Sunday was a marathon of a day. We went to see the running of the London marathon. So many people dressed in costumes to run the race. I do not know how they even made it one mile with some of the outfits they wore. A couple of us walked to the end of the course, about three miles, to catch a glimpse of the finish line, and then went on our way. Sunday night I went to church with a group of people to Holy Trinity Brompton, Tim Hughes Church.
Monday was also a great day. It started by standing in line to get front row tickets to Hairspray. After this, I went back to my flats for awhile and then went with a group of people to see Parliament in action. We got to see some protesters glue themselves together inside and multiple police try and solve the situation. Inside, we got to watch the House of Commons debate budget, and talk about the recent Swine Flu outbreak. As always with politicians, there were really no outcomes, just scrutiny for each other. Then began night one of two nights to always remember. A group of us went to Hairspray and sat on the front row. AMAZING!!! I actually got to interact with one of the characters in the play as she climbed over us trying to get to the stage. Afterwards, we stood outside the stage door and saw all the actors and actresses emerge and sign autographs.
Tuesday was filed with class. After today there is now only two days left of classes for me. CRAZY! AFter classes finished today, I went to dinner and then night two of awesomeness ensued. We went to see Romeo and Juliet at the Globe Theatre. We got standing tickets, so we had to stand in line early so that we could get a good spot near the stage. Some of us ended up getting there around 6:30. The doors opened at seven and we rushed in and got in the second and third rows of standing people right up against the stage. I have to say it was quite cool. Although we stood for 4 hours (6:30-10:30), it was quite worth it. Overall, it was great!
Can't believe this journey is almost over. It feels like it was yesterday when I said all my goodbyes. Less than two weeks now. WOW TIME HAS FLOWN BY!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Camden Market
Today Kinsey, Natalie, and I went to Camden Market. We had loads of fun. Stayed there for like five hours, but really did not buy much. However, I was productive today. Finished my final theatre paper and I am half way done with my GST take home portion of the final. So, classes are winding down, and I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Which is both scary and exciting!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Oxford
Today I went to Oxford. I went to see Christ Church and St. Mary's Church. However, it took me a few minutes to get the concept of Oxford University. Oxford University is a conglomeration of over 30 colleges that are all under the umbrella of Oxford University. The University has departments for each major subject like mathematics, and then they send professors out to each college to teach the classes. Therefore, each professor can teach at multiple colleges. Of course I got the Oxford University memorabilia, and walked around in the town. It was fun to just go and have no plan but to walk and see pretty sites. Overall, today was a great day. This week has been great, but I have realized that we are exactly 16 days away from coming home. This is good because I miss people, but it will be sad to leave London.
Friday, April 17, 2009
A little more fun and then USA!
Wednesday
Today was a great day! We started today off by heading out to the Tower of London. This is where you can find the quarters of Sir Walter Raleigh while he was being held for acts of treason. Also, this is where people like King Henry VIII’s wives were put before killed such as Anne Boelyn. More importantly, this is where the crown jewels are kept. All the crowns and scepters, of past and the present Queen Elizabeth II are kept in a locked vault that you are allowed to walk through. Also, the coronation robe of Queen Elizabeth II is here to. After this we went to lunch and headed to St. Pauls. GORGEOUS and AWESOME! We climbed two the top of the dome and looked down into the church as well as up into the dome. Mom and I climbed another level and were able to walk around the top of the dome outside and see across London. St. Paul’s was pretty incredible. Then we went on two small adventures before heading back to the hotel to change before supper and Mamma Mia. First we went and found the branch of First Citizens in London for Dad. The security guard was not very nice, and it was obvious that he was not going to let us go upstairs and see. Next we went to King’s Cross where Harry Potter’s Platform 9 and ¾ is. Mom got a picture pushing the cart through the wall just like Harry Potter. Then we headed to the hotel and got changed. We went to dinner with Kinsey in Chinatown and got some real good food. After this Mom and I set off on the best night ever. We went and saw Mamma Mia, which was absolutely fabulous. It was so much fun.
