21st Birthday and a Day in Lincoln

Hello Everyone! Thank you all for the overwhelming amount of birthday cards! It was so great to have an overflowing mailbox each day when I checked it. The workers at the front desk came to know me quite well and were always curious as to how I managed to have so many friends. Thank you for making my birthday away so special! :) Unfortunately, I had class off and on from 8:30 to 5 on my birthday. In between classes I found time to open cards and indulge in a few birthday treats. I was even lucky enough to receive two 21st birthday tiaras to where during the day. (I hope this doesn't make me 42!) As my day progressed it continued to get better and better. I received some beautiful flowers from my parents which made me feel like I was very close to home. I could not believe that they were able to figure out a way to have flowers delivered in Grantham. Way to go Mom and Dad! :) I think the best part is that they have lasted all week and are still sitting so prettily on my desk as I write this. Just because I was away from home, I was not about to forgo the cake and ice cream. I bought a big chocolate cake and ice cream to share with my friends. Much to my surprise, when I finished my 5pm class my roommates told me there was something waiting for me at the front desk. Once again I returned to the reception desk to find the workers amused to see me yet again. I was so excited to find that my best friend had managed to send the prettiest cupcakes I had ever seen! Thanks Katie! :) I was so excited and could not wait to enjoy a cupcake. Later in the evening my friends and I celebrated by having cupcakes and noisemakers and wearing party hats and noise makers (thanks, Mom). The next day I had a field trip to Lincoln for my British Studies course. This town is home to some Roman ruins, Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle. I was excited for the day because I was getting to spend the day in a place that I had never been before. Unfortunately, the weather that day was freezing cold, windy and a bit misty. I had dressed warmly, or so I thought, but I still froze. Luckily, my first stop on the trip was the magnificent Lincoln Cathedral. This cathedral sports an array of medieval architecture, but my personal favorite are the flying buttresses. The cathedral is so large that it requires massive stone structures to support the building from the outside. I don't know if my fascination comes from the name or the structures themselves, but they are pretty neat. The inside of the cathedral was cool as well. The design of the inside reminded me a lot of Westminster Abbey in its cross-like shape and large screen in the center. There were a variety of small chapels within the cathedral and some were dedicated to those who have lost their lives in war. Like many other sites that I have visited, this cathedral was most interesting because of its age and ornateness. After the cathedral I went on a tour to see some of the Roman ruins. There really aren't a whole lot of ruins unfortunately, but it was interesting to see things like a well and parts of various walls. I didn't enjoy this portion of my day as much as the rest, but I attribute that to the bitter weather conditions. After enjoying a quality Harlaxton packed lunch, I explored chocolate and coffee shops on my own before heading to the castle. The castle was pretty unbelievable. One of the original four copies of Magna Carta is housed in the old prison ward of the castle. It was really awesome to see a document that is so old and means so much to the history of the United Kingdom and what it had developed into today. While the castle was an interesting tour, it was a bit creepy and somber. The Lincoln Castle was home to a prison and numerous executions. I took a brief tour of the prison and saw the chapel where church was held. The inmates were required to wear masks with only small holes to see. That chapel contained several small stalls in which each inmate would be locked. The walls of each stall were wooden and too tall to see over. The only area that each inmate could see was the elevated pulpit that hung above the stalls. I was to scared and claustrophobic to even dream of going into one of the stalls so I went up to the pulpit instead. It was a bit scary because there were some manikins with masks on placed in a few of the stalls. It was odd to look out and see what it would have looked like during the years the prison was functioning. During the remainder of the castle tour the guide took us to the various execution sites and told different stories about the individuals. After talking about the people she took us to the graveyard that is home to most, if not all, of the individuals executed at the castle. I did think that this was a rather morbid tour but it was fascinating to learn what happened to people in the olden days when they committed a small crime such as stealing a cup.

Ta Ta,
AM

To Scotland I Went!

Hello Everyone!

