Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Monday, September 22, 2008
Trip videos now up on YouTube!
These may not be the best videos (or the best production) but it's us! Enjoy!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Back in Oregon
We're back in Oregon after a full night's rest in our own beds. Our flights were mostly uneventful, but we did take advantage of a nearly 4 hour layover in Minneapolis / St. Paul to be touristy and check out the Mall of America. We went on a roller coaster in the middle of the mall and enjoyed a mall dinner (I had a pretzel with cheddar cheese and a smoothie).
So we'll probably have more videos and pictures up later, but for now we are back .. except for Rachel, who is still traveling. Lucky girl.
So we'll probably have more videos and pictures up later, but for now we are back .. except for Rachel, who is still traveling. Lucky girl.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
The Lion King
Tonight we saw The Lion King at a theatre in the West End. It was unlike anything I've seen before. The costumes were AMAZING! They were fantastically colorful and incredibly complex (for example, some of the actors were dressed as nearly-full-sized elephants and giraffes). The singing was more or less what was in the movie, with a few songs added for some additional character development. There were numerous beautiful dance sequences (though some of them dragged on a bit too long). Lastly, if you think performing on a revolve (like in Le Mis) is complex, you ain't seen nothin... the Lion King stage had about 300 million moving parts (give or take a couple). Parts of the stage were able to rise and fall; there were several tracks for pieces of set to roll by; there were wires, vines, flying characters, and a scene involving thousands of stampeding wildebeast; and of course, there was a gigantic rock promontory that spiraled up out of the stage floor on several occasions, sometimes with actors performing on it while it was rising.All in all, it was great fun! I liked Le Mis more, overall, but it's not really fair to either show to directly compare them; suffice it to say, they were both amazing, and I'm glad I went!
Last day in London, final night of trip
And our trip has pretty much come to an end. We just finished watching The Lion King as a play. It was in another class, really ... in terms of entertainment value, I put it behind Les Miserables and A Midsummers Night's Dream, but it was still a great performance to watch.
Last night we hung out with my British friend Elinor and her boyfriend John, who just happens to be from the Chicago area. However, he has picked up enough of the English accent in the past 2 years that he was really starting to sound British.
Today we went to the Cabinet War Rooms (from WWII) and the Churchill Museum, as well as the Imperial War Museum. Now, Rick Steves said we only needed 2 hours at the Imperial War Museum, but let me tell you ... that was the best war museum I have ever been in. They had a re-creation of a WWI trench, complete with smells. Tons of exhibits and complete rockets and tanks. I didn't even get to see half of the exhibits. Rick Steves, you have failed me yet again. I think he is getting sloppy.
The weather here has been gorgeous the last few days - probably getting us prepared for the weather back home, which luckily is NOT in the 100s like it was when we left. According to Weather.com, it appears to be partly cloudy/sunny and near 75 degrees all next week. Happy Labor Day weekend, everybody.
We arrive back in Portland at around 11 PM on Sunday. We have a 3 1/2 hour layover in Minneapolis / St. Paul, so we are going to try and do something touristy like go to the Mall of America so we can say we've been to Minnesota. A stretch, but it's within the rules.
Rachel, you're still traveling, lucky girl. If you are writing stuff somewhere else, let us know. You completed our travel group; it just isn't the same without you.
I don't expect us to write another post until we return, so thanks for reading and goodbye British Isles - I will miss your accents, beautiful views and rich history. But I won't miss your rain, since I will be getting enough of that soon anyway.
Last night we hung out with my British friend Elinor and her boyfriend John, who just happens to be from the Chicago area. However, he has picked up enough of the English accent in the past 2 years that he was really starting to sound British.
Today we went to the Cabinet War Rooms (from WWII) and the Churchill Museum, as well as the Imperial War Museum. Now, Rick Steves said we only needed 2 hours at the Imperial War Museum, but let me tell you ... that was the best war museum I have ever been in. They had a re-creation of a WWI trench, complete with smells. Tons of exhibits and complete rockets and tanks. I didn't even get to see half of the exhibits. Rick Steves, you have failed me yet again. I think he is getting sloppy.
The weather here has been gorgeous the last few days - probably getting us prepared for the weather back home, which luckily is NOT in the 100s like it was when we left. According to Weather.com, it appears to be partly cloudy/sunny and near 75 degrees all next week. Happy Labor Day weekend, everybody.
We arrive back in Portland at around 11 PM on Sunday. We have a 3 1/2 hour layover in Minneapolis / St. Paul, so we are going to try and do something touristy like go to the Mall of America so we can say we've been to Minnesota. A stretch, but it's within the rules.
Rachel, you're still traveling, lucky girl. If you are writing stuff somewhere else, let us know. You completed our travel group; it just isn't the same without you.
I don't expect us to write another post until we return, so thanks for reading and goodbye British Isles - I will miss your accents, beautiful views and rich history. But I won't miss your rain, since I will be getting enough of that soon anyway.
the sea weed is always greener ...