Thursday
This morning I had class so Mom and Dad headed by themselves to the Changing of the Guard. They made it on their own in the London Tube. They have succeeded. They got to see a smaller version of Changing of the Guard without the bands because it was misting, but they at least can say they saw it. They met me at my school’s tube station and we headed to lunch. We went to one of my favorite pub, and Dad got fish and chips for the last time. Next we went to the British Library and Mom was in her element. Just ask, and I am sure she will share all the details from the Library with you. Next it was time to go shopping. We headed to Oxford Street and we went to the Clarks store and mom got a nice new pair of shoes. Then we went to Marks and Spencer where mom found some nice clothing and a very comfortable pair of new shoes for work. Then we headed back to my place, got my stuff that I was sending home with mom and headed back to the hotel where mom commenced the packing for their departure on Friday. We went to Picadilly Circus to eat dinner and hit up all the souvenir shops. We got a lot of cool things and mom of course got two teapots to add to her collection. Finally, to end their London experience, we got on the top of a double-decker bus in the front row and rode back to the hotel one last time. I stayed with them for a while just hanging out and then let them go to bed because they are going to have a long day tomorrow.
Friday
Today I woke up at 6:15 and went to see my parents off. They got on the train at 7:00 and headed to the airport. I of course went back to sleep immediately after their train left and I got back to my flat. I woke up again around 11 and headed off for my day. Natalie and I went out to Lambeth this afternoon to do research for our sociology class and had loads of fun. Then, Kinsey, Natalie and I went to see 17 again. It was actually a really good movie. Who knew? I came back and checked on my parent’s flight and saw they had landed in Norfolk. I gave them a call and they were picking up their suitcases and were about to head out to the car and home, so the made it back safely. All is well in London.
Today was a great day! We started today off by heading out to the Tower of London. This is where you can find the quarters of Sir Walter Raleigh while he was being held for acts of treason. Also, this is where people like King Henry VIII’s wives were put before killed such as Anne Boelyn. More importantly, this is where the crown jewels are kept. All the crowns and scepters, of past and the present Queen Elizabeth II are kept in a locked vault that you are allowed to walk through. Also, the coronation robe of Queen Elizabeth II is here to. After this we went to lunch and headed to St. Pauls. GORGEOUS and AWESOME! We climbed two the top of the dome and looked down into the church as well as up into the dome. Mom and I climbed another level and were able to walk around the top of the dome outside and see across London. St. Paul’s was pretty incredible. Then we went on two small adventures before heading back to the hotel to change before supper and Mamma Mia. First we went and found the branch of First Citizens in London for Dad. The security guard was not very nice, and it was obvious that he was not going to let us go upstairs and see. Next we went to King’s Cross where Harry Potter’s Platform 9 and ¾ is. Mom got a picture pushing the cart through the wall just like Harry Potter. Then we headed to the hotel and got changed. We went to dinner with Kinsey in Chinatown and got some real good food. After this Mom and I set off on the best night ever. We went and saw Mamma Mia, which was absolutely fabulous. It was so much fun.
Thursday
This morning I had class so Mom and Dad headed by themselves to the Changing of the Guard. They made it on their own in the London Tube. They have succeeded. They got to see a smaller version of Changing of the Guard without the bands because it was misting, but they at least can say they saw it. They met me at my school’s tube station and we headed to lunch. We went to one of my favorite pub, and Dad got fish and chips for the last time. Next we went to the British Library and Mom was in her element. Just ask, and I am sure she will share all the details from the Library with you. Next it was time to go shopping. We headed to Oxford Street and we went to the Clarks store and mom got a nice new pair of shoes. Then we went to Marks and Spencer where mom found some nice clothing and a very comfortable pair of new shoes for work. Then we headed back to my place, got my stuff that I was sending home with mom and headed back to the hotel where mom commenced the packing for their departure on Friday. We went to Picadilly Circus to eat dinner and hit up all the souvenir shops. We got a lot of cool things and mom of course got two teapots to add to her collection. Finally, to end their London experience, we got on the top of a double-decker bus in the front row and rode back to the hotel one last time. I stayed with them for a while just hanging out and then let them go to bed because they are going to have a long day tomorrow.
