me since I could remember when all of the scary things were going to happen. I was proud that our version at Harding was better.
Fri Oct 26
I got to sleep in and then I went to research at the British Museum. On the way back this guy was hitting on me and kept wanting me to go get a drink with him. I kept declining, but he did make me write down his number. I don't think he's my British Millionaire Lawyer, so I don't plan on calling. That night we watched "Rocky Horror Picture Show" and then stole the boys' underwear and froze them. We helped them do their laundry to make up for it though.
Our girls' Bible study was a lot of fun. We sang a bunch of old VBS songs and relived our childhood.
Tue Oct 23
We took our day trip to Cambridge and had a guided tour. Then we went to Ely Cathedral and got to sing in the Lady Chapel. The chapel has a seven second echo so that accoustics were fantastic! On the way back we stopped at the memorial to American soldiers that died during WWII. It was a beautiful monument and very moving. I was at a loss for words when I got on the bus and as I prayed God put the song "Be Still and Know that I am God" into my head. It was so comforting. I then opened my Bible to read and I turned to Romans 8:31-39. It was exactly what I needed to read. God is so cool when He does things like that!
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055708&l=407a6&id=71005171
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055709&l=70f8c&id=71005171
Wed Oct 24
Today we toured Westminster Abbey. It was really neat to see, but after a while I got tired of seeing tombs and gravemarkings. That night we had a girls' night and watched "Pride and Prejudice" and had girl talk. It was lots of fun.
Westminster and Tower of London: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055856&l=00591&id=71005171
Thurs Oct 25
We went to the Tower of London today. It was really cool to see the Crown Jewels. There was a lot to see at the Tower, but the weather made it not so much fun to be there for too long. So I tried to at least quickly look at everything.
That night we went to "The Woman in Black." I was kind of disappointed because the show didn't scare me since I could remember when all of the scary things were going to happen. I was proud that our version at Harding was better.
Fri Oct 26
I got to sleep in and then I went to research at the British Museum. On the way back this guy was hitting on me and kept wanting me to go get a drink with him. I kept declining, but he did make me write down his number. I don't think he's my British Millionaire Lawyer, so I don't plan on calling. That night we watched "Rocky Horror Picture Show" and then stole the boys' underwear and froze them. We helped them do their laundry to make up for it though.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Sun Oct 14
We went to church at Wembley Church of Christ. The songs were all pitched way too high and not actually in a key, which was frustrating. It was a potluck day, so that was fun to taste food from many different cultures. After church we went to ASDA to try and find Poptarts, but they apparently do not exist in London. :(
We took the Tube to Hyde Park to walk around and go to Speaker's Corner. We met one man who believes that we were robots controled by the sun god. He also thinks that man's sex drive is lower because they are no longer crawling and thus shading their testicles. That was an interesting conversation....
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054836&l=3c20e&id=71005171
Tue Oct 16/Wed Oct 17
Today we drove to Stonehenge. I'm glad that I got to see it, but I wish it hadn't been raining. It was a bit smaller than I thought it would be, but I had prepared myself to be disappointed, so it actually exceeded my expectations.
Then we drove to Bath and spent a few hours there. I toured the Roman Baths, a fashion museum, and the Jane Austen center.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055090&l=0d3c9&id=71005171
That night began our adventures to get to Amsterdam. We left at 11:30 PM to take the tube to the airport. The line was running slow, so we had to wait a while. We now know why we aren't really out that late usually, because we did not fit in with these characters. We got to the train station and took the train to the airport. We arrived at the airport at 1:15 AM. We got some coffee and studied for our test over British monarchs. We memorized a lot given it was getting closer to 4 AM. So we walked around the airport. There were lots of stores and I found a cute hat that was actually small enough to fit my head!
The airports here are strange because you go through security and then wait to find out your gate. On the plane, we had a lot of space, and I just wanted to sleep since it was now 6:15 AM and I had not slept yet. However, the flight attendants kept waking us up to make sure we were buckled. It was very annoying.
We got off the plane in Amsterdam and had to buy tickets to take the train to where the hostel is. Trying to figure stuff out in English/Dutch is complicated. I've decided that I hate the Dutch language because it annoying and sounds so ugly.
We got off the train, after buying the ticket that no one checked, so it was a waste of money. We tried to find the hostel, but it was pouring down rain and we were dragging out suitcases, getting splashed by cars going by and not being able speak Dutch made it harder. Finally we got close and I asked a mailman who pointed us in the right direction. We were so glad to finally be there and be able to shower and take a nap.
We shared a room in the hostel with about 20 other women. We ate lunch with the staff members and met a lot of really interesting people with great testimonies. That night we went to YWAM, which was a unique experience. At one point everyone was singing their own prayers in numerous different languages.
After that we got chip (fries). They sell them at stores and they come in paper cones. We walked through the red light district. It was not at all what I expected. Poles come out of the ground with red lights on them to make where the district boundaries are. On the streets are glass doors where the women or men are inside and you can open the door and talk to them and then go inside if you are purchasing. There are streets dedicated to what your interests are. There were also live sex shows. The coffee shops in Amsterdam actually sell marijuana. If you want coffee you have to go to the cafe.
Thurs Oct 18
We got up early for breakfast and then headed to Anne Frank's house. There was actually no line, which was amazing. I'm so glad that I got to see the house where she lived. It was not really how I had imagined it. The house is many levels and the family lived on the top two levels. The stairs were unbelievably steep.
We walked around the city and did some shopping. In the middle of the shopping streets was a hidden church. It was beautiful inside, like a cathedral, and it was so peaceful and quiet. It was a nice change from the loud music and secular world going on outside on the streets.