Hello my wonderful boys. We are in Pisa, Italy now.
Nick I tried singing disney today and the girls didnt pick up my slack. It made me miss you more. *tear*
We are having a great time. Tomorrow, we are going shopping in the morning, then to the beach, then off to Sienna. How bad ass are we?
Ben, i want to switch pics. Maybe we should plan a reunion in a few weeks.
Hope all is well. John expect a phone call from me around the 11th. I need to hear your voice.
hugs and kisses
FANTASTIC !!!!
Nick I tried singing disney today and the girls didnt pick up my slack. It made me miss you more. *tear*
We are having a great time. Tomorrow, we are going shopping in the morning, then to the beach, then off to Sienna. How bad ass are we?
Ben, i want to switch pics. Maybe we should plan a reunion in a few weeks.
Hope all is well. John expect a phone call from me around the 11th. I need to hear your voice.
hugs and kisses
FANTASTIC !!!!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Still in London, on a fast Internet connection
I'm posting videos like mad, look at me go! Unfortunately some of my videos are over 100 MB, so I cannot post them yet, but I am hoping to put something together after the trip.
We went to Les Miserables last night, which was a great show that we are still talking about. The stage, the acting, the singing ... all top notch. Today we went to the British Library, and after being rudely told we were in the wrong area, decided to leave and head over to the British Museum. Since it is open late, we decided to take a break, get on the Internet, eat some lunch and then go to it. Later tonight we are hanging out with Elinor, my British friend that I met in Spain.
In the meantime, here are some more pictures:
Just chillaxing on the train.
Walking down a typical UK street
Me sitting on the stage at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, right before we saw a Midsummers Night's Dream.
And another picture of the gardens at Blenheim Palace.
Thanks for reading everybody! We are nearing the end of our trip but we aren't slowing down at all. We are very excited to have had this opportunity and we're already looking forward to our next adventure.
We went to Les Miserables last night, which was a great show that we are still talking about. The stage, the acting, the singing ... all top notch. Today we went to the British Library, and after being rudely told we were in the wrong area, decided to leave and head over to the British Museum. Since it is open late, we decided to take a break, get on the Internet, eat some lunch and then go to it. Later tonight we are hanging out with Elinor, my British friend that I met in Spain.
In the meantime, here are some more pictures:
Just chillaxing on the train.
Walking down a typical UK street
Me sitting on the stage at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, right before we saw a Midsummers Night's Dream.
And another picture of the gardens at Blenheim Palace.
Thanks for reading everybody! We are nearing the end of our trip but we aren't slowing down at all. We are very excited to have had this opportunity and we're already looking forward to our next adventure.
Le Mis
We saw Les Miserables on the West End, and it blew my mind (again, as it was already blown in Stratford-on-Avon). They had several massive and highly intricate set pieces which were rolled onto the stage in just seconds, in the transitions between songs. The barricade was especially impressive.Also, some of you will appreciate just how cool this is: most of the stage was on a giant revolving disc, and much of the action took place while it was rotating. They used the rotation better than any other show I've seen; it was seamless and natural, whereas physical movement on a revolve can often be awkward onstage. Just to make things complicated, though, in the center of the revolve was an "island" of stationary stage about 12 feet in diameter, so that it was actually sort of a "doughnut" revolve. Sweeeet...
Video 5 - Nick afraid of sheep
This video is in Keswick, England, in the Lake District. As you may know, this region is famous for their sheep ... which were everywhere. Nick took advantage of our proximity to these sheep to get a closer look. Unfortunately for Ben and I, he could never really hold a solid pose.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The Glorious West End
Currently, we are in the West End of London. In a few short hours we will be watching Les Miserables. This will be my first time seeing it, and as it is one of the longest running shows on the West End, I expect it to be glorious. I'm so excited right now, guys. Oh man.
Anyhow, that's all I've really got as far as writing. Bring on the pictures!
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1) Paddington Bear! This statue is inside the Paddington train station in London, and is based on the Paddington Bear books which I read (or had read to me... don't really remember) as a kid.
2) View of Big Ben and Westminster Cathedral as seen from the London Eye. It's rather odd to look DOWN on landmarks like that.
3) We saw a freakin Arsenal game! Our side won, of course (actually we stomped them, 4-0)
4) A sculpture commemorating the location at the Tower of London where Anne Boleyn was executed.
5) A pedestrian bridge leading from St. Paul's Cathedral (where this picture is taken from) across the Thames to the Tate Modern Art Gallery (where we went next).
6) A pretty square next to St. Paul's, which doesn't seem to actually have a name :-(
7) St. Paul's cathedral.
8) St. Paul's again. I somehow don't seem to have taken any pictures of the dome, but it has one of the most beautiful (and tall!) church domes in the world
Anyhow, that's all I've really got as far as writing. Bring on the pictures!
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1) Paddington Bear! This statue is inside the Paddington train station in London, and is based on the Paddington Bear books which I read (or had read to me... don't really remember) as a kid.