Friday
Today I woke up at 6:15 and went to see my parents off. They got on the train at 7:00 and headed to the airport. I of course went back to sleep immediately after their train left and I got back to my flat. I woke up again around 11 and headed off for my day. Natalie and I went out to Lambeth this afternoon to do research for our sociology class and had loads of fun. Then, Kinsey, Natalie and I went to see 17 again. It was actually a really good movie. Who knew? I came back and checked on my parent’s flight and saw they had landed in Norfolk. I gave them a call and they were picking up their suitcases and were about to head out to the car and home, so the made it back safely. All is well in London.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Mom and Dad
Sad to say, mom and dads stay is over. They have absolutely worn me out these past two days. I will be getting up to see them off in the morning. Will update our adventures tomorrow when i have a little more sleep and energy!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Monday Adventures with my Parents
Well, today was again a day to remember. We started by heading to Buckingham to try and see Changing of the Guards again. Turns out they are still on the every other day cycle, so Mom and Dad will have to go Thursday while I am in class. After this disappointment, we went into the guards museum which goes through time and tells the stories of all the different uniforms of guards that have guarded the front of Buckingham. Next, we stopped at Westminster Abbey. All I can say is amazing. The inside was really cool and we say lots of really cool tombs of Kings and Queens. Also inside was the coronation chair for all the Kings and Queens since 1300. We also saw Poet's corner, which is a part of Westminster that has tombs of famous authors and writers. People like Jane Austen, Handel, who wrote the Messiah, and Rudyard Kippling were buried here. Finally, before we left Westminster we saw the tomb of the unknown soldier and Darwin. After Westminster we went to lunch at a Pub and mom and dad had their first taste of Fish and Chips. They loved it. Then mom had the crazy idea to go ride the London Eye! For those of you who do not know this is a giant ferris wheel with 20 person compartments that allows you to see al of london from the air in thirty minutes. Dad did no go. He chickened out because he is not a fan of heights. We then headed over to Kensington Palace in Hyde Park. This is where Diana lived when she was alive. The gardens were absolutely awesome, and we enjoyed walking through the park. We also found the memorial fountain for Diana, which was full of little kids playing in the water, just how she would like it. It was now time for dinner. We tried Hard Rock but it was a two hour wait. I don't think so. So we went to Picadilly Circus and ate at TGI Friday's. I know US dinner, but after our day of long walks and fun, we all needed a little bit of home. I then took mom and dad back to the hotel so they could get some rest because they will be heading out early to see Stonehenge and Bath, while I have school tomorrow. Will update again Wednesday.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Saturday and Sunday
Saturday
It all began with mom and dad coming around the corner in Paddington station after a long flight and train ride into central London. I greeted mom with a stuffed Paddington Bear, and we headed to the hotel to drop off their bags. After this we grabbed a bit of breakfast from a little café in Paddington station and then headed off to start our day. Today will be very short of events because mom and dad were very jet lagged and tired. We started by a quick trip to my flat and showing my parents around the area I live in. Then we headed of to Changing of the Guard. We walked through St. James Park and Green Park, and then down to Westminster and Big Ben before heading to Buckingham palace. However, when we got to Buckingham we found out that Changing of the Guards was cancelled because of the rainy misty weather. BUMMER! Will try again on Monday. After this we went to see my school and I showed them around the area and ended up getting lunch at a nice little cafe down the street from my school. After lunch we went to the British Museum, which was next door. We walked around for awhile and mom and dad were a little overwhelmed with all the multitudes of artifacts in this museum so we decided to leave after seeing a little over half of it. Next it was time to check into the hotel. We went back and they were not quite ready so we sat in the lobby for a while and went and got toothpaste from the store because theirs got taken at the airport. When we finally checked into the hotel, mom and dad took naps while I ran back to my flat to grab some things. When I got back mom woke up and we talked for a good hour and a half while dad slept some more. Eventually dad woke up and we went across the street from the hotel and got dinner from the Aberdeen Steakhouse, and then went back to the hotel. Turned on the TV for a little and dad got disappointed because there was not a lot of US shows, DUH! I let them go to bed early because we are going to get a little early start tomorrow.
Sunday
This morning I woke up and headed to get mom and dad. I was a little early so we grabbed some breakfast before heading out. We went to church together for Easter Sunday at Holy Trinity Brompton and it was really good. We then went back to my flat so I could change, and mom and dad met the girls from Flat D that I spend oh so much time with. We went back to their hotel, and then got lunch at a pub outside of Paddington. Then it was off to Greenwich for the afternoon. Due to some construction on the underground, we had to go a different route than I normally had gone and so there was a bit of confusion and I got off the bus a little to early, but it was all good. I actually asked for directions. We finally got to Greenwich and I showed the parents around. We went to see all the lovely items such as the painted hall, the chapel and the Queens house as well as the Royal Observatory. Then we went to the Greenwich market and dad had a great idea. We decided to take a boat ride down the Thames river back into London and ended up at Westminster. We walked form here to Trfalgar Square and then stopped for some dinner at the Texas Embassy. After dinner dad said he was refreshed so walking would be good, so we walked to Picadilly Circus and Oxford Circus. Enough walking for one day, so we headed back to the hotel, where to dad’s delight he found the Masters on TV and we watched that for a while. Still a little jet lagged, I left them to sleep, and now I am getting ready to head to bed myself.
