Tartan Time

For the end of the week the entire group went to Scotland. It was a really interesting experience, especially because we stayed in a hostel. It was a lot of fun, but I am way glad to be back in London.

One interesting event at the hostel was talking to a group of french boys from Merce. They were on a politics study abroad type thing but it was really cool to learn about the education system in France and customs like dating and marriage and stuff. I think I learned more in that conversation than I could have in a French culture class.

After a four hour train ride up to Edinburgh on Wednesday, a group of us decided we needed to stretch our legs. We chose a "walk" that took us up to King Arthur's Seat. It was not a walk...much more like a vertical climb...seriously, it was exhausting. The view from the top was amazing though and made the whole thing totally worth it.

Queen of Edinburgh. It was insanely windy at the top. I thought I was going to blow away.

Jordan and I at the top...I think this is the "seat" but I am honestly not sure.

On Thursday we decided to go to Edinburgh Castle. It was a really cool building with a lot of interesting history.

The outside of the castle.

The city from the top of the castle.

The group I walked around with that day...with the castle behind.

After the castle we decided to go down to the Scottish National Gallery. This was a really small gallery but it was perfect because I felt like I could see everything and it only took an hour. They had some really famous paintings in there too.

On the way out of the gallery we stopped to talk to this bagpipe player. He was super friendly and pretty talented.

On Friday the entire group took a bus out to Sterling Castle. It was pretty cool to see...a lot like Edinburgh but the coolest part of the castle - the palace - was closed so that was kind of disappointing. It was on this huge hill so it had a great view of the town.

In the oven...this looked a lot cooler at the place because the oven had this red light in it. It really looked like I was going to be cooked.


This castle had so many cannons. They were everywhere.

Scotland loves William Wallace. He is their ultimate hero. They even had this huge tower created for him. Its a lovely tourist trap with only 279 stairs to the top! (that was sarcastic in case you were wondering). Seriously...I have decided you cannot go on this trip if you cannot climb stairs.

The monument...as seen from Sterling Castle.

Yeah...I climbed that.

Friends on top of the monument. It was actually a really pretty view.

The entire group (almost) on top of the monument. We were a sight to see. I feel bad for the other visitors.

Later on Friday we took a boat out to the ruins of a priory that were on an island in the middle of a lake. It was such a beautiful day which i guess NEVER happens in Scotland.

Scenery of the Scotland countryside from the top of Wallace Monument and the boat ride on Scotland's only lake (as opposed to loch I am guessing).

Friday night a group of us decided to take a haunted tour of the city. I guess Edinburgh is one of the most haunted places in the world...but I just didn't see it. We were told some ghost stories and got to go down into the underground crypts (they used to be slums but then the city just got built on top of it). It was interesting...but not scary like I was hoping. Oh well.

Trying to act scared.

Saturday morning we had a few hours before we had to catch the train back to London so we decided to explore the Museum of Scotland. This was probably the most interactive museum I have ever been to...it was so fun. Jordan and I especially enjoyed the dress up parts. There was also a place where we could drive a robot, launch a rocket, and try to lift our weight. It was actually a lot of fun. I don't know how much I learned about the history of Scotland (although I did learn that the creator of Puma was Scottish) but I had fun. And that's what matters...right? haha

This is our medieval attire. Yep...I had a sword.

I obviously don't know how to play the bagpipes.

Tired of always being the boy, I decided to try on another corset (I really do like them) and a dress. It was super heavy and the museum lady was telling me about all the hoops and other layers I would be wearing. I am so glad I was born in a day where girls can wear jeans.

Later I decided the skirt just wasn't my thing so I explored the astronaut costume.

Today was my last Sunday in the Mitcham Ward. I sincerely enjoyed the time that I spent there. I loved the children I got to teach and play with and the leaders are so amazing as well. I got to teach the older primary kids about the Doctrine and Covenants today which was really fun. They love to read out loud and do scripture chase stuff. They are really smart and know a lot more about the gospel then I think I did at that age.

Me, Whitney, and Cassie with the primary. They are a crazy crew as you can probably tell haha.

These are just some random pictures of Scotland. It really is a beautiful country.