Michelle took us to her house to see where she lived. It was really big. All of the staff members, 35 of them or so, live in this house.
At dinner with the staff, we ate and had a devotional together, which was really cool. It was such a great experience to eat with people from American, Germany, Britain, Russia, Iraq, Iran, Holland, and who knows where else. It really emphazies the point that we are all one in the body of Christ.
That night was open mic night. One lady from China sang us Chinese opera, which was great. After that we went to this art cafe to listen to live music and hang out.
Friday Oct 19
We had a pancake breakfast at the hostel and then when to the Waterloopline market, which was an outdoor market. We also went to some thrift stores, which was a great experience. They are like the 80's exploded in an even more tacky way than in America.
We went on a canal boat tour, which was nice because we could see more of the city and get some good pictures. However, the Dutch children next to us were very misbehaved and their parents were doing nothing about it. Dutch children are awful and when they are speaking a language that I don't understand, the children just sound retarded.
Back at the hostel I had an interesting conversation with a boy from Iraq who didn't speak English and a boy from Russia. It was a struggle to try and communicate, but we did our best. At one point the boy from Iraq grabbed Igor's beard and called him a terrorist and Osama bin Laden. I had never heard an Iraqi making a joke like that, but it was hilarious. He also asked us about Mohammad Ali, Bush, and Michael Jackson. He knew quite a bit. It is curious to me how other cultures grab onto figures that they see as famous that we in America wouldn't give much thought to.
We went to the library to look out. It is the largest library in Europe, and it 7 stories tall with a cafe at the time. It was a beautiful library. That night we had some Mexican food, which was pretty good. However, I do miss America's free chips and salsa and drink refills.
Saturday Oct 20
I kept thinking that I was having a strange dream of hearing a man's voice in our room. However, when I woke up I discovered that there was actually a transvestite in our room. I saw more of him/her than I needed to see. So that was an experience....
Michelle took us on another tour of the city and we got some dinner and talked with more people at the hostel.
Then we walked to the train station, took the train to the airport and waited at the airport to find out our gate. We were boarding and met two British guys. They were really funny and sat in the exit row by us. We had a good conversation, but declined to go party with them after the flight.
We took the train to Liverpool St. where we were supposed to take the Tube back to our flat. However, most of the Tube lines were shut down, so we had to change lines a lot and finally made our way home after midnight. I was exhausted, ready for food and a shower, and was so ready to be back home.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055459&l=d4407&id=71005171
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055464&l=0a9bc&id=71005171
We went to church at Wembley Church of Christ. The songs were all pitched way too high and not actually in a key, which was frustrating. It was a potluck day, so that was fun to taste food from many different cultures. After church we went to ASDA to try and find Poptarts, but they apparently do not exist in London. :(
We took the Tube to Hyde Park to walk around and go to Speaker's Corner. We met one man who believes that we were robots controled by the sun god. He also thinks that man's sex drive is lower because they are no longer crawling and thus shading their testicles. That was an interesting conversation....
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054836&l=3c20e&id=71005171
Tue Oct 16/Wed Oct 17
Today we drove to Stonehenge. I'm glad that I got to see it, but I wish it hadn't been raining. It was a bit smaller than I thought it would be, but I had prepared myself to be disappointed, so it actually exceeded my expectations.
Then we drove to Bath and spent a few hours there. I toured the Roman Baths, a fashion museum, and the Jane Austen center.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055090&l=0d3c9&id=71005171
That night began our adventures to get to Amsterdam. We left at 11:30 PM to take the tube to the airport. The line was running slow, so we had to wait a while. We now know why we aren't really out that late usually, because we did not fit in with these characters. We got to the train station and took the train to the airport. We arrived at the airport at 1:15 AM. We got some coffee and studied for our test over British monarchs. We memorized a lot given it was getting closer to 4 AM. So we walked around the airport. There were lots of stores and I found a cute hat that was actually small enough to fit my head!
The airports here are strange because you go through security and then wait to find out your gate. On the plane, we had a lot of space, and I just wanted to sleep since it was now 6:15 AM and I had not slept yet. However, the flight attendants kept waking us up to make sure we were buckled. It was very annoying.
We got off the plane in Amsterdam and had to buy tickets to take the train to where the hostel is. Trying to figure stuff out in English/Dutch is complicated. I've decided that I hate the Dutch language because it annoying and sounds so ugly.
We got off the train, after buying the ticket that no one checked, so it was a waste of money. We tried to find the hostel, but it was pouring down rain and we were dragging out suitcases, getting splashed by cars going by and not being able speak Dutch made it harder. Finally we got close and I asked a mailman who pointed us in the right direction. We were so glad to finally be there and be able to shower and take a nap.
We shared a room in the hostel with about 20 other women. We ate lunch with the staff members and met a lot of really interesting people with great testimonies. That night we went to YWAM, which was a unique experience. At one point everyone was singing their own prayers in numerous different languages.
After that we got chip (fries). They sell them at stores and they come in paper cones. We walked through the red light district. It was not at all what I expected. Poles come out of the ground with red lights on them to make where the district boundaries are. On the streets are glass doors where the women or men are inside and you can open the door and talk to them and then go inside if you are purchasing. There are streets dedicated to what your interests are. There were also live sex shows. The coffee shops in Amsterdam actually sell marijuana. If you want coffee you have to go to the cafe.
Thurs Oct 18
We got up early for breakfast and then headed to Anne Frank's house. There was actually no line, which was amazing. I'm so glad that I got to see the house where she lived. It was not really how I had imagined it. The house is many levels and the family lived on the top two levels. The stairs were unbelievably steep.