Sorry for the delay in posts, but my weekly routine is rather uneventful to say the least. Monday-Thursday is spent in class and doing homework. Because my campus is tucked away in a tiny town, I do not have an opportunity to explore during the week. Luckily, last weekend I had the opportunity to take a trip. I left Friday morning and headed to Edinburgh for the weekend. Knowing next to nothing about the city, I headed to the capitol with an open mind. I had received a pamphlet from Harlaxton about a few things to do in Edinburgh and some maps to help get around. I figured that with these items in hand I would be set to go for the weekend. After an eventful six hour journey by coach, I finally arrived in Scotland. It took a while longer to actually make it to the hotel, however. The coach driver seemed rather amateur and we ended up at the end of a one-way street going the wrong way. In some instances it would be fine to apologize and continue on going the wrong way, but in this case we were met with cement buttresses at the bottom of a steep hill. Again this would not have been a big deal had we been in a car, but backing up a coach uphill is a bit of a challenge. Thanks to the brilliant driver, our coach drew lots of attention. People on the sidewalks stopped to stare as if a celebrity was driving by. A police officer wearing leather pants, as only a European could, stopped traffic but not before giving the coach a dirty scowl. Needless to say, we were all a bit embarrassed and antsy to exit the coach. Once we finally arrived at the Royal British Hotel, I was so thankful to get out. With very little information about the city, I set out with some friends to do some exploring. During the day we managed to walk the perimeter of the city and gather a sense of what the culture was like. That evening, per recommendation, my friends and I went to Viva Mexico, a delicious Mexican restaurant. I know you are all thinking, "Mexican food in Scotland?!" but trust me it was wonderful. To finally have some food with flavor, contrary to the school food, was amazing! Chicken enchiladas and a strawberry margarita never tasted so good! On Saturday I woke up early for a full day of Edinburgh activities. I began the day with a rather adventurous hike. Not being a fan of the outdoors, I was a bit nervous to tackle the hill-mountain-like monster. Luckily, I had two serious hiker-friends with me to pull me along. The journey to the top was awesome! I could see for miles and that was quite astonishing. Once I finally reached the top, after scaling some vertical rocks, I felt like I had conquered the world. It was so windy and I feared falling over the edge, but I couldn't help but to sit on the edge of the cliff and snap a few photos. After this intense morning hike, I knew that this was going to be the highlight of my trip to Scotland. The rest of the day I spent journeying through the shops on The Royal Mile and taking a bus tour of the city. While the shops were fun, I quickly grew sick of everything labeled "I Love Edinburgh". After a long day of hiking and exploring, it was time for dinner yet again! In the mood for Italian, my friend and I headed to Bella Italia, a popular UK Italian chain, for some pasta. Craving the tastes of home, I decided to order lasagna. The baked pasta was good, but it definitely did not come close to something homemade. Feel free to send me some Mom! :) I woke up early Sunday to begin the long journey back to Harlaxton. Along the way we made two stops. Our first stop was to Hadrian's Wall, which was built in 122 AD. Not being much into history, this was not on my top ten list of things to see, but I must admit seeing something that old was quite impressive. This wall was initially built to separate Scotland from the barbaric people of England. What is left today would not do much to protect the Scots, but at one time this wall was quite substantial. It was interesting to see the layout of what the fort looked like and to think about the people that were there so many years ago. The second stop on the way back to school was Durham, England. This cute little town is home to an extravagant castle and cathedral. I was rather looking forward to checking out the cathedral, but much to my dismay the coach driver had a few issues again. After circling the town several times and losing thirty minutes of out two hour Durham allotment, there was only enough time to grab some lunch. After a disappointing pub lunch, I snagged some delicious ice cream and headed for the coach. The journey back to Harlaxton was another three hours, but it was a nice time to nap and reflect on the weekend. I really did enjoy the natural beauty of Scotland, but Edinburgh will not be on my list of places to visit again. While I did enjoy my time there, the city was overpopulated with tourists and tourist shops. I will try to post again soon, hopefully sooner than the last time! AM