2) View of Big Ben and Westminster Cathedral as seen from the London Eye. It's rather odd to look DOWN on landmarks like that.
3) We saw a freakin Arsenal game! Our side won, of course (actually we stomped them, 4-0)
4) A sculpture commemorating the location at the Tower of London where Anne Boleyn was executed.
5) A pedestrian bridge leading from St. Paul's Cathedral (where this picture is taken from) across the Thames to the Tate Modern Art Gallery (where we went next).
6) A pretty square next to St. Paul's, which doesn't seem to actually have a name :-(
7) St. Paul's cathedral.
8) St. Paul's again. I somehow don't seem to have taken any pictures of the dome, but it has one of the most beautiful (and tall!) church domes in the world
In Londinium (London)
We are in London, resting and waiting to go have dinner before we catch the play "Les Miserables." We are in the West End currently. We've kept ourselves busy, as per our usual mode of business.
Yesterday, we arrived in London and after dropping off our bags at the hotel, we caught the Underground over to the Westminster Abbey. We also made a quick trip through the Houses of Parliament. Then, realizing we had a bit of extra time, we hopped on the London Eye and got a great view of all (ha, all ... yeah right) of London.
After checking into our hotel, we went to the Arsenal game. It was packed! We immediately bought shirts, put them on and started our experience. FYI, Arsenal won 4-0, so we got treated to plenty of awesome cheers. Hopefully I will have a video up of it soon.
Today we went to St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and the Tate Modern art museum. And then of course we have the play we are going to.
Tomorrow we plan on going to the British Library and British Museum, both free! Then later on we are hanging out with my friend Elinor, who I met in Spain when I was there two years ago.
And for your viewing enjoyment, some pictures!
View from the London Eye. You can see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament on the right.
Me on the London Eye. That shirt is comfy!
The three of us, wearing our Arsenal gear, in front of the Emirates Stadium, waiting to enter.
View of the Thames River in London.
Yesterday, we arrived in London and after dropping off our bags at the hotel, we caught the Underground over to the Westminster Abbey. We also made a quick trip through the Houses of Parliament. Then, realizing we had a bit of extra time, we hopped on the London Eye and got a great view of all (ha, all ... yeah right) of London.
After checking into our hotel, we went to the Arsenal game. It was packed! We immediately bought shirts, put them on and started our experience. FYI, Arsenal won 4-0, so we got treated to plenty of awesome cheers. Hopefully I will have a video up of it soon.
Today we went to St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and the Tate Modern art museum. And then of course we have the play we are going to.
Tomorrow we plan on going to the British Library and British Museum, both free! Then later on we are hanging out with my friend Elinor, who I met in Spain when I was there two years ago.
And for your viewing enjoyment, some pictures!
View from the London Eye. You can see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament on the right.
Me on the London Eye. That shirt is comfy!
The three of us, wearing our Arsenal gear, in front of the Emirates Stadium, waiting to enter.
View of the Thames River in London.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
In Bath, going to London
Hello! We are in southern England now, just about to start the last leg of our trip in London tomorrow. We have been quite busy since our last posts, and haven't been able to get to the Internet (except for a quick post by Rachel).
Edinburgh was awesome. Despite the wetness that has continued all until the last few days, we thoroughly enjoyed it, including the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Look for videos of it online to get a glimpse of what we were able to experience.
After Edinburgh, we saw Durham's cathedral, went to the place of my ancestors, took in York's Minster and Castle Museum, and went and stayed the night at Henry's, my friend in England. He and his wife Faye were very hospitable and we are very glad to have had the opportunity to join them.
Next we went to Stratford-upon-Avon and we to a couple of Shakespeare plays which were amazing. I never knew a Midsummers Night's Dream was so entertaining. After Stratford, we checked out the Warwick Castle and then went on to Bath, where we saw the Roman Baths and took a daytrip the next day out to Stonehenge and the Blenheim Palace. Yeah, we've been busy.
Anyway, let's put some visuals to these locations! Here are some pictures:
Climbing up up up the stairs at the Durham Cathedral (325 steps in all! And then back down!)
But the view was worth it once we got there
Here's me with Henry, Faye and Rosie. We are very grateful for that experience!
The four of us in front of Stonehenge. It was quite windy there.
Nick and I in front of the "Cascades" at the Blenheim Palace.
Blenheim Palace in the distance. :-O!
Edinburgh was awesome. Despite the wetness that has continued all until the last few days, we thoroughly enjoyed it, including the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Look for videos of it online to get a glimpse of what we were able to experience.
After Edinburgh, we saw Durham's cathedral, went to the place of my ancestors, took in York's Minster and Castle Museum, and went and stayed the night at Henry's, my friend in England. He and his wife Faye were very hospitable and we are very glad to have had the opportunity to join them.