We walked around the city and did some shopping. In the middle of the shopping streets was a hidden church. It was beautiful inside, like a cathedral, and it was so peaceful and quiet. It was a nice change from the loud music and secular world going on outside on the streets.
Michelle took us to her house to see where she lived. It was really big. All of the staff members, 35 of them or so, live in this house.
At dinner with the staff, we ate and had a devotional together, which was really cool. It was such a great experience to eat with people from American, Germany, Britain, Russia, Iraq, Iran, Holland, and who knows where else. It really emphazies the point that we are all one in the body of Christ.
That night was open mic night. One lady from China sang us Chinese opera, which was great. After that we went to this art cafe to listen to live music and hang out.
Friday Oct 19
We had a pancake breakfast at the hostel and then when to the Waterloopline market, which was an outdoor market. We also went to some thrift stores, which was a great experience. They are like the 80's exploded in an even more tacky way than in America.
We went on a canal boat tour, which was nice because we could see more of the city and get some good pictures. However, the Dutch children next to us were very misbehaved and their parents were doing nothing about it. Dutch children are awful and when they are speaking a language that I don't understand, the children just sound retarded.
Back at the hostel I had an interesting conversation with a boy from Iraq who didn't speak English and a boy from Russia. It was a struggle to try and communicate, but we did our best. At one point the boy from Iraq grabbed Igor's beard and called him a terrorist and Osama bin Laden. I had never heard an Iraqi making a joke like that, but it was hilarious. He also asked us about Mohammad Ali, Bush, and Michael Jackson. He knew quite a bit. It is curious to me how other cultures grab onto figures that they see as famous that we in America wouldn't give much thought to.
We went to the library to look out. It is the largest library in Europe, and it 7 stories tall with a cafe at the time. It was a beautiful library. That night we had some Mexican food, which was pretty good. However, I do miss America's free chips and salsa and drink refills.
Saturday Oct 20
I kept thinking that I was having a strange dream of hearing a man's voice in our room. However, when I woke up I discovered that there was actually a transvestite in our room. I saw more of him/her than I needed to see. So that was an experience....
Michelle took us on another tour of the city and we got some dinner and talked with more people at the hostel.
Then we walked to the train station, took the train to the airport and waited at the airport to find out our gate. We were boarding and met two British guys. They were really funny and sat in the exit row by us. We had a good conversation, but declined to go party with them after the flight.
We took the train to Liverpool St. where we were supposed to take the Tube back to our flat. However, most of the Tube lines were shut down, so we had to change lines a lot and finally made our way home after midnight. I was exhausted, ready for food and a shower, and was so ready to be back home.
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055459&l=d4407&id=71005171
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055464&l=0a9bc&id=71005171
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Monday Oct 8
I went to the London Eye. It was so amazing to see the view of the city from there! I can't believe I'm living in such a beautiful and wonderful city!
London Eye: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054497&l=35ad9&id=71005171
Tuesday Oct 9
We went to Blenheim Palace (the birthplace of Winston Churchill) and Oxford today. I wish it hadn't been so cold and rainy, but the gardens at Blenheim were gorgeous!
When I came back Julie cut my hair and gave me red highlights. It's so fun!
Blenheim Palace and Oxford: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054613&l=454ca&id=71005171
Haircut: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054708&l=a6ef3&id=71005171
Wednesday Oct 10
I went to class and did laundry. Then I saw a matinee performance of "Cabaret." They made this version very "artsy" and added lots of un-needed sexual content and nudity. I was very disappointed with this interpretation of the show.
When we came back we had a Canadian Thanksgiving dinner. We had turkey and lots of other great food! It was so much fun to eat and play games together. That night we had our girl's Bible study.
Thursday Oct 11
Dr. Hopper is in town and he took us to lunch at the Imperial War Museum. We got to tour the museum and the camouflage exhibit. The museum was huge and very well done. I learned a lot, but after a while it became very overwhelming and depressing to hear people's stories and see the pain that war causes.
Imperial War Museum: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054709&l=20106&id=71005171
Friday Oct 12
I went to the British Museum to work on research for my Bible class. That night I went to Spamalot. It was hilarious! The actress who played the Lady of the Lake was amazing! It was such a fun show! We talked to a few of the actors after the show. Lancelot was so nice! I love how they always say "Cheers!" It makes me laugh.
I was hungry so I bought a hot dog from the street vender. He got really close in my face and told me that I had perfect eyes. It was kind of creepy. Courtney, Jenn, and I walked back talking in our British alter-egos. Very fun.
When I got back my roomies and I had girl talk, all cuddled on one bed until 3 am!
Saturday Oct 13
I woke up for our group pancake breakfast! It was so yummy. I love our big group meals. I spent the rest of the day doing lots of homework. I need to get all caught up so that I can leave to visit Michelle in Amsterdam on Wednesday!!
That's what's been going on so far. I'm having lots of fun and getting to experience wonderful things!
I went to the London Eye. It was so amazing to see the view of the city from there! I can't believe I'm living in such a beautiful and wonderful city!
London Eye: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054497&l=35ad9&id=71005171
Tuesday Oct 9
We went to Blenheim Palace (the birthplace of Winston Churchill) and Oxford today. I wish it hadn't been so cold and rainy, but the gardens at Blenheim were gorgeous!
When I came back Julie cut my hair and gave me red highlights. It's so fun!
Blenheim Palace and Oxford: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054613&l=454ca&id=71005171
Haircut: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054708&l=a6ef3&id=71005171
Wednesday Oct 10
I went to class and did laundry. Then I saw a matinee performance of "Cabaret." They made this version very "artsy" and added lots of un-needed sexual content and nudity. I was very disappointed with this interpretation of the show.