Running Out of Titles

Seriously...its difficult to be creative each and every day.

So today I went to the British Library and saw original copies of things like the Magna Carta, Alice in Wonderland, Jane Eyre, music by Handel, Bach...and lots of other cool things. After that we went to the Victoria and Albert Museum to do our assignment for fine arts class. I loved how they took entire rooms from older houses and put them into this museum. The photography exhibit however, is lacking. It is still one of my favorite museums. The cast room is awesome and the fashion exhibit is fun to look at.

After dinner a group of us went to a play for extra credit in our british mysteries class. We chose to go see The Woman in Black...a horror. It wasn't scary in the first act...it was actually really slow. The second act was a totally different story. Jordan, Whitney and I were clutching each other and people in the audience were screaming. It was all really fun actually. I enjoyed it.

So there won't be any updates for the next few days while I am in Scotland, but on Saturday when I get back expect a detailed description of my adventures...with pictures!

Too Random to be True

Today was one of those days where everything seemed to fall into place...even when I wasn't planning a place for certain things. Let me explain.

This morning Jordan and I decided to explore the main financial district of the city because today is a bank holiday so it was pretty much deserted since no one down there has to go to work. We were absolutely right. It was like a ghost town, which made it very easy to get our walk done...until we ran into some police tape and barricades. Then we heard the music and discovered there was a 10k going on in the city! We watched for a bit, saw the leaders pass and cheered some others on before continuing on our walk. Soon, we reached some more tape and more runners...seriously our walk was following the race, but backward. It was so much fun to watch all of the runners while looking at the cool buildings in downtown London at the same time (Lloyds of London...Swiss Reinsurance Tower....) My favorite was a larger man who was jogging slowly (but still moving) wearing a shirt with the words "you are behind a fat man" on the back. LOVE IT.

After our walk Jordan and I went to one of the most touristy places we could think of in London hoping it would be open on a bank holiday. Like always, covent garden did not let us down. We were going to hit up Wagamamas, a personal favorite, when we spotted Maxwell's, and the best thing about Maxwell's...half price Mondays. Yep, main courses are up to 50% off on Mondays! We went in and ordered some nachos to share and a cheeseburger each - thinking that this was a typical London restaurant and the portions were going to be tiny - NOPE! The nachos were huge! We couldn't even finish our appetizer and we each only ate half a burger. This restaurant is totally Americanized (well except for the free refills thing...but they are getting there)...it was lovely.

On the way home from Maxwell's we saw something that I hope I will never forget and I am so sad that I didn't take a picture...15 grown men (probably like 25 years old or so) all dressed up in full body costumes. Picture this, a Telly-Tuby, Popeye, Batman, Peter Pan, Fred Flinstone, Tigger, Spongebob, Fred (from Scooby Doo)....and many others. They were just chilling on the tube like it was no big. They went to get off just a few stops after we got on so...Jordan and I followed them. We walked through Picadilly Circus with them and had a little chat with Peter Pan as they walked into a cafe for lunch. Just like that. No explanation as to why they were all in costume...it was amazing. I wish you all could see the image of all 15 of them lined up on the escalator in a row...haha love it.

So after realizing where we were and finally finding our way back home, it was time for a little school work and dinner (that I couldn't even touch...still so totally stuffed from lunch). After dinner most of the people at the center went to see Angels and Demons for 3.50 at the theater down the street. Such a good deal and such a good movie. It was seriously one of the best days I have had in London yet. I can't wait for the adventures that Scotland is going to bring later this week.

More Sunday Thoughts

Since not much happens here on Sundays there isn't a lot to tell. I went to the Mitcham ward and helped teach primary to the CTR class (4-7 year olds). The class isn't big at all and they are all very shy but it is always a lot of fun and I am always amazed at how much they know. Next week I am teaching the valiant class (8-11 year olds) by myself so I am looking forward to that.

After dinner today the entire group went to the Barbican Concert Hall to see the London Symphany Orchestra perform. They performed some Elgar, Stravinsky, and Brahms. I really enjoyed it but I must have been coughing a little too much for the man next to me who kept offering me cough drops. Sorry...

So last week I listed all the things I miss about home. Just so you don't think I am not loving it here, this week there is a list of things I am definitely going to miss about London.