Next we went to Stratford-upon-Avon and we to a couple of Shakespeare plays which were amazing. I never knew a Midsummers Night's Dream was so entertaining. After Stratford, we checked out the Warwick Castle and then went on to Bath, where we saw the Roman Baths and took a daytrip the next day out to Stonehenge and the Blenheim Palace. Yeah, we've been busy.
Anyway, let's put some visuals to these locations! Here are some pictures:
Climbing up up up the stairs at the Durham Cathedral (325 steps in all! And then back down!)
But the view was worth it once we got there
Here's me with Henry, Faye and Rosie. We are very grateful for that experience!
The four of us in front of Stonehenge. It was quite windy there.
Nick and I in front of the "Cascades" at the Blenheim Palace.
Blenheim Palace in the distance. :-O!
Pictures
Through a series of unfortunate and somewhat amusing circumstances, we haven't posted in several days. In that time, we've done so many awesome things that one post cannot do it justice.
Fortunately, since pictures are worth a thousand words, I am going to write about a novel's worth of words to describe our experiences.
Here's the executive summary:
- After Edinburgh, we spent a day bombing through northeastern England. We saw the cathedral in Durham (I was very excited about that, as I live on Durham Road) and Yorkminster (the ginormous cathedral in York) and a couple other small stops.
- We then stayed with a guy named Henry who has known John's family for years.
- We went to Stratford-upon-Avon and saw two plays: a matinee of A Midsummer Night's Dream, which was the best play I had ever seen up to that point, and an evening showing of Hamlet, which promptly blew away my record of Best Play Ever, set mere hours before. And yes, that was the one with Patrick Stewart in it. He is the best actor ever. Now that I've seen him, I can die happy.
- We went the following morning to Warwick and saw the amazing castle there, including a sweet jousting match.
- Traveled to Bath (where I am as I write this) and saw the Roman Baths. We also took a day trip out to Blenheim Palace. I really wish I had a 2,000 acre estate like they do... sigh...
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1) The military tattoo in Edinburgh. Imagine like 300 bagpipers playing with several hundred standard marching band instruments (all of whom are amazingly good), and you might get about a tenth of how truly awesome it was. Words (even pictures) cannot do it justice.
2) The Durham Cathedral (with Durham University in the foreground). Very pretty cathedral, with an amazing view from the tower.
3) The view from the tower of Durham Cathedral. It can be seen from almost everywhere in town, so conversely, from the top you can see pretty much everywhere. The view was gorgeous, and the sun even came out for a bit.
4) Yorkminster. The most mind-blowing cathedral I have ever seen. Which is kinda funny because just two hours before, Durham Cathedral held that crown. It was a pretty good day. Yorkminster's cross-section (not sure what the name is... you know how cathedrals are shaped like crosses? It was the part of the cross where the arms go) was longer than the main axis of any cathedral I've seen before. I mean really, really huge. And beautiful; inside were probably 8 or 9 side chapels, buried off in little corners of the main area. The Venerable Bede's tomb is here as well.
5) Jousting at Warwick Castle. I took hundreds of pictures of the castle itself of course (one of the best-preserved castles anywhere in England, thanks to some fortuitous decisions during the English civil war), but the jousting was really the highlight for me. It was exhibition jousting, so there were no shattering lances or men flying from the saddles, but the livery and horses were very real and very cool.
6) Us dorking around at a train station while waiting to transfer to another line. I believe this was at Reading ("Take a look/It's in a book/with Reading Railroad"... if you get this, then you're awesome), which is actually pronounced like Redding (the one in Washington). And yes, I do have a beard. I haven't shaved in like 8 days. Man, I hate neck hair...
7) This isn't interesting by itself. It's in a little village called Lacock where the tour van stopped on the way to Stonehenge. However, what makes it awesome is that the area in this photo is being used as part of Hogsmeade in the upcoming Harry Potter movie. Awesome!
8) Stonehenge. 'nuff said.
9) A cool looking, but very weird person. This man has legally changed his name to Arthur Pendragon, and is licensed to carry a sword in public. He's protesting the government treatment of Stonehenge (charging admission, not allowing people to touch/walk under the stones) and lobbying for free and open access of the stones. I think he's a druid, too. Bizarre, but photogenic.
10) Blenheim Palace. One of the coolest palaces anywhere, and it has over 2,000 acres of grounds surrounding it. Think an 18-hole golf course, then quadruple than in size and add trees, a lake, and a statue on a 50-foot column. Plus the palace itself is amazing, with staterooms and museum-quality old stuff and a long library filled with books, which has a freaking pipe organ in it!
11) The grounds at Blenheim Palace. Beautiful.
Fortunately, since pictures are worth a thousand words, I am going to write about a novel's worth of words to describe our experiences.
Here's the executive summary:
- After Edinburgh, we spent a day bombing through northeastern England. We saw the cathedral in Durham (I was very excited about that, as I live on Durham Road) and Yorkminster (the ginormous cathedral in York) and a couple other small stops.
- We then stayed with a guy named Henry who has known John's family for years.