When we came back we had a Canadian Thanksgiving dinner. We had turkey and lots of other great food! It was so much fun to eat and play games together. That night we had our girl's Bible study.
Thursday Oct 11
Dr. Hopper is in town and he took us to lunch at the Imperial War Museum. We got to tour the museum and the camouflage exhibit. The museum was huge and very well done. I learned a lot, but after a while it became very overwhelming and depressing to hear people's stories and see the pain that war causes.
Imperial War Museum: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054709&l=20106&id=71005171
Friday Oct 12
I went to the British Museum to work on research for my Bible class. That night I went to Spamalot. It was hilarious! The actress who played the Lady of the Lake was amazing! It was such a fun show! We talked to a few of the actors after the show. Lancelot was so nice! I love how they always say "Cheers!" It makes me laugh.
I was hungry so I bought a hot dog from the street vender. He got really close in my face and told me that I had perfect eyes. It was kind of creepy. Courtney, Jenn, and I walked back talking in our British alter-egos. Very fun.
When I got back my roomies and I had girl talk, all cuddled on one bed until 3 am!
Saturday Oct 13
I woke up for our group pancake breakfast! It was so yummy. I love our big group meals. I spent the rest of the day doing lots of homework. I need to get all caught up so that I can leave to visit Michelle in Amsterdam on Wednesday!!
That's what's been going on so far. I'm having lots of fun and getting to experience wonderful things!
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Thursday Oct 4
I went to classes this morning and then went to "Avenue Q" that night. The show was really funny. Granted, some parts are a bit racy, but it shows real life pretty accurately and does have a redeeming ending.
The way home was interesting since this creepy guy kept staring at me in the theatre and then these other guys tried to start a fight with our boys in McDonalds. Thankfully nothing actually happened.
Friday Oct 5
I went to the British Museum to work on research for my Bible class. The Museum is so big! It took a while to find the artifacts that I needed to find, and then one room that I needed was closed, which was frustrating. So we left and went to Harrod's to look around. I can't believe how expensive all these designer clothes are! There are a teddy bear for $40,000! And it was ugly, which made it even worse. Then I went shopping at Covent Garden and saw some really funny street performers.
Saturday Oct 6
I went back to the British Museum to finish my research. Then I went to a matinee performance of "Much Ado About Nothing." However, this was the weirdest theatrical experience I have ever had. I didn't get the memo that I should have taken acid before the show. It was set in the 1990's in an old warehouse with rope lights and strange posters. The actors broke into song a lot and played strange instruments. They also sang Michael Jackson and David Bowie...strange. The actors all played multiple characters and never left that stage which made things very confusing. I'm glad the show was cheap, but I definitely wanted a refund.
Sunday Oct 7
We made the long trip out to Wembley Park to go to church. Then we went to Asda (British Wal-mart) to do some shopping and eat lunch. I took a nap and then went to classes. Yes...we had school on Sunday night. :(
I went to classes this morning and then went to "Avenue Q" that night. The show was really funny. Granted, some parts are a bit racy, but it shows real life pretty accurately and does have a redeeming ending.
The way home was interesting since this creepy guy kept staring at me in the theatre and then these other guys tried to start a fight with our boys in McDonalds. Thankfully nothing actually happened.
Friday Oct 5
I went to the British Museum to work on research for my Bible class. The Museum is so big! It took a while to find the artifacts that I needed to find, and then one room that I needed was closed, which was frustrating. So we left and went to Harrod's to look around. I can't believe how expensive all these designer clothes are! There are a teddy bear for $40,000! And it was ugly, which made it even worse. Then I went shopping at Covent Garden and saw some really funny street performers.
Saturday Oct 6
I went back to the British Museum to finish my research. Then I went to a matinee performance of "Much Ado About Nothing." However, this was the weirdest theatrical experience I have ever had. I didn't get the memo that I should have taken acid before the show. It was set in the 1990's in an old warehouse with rope lights and strange posters. The actors broke into song a lot and played strange instruments. They also sang Michael Jackson and David Bowie...strange. The actors all played multiple characters and never left that stage which made things very confusing. I'm glad the show was cheap, but I definitely wanted a refund.
Sunday Oct 7
We made the long trip out to Wembley Park to go to church. Then we went to Asda (British Wal-mart) to do some shopping and eat lunch. I took a nap and then went to classes. Yes...we had school on Sunday night. :(
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
I've been in London for a few days and I am loving it! We've done a few tours of the city, traveled on the Tube, done some shopping, and seen a couple of shows. We went on a tour of Parliament the other day. The building was beautiful and the tour guide gave some many years of history in a short amount of time, but it was very interesting.
On Monday night I went to Mary Poppins. The show was fantastic! The set was absolutely incredible and I still have no idea how they did some of the special effects. It was different to see a stage version as opposed to the Disney movie, but I really enjoyed it.
On Tuesday afternoon we got to be groudlings at the Globe Theatre for a production of The Merchant of Venice. I always knew that Shakespeare was meant to be seen and not just read, but this really brought that concept home. I loved the show. The actors did a great job of making the characters fun, commical, and real. They also interacted with the audience a lot, which was enjoyable.
So far things are great!
London: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053911&l=19ba9&id=71005171
Shows: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054106&l=485ac&id=71005171
On Monday night I went to Mary Poppins. The show was fantastic! The set was absolutely incredible and I still have no idea how they did some of the special effects. It was different to see a stage version as opposed to the Disney movie, but I really enjoyed it.
On Tuesday afternoon we got to be groudlings at the Globe Theatre for a production of The Merchant of Venice. I always knew that Shakespeare was meant to be seen and not just read, but this really brought that concept home. I loved the show. The actors did a great job of making the characters fun, commical, and real. They also interacted with the audience a lot, which was enjoyable.