1. Marks and Spencer...oh how I love M&S. Its like Target on steroids...seriously. Their fruit is always so fresh and so cheap and their chocolate chip flapjacks...HEAVEN!
2. Boots...how can I live without a Boots just around the corner for all my convenient store needs?
3. Nandos...YUMMY chicken pitas. They let you get your own water and soda with as much ice as you want. Fresh and fast.
4. Wagamamas...so much food and such good service. Can never go wrong with the number 41. The soup is a little hard to eat but totally worth it.
5. Waffle Man...The hole in the wall waffle place on Bayswater - the only place open past 9 here. And he is so friendly. I don't know his name but we call him Gustav.
6. Gelato...the place on Queensway is divine. So many flavors so little time.
7. Parks...ok, must get away from food. I love how green this city is while still maintaining a city status. One minute I am hearing the busy streets and the next I can be in a forest...its amazing. I love having trails to explore when I run.
8. Public Transportation...ok, as much as I hate when the tube is crowded it really is a great system. And the buses are so much fun to ride, those drivers don't yield to ANYONE.
9. Shows...What beats a show for 20 pounds...in 50 pound seats. Absolutely NOTHING.
10. The Center...Yeah, life is crazy living with 40 girls and 1 boy but I am going to miss having people around all of the time. As strange as it is I love living in the same building as my professors. True, seeing them in my pajamas in the morning isn't the most glamorous thing, but I feel like I can connect with them and then class isn't so stressful. And, the Shulers are so nice to feed us two wonderful meals a day (yep...back to food). I love breakfast here, nothing is better.

More Fun in the Sun

Just like yesterday the sun was beautiful today which was fabulous because we had major plans for today. After a relaxing morning we went to Portabello Road and I got a chocolate and banana crepe (which was amazing) and a fresh fruit cup. After breakfast we relaxed in the center for a while before packing a picnic basket full of fresh food we bought at Borough yesterday. We had such a feast...fresh bread, strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, snap peas, grapes and bell peppers....mmmm it was so good. We topped it all off with fresh apple/strawberry juice and a picnic basket Ari bought in Bath last week.

We took the tube out to Hampstead Heath and walked to the huge park there and ate and slept. It was so nice...warm and sunny with a little bit of breeze. I loved it.

Later in the afternoon we walked down Oxford Circus because it was closed to traffic for a fair type thing so we wanted to see what that was all about...kinda disappointing, but still fun.

News around the center is that everyone is sick...its no fun to be sick away from home, but it is especially not fun to be sick in a foreign country. I just hope it doesn't last long.

Busy Day

Today was another beautiful day in London. Since there wasn't any class I slept in a little and then started my day with a run. By the time I was ready for the day and had worked on my paper a little the group (me, Rachel, Jordan, and Ari) were ready to go down to Borough market and find some lunch. Borough market is a huge food market and one of my new favorite places in London. There is so much fresh food and it is all so cheap! I love it! I found lunch (a chicken wrap made right in front of me with fresh salsa, mayo, chiles and some lettuce stuff) for today and then we got some for tomorrow for a picnic. The best part....SAMPLES EVERYWHERE! Seriously...I can't express how much I love this place. mmmmm yum

After the market we went to the Natural History Museum which is one of the places we have to go to for our fine arts class (this does not classify as a fine arts museum in my book). It was fun though, very interactive, and we got our assignment done so thats good.

After dinner our little group went to ride the London Eye. Remember how the center didn't have hot water the first few weeks I was here? Well, since we were all so cooperative, the directors decided to treat us with London Eye tickets...whenever we want. It was very cool to go, especially since I have walked all over this city and I was able to point out different buildings I have been to. We impressed the other tourists in our little cab by pointing out all of the important buildings and telling them about them. It was way fun...especially since it was free!

Looking out over the Thames before our "flight"


Flying high in the sky
How much do I look like Danica in this picture?