- We went to Stratford-upon-Avon and saw two plays: a matinee of A Midsummer Night's Dream, which was the best play I had ever seen up to that point, and an evening showing of Hamlet, which promptly blew away my record of Best Play Ever, set mere hours before. And yes, that was the one with Patrick Stewart in it. He is the best actor ever. Now that I've seen him, I can die happy.
- We went the following morning to Warwick and saw the amazing castle there, including a sweet jousting match.
- Traveled to Bath (where I am as I write this) and saw the Roman Baths. We also took a day trip out to Blenheim Palace. I really wish I had a 2,000 acre estate like they do... sigh...
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4) 
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6) 
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8) 
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10) 
11)
1) The military tattoo in Edinburgh. Imagine like 300 bagpipers playing with several hundred standard marching band instruments (all of whom are amazingly good), and you might get about a tenth of how truly awesome it was. Words (even pictures) cannot do it justice.
2) The Durham Cathedral (with Durham University in the foreground). Very pretty cathedral, with an amazing view from the tower.
3) The view from the tower of Durham Cathedral. It can be seen from almost everywhere in town, so conversely, from the top you can see pretty much everywhere. The view was gorgeous, and the sun even came out for a bit.
4) Yorkminster. The most mind-blowing cathedral I have ever seen. Which is kinda funny because just two hours before, Durham Cathedral held that crown. It was a pretty good day. Yorkminster's cross-section (not sure what the name is... you know how cathedrals are shaped like crosses? It was the part of the cross where the arms go) was longer than the main axis of any cathedral I've seen before. I mean really, really huge. And beautiful; inside were probably 8 or 9 side chapels, buried off in little corners of the main area. The Venerable Bede's tomb is here as well.
5) Jousting at Warwick Castle. I took hundreds of pictures of the castle itself of course (one of the best-preserved castles anywhere in England, thanks to some fortuitous decisions during the English civil war), but the jousting was really the highlight for me. It was exhibition jousting, so there were no shattering lances or men flying from the saddles, but the livery and horses were very real and very cool.
6) Us dorking around at a train station while waiting to transfer to another line. I believe this was at Reading ("Take a look/It's in a book/with Reading Railroad"... if you get this, then you're awesome), which is actually pronounced like Redding (the one in Washington). And yes, I do have a beard. I haven't shaved in like 8 days. Man, I hate neck hair...
7) This isn't interesting by itself. It's in a little village called Lacock where the tour van stopped on the way to Stonehenge. However, what makes it awesome is that the area in this photo is being used as part of Hogsmeade in the upcoming Harry Potter movie. Awesome!
8) Stonehenge. 'nuff said.
9) A cool looking, but very weird person. This man has legally changed his name to Arthur Pendragon, and is licensed to carry a sword in public. He's protesting the government treatment of Stonehenge (charging admission, not allowing people to touch/walk under the stones) and lobbying for free and open access of the stones. I think he's a druid, too. Bizarre, but photogenic.
10) Blenheim Palace. One of the coolest palaces anywhere, and it has over 2,000 acres of grounds surrounding it. Think an 18-hole golf course, then quadruple than in size and add trees, a lake, and a statue on a 50-foot column. Plus the palace itself is amazing, with staterooms and museum-quality old stuff and a long library filled with books, which has a freaking pipe organ in it!
11) The grounds at Blenheim Palace. Beautiful.
"It's free razor Monday"
Alright. Another blog. All of our journals are getting thicker and thicker with all the amazing times we have had in the past week or so. The trip has keeps getting better. The past few days have been full of historical and memorable sights.
I have lost tracks of the days, but on the 23, we left the amazing Henry and his wonderful little family to go to Stratford-Upon-Avon to see a play at the Court Yard Theatre.
I have seen many professional plays, but this one, by far, was the best I have seen. The director for this Midsummer Nights Dream, was brilliant. I was captivated the whole time.
The next day we headed to the Warwick castle. It was cool. It had full wax figures and John and I were able to go into a secret tower. The outside events, made the trip worth it. We watched several medieval activities, with "real" knights. One of the highlights was the eagle show. The performer sent the eagles RIGHT over our heads. It almost touched us several times.
After the castle we caught multiple trains to Bath. We got in around 6 or 7. Went to a Japanese place for dinner, which we all liked, then was off to see the famous Roman Baths. The weather has been a lot better lately, so our trip to the Bath was perfect. For some reason it was opened till 10, so we stayed the whole time. The Baths were super-duper ( I have used "amazing" too many times). It was crazy to stand in a building that was like 2000 years old. The outside bath was lite by torches, so it felt very "Roman". We all drank from the bath water well, and none of us like it. Very warm and kind of salty.
The next day we woke up early to catch a tour bus up to Stonehenge. It was cold and windy, but definitely worth seeing.
After that we caught a few trains over to the Blenheim palace. This place was THEE most beautiful place I have probably seen. I really dont feel like describing it. All i am going to say is that, YOU NEED to go see it.