A Brief Return to London

I had been looking forward to Thursday for a long time because I knew I was going to visit my second home. Boarding the coach to London, I was so excited for the weekend and hoped that London would be everything I remembered it to be. The city really did become like a second home to me this summer and I could not wait to go back. I was really looking forward to having a bit of familiarity in my life after a week of nothing but new surroundings and people. When I woke up Friday morning in my London hotel, I could not wait to get out into the city. As I made my way to the Tube station I had a skip in my step. I knew that I was about to be reunited with my favorite method of transportation andI had been looking forward to Thursday for quite a my treasured Oyster card. I could recite the Tube map in my sleep and I was so excited to put those skills to work and show my friends how it's done. After I scanned my Oyster card and received the approval of the beep, I knew that my journey had just begun. Keeping in mind that I was leading ten people through rush hour that had never used the Tube before, I tried to give them as much advice as possible before darting from one line to the next. The confusion and overwhelming nature of the Tube was inevitable. When we finally arrived at the Tower of London, my poor friends looked as though they had all seen a ghost. I remember all too well what my first day in London was like and I felt for them, but had to giggle at the same time. While I was excited to tour the Tower again, I was even more excited to visit one of the best kept secrets in London, my darling little monument Starbucks. I had been telling my friends all week that we HAD to go to Starbucks before the Tower, but they didn't quite understand the eagerness until they saw the little shop with their own eyes. After indulging in some Starbucks goodness, seeing the glistening Crown Jewels and another Tube journey, we headed to the famous Oxford Street to catch up on a bit of shopping, shoe shopping that is. After making a few (much needed) purchases, it was time for my friends to experience their first double-decker red bus. We jumped on the bus to head back to the Tube for another exciting journey yet again. The bus ride was quite typical, lots of honking and crazy driving, but fun nonetheless. Once the bus ride and Tube journey was over, we went to explore the London Eye, Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. It was so wonderful to be back and see all of my favorite sights. We took a nice afternoon break and sat on the wall next to the River Thames. It was awesome to enjoy the scenery of the river and all the aforementioned landmarks. London is the city of my dreams and I loved sitting there for an hour taking it all in. After a brief rest by the Thames, we headed to Westminster Abbey to attend a free Even Song service. This service is done mainly by the choir and is a great way to see the abbey free of charge. Saturday was another day filled with London fun! We tried to see the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, but being a Saturday it was impossible to see anything with all the people there. We decided to head to Leicester Square next to buy theater tickets. We chose to see Chicago that evening and I could not wait! After getting tickets, we hopped on the Tube to head to Portobello Market. Being Saturday, there were scheduled closures on the Tube that really through our plans for a loop. Unfortunately, we were forced to backtrack and go way out of our way to get there. I was so happy that I was familiar with the system and eventually able to get to the market. Once at Portobello, I went straight to my favorite jewelry man to pay him a visit and make a few purchases. The vendor is a cute little man, probably in his seventies, from Spain and always is selling the best stuff. I can't help it but to buy something from him because he is quite funny. From the jewelry stand I leaped down the street to another favorite, the Hummingbird Bakery. I had not eaten lunch that day and I was therefore in desperate need of a Black Bottom cupcake. My eyes lit up at the sight of the pink and brown bakery sign. Both of my roommates partook in the indulgence and they are now hooked as well! After the market, it was time to get ready for dinner and the musical. We headed to the Tate Modern to enjoy a meal with a view. I enjoyed a very delicious bowl of pasta and gooseberry crumble for dessert. Aside from the yummy food, the view of St. Paul's Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge were breathtaking. After dinner, we darted to the Tube and flew through Covent Garden to the Cambridge theater. I was really excited to see Chicago because I had never seen it before. The music and acting in the show was outstanding and I enjoyed every minute of it! When I left London today I was a bit sad. I love Harlaxton and everything that comes with it, but London feels like my home when I'm in England. I know that I will be heading back shortly and I cannot wait! On the way back to the manor today, we stopped by Hampton Court Palace. This palace was the home to the infamous Henry VIII. The palace was interesting, but what I enjoyed most were the beautiful gardens. I loved looking at the flowers and walking around. Now that I am back at the manor, it is nice to be unpacked and have everything in its place. I am so happy to have Internet once again and am now looking forward to spending next weekend in Edinburgh. It is definitely time for me to hit the hay! I will try to post more later!

AM

Classes Have Begun

Classes began yesterday and boy was it crazy! I had class off and on from 8:30 in the morning to 5 at night. In between this crazy schedule I found some time to attempt homework, but not a lot of time. A presentation was assigned in my first class that was to be done in groups and due Wednesday. Needless to say, I spent a good portion of the day reading up on William the Conqueror and the Norman invasion of England. This type of course work is not what I am used to, nor is it what I am particularly interested in. I anticipate this course to get better and I know it should because the entire school is taking it. Two of my other courses are communications courses. I feel a bit more at home in these courses with paper assignments and communications-based presentation topics. My fourth class is a marketing class. I think I am really going to enjoy the nature of this class because it is very practical. Devising marketing plans, giving presentations on a communication topic and even learning some British ways of doing things sounds quite interesting to me. I am looking forward to digging deeper into the semester, but getting started is always a bit of a rocky road. Speaking of, I really miss American ice cream. The food here is, well, slightly less than desirable. I have yet to enjoy good ice cream, but I know for a fact that I can find some in London this weekend. I am thinking that Harrod's gelato shop will definitely be in order. Tomorrow I have a bit of an easier day seeing that my afternoon is open. I can definitely put that time to good use, seeing as though the homework is beginning to pile up. I promise in the next few days (Sunday possibly) to have pictures that are a bit more exciting that books. It is hard to find time to go outside and explore when I am either in class or studying. Because my dorm, dining hall and classes are all in the same building I have to make a special trip to go outside. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to make it outside and get some fresh air! I am off to bed!