London has exposed a serious problem in me...I love treats! Seriously...there are so many good treats all over this city and I just don't know what to do about it. There was a scale in the museum today and in the four weeks that I have been here I have gained 5 pounds! Thats crazy! (I do have reasons to believe that my scale in Provo was broken...so I don't know how accurate this is....but still!) I need to go home for my own good!...but of course I don't want to :)

Finally! A Sunny Day in Londontown

Today was a beautiful day! We were spoiled with them the first couple of weeks we were here but recently it has all been rainy. This morning I enjoyed a nice run in Hyde Park before breakfast...this time without the wind in my face the entire way. After breakfast and a couple hours of class I went with Rachel to the Apple store to get her computer looked at...they didn't have time to talk to her then so we went back to the center for lunch and then back to the Apple store...but this time we dragged Jordan with us. Jordan and I got totally distracted playing this Frenzie game on iphones...it was too much fun.

Anyway, Rachel got her computer fixed (we think) so we took off for a walk through the Kensington neighborhood and Holland Park. It was really cool to see some of the houses in the area we live in...some of them are worth millions of pounds. Its really amazing that something so small can cost so much. I love walking around the quiet neighborhoods and the parks...sometimes its so nice to escape from the busy city life (although I love that as well).

Tonight a group of us went to see Blood Brothers. It was way different than the other shows we have been seeing but it was still amazing. The acting was great and their voices were so powerful. The theater was packed with kids though. It was like a field trip or something. I swear kids in London are never in school...they are always at shows and museums and galleries...it gets really annoying sometimes.

Outside the Blood Brothers theater.

I realized today that I must be getting integrated into this fast London city lifestyle. I was getting off the tube at Queensway, by the center, when a bunch of tourists got off too. Since the elevator was so crowded (and they don't know how to pack in) I climbed the 123 stairs (yes they are labeled) and got up just in time to see a bunch of people get out of another elevator and stand in front of the ticket gates...and then look for their tickets! It was impossible to get out...standing there in frustration I said "I hate tourists!" then just laughed at myself. I guess I have been here almost four weeks though...what do you expect.

The Official Middle

Today marks the official middle of my study abroad here in London. I only have three and a half weeks left...which is kinda sad when I look back at the list of things that I want to do while I am here and it isn't even half completed. I think the problem is that I keep adding things, more than I mark off. There is just so much to do here haha.

The entire group took a day trip to Oxford and Blenheim Palace. It was really interesting to see how Oxford works...it is really different than the college system here. We got to tour Oriel college, one of the smaller collages at the school. Then we went over to Christ Church college, the largest at the school (the Harry Potter dining hall is filmed in their dining hall...with some help from computers of course), and visited the Oxford cathedral...the smallest cathedral in England. It was kinda cool...pretty much like any other cathedral...just smaller.

Outside of Christ's Church College.

A short drive from Oxford is Blenheim Palace, the ancestral seat of the Churchill family (Winston Churchill was born here...his cousin was the duke). The Duke of Marlborough still lives there, which is pretty cool. We got to tour part of the inside of the palace and then walk around the amazing gardens. There was a small train that led out to the outermost section of the gardens where a hedge maze is. We had to run through the maze because we were going to miss the bus which was actually a lot of fun.

Outside of Blenheim Palace.

On the train out to the maze and other gardens.

Running through the maze.

I can't believe this trip is halfway over. I have learned so much but I can't wait to keep learning more and experiencing everything this city has to offer.

You Can't Stop the Beat

Ok...two days, one blog post. Easy enough since not a whole lot was accomplished.

Yesterday the entire group went down to the Tower of London. I went there two summers ago when I was here with my family and its kinda a "been there, seen that" kind of experience (for me at least) but it was still fun to hang out with my friends. I did notice how much of a tourist attraction it is and how little history is actually there. It's sad really...


Outside of the White Tower.

Just guarding the Tower of London.

Pretty much everyone stayed in the center after dinner last night because we had a paper due today and a quiz to take in class, plus a book that we all had to finish. Needless to say everyone had some work to do. About tenish a group of us decided to see a movie since students go for 3.50 on Monday nights (I love being a student in this city). We picked Star Trek which was oddly entertaining even though I know nothing about Star Trek. It was definitely a good study break.