I have much more to say, but I need to get off. The boys are posting pictures now. Hope you enjoy.
I have yet another list of things to know (if there are repeats, i am sorry):
-Everything seems to come in colors and not types. Coffee is either black or white. Black is no milk, white coffee is with milk (that they put in). Also there are few choices: latte, cappuccino, tea or coffee.
-Bread is "brown" or "white". Brown is probably some sort of enriched wheat.
- Moving through a crowd is difficult. Try moving through a crowd WITH AN UMBRELLA. This was a challenge for me. Dodging people and other umbrellas on a crowded street, takes incredible focus.
-EVERYTHING closes at 5.
-Lastly, John got some apple pie (for breakfast), and they asked him if he wanted cream on it. Thinking it was whip cream, he said yes. "Cream" actually means heavy whipping cream, so he got a side dish of liquid heavy cream. They also put cream on ice cream, which is amazing.
I have lost tracks of the days, but on the 23, we left the amazing Henry and his wonderful little family to go to Stratford-Upon-Avon to see a play at the Court Yard Theatre.
I have seen many professional plays, but this one, by far, was the best I have seen. The director for this Midsummer Nights Dream, was brilliant. I was captivated the whole time.
The next day we headed to the Warwick castle. It was cool. It had full wax figures and John and I were able to go into a secret tower. The outside events, made the trip worth it. We watched several medieval activities, with "real" knights. One of the highlights was the eagle show. The performer sent the eagles RIGHT over our heads. It almost touched us several times.
After the castle we caught multiple trains to Bath. We got in around 6 or 7. Went to a Japanese place for dinner, which we all liked, then was off to see the famous Roman Baths. The weather has been a lot better lately, so our trip to the Bath was perfect. For some reason it was opened till 10, so we stayed the whole time. The Baths were super-duper ( I have used "amazing" too many times). It was crazy to stand in a building that was like 2000 years old. The outside bath was lite by torches, so it felt very "Roman". We all drank from the bath water well, and none of us like it. Very warm and kind of salty.
The next day we woke up early to catch a tour bus up to Stonehenge. It was cold and windy, but definitely worth seeing.
After that we caught a few trains over to the Blenheim palace. This place was THEE most beautiful place I have probably seen. I really dont feel like describing it. All i am going to say is that, YOU NEED to go see it.
I have much more to say, but I need to get off. The boys are posting pictures now. Hope you enjoy.
I have yet another list of things to know (if there are repeats, i am sorry):
-Everything seems to come in colors and not types. Coffee is either black or white. Black is no milk, white coffee is with milk (that they put in). Also there are few choices: latte, cappuccino, tea or coffee.
-Bread is "brown" or "white". Brown is probably some sort of enriched wheat.
- Moving through a crowd is difficult. Try moving through a crowd WITH AN UMBRELLA. This was a challenge for me. Dodging people and other umbrellas on a crowded street, takes incredible focus.
-EVERYTHING closes at 5.
-Lastly, John got some apple pie (for breakfast), and they asked him if he wanted cream on it. Thinking it was whip cream, he said yes. "Cream" actually means heavy whipping cream, so he got a side dish of liquid heavy cream. They also put cream on ice cream, which is amazing.
A day of Shakespeare
Hello Everyone!
It has been awhile since any of us have made a post but don't hold it against us, we did try to find internet access. I honestly did not think it would be this much trouble to find internet access in the UK!
There is much to write about and so little time! After Edinburgh, we traveled to Henry’s house in Worksop. We stayed on their farm in the country and that night they made us a traditional English meal (roast beef, potatoes, rolls, green beans and gravy!) They were great hosts and our trip to their house definitely stands in the top three highlights of the trip thus far.
The next day, (08/24/08) we traveled to Stratford-upon Avon. Immediately upon arrival we took a taxi to the Court Yard Theater (one of the theaters owned by the Royal Shakespeare Company) where we stood in the queue for returned tickets for Hamlet that night. Some background about Hamlet… we had tried very hard to get tickets for Hamlet several months in advance, but apparently Hamlet sold out for the entire season within the first week of releasing tickets. Are only chance was to stand in the queue and hope that someone would return their tickets, that we would then be able to purchase. As a backup, we got tickets to a Midsummer’s Night Dream playing at 1:00PM that day, but our dilemma was that we were about tenth in the queue for tickets and Hamlet did not start until 7:15PM that night. We had to make a choice whether to risk staying in the queue in the hope of getting some tickets for Hamlet or going to a Midsummer’s Night Dream at 1:00PM and coming out three hours later to stand in the queue once more. Thankfully we did not have to make that choice as a nice family in front of us in the queue insisted that we must see a Midsummer’s Night Dream, as they had seen it the night before, and that it was not a play to miss. They also said that they would hold our place in the queue until we came out a Midsummer’s Night Dream at 4:00PM. Thanks to Dorothy and Rebecca (the family that held our spot in the queue) we were able to see both Hamlet and a Midsummer’s Night Dream in the same day! Once we were back in the queue, Ben and I got two tickets in the fourth row, at 6:55PM (20 minutes before the Hamlet started)!!!
