Last Few Days

I know I know it has been a very long time since I have done anything on here and well I have no reason other than I am lazy haha! Well since the last time I wrote I have been on a trip to Cumbria, taken all my exams, went to the End of year Ball, packed my life into three bags, and said goodbye to some amazing friends. So as always we will start at the beginning:

White Haven

Cumbria~ The weekend of May 27 I took the train to the beautiful Lake District to stay with a Host Family. My family consisted of Liz (a wonderful retired lady) and Sally (her dog), it was so much fun exploring the what I think is the most beautiful part of England. Friday when I got there she took me right to Hadrian's Wall, what an amazing piece of history that I got to see, touch and got to see a little bit into the life of those who built it.  Saturday we went hiking/ on a 4 mile walk around some of the lakes in the pouring rain. The views and amazing smell of rain was well worth the soaked feeling I had for the rest of the day. The next day was a nice sunny day and we went out again this time cutting through fields and along a picturesque river. In the whole the weekend was relaxing and so much fun to get out into nature and away from classes, books, and lecture notes.

Taken All my Exams~ well all I have to say about this is THANK GOD! Done and Done :)

Went to the End of the Year Ball~ June 4 was a day of so much excitement and girls getting pretty and guys looking like Bond. The End of the Year Ball is a bit like American Proms but for College students and way way bigger! With the Bands, Dancing, toasts, and running around in a pretty dress its every girls dream. Maria and I got ready and went to meet the other girls, you know even though we complain about all the work it takes to be a girl we do have fun dressing up! It was really just so much fun to have all the friends together for one last night, all of us together having fun!

Packing up my life~ ugg you know packing up 5 months of stuff into three bags that all weigh 50 lbs is harder than one might think. However, I have done it and hopefully the airport scales will agree but I am all ready to head back to the ol' Land of the Free.

Saying Goodbye~ You know when you have made some amazing friends when you don't want to say goodbye. I love all my friends I have made here, serious friends that I know I will know 50 years from now, even the ones that I will live across the world from. I have met amazing people from all over the world and saying goodbye to them is very hard. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Well Not only is this a make up catch up post but it is also my last one until I have something like an amazing adventure at home to write about but I am not sure you all want to hear about those! But Thanks for putting up with me all these months, I am blessed to know at least a few people who care to know about my life here in the UK. Thanks for reading!

Taking Europe by Storm!

Okay so I know I have been home for a week and a few days however, I have been working on school stuff and sleeping. :) Now for a recap of my Easter Holiday trip! Let us start in the bonny land of four leaf clovers and Guinness, IRELAND!

Ireland:
Emma and I started our adventure in an early morning cab ride to the bus stop and than many many miles, one boat ride and we were no longer in the U.K. We made it to the small town right outside of Dublin.  April 11 we went to Glendalough, to see the ruins of an old Cathedral, and some amazing views!

April 12  Dublin

The sun was shinning and we were ready to take our open bus tour and taking the greatest look at the city. The Book of Kells, Temple Bar street, and the Guinness storehouse all so much fun and with the weather sunny and great it was an amazing day.

Between the Celtic dancing and Making your own Guinness bread the hotel was great, shopping was fun and Ireland was a blast.



April 16 The French Alps
Lyon France- I met Erica and Alexane at the airport and we spent the rest of the day exploring Lyon. The second largest city in France and very nice and expensive! We drove that night to Alexane small village in the French Alps. Yes right out of the sound of music. Each day we went to a different small village or city to see all that the amazing Alps have to offer.

April 17 Chamonix- kinda like Park City but more expensive. It is here that has the tallest mountain in all of Europe and snow in April.
The next few days we traveled around to the differnet villages, eating crepes, drinking wine, and eating really good cheese.

April 20 Geneva, Switzerland- Good chocolate and people that like their order and rules. There is a fountain in the lake that is there that shoots so far into the air you can see in miles away from Alexane's house. The day is hot and stretching out at the water was relaxing, now if only the older Swiss would keep their clothes on while bathing.

The time in the Alps was like a step into all the calanders and postcards of beautiful Europe. My favorite place is in a town Annecy, with the most amazing old city all set around these canals that run through the city. Walking around the city was great, but me and Erica wanted to get out on the water. Using our terrible French we rented a paddle boat and paddled part of the lake there and got some of the more amazing views of the mountains and the city. By far my most favorite.




April 21 Barcelona, Spain- A whirl wind of people, Amazing Architecture, and sweet sangria. We soent the first day running from monument to monument. The Gaudi houses will all their waves and colors, the Sagrada Famila the cathedral that has taken 300 years to build and it is still unfinished, some Palaces, the Magic fountain that has a show at night, and back to the hostel for showers and sleep.