The first two days have been crazy but fun and exciting. I cannot believe they are actually here!
It all began with mom and dad coming around the corner in Paddington station after a long flight and train ride into central London. I greeted mom with a stuffed Paddington Bear, and we headed to the hotel to drop off their bags. After this we grabbed a bit of breakfast from a little café in Paddington station and then headed off to start our day. Today will be very short of events because mom and dad were very jet lagged and tired. We started by a quick trip to my flat and showing my parents around the area I live in. Then we headed of to Changing of the Guard. We walked through St. James Park and Green Park, and then down to Westminster and Big Ben before heading to Buckingham palace. However, when we got to Buckingham we found out that Changing of the Guards was cancelled because of the rainy misty weather. BUMMER! Will try again on Monday. After this we went to see my school and I showed them around the area and ended up getting lunch at a nice little cafe down the street from my school. After lunch we went to the British Museum, which was next door. We walked around for awhile and mom and dad were a little overwhelmed with all the multitudes of artifacts in this museum so we decided to leave after seeing a little over half of it. Next it was time to check into the hotel. We went back and they were not quite ready so we sat in the lobby for a while and went and got toothpaste from the store because theirs got taken at the airport. When we finally checked into the hotel, mom and dad took naps while I ran back to my flat to grab some things. When I got back mom woke up and we talked for a good hour and a half while dad slept some more. Eventually dad woke up and we went across the street from the hotel and got dinner from the Aberdeen Steakhouse, and then went back to the hotel. Turned on the TV for a little and dad got disappointed because there was not a lot of US shows, DUH! I let them go to bed early because we are going to get a little early start tomorrow.
Sunday
This morning I woke up and headed to get mom and dad. I was a little early so we grabbed some breakfast before heading out. We went to church together for Easter Sunday at Holy Trinity Brompton and it was really good. We then went back to my flat so I could change, and mom and dad met the girls from Flat D that I spend oh so much time with. We went back to their hotel, and then got lunch at a pub outside of Paddington. Then it was off to Greenwich for the afternoon. Due to some construction on the underground, we had to go a different route than I normally had gone and so there was a bit of confusion and I got off the bus a little to early, but it was all good. I actually asked for directions. We finally got to Greenwich and I showed the parents around. We went to see all the lovely items such as the painted hall, the chapel and the Queens house as well as the Royal Observatory. Then we went to the Greenwich market and dad had a great idea. We decided to take a boat ride down the Thames river back into London and ended up at Westminster. We walked form here to Trfalgar Square and then stopped for some dinner at the Texas Embassy. After dinner dad said he was refreshed so walking would be good, so we walked to Picadilly Circus and Oxford Circus. Enough walking for one day, so we headed back to the hotel, where to dad’s delight he found the Masters on TV and we watched that for a while. Still a little jet lagged, I left them to sleep, and now I am getting ready to head to bed myself.
The first two days have been crazy but fun and exciting. I cannot believe they are actually here!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Flying over the pond!
As a write this message my parents are currently on a plane flying over the great pond we call the Atlantic Ocean. They will be here in the morning and I am super excited. I can't wait to show them all I know about London for a whole week! Hope everyone is doing good. Will update when my parents have arrived and throughout the week while they are here.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Update!
Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you all know London is going great. I am sill deep in work, but enjoying London as always. Mom and Dad will be here on Saturday. Trying to do some planning for their trip here. Can't wait. Will blog soon when i have more to say. Miss you all!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Venice Pictures
Today was great. We went to Kensington Palace. This is where people like Queen Victoria lived before their reign in England, also Princess Diana lived here as well. We actually got to see some of her old dresses on display. Really cool. Here are the last of my spring break pictures.
All I needed was one more "E" and it would have been Samuel Lee!
Gondola Ride! SOOOOOO Cool!
Our Hostel Room!
San Marco!
Churches in Venice.
Waterways in Venice. So Many! Ryan, here is your bridge!
All I needed was one more "E" and it would have been Samuel Lee!
Gondola Ride! SOOOOOO Cool!
Our Hostel Room!
San Marco!
Churches in Venice.
Waterways in Venice. So Many! Ryan, here is your bridge!
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