Both Hamlet and a Midsummer’s Night Dream were amazing! I had never had a theater experience like that in my life; seeing Patrick Steward live was incredible. In case you don’t know yet both Ben and I are big fans of Mr. Steward. =) David Tennant (Hamlet) was also amazing, as well as the rest of the cast.
Well I think I have rambled on about this long enough. Bellow are some pictures. Sorry there is no picture with Patrick and I; he rushed off in his Black Jaguar before I could get to him. :)
Henry, cutting up the roast beef
North American Bald Eagle show at Warwick Castle
Waiting for the Train... somewhere
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
It has been awhile since any of us have made a post but don't hold it against us, we did try to find internet access. I honestly did not think it would be this much trouble to find internet access in the UK!
There is much to write about and so little time! After Edinburgh, we traveled to Henry’s house in Worksop. We stayed on their farm in the country and that night they made us a traditional English meal (roast beef, potatoes, rolls, green beans and gravy!) They were great hosts and our trip to their house definitely stands in the top three highlights of the trip thus far.
The next day, (08/24/08) we traveled to Stratford-upon Avon. Immediately upon arrival we took a taxi to the Court Yard Theater (one of the theaters owned by the Royal Shakespeare Company) where we stood in the queue for returned tickets for Hamlet that night. Some background about Hamlet… we had tried very hard to get tickets for Hamlet several months in advance, but apparently Hamlet sold out for the entire season within the first week of releasing tickets. Are only chance was to stand in the queue and hope that someone would return their tickets, that we would then be able to purchase. As a backup, we got tickets to a Midsummer’s Night Dream playing at 1:00PM that day, but our dilemma was that we were about tenth in the queue for tickets and Hamlet did not start until 7:15PM that night. We had to make a choice whether to risk staying in the queue in the hope of getting some tickets for Hamlet or going to a Midsummer’s Night Dream at 1:00PM and coming out three hours later to stand in the queue once more. Thankfully we did not have to make that choice as a nice family in front of us in the queue insisted that we must see a Midsummer’s Night Dream, as they had seen it the night before, and that it was not a play to miss. They also said that they would hold our place in the queue until we came out a Midsummer’s Night Dream at 4:00PM. Thanks to Dorothy and Rebecca (the family that held our spot in the queue) we were able to see both Hamlet and a Midsummer’s Night Dream in the same day! Once we were back in the queue, Ben and I got two tickets in the fourth row, at 6:55PM (20 minutes before the Hamlet started)!!!
Both Hamlet and a Midsummer’s Night Dream were amazing! I had never had a theater experience like that in my life; seeing Patrick Steward live was incredible. In case you don’t know yet both Ben and I are big fans of Mr. Steward. =) David Tennant (Hamlet) was also amazing, as well as the rest of the cast.
Well I think I have rambled on about this long enough. Bellow are some pictures. Sorry there is no picture with Patrick and I; he rushed off in his Black Jaguar before I could get to him. :)
Henry, cutting up the roast beef
North American Bald Eagle show at Warwick Castle
Waiting for the Train... somewhere
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Friday, August 22, 2008
I am moving to Scotland.
You really should go to Scotland. I liked it more than Ireland, and i am irish. The people were amazing, Edinburgh was just gorgeous(when it wasnt raining). Our hostel was Right on the Royal Mile, so everything was a short walk away. We went to the Castle, we hit up all the bars, we ate well (and a lot). We were sad to leave.
The Military Tattoo was, as the boys will repeat, both a love and hate experience. One of the coolest parts of the trip by far, but it rained more that night than anyother day. To say that it rained, is an understatement. God opened the heavens on us. But it was sooooo touching to have all the bagpipes and the castle in the back ground. I felt Scottish.
We are in york now. for only a few hours. then off to see greater, better things.
we love and miss all of you.
The Military Tattoo was, as the boys will repeat, both a love and hate experience. One of the coolest parts of the trip by far, but it rained more that night than anyother day. To say that it rained, is an understatement. God opened the heavens on us. But it was sooooo touching to have all the bagpipes and the castle in the back ground. I felt Scottish.
We are in york now. for only a few hours. then off to see greater, better things.
we love and miss all of you.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Here we goooo..... (In Mario's voice)
Alright. Here we are again. Sending out a shout out to all the kids back home. We once again took a train (which i now my favorite transp.) to Scotland this morning. We will soon be sampling the Scottish water and food.
Here is another list of things i have learned (which are important enough for me to post):
-Houses here dont have numbers, they all have names: Front Cottage, Alley Cottage ect.
-All coffees ordered will come in a normal mug. Its very unusual to order it "take away". Its not "to go" its take away.
-How are Europeans so slim? Seriously they have pastries EVERYWHERE, along with candy bars. They have WAYY more junk food then us. I am just saying ...
-Scotland smells like Captain Crunch.