April 22 Still in Barcelona we had a bit of rain while walking around the city, which by the way they stay out late and nothing opens till after 11 so only tourists were out wondering around. We did make it to the Picasso museum and than by accident found our way to the Park where Gaudi's work is on display in lots of color. This was my favorite thing in Barcelona. All the beautiful Architecture and tile work.


April 23 Berlin, Germany- the city was least excited about quickly became of my favorites. Getting into the city and finding our hostel took some time, so our first night in the city we were out just looking around and ran into a farmers market were the shopping machine in me took over. It was amazing and fun to see the different things for sell and with a back drop of huge museums with architecture pre world wars. The following day we set out for our walking tour. Now in respects of Easter I was sad that I was not able to go to church being in Berlin and having it not be a religious city, to the people of Berlin it looked to be just another day, with a few celebrations here and there.

Free walking tours in Europe, if I could recommend anything it would be to take the one in Berlin, there is no way I would have learned that much on my own. Walking by the Berlin wall, Holocaust memorial, checkpoint Charley, Hitlers Bunker (or the dirt parking lot that it now is).  All the history everything just surrounding me I just loved it all.



April 25 London, England- Take one. Now this is my first time in the amazing city and of course I had a cold a miserable cold that made me ill. Now since I am going back to London in a few days so I am not going to talk about it here, other than it was good other than the tissue box I had carry around.

April 26 Paris, France- Finally!!! After a missed flight, several hours at the airport, and one book later, I made it! Meeting Maria, Gabe, and Tyler was just so exciting. Starting at the St. Michael's Church to start our walking tour with our weird and not very helpful guide, bless his heart. But we did make it to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for the best view of the city. Now most people want to go up the Eiffle Tower but if you go up ot you can't see it and from the Arc you get a fantastic view. So much fun, we did make our way over to the Eiffle tower to see it and it is huge, and metal, what I expected but still so "I can't believe I am here" moments.

April 28 Still in Paris, we ate expensive macaroons (very fancy and sweet), and than headed over to Notre Dom. The Cathedral saved from demolition by Quasimodo and the popularity of the The Hunchback of Notre Dom. It very beautiful and amazing the inside and out. From there we went to the Louve were yes we saw the Mona Lisa (behind a think glass barrier and a huge crowd) and surprisingly all the traveling and running around caught up to all of us and we decided that falling asleep at the Louve wasn't so smart so back to the hostel. Once it got dark we headed out to the Eiffel Tower which I heard was amazing at night, and boy was I right. Favorite moment of all my trips was standing there looking up at the twinkling Eiffel Tower. I felt so blessed to be able to travel and see the world and of course all good things twinkle and I was just happy.

Publish Post

Two Days travel back to Hull we made it and are now getting ready for exams (so yes I do attend school) and two more trips before heading home. So there is a recap I hope you all have enjoyed, I sure have!

Just an update!

Hey all! Well my essays are all almost done (key word almost), and Easter break is right around the corner or in other words its on Sunday! This break is going to be so great, not only do I get to get out of studying and homework but I am going to get a few more stamps in my passport! Now while I am gone my computer is staying here which means 3 weeks and no blogging, facebooking, emailing, or skyping! I know horrible but I will be taking loads of pictures and writing in my journal so not to forget anything, so that when I do get back April 30 I will be able to write all about it.  Now to give you a taste of what I will be up to I will give you a small insight into my up coming travels. Now the journey is in two parts Ireland and than Europe.

Ireland we (Emma and Myself) leave sunday bright and early and head over to have an experience or a life time. However while I am there I am with a tour company so we are staying in a nice hotel and we don't have a luggage size requirement, so I can pack whatever I want.


 The second part of the journey, Europe! First lets talk luggage, say hello to my new backpack and all its greatness. :) Now really for two weeks I will be living out of this guy and lets just say I'm nervously excited! Now I can fit all that I will need and I do get to wash my clothes on our first stop so that will be great!


Now to answer the question I know your thinking, where am I going?
Well here is a great map with direction arrows and everything!































I fly to Lyon France to meet up with my friend Erica (from California) and her roommate Alexan (from France). We are staying at Alxean's home for a few days and than off to Barcelona, from Barcelona to Berlin, and Berlin to London. London is where I say good bye to Erica and spend a day seeing the city. The next day I have an early flight to Paris to meet Maria, Gabe, and Tyler (a few more American friends). We spend a few days in Paris and than back to London. Now we will be flying in on the 29th the day of the Royal Wedding! We are going to try to get some wedding pictures and than head on back to good ol' Hull the next morning. That is my European adventure in a short nutshell, I will be safe and it will be fun! Can't wait!