So far things are great!
London: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053911&l=19ba9&id=71005171
Shows: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054106&l=485ac&id=71005171
Friday, September 28, 2007
Sept 25
Tonight we went on the Ghost Tour. I was a bit bummed that it wasn’t very scary, but it was a lot of fun. We heard a lot about the city and the history of the witch trials and tortures. We also heard about poltergeists that haunt the graveyard and tombs that we were in. In that graveyard, is the grave of Tom Riddle and McGonagal, who was an awful poet. These were right across from The Elephant House where JK Rowling wrote some of Harry Potter and it is across from a castle that inspired Hogwarts. Charles Dickens also got inspiration from this graveyard. He thought that a grave read “Ebenezer Scroogie -Mean Man” and he wondered what kind of person someone would have to be in order to have that put on their tombstone. However, the stone actual read “meal man” because he sold cereal in the market. But I guess it’s good that Dickens couldn’t read very well...ironic.
Sept 26
Today we left Scotland to drive to York. We walked around the city a bit and went into the city walls. Then we went to Evensong at Yorkminster. That Abbey is huge! The stained glass is beautiful and the oldest in Britain. After that we went to dinner and then walked around until we found our way back to the hotel. It was kind of hard to find our way back because on the way there we found out that a woman from Searcy, the accompanist for our musicals, passed away today, so needless to say, we were all a bit sad and distracted.
Jenn, Jillian, and I had a girl’s night tonight and cuddled and watched “Pretty Woman.” It is going to take a while to get used to British commercials, but some of them were really funny.
I am so excited to get to London tomorrow!
Sept 27
We spent this morning walking around York some more and doing a bit of shopping. I decided that I wanted to take a picture sitting in the lap of the Constantine statue, so I climbed up there, right as a great big group of tourists were coming to see Yorkminster. Apparently one lady saw me and crossed herself. I just laughed, because it’s Constantine, it’s not like I was doing some sac religious and climbing on Jesus or something.
Then we got on the bus and drove to London! We have settled into our flats. Jillian, Lolli, Jenn, Courtney, and I are living together. It should be a lot of fun because they are great girls and we get along really well and have a ton of fun. We also have the smallest flat, which is awesome. The others have 7 and 8. We have a bedroom of 3 that Courtney, Jenn, and I are in and Lolli and Jillian are in the two-person bedroom. We also have 2 bathrooms with two showers in our room, along with a living room and kitchen. The only downside is that we live at the very top of the building, which is several stories up; so carrying up all of our luggage was quite an adventure. I am just go glad to be unpacked and to not have to live out of a suitcase anymore.
We can climb out our windows and go to the other girl’s rooms on the fire escape. Since we didn't have internet yet, the roomies and I watched weird British soap operas and some movies.
York: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053736&l=48376&id=71005171
Tonight we went on the Ghost Tour. I was a bit bummed that it wasn’t very scary, but it was a lot of fun. We heard a lot about the city and the history of the witch trials and tortures. We also heard about poltergeists that haunt the graveyard and tombs that we were in. In that graveyard, is the grave of Tom Riddle and McGonagal, who was an awful poet. These were right across from The Elephant House where JK Rowling wrote some of Harry Potter and it is across from a castle that inspired Hogwarts. Charles Dickens also got inspiration from this graveyard. He thought that a grave read “Ebenezer Scroogie -Mean Man” and he wondered what kind of person someone would have to be in order to have that put on their tombstone. However, the stone actual read “meal man” because he sold cereal in the market. But I guess it’s good that Dickens couldn’t read very well...ironic.
Sept 26
Today we left Scotland to drive to York. We walked around the city a bit and went into the city walls. Then we went to Evensong at Yorkminster. That Abbey is huge! The stained glass is beautiful and the oldest in Britain. After that we went to dinner and then walked around until we found our way back to the hotel. It was kind of hard to find our way back because on the way there we found out that a woman from Searcy, the accompanist for our musicals, passed away today, so needless to say, we were all a bit sad and distracted.
Jenn, Jillian, and I had a girl’s night tonight and cuddled and watched “Pretty Woman.” It is going to take a while to get used to British commercials, but some of them were really funny.
I am so excited to get to London tomorrow!
Sept 27
We spent this morning walking around York some more and doing a bit of shopping. I decided that I wanted to take a picture sitting in the lap of the Constantine statue, so I climbed up there, right as a great big group of tourists were coming to see Yorkminster. Apparently one lady saw me and crossed herself. I just laughed, because it’s Constantine, it’s not like I was doing some sac religious and climbing on Jesus or something.
Then we got on the bus and drove to London! We have settled into our flats. Jillian, Lolli, Jenn, Courtney, and I are living together. It should be a lot of fun because they are great girls and we get along really well and have a ton of fun. We also have the smallest flat, which is awesome. The others have 7 and 8. We have a bedroom of 3 that Courtney, Jenn, and I are in and Lolli and Jillian are in the two-person bedroom. We also have 2 bathrooms with two showers in our room, along with a living room and kitchen. The only downside is that we live at the very top of the building, which is several stories up; so carrying up all of our luggage was quite an adventure. I am just go glad to be unpacked and to not have to live out of a suitcase anymore.
We can climb out our windows and go to the other girl’s rooms on the fire escape. Since we didn't have internet yet, the roomies and I watched weird British soap operas and some movies.
York: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053736&l=48376&id=71005171
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Today we were in Edinburgh again for the day. It was so wonderful to have a free day and be able to sleep in and have more of a relaxed schedule. I am loving getting to see new places, but I am very ready to be settled into a place and stay there for a while. It is crazy that we have only been gone for a week and yet it feels like SO much longer. I guess that's because we've done so much and traveled so far in such a short amount of time.