-Jam and butter are way to popular here.
-WC is another signal for bathrooms, along with loo.
- Lastly, when entering the ladies room, there is no need to bend over and look to see what stall is open. They ALL come with Vacant and Occupied latches.
bad ass.
Here is another list of things i have learned (which are important enough for me to post):
-Houses here dont have numbers, they all have names: Front Cottage, Alley Cottage ect.
-All coffees ordered will come in a normal mug. Its very unusual to order it "take away". Its not "to go" its take away.
-How are Europeans so slim? Seriously they have pastries EVERYWHERE, along with candy bars. They have WAYY more junk food then us. I am just saying ...
-Scotland smells like Captain Crunch.
-Jam and butter are way to popular here.
-WC is another signal for bathrooms, along with loo.
- Lastly, when entering the ladies room, there is no need to bend over and look to see what stall is open. They ALL come with Vacant and Occupied latches.
bad ass.
Edinburgh... holy crap!
The city of Edinburgh is, to say the least, overwhelming. We just spent two days in places that might generously be called towns, with populations of maybe 5,000. Even on the way up here, we scurried through some of the most idyllic (and empty) countryside yet.
Then all of a sudden, BAM! We hit Edinburgh. This city is INTENSE. There are people and historic landmarks everywhere you look, with nary a quiet corner to be found. And unlike the previous places we've visited, there's not just one central area to visit. To be certain, High Street and the Royal Mile (leading from Holyroodhouse Palace to the Edinburgh Castle, both of which we visit tomorrow) are perhaps the busiest, but the major streets in all directions lead to major and historically important sites.
After taking another early train this morning, we arrived here and ate food, which occupied us until about 1pm. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the Scottish National Museum, until they kicked us out at the 5:00 closing. We jaunted back to our hostel and are now chilling in an internet cafe, where the lady running the place charged me for the 9 minutes in which I didn't touch the computer, but was simply previewing my photos on my camera (then pretended not to understand what I was saying when I complained to her about it).
Anyhow, John is currently trying to upload a video, which might take the whole hour we've paid for... so I will try to post some photos, but no guarantees!
Until next time...
--Ben
Then all of a sudden, BAM! We hit Edinburgh. This city is INTENSE. There are people and historic landmarks everywhere you look, with nary a quiet corner to be found. And unlike the previous places we've visited, there's not just one central area to visit. To be certain, High Street and the Royal Mile (leading from Holyroodhouse Palace to the Edinburgh Castle, both of which we visit tomorrow) are perhaps the busiest, but the major streets in all directions lead to major and historically important sites.
After taking another early train this morning, we arrived here and ate food, which occupied us until about 1pm. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the Scottish National Museum, until they kicked us out at the 5:00 closing. We jaunted back to our hostel and are now chilling in an internet cafe, where the lady running the place charged me for the 9 minutes in which I didn't touch the computer, but was simply previewing my photos on my camera (then pretended not to understand what I was saying when I complained to her about it).
Anyhow, John is currently trying to upload a video, which might take the whole hour we've paid for... so I will try to post some photos, but no guarantees!
Until next time...
--Ben
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1) (an old picture) The view from the Gravity Bar at the top of the Guinness Factory. One of the most amazing views ever... you can see much of Dublin from here.
2) The Lake District. It is SO beautiful here... it reminds me of the Willamette Valley, except for the awesome old stone houses and pretty stone walls everywhere.
3) Nick really, really likes cows. He points them out everytime we see some (and there are quite a few of them here).
4) We went on a hike by the shore of Derwentwater, the lake by Keswick.
5) Welcome to Keswick!
6) We've arrived in Edinburgh! And of course, it is raining.
7) Heading towards the Royal Mile. There is so much stuff here, it is overwhelming.
8) John and Nick play Dress Up in the Scottish National Museum.
9) Row houses in Edinburgh.
10) A street performer on a ladder. He's part of the Fringe Festival area on the Royal Mile, which leads up to Edinburgh's castle.
11) The same performer from a different angle with my sweet zoom lens.
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1) (an old picture) The view from the Gravity Bar at the top of the Guinness Factory. One of the most amazing views ever... you can see much of Dublin from here.
2) The Lake District. It is SO beautiful here... it reminds me of the Willamette Valley, except for the awesome old stone houses and pretty stone walls everywhere.
3) Nick really, really likes cows. He points them out everytime we see some (and there are quite a few of them here).
4) We went on a hike by the shore of Derwentwater, the lake by Keswick.
5) Welcome to Keswick!
6) We've arrived in Edinburgh! And of course, it is raining.
7) Heading towards the Royal Mile. There is so much stuff here, it is overwhelming.
8) John and Nick play Dress Up in the Scottish National Museum.
9) Row houses in Edinburgh.
10) A street performer on a ladder. He's part of the Fringe Festival area on the Royal Mile, which leads up to Edinburgh's castle.
11) The same performer from a different angle with my sweet zoom lens.
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