The Bonnie land of Scotland

Happy Birthday Me! 22 and waking up way way to early to catch a bus to Scotland! Emma, Sara, and I set out on the long weekend adventure first thing. 

At the bus station

 

Making a stop in Moffat Scotland for lunch and a shop around we had a good little lunch in a very traditional pub/hotel.  The people in Scotland are all very sweet and nice, however poor Emma and Sara had a much harder time understanding so this weekend I took the roll of translator.

We finally got to the Hotel Claymore our final stop right on the banks of get this Loch Long, yes it was like it was just meant to be. Miss Rebecca Long was staying on her birthday with the views of Loch Long right out the window.  

Loch Long

 Though the demographic of the tour was a bit older... (We were once again the youngest people by at least 10 years) they were all sweet and fun to be with. That night Emma and Sara surprised me with a small gift and singing happy birthday to me in not just in English but also in Swedish and let me tell you I loved it! They are so sweet; I am lucky to have such great travel companions.

Emma and Sara

Saturday we headed to Callander and to spend some time at some beautiful Lochs, making a stop to see the famous Hamish. He was so big and huge and I feel as though he needed a bang trim but the little calf was very cute.   

Hamish

Driving into Callander area we learned that this area was the old stomping ground of the real Robin Hood (Rob…?) and this was the area that he would hunt to feed his clan.  It was very interesting especially for a lover of the old story.  Callander was like most towns in the Highlands very small only about one main street of shops and pubs and such and it didn’t take us long to walk through the town a few times. 

Callander

When we got back to the hotel that afternoon the sun had come out and the Loch was just calling my name so I answered it by taking a wonderfully long walk along the side of the Loch.  The area around the Loch reminded me of Utah, the beauty of the Mountains, and the quietness of the distance away from the cities. 

From my walk I found a spot to sit

That night the entertainment was a singer and Highland Dancers (which was the highlight).  Now for the credit of everyone enjoying the music they are not from America (me being the only one) and so they didn’t mind that in Scotland they were hearing old American songs but me the lil’ American in the room was a bit let down that we didn’t have proper Scottish music.  But all disappointment went out the window when the Highland Dancers showed up.  The small team was very impressive and the little one was just so cute you couldn’t help but love them!

The next day was much like the day before but the sun way out all day and we enjoyed every second of it! Spending time in Invarary walking the shops, eating (lets just skip talking about the food) and than driving past the Castle that is there.  The Castel is more like a toy with the way it was built very ideal looking just like it was out of a storybook.   

Getting back to the hotel I laid out on the grass taking in the sun listening to podcasts while the girls walked around the lake, all I can say was this was a very relaxing weekend! After a day of travel home we are back to school and the less relaxing life of the student.

Birthday Dinner

Well it was a day early but on the night of March 24 the girls and I went out for dinner to celebrate.  It started out with Maria my dear friend giving me a small keepsake that I had wanted when we went to Warwick.  It was very sweet of her to get it when I wasn’t looking. I am so thankful to have such a sweet friend here in the UK.   

Maria and Me at Warwick

We than all headed out to dinner at the restaurant ‘Ask’ an Italian restaurant. Now I chose this restaurant because it wasn’t and I am saying a big wasn’t British food. I know what you are thinking why would you get Italian food when you could eat local food and all I have to ask is have you ever eaten British food? And that would be your answer.

Martina, Me, Jen, Sara, Maria, Emma, and Julia (Elke is taking the pic)

Once we got there all ordered and started eating I decided that I had found my new favorite place to eat it was so amazingly good! What a good birthday present! At dinner Elke, Julia, and Martina surprised me with a gift that was a big photo frame with pictures that they had printed up from my trips, it was so sweet that they did all that work for my birthday! In all the night was so much fun, good classy birthday fun! 

YUM!

Once upon a time...

As the title of today's post states it is once upon a time that every fairy tale starts and 6 girls and 1 guy started out on this tale Saturday morning.

The Group at the top of the tower (Sara, Elke, Maria, Erica, Matt, Emma, Me)

Getting onto the bus to Warwick Castle we were all in excitement/ still very sleepy. Warwick Castle is the Disney Land of castles, costumed workers, themed activities, well done life like exhibits, and Peacocks! The sun was shinning and we were ready to go, as we walked up to the castle it was like a group of children on their way to Disney for the first time. The Castle is a real castle that they have just converted into a living exhibit, and as we walked in it was like we had been transported back in time.