We did some shopping today and then tonight we went to a ghost tour, which took us through old graveyards and told us the history of the town and witch trials and things like that. It was fun and kind of scary.
Tomorrow we are leaving to go to York.
Here are more pictures from the past few days.
England 2: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053516&l=3b5e9&id=71005171
Scotland: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053517&l=4e871&id=71005171
Edinburgh: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053518&l=d2126&id=71005171
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053545&l=d0a2a&id=71005171
We did some shopping today and then tonight we went to a ghost tour, which took us through old graveyards and told us the history of the town and witch trials and things like that. It was fun and kind of scary.
Tomorrow we are leaving to go to York.
Here are more pictures from the past few days.
England 2: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053516&l=3b5e9&id=71005171
Scotland: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053517&l=4e871&id=71005171
Edinburgh: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053518&l=d2126&id=71005171
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053545&l=d0a2a&id=71005171
Monday, September 24, 2007
Updates September 21-24
Friday September 21
This morning, we left Dublin, which was cold and rainy and took the coach to the ferry that took us to Wales. The ferry ride was a couple of hours long and then we got on a new coach with our tour guide Tony. He drove us to Caernarfon Castle, which was so beautiful. It was really cool to climb the towers and see the countryside of Wales. Wales is gorgeous! It was so nice to be somewhere with sunshine and blue skies. We then got back on the coach and drove to see Snowdonia, which is the second largest mountain in Britain. It was incredibly beautiful. There were waterfalls and sheep grazing all over the mountains.
The coach ride to our hostel was incredibly, long, but it was nice to get to know some of the people on the trip a bit better. We finally got in around 8:15 and were able to eat dinner. Overall, it was a fun day.
Saturday September 22
This morning it was extremely foggy by the lake, but thankfully it cleared up by mid-morning. I believe we are somewhere in England, but we keep driving all over and it is hard to keep up with where we actually are. Our hostel from the night before was in the Lake District. From there we drove to Hilltop Farm, which was the home of Beatrix Potter. It was gorgeous up there! I was so glad that I had seen the movie so that I knew more of her story. No wonder she loved it there, because it is totally inspirational, especially for a writer.
We then drove to Dove Cottage where we toured the home of William Wordsworth and went to the museum about him. We also ate lunch in the town on the Lake District at a cute cafe called Villa Colombina. Afterwards, we walked down to the lakeside to take pictures. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! I love it here!
There are lots of sheep in Britain. I can’t even count the number I have seen. They are all different colors; I’ve seen white, black, brown, and some black and white freckled sheep. It’s fun to see all the different types all over the mountains. The long coach rides are great for seeing the countryside, but after a while it makes me tired and I started to doze off. That makes it really confusing when you wake up and have no idea what part of the country you are in, but at least it is pretty. I am just in awe of the beauty that God has made.
Sunday Sept 23
This morning we had a traditional English breakfast with eggs, sausage, ham, and baked beans on toast. It was strange to eat baked beans for breakfast, but it wasn’t too bad. During the war when there was a shortage of food, that is what they ate for most meals, and the tradition has continued.
We then went to Hadrian’s Wall and the Housestead Fort. We climbed up the hills to see different parts of the wall and the ruins of the fort. The view from up top was amazingly beautiful!
We then got back on the coach and I fell asleep until Tony, the coach driver, woke us up to say that we were in Scotland. So we got out and took pictures right on the border of England and Scotland. We got back in the coach and drove to a wool mill to eat lunch and do some shopping.
We then got back in the coach and drove to our hostel. We unloaded our luggage and then went to tour Melrose Abbey. The ruins there were very intricate and beautiful, and the view from the roof was great because you could see all over the village and into the mountains. We went to a local pub for dinner and then returned on the hostel for our church service.
Monday September 24
Today we went to Edinburgh Castle to tour. Our tour guide was really funny and informative. I wish we had more time to walk around the castle because there was a lot that I did not get to see. We did get to see the Honours, which are the crown jewels of Scotland. While we were there, we saw the sweetest thing. An old man was carrying his wife on his back up the stairs because she couldn’t walk. I just wanted to cry because it was so sweet.
Then we did a walking tour of the Royal Mile, stopping along the way to look at sites and ending at the Holyrood Palace. That was where the Queen stays, and we got to tour most of the castle. It was really neat to see the bedchamber where Mary Queen of Scots lived. We also went to the Abbey and the gardens as well.
We then met the bus and came to our hostel. This was the nicest hostel we have stayed at because it is brand new. We had our own bathroom with a shower in the room! I’m staying this Courtney, Jennifer, Jillian, Lolli, Sasha, Christina, and Leah. We all stayed together last night and had a fun dance party and good girl talk, so we are excited to be together again for two nights. It will be so nice to not have to pack up in the morning and to be in the same place for two days.
Most of the people on the trip with us are really cool. A lot of us have gotten pretty close already. Jennifer is hilarious and we’ve become good friends. Chris and Dave are two of the four boys we have and they are really funny too. I’m sure there is bound to be more drama later with 4 boys and 20 girls, but so far there has only been slight drama.
Tomorrow is a free day in Edinburgh, so we can sleep in and then do some shopping!
So far I have taken 405 pictures.