AM

The Last Day of Summer Break

Classes begin tomorrow and I have mixed feelings on that issue. While I am excited to start the new semester, I only ended my 18 credit summer semester less than a month ago. I am looking forward to both communications courses and my marketing course. The group of professors at Harlaxton seem to be a good bunch. The main aspect of my studies here at the manor, British Studies, is said to be the most intense and time consuming course. Because it is worth 6 credits, there is a lot of work to be done. I do however think that I lucked out with the professor that I have because she seems like a lot of fun. Only time will tell, but I should have a good grasp on things after tomorrow. Aside from anticipating the arrival of my final undergraduate fall semester, today was filled with more exploration. After having brunch, my new friends and I set out to take some pictures. When we arrived outside we were met with crazy amounts of wind and brisk cool air. (keep that in mind when viewing the photos) When the photo shoot had ended, we returned to my room to plan our school trip to London. Thursday evening, all who are interested, will head to London for the weekend. Once we arrive, we are free to do as we please. I was excited to talk to my friends and tell them about all the wonderful places to visit. I am confident that we put together a wonderful itinerary and I will be sure to share all about the trip next week. This evening after dinner we had a relaxing night just watching a movie. I'd better rest up to prepare for tomorrow!

Cheers!
AM

Harlaxton Manor

After hours of traveling by car, plane and coach, I have finally arrived at the beautiful Harlaxton Manor. This beautiful castle-like manor will serve as my school and home for the next four months. Once my coach reached the grand entrance of the manor, we were all greeted by the principal of the college. Upon entering this grand mansion, we were shuttled to a beautiful room to pick up our room assignment and orientation packet. I immediately tore into my packet and found that I was assigned a large corner room in the manor. After enjoying a delicious baguette sandwich for lunch, I began the journey to my room. I climbed several flights of stairs, walked through multiple doors and down various hallways to finally end up at my door. When I unlocked my door and walked in I was blown away by the size of my room. After living in close quarters this summer, with five other girls, I could not believe my eyes when I walked into a huge room that I only share with two others. Included in my princess suite is a couch, a large vanity and a beautiful view of the manor. The weather here has been so wonderful thus far. A high of 65 with a sunny sky is close to perfect weather for me! Today I began the day with a welcoming convocation in a beautiful room called the Long Gallery. After convocation, I had to attend two hours of basic orientation and I felt like I was attending freshman orientation all over again. In the afternoon, I made my way to the nearby town of Grantham to buy some necessities. After exploring the town for a few hours, I headed back to the manor to get ready for the Principal's High Table Dinner. This dinner was a fancy occasion and modeled after traditional meals at Oxford and Cambridge. Having been to a real high table dinner at Oxford University, I must say my experience at tonight's meal was a bit different. The differences were not necessarily a bad thing because this dinner was much more comfortable than the Oxford meal. When I ate at Oxford it was very strict and I feared I would mess up. Once dinner had ended and all the faculty had been introduced, all 130 students were free for the evening. Because I have been so blessed to have the large princess sweet, my room has become the hang out. Tonight was fun just hanging out with new friends in my room and even doing a bit more exploring around the manor. So far I have found a few hidden spiral staircases and several moving walls, but the adventure has only just begun! As for now, I am in desperate need of sleep!

More tomorrow!
AM

Back to England I Go!

Today is the day! I am leaving shortly to head to the airport to begin my semester's journey abroad. While I did spend three weeks in London this summer, this adventure is going to be considerably different. For starters, I will not be in London. I will spend my fall semester at Harlaxton College, which is actually over an hour north of the city. During my stay, I will be taking courses and embarking on a variety of trips both around England and visiting some of the surrounding countries. I will update my blog whenever I have something exciting to share, but I don't think my daily life will contain near the excitement that it did in London. (sorry to disappoint!)

For now, I am off to Chicago where my journey begins! I'll be back later to post about my travel adventures.

Cheers!
AM