This is the view from Guy's tower. The tower is as high as it looks and the only way up is spiral stairs that are very small and seem to go on for forever. To say we were all very happy to make it to the top to see the views from all around the city. And just to think that women would climb those stairs in a dress and not just a dress but the dresses that they had to wear! After a walk around the towers (yes there were two) and than down the stairs on the other side to the court yard. We than made our way through the Great Hall with living exhibits, Secrets and Scandals of the Royal Wedding (1898 with the Countess of Warwick, The Price of Wales, and the Young Churchill).

As we were on our way to Princess tower there was a sign, stating that the Tower was closed for maintenance! In my depressed state I was very sad, as I had looked forward to this portion of the castle, as I let out my sadness none other than a Knight in Shining armor walked by.... and of course since he saw a damsel in distress he came to my aide and offered a picture. 

As you can see his charming ways won me over and I forgot about the silly tower. My Knight had finally found me haha!


After my moment with KSA (Knight in Shining Armor) we headed over to the gardens were about a billion peacocks were walking around. and it was here that I decided that I wanted one as a pet!









These vain birds were very beautiful and not at all scared of the people all around them. After time spent in the gift shop we were headed to the hotel hungry for dinner and tired from our long day.



Chatsworth~
"I Cannot fix on the hour, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun."
For those of you who know where this quote is from it means that you have read one of the most read novels ever written! Pride and Prejudice! Chatsworth house is the home of none other than Mr Darcy that is used in the 2005 version of the movie. Pemberley, to be there I felt as though I did walk into the pages of my all time favorite book and movie.  Walking through the house which is actually the home of the Duke and Duchess of Derbyshire, if I was a duchess I don't know how much I would love to have people walking through my house everyday but I guess that is the price you pay when you let it be used for several movies and you open it up.  However we were able to see several of the statues that were used in the movie and many of the rooms that Elizabeth walked through on her tour of Pemberley. The highlight of the tour was seeing the bust that was made of Mr Darcy for the movie on display in the gift shop.

 It is fun to be able to see a piece of movie making, it makes the movie come alive, walking through the conservatory room with all the statues I felt (nerdy I know) just like Elizabeth. Yes it is just a book and all of you who are rolling your eyes I don't care because I was excited! 

After this we walked the gardens and took a look at the amazing building the house is, and now for the disappointing part of the trip. As with all old buildings Chastworth needs repairs and for the next two years will have scaffolding covering the most iconic portion of the house so I do not have the much sought after picture of me in front, the shot that you see in the movie. But I do have to picture in the other direction of the same fountain.... In my head I can just watch the movie to see the other iconic part.

 And that was the end of the trip, we took the bus back to reality and I will spend the rest of my week writing essays and studying for my classes waiting for my next adventure!

Such stuff as dreams are made on

I know I know it has been way to long, so this is me playing catch up. The weekend of the 12th I was once again gone into the pages of a book driving to the fair city of Stratford. The city of Stratford the home and birthplace of none other than William Shakespeare himself. As I was on my way I was thinking cool Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, this will be interesting. But once I got there my travel buddy Erica (a drama major from California) was bursting at the seems in excitement. We first decided to take a open bus tour around the city and to Anne Hathaway's cottage. The city is very old and beautiful and I learned quite a bit about ol' Shakespeare.

Here in Hull we have city and not to much on the nature. But here at the cottage they had a wooded path way around the back of the house. This area was like a refreshing breathe of clean air. The trees were so green with moss over their bark. As it is early March and no leaves have started to grow it was good to see some color that looks like spring.

After this we went back to the center of town and took pictures with the statues of Shakespeare and his famous characters. The day was bright and warm and Erica and I decided to walk to the other 3 houses that are apart of the Shakespeare tour. We made it to the Church were he is buried, it looked very much so traditional English. 
Though this church has capitalised on the fact that Shakespeare's bones are laid here it was still cool to see. Plus Shakespeare is probably the only person to write a curse on his tomb that is laid in a church. The curse stating:  

GOOD FRIEND FOR JESUS SAKE FORBEARE,
TO DIGG THE DUST ENCLOASED HEARE.
BLESE BE THE MAN THAT SPARES THES STONES,
AND CURST BE HE THAT MOVES MY BONES.  

(No my spelling doesn't suck it is the spelling of the stone!)

Next we went to his birth house, and here camera's were not allowed but it was very fun to walk through. They have made it to were you get a feel for the time period and you see many sayings and words that we use today due to the good ol' man. In all Stratford was a fun city and I learned that Shakespeare was an amazing writer and a still better insulter, "More of your conversation would infect my brain" might just be my new favorite quote!

The Next day we were in Cotwold and though there wasn't very much to do in the very pretty little town we did walk around the area and found this spot where the country side went of forever. Erica and I both agreed that it was just like a part from our favorite books. 

All in all it was a relaxing trip!!