Wales: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053437&l=602d5&id=71005171
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053436&l=61e00&id=71005171
England (not finished yet): http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053443&l=2e943&id=71005171
This morning, we left Dublin, which was cold and rainy and took the coach to the ferry that took us to Wales. The ferry ride was a couple of hours long and then we got on a new coach with our tour guide Tony. He drove us to Caernarfon Castle, which was so beautiful. It was really cool to climb the towers and see the countryside of Wales. Wales is gorgeous! It was so nice to be somewhere with sunshine and blue skies. We then got back on the coach and drove to see Snowdonia, which is the second largest mountain in Britain. It was incredibly beautiful. There were waterfalls and sheep grazing all over the mountains.
The coach ride to our hostel was incredibly, long, but it was nice to get to know some of the people on the trip a bit better. We finally got in around 8:15 and were able to eat dinner. Overall, it was a fun day.
Saturday September 22
This morning it was extremely foggy by the lake, but thankfully it cleared up by mid-morning. I believe we are somewhere in England, but we keep driving all over and it is hard to keep up with where we actually are. Our hostel from the night before was in the Lake District. From there we drove to Hilltop Farm, which was the home of Beatrix Potter. It was gorgeous up there! I was so glad that I had seen the movie so that I knew more of her story. No wonder she loved it there, because it is totally inspirational, especially for a writer.
We then drove to Dove Cottage where we toured the home of William Wordsworth and went to the museum about him. We also ate lunch in the town on the Lake District at a cute cafe called Villa Colombina. Afterwards, we walked down to the lakeside to take pictures. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! I love it here!
There are lots of sheep in Britain. I can’t even count the number I have seen. They are all different colors; I’ve seen white, black, brown, and some black and white freckled sheep. It’s fun to see all the different types all over the mountains. The long coach rides are great for seeing the countryside, but after a while it makes me tired and I started to doze off. That makes it really confusing when you wake up and have no idea what part of the country you are in, but at least it is pretty. I am just in awe of the beauty that God has made.
Sunday Sept 23
This morning we had a traditional English breakfast with eggs, sausage, ham, and baked beans on toast. It was strange to eat baked beans for breakfast, but it wasn’t too bad. During the war when there was a shortage of food, that is what they ate for most meals, and the tradition has continued.
We then went to Hadrian’s Wall and the Housestead Fort. We climbed up the hills to see different parts of the wall and the ruins of the fort. The view from up top was amazingly beautiful!
We then got back on the coach and I fell asleep until Tony, the coach driver, woke us up to say that we were in Scotland. So we got out and took pictures right on the border of England and Scotland. We got back in the coach and drove to a wool mill to eat lunch and do some shopping.
We then got back in the coach and drove to our hostel. We unloaded our luggage and then went to tour Melrose Abbey. The ruins there were very intricate and beautiful, and the view from the roof was great because you could see all over the village and into the mountains. We went to a local pub for dinner and then returned on the hostel for our church service.
Monday September 24
Today we went to Edinburgh Castle to tour. Our tour guide was really funny and informative. I wish we had more time to walk around the castle because there was a lot that I did not get to see. We did get to see the Honours, which are the crown jewels of Scotland. While we were there, we saw the sweetest thing. An old man was carrying his wife on his back up the stairs because she couldn’t walk. I just wanted to cry because it was so sweet.
Then we did a walking tour of the Royal Mile, stopping along the way to look at sites and ending at the Holyrood Palace. That was where the Queen stays, and we got to tour most of the castle. It was really neat to see the bedchamber where Mary Queen of Scots lived. We also went to the Abbey and the gardens as well.
We then met the bus and came to our hostel. This was the nicest hostel we have stayed at because it is brand new. We had our own bathroom with a shower in the room! I’m staying this Courtney, Jennifer, Jillian, Lolli, Sasha, Christina, and Leah. We all stayed together last night and had a fun dance party and good girl talk, so we are excited to be together again for two nights. It will be so nice to not have to pack up in the morning and to be in the same place for two days.
Most of the people on the trip with us are really cool. A lot of us have gotten pretty close already. Jennifer is hilarious and we’ve become good friends. Chris and Dave are two of the four boys we have and they are really funny too. I’m sure there is bound to be more drama later with 4 boys and 20 girls, but so far there has only been slight drama.
Tomorrow is a free day in Edinburgh, so we can sleep in and then do some shopping!
So far I have taken 405 pictures.
Wales: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053437&l=602d5&id=71005171
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053436&l=61e00&id=71005171
England (not finished yet): http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053443&l=2e943&id=71005171
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Tuesday September 18
I flew from Kansas City to Atlanta and met up with the group in Atlanta. We had to change gates but we made it to our flight to Dublin. I was already exhausted by the time it started. They gave us dinner and some snacks throughout, as well as showing “Georgia Rule.” I was hoping that because I couldn’t hear very well the movie was actually not as ridiculous as it appeared, but I fear that I was wrong. Don’t go see it. I then slept off and on until the flight attendant woke us by turning on all the lights. It was still 3:15 our time!
We landed in Dublin and got our luggage, which thankfully all arrived. We then headed outside to our coach (it’s a bus, but you’re not supposed to call them that here, or they get offended). We kept the bag for Ireland and sent the other suitcase to England in a different van.
We then drove to Trinity College, which is the University of Dublin, where we stayed for two nights. The rooms are fairly big and mine was a suite with two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room. The bathroom is down the hall. That day we looked at The Book of Kells and then went on a walking tour of Dublin. We saw the Dublin Castle and took some pictures there. The tour was kind of ended by the rain, and was sort of disappointing because Dr. Tullos was leading it, but it was hard to hear him. Of course, once we started walking back to campus, it stopped raining.
I went back to the room and tried to sleep a bit because I was jet lagging really bad, but I couldn’t really sleep.
