Foreign Affairs

This past weekend was the first time, since being in Europe, that I have felt like a foreigner. But before we go there, I'll give you a look into Hampton Court Palace, the home of the infamous Henry VIII. He's the one who broke away from the Pope, had eight wives and composed Greensleeves (a Christmas tune). 

Hampton Court Palace

Doubt these antlers adorned the walls when Henry was alive, but what do I know. 

Favorite part of HCP...the gardens. 

It was cool to see Hampton Court Palace, but the most beautiful part were the gardens in the back. It was like you see in movies with the perfectly symmetrical and sprawling garden situated in the back. 

The Great Vine. It's set some world record. 

It's really old.

So Whitney, Anna and I left straight from HCP to catch a train to Paris. We had friends from HPU going to Paris for a class. Our train was delayed about an hour and half, but we finally arrived around 10 on Friday. It was like the movies, people rushing around everywhere and then suddenly you see a face you recognize! Our friend, Jacee, and Dr. Carpenter met us at the train station, and it was so great to see them! We were reunited with our friends for just a short amount of time, and yes, we stayed up late both Friday and Saturday night talking and catching up. 

I mentioned earlier that I felt like a foreigner for the first time on this trip. Why? First, in France the language is French which I know absolutely none. Second, Paris is very different than London. And after experiencing another European city I kind feel like London is home. Paris is dirty, there is graffiti everywhere, it kind of smells, the people are a little hostile and I do not like their Metro system. I mean I had people giving me dirty looks on the Metro, and one guy even pushed me because he thought I was standing in his way. It was quite an experience. 

See what I mean about graffiti?

I did see Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower! Both of which I was not disappointed in! Beautiful, they were beautiful. 

Notre Dame

The Eiffel Tower, in all its glory!

HPU at the Eiffel Tower

Whitney and I woke up very early on Sunday morning to catch our train back to London (home). I had the privilege of sitting next to the most adorable English family on our way back. There was a mum and dad and four kids, two big sisters and two little brothers. Jimmy was 2 1/2, and he had me laughing the whole time! I know his age because at one point his mum asked him how old he was and he replied, "I'm 4 1/2." They all started laughing and saying, "No, Jimmy. You are 2 1/2." 

"I'm 4 1/2. I'm 4 1/2." You must imagine all of this being said in the most adorable English accent and with a few pieces of candy in the mouth (Jimmy was chewing some candy his mum had given him). Dad was quizzing his girls on The Titanic and caring for Jimmy (the baby brother), and Mum was passing out various snacks.  They were a lovely family, and that has really been the only time I've been able to see an English family. Not many kids in the city. 

So in conclusion, London > Paris. I love London. I'll be going to Barcelona later on. What shall I expect? 

Let's see the sights

Since I last blogged, I have ridden the London Eye, spent a day in Oxford, England, saw Wicked and sat in the most uncomfortable chair I've ever had the pleasure to sit in. Oh, and did I mention I was sitting in the chair while watching an opera? 

Ok, so I saw Wicked last Thursday night. Everyone was so excited for the show. I mean everyone dressed up for it...I didn't, but everyone else did. We had great seats. Probably the best seats we've had at any theatre production so far. Each song that was sung was punctuated by the deafening applause of the audience and the shrilling screams of the group of girls sitting behind our group. I had little knowledge of the play before going. The extent of my knowledge was Kristin Chenowith and Popular. Ultimately, it was an entertaining show. 

We had another day trip on Friday, and we went to Oxford! I was really super excited for this trip, really excited. I've always wanted to study at Oxford University. I mean I'm spending a semester studying in London, so I think I did alright. But Oxford is just Oxford. I think my absolute favorite part of the day was seeing a group of Oxford men walk by our group wearing their exam dress, which consists of a suit, black robes and a carnation pinned to the chest. 

Our tour guide was rocking the sandals & socks look.

Favorite mode of transportation 

I forgot the name of this building...it was something Camera.... 

Oxford University!! 1 of like a million different campuses :)

Dining Hall of Trinity College

Trinity College Rowing Graffiti 

And more

self-explanatory 

I have to give a shout-out to my dear friend, Makenzie! I told her I would think of her while I was in Oxford. Makenzie, I was thinking of you all day! 

A group of us rode the London Eye on Saturday evening around dusk. It was beautiful. But first we went to Kensington Gardens on another beautiful afternoon...so I was able to see more sun!!

The pond at Kensington Gardens

Anna and I

Now, for the London Eye. 

Lindsay, me, Anna and Jenna

St. James Park and Buckingham Palace

Big Ben and Parliament

worth it

I told you I would let you know whether Primrose Hill or the London Eye was better. Well, let's just say you must do both if you come to London. And if you have a fear of heights don't let that stop you. 

Went to the opera last night and saw The Tales of Hoffman. Good thing we had subtitles or else I would not have had a clue what was being said! It was really long, like three and a half hours, and the chairs were terribly uncomfortable. Also, it was meant to be a comedy and it kind of failed, in my opinion anyway. 

Monday night I was doing homework and happened to look out my window, and I saw the most beautiful sky! I wish I could have been able to see the rest of the sunset, but I'll have to wait until I'm home again to see that ;) I'll leave you with a photo of what I saw.