Later that night a group of us went to a few pubs. The first one had live traditional Irish music, and two people were teaching us some songs. However, they were doing a tour and only stayed at that pub for about 10 minutes. They left to go to another pub, but we did not want to pay to follow and hear more. So went to another pub to watch some rugby and soccer. Chris took us to an internet cafe and we went to a grocery store and some shops and headed back to campus to get some sleep.
It was nice to take a shower. However, when I tried to dry my hair, I think it might have fried the hairdryer, because apparently the converter my parents bought only works for 220-240 volt items. So I guess I’ll be looking for more converters sometime. And possibly a new hairdryer.
So since my hair was wet, I was freezing and could not get warm. I barely slept at all and it was pretty miserable. I woke up every hour hoping that it was 6:30, but since the first time it was only 11:30, I knew it was going to be a long night.
Thursday September 20
I got up exhausted and headed to breakfast, but I wasn’t very hungry since it was only 7:30. We then took a 3 ½ coach ride to Waterford to the factory where they make Waterford Crystal. It was really interesting to watch the crystal being made and hear about the process. The pieces were gorgeous, but also very expensive, and I wasn’t sure what I or anyone in my family would actually use them for, so I didn’t buy any.
We then go back on the coach for another couple of hours to drive to Glendalough to see where the ruins of old monasteries and graveyards are. All of the cravings in the crosses were very neat and our tour guide was very informative. We then drove back to Dublin to finally eat dinner around 7:30. Courtney and I ate at Abrakebra, which is kind of like an Irish Subway/McDonalds. Then we toured some more shops and headed back to campus for the night.
It is interesting that lots of stores in Ireland have a police man standing guard inside at all times.
It is also strange to get used to driving on the opposite side of the road and knowing which way to look when crossing the street. Thankfully, sometimes it is painted to say ‘look left.’
Here are some pictures of Dublin: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053123&l=3f857&id=71005171
Pictures from Waterford: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053126&l=84278&id=71005171
Pictures from Glendalough: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053127&l=1a5bd&id=71005171
I flew from Kansas City to Atlanta and met up with the group in Atlanta. We had to change gates but we made it to our flight to Dublin. I was already exhausted by the time it started. They gave us dinner and some snacks throughout, as well as showing “Georgia Rule.” I was hoping that because I couldn’t hear very well the movie was actually not as ridiculous as it appeared, but I fear that I was wrong. Don’t go see it. I then slept off and on until the flight attendant woke us by turning on all the lights. It was still 3:15 our time!
We landed in Dublin and got our luggage, which thankfully all arrived. We then headed outside to our coach (it’s a bus, but you’re not supposed to call them that here, or they get offended). We kept the bag for Ireland and sent the other suitcase to England in a different van.
We then drove to Trinity College, which is the University of Dublin, where we stayed for two nights. The rooms are fairly big and mine was a suite with two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room. The bathroom is down the hall. That day we looked at The Book of Kells and then went on a walking tour of Dublin. We saw the Dublin Castle and took some pictures there. The tour was kind of ended by the rain, and was sort of disappointing because Dr. Tullos was leading it, but it was hard to hear him. Of course, once we started walking back to campus, it stopped raining.
I went back to the room and tried to sleep a bit because I was jet lagging really bad, but I couldn’t really sleep.
Later that night a group of us went to a few pubs. The first one had live traditional Irish music, and two people were teaching us some songs. However, they were doing a tour and only stayed at that pub for about 10 minutes. They left to go to another pub, but we did not want to pay to follow and hear more. So went to another pub to watch some rugby and soccer. Chris took us to an internet cafe and we went to a grocery store and some shops and headed back to campus to get some sleep.
It was nice to take a shower. However, when I tried to dry my hair, I think it might have fried the hairdryer, because apparently the converter my parents bought only works for 220-240 volt items. So I guess I’ll be looking for more converters sometime. And possibly a new hairdryer.
So since my hair was wet, I was freezing and could not get warm. I barely slept at all and it was pretty miserable. I woke up every hour hoping that it was 6:30, but since the first time it was only 11:30, I knew it was going to be a long night.
Thursday September 20
I got up exhausted and headed to breakfast, but I wasn’t very hungry since it was only 7:30. We then took a 3 ½ coach ride to Waterford to the factory where they make Waterford Crystal. It was really interesting to watch the crystal being made and hear about the process. The pieces were gorgeous, but also very expensive, and I wasn’t sure what I or anyone in my family would actually use them for, so I didn’t buy any.
We then go back on the coach for another couple of hours to drive to Glendalough to see where the ruins of old monasteries and graveyards are. All of the cravings in the crosses were very neat and our tour guide was very informative. We then drove back to Dublin to finally eat dinner around 7:30. Courtney and I ate at Abrakebra, which is kind of like an Irish Subway/McDonalds. Then we toured some more shops and headed back to campus for the night.
It is interesting that lots of stores in Ireland have a police man standing guard inside at all times.
It is also strange to get used to driving on the opposite side of the road and knowing which way to look when crossing the street. Thankfully, sometimes it is painted to say ‘look left.’
Here are some pictures of Dublin: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053123&l=3f857&id=71005171
Pictures from Waterford: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053126&l=84278&id=71005171
Pictures from Glendalough: http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053127&l=1a5bd&id=71005171
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
The Journey Begins
I am leaving today to fly to Atlantawhere I will meet up with the group. From there we will all fly to Dublin to begin our adventure. Please keep us in your prayers.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
So I got this blog in order to update everyone on my journies in Europe. Since xanga is no longer accessable at Harding, I will use this blog to try and keep everyone up to date. I will also be posting pictures on Facebook.
I leave on September 18th. That's two weeks away, which seems really soon and also forever away. There is still a lot to get done....
I leave on September 18th. That's two weeks away, which seems really soon and also forever away. There is still a lot to get done....
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