Today was class as usual but then Rachel, Jordan, and I went back to the National Gallery to finish up looking at all of the paintings we missed the first time (its a really big place). After dinner we went to Hairspray with Jenny, Rachel (the other Rachel), and Brittany which was a super fun show...much better than the movie. It was a really fun night...complete with singing on the way home and making people in the tube stop probably think we were drunk haha.

Outside of the theater for Hairspray!

Since today is my mom's birthday I want to make a little shout out to her. I was looking for pictures and I realized that I don't have very many with her because she is always behind the scenes. She does so much for me and our family...I don't know what I would do without her. I love her so much and I hope she knows how much I appreciate her. Love you mom!

My beautiful flowers after they had time to bloom.

Sunday Thoughts

Not much happens here on Sundays. We all get up for breakfast, get ready for church, and are all out of the door before 9 - even though none of us start until at least 10...it takes that long for us to get to all of the different wards.

After church the leftovers in the kitchen are raided and then everyone retires to their rooms for naps and stuff until dinner. Its a really nice environment actually haha. After dinner there is a fireside in the classroom followed by more kitchen raiding and then bed.

So...with a lack of exciting things to talk about, I have been thinking about all of the things the London Center has made me realize that I take for granted at home...

1. fast internet
2. hot showers
3. flushing toilets (not water closets)
4. hand towels instead of air dryers
5. my own bedroom
6. sinks where the hot and cold water come out of the same faucet
7. personal space in general
8. clean air without cigarette smoke
9. my car...driving in general actually
10. easy communication with a cell phone
11. free refills on everything
12. free water at restaurants
13. good customer service in general
14. boys
15. things being open past 7 at night
16. snacks
17. good toilet paper that doesn't scratch my bum
18. cooking for myself
19. music playing pretty much all of the time
20. sunshine

this doesn't mean that i hate it here...these are just things that i am now realizing are blessings in my life at home. thats all.

Celebrating 20 in Bath

Today was my 20th birthday, and what better way to spend it then taking a day trip out to Bath! Me, Jordan, Rachel, Ari, Nicole, and Jenny left on the 7:00 train which was super early but totally worth it. When we first got there I was a little nervous because it was raining really hard which sucks. We ran to the Marks and Spencer (one store that I am really going to miss when I go back home) and found some food for breakfast...and got some shelter from the rain.

After breakfast we went to Bath Abbey, a really quaint church that had a piano playing and just a really nice quiet atmosphere. Maybe it was just because there weren't a million tourists there. I dunno what it was exactly but it was nice.

From there we walked over to the highlight of the trip...Bath Spa. I loved this tour! It was so cool to see the transition of the Baths from Roman times to the 18th century to now. I had no idea it was such a huge complex...with a temple and steam rooms and everything. It was intense and so cool. After we even got to taste the water...and interesting experience to say the least...very mineral tasting and warm. I wasn't too fond of it but Rachel loved it.

In front of the main bath...it didn't always used to be green.



From the baths we walked around the shops for a while and then went to the Fashion Museum where we got to try on corsets and hoop skirts. So fun! I kinda liked the feeling of a corset, not gonna lie. Besides the fact that it makes me super skinny and gives a little lift...anyway...

My corset and hoop skirt (that was falling off).

After the museum we got some lunch at this noodle bar called Wagamamas...so so good. I loved it! And they even gave us refills on our water...unheard of in this country...seriously! From there we stopped by the Jane Austen center and got our picture with Mr. Darcey, a must when visiting Bath.

Mr. Darcey and the crew.

We hopped on the train to come back home and then celebrated my birthday by going to Ciao's...our favorite ice cream place. Their creations are so so good! Overall it was a great day. Oh and thanks for my family for sending the flowers. I loved them.

My dessert ice cream creation.

My flowers.

Home from Cornwall

As fun as Cornwall was, it is nice to be "home". On the way home our first stop was the Exeter Cathedral - its a medieval cathedral with the oldest piece of woodwork in the world...or something like that. It was pretty cool but kinda the same as all of the others. It was interesting because the lady that gave us the tour kept telling us about all the other uses of the cathedral and I was so glad that the places of worship in our church are just that...places of worship. We don't have rock concerts or school plays or art exhibitions...not that these are bad things, they just have a place and I really like that that place is not in church.

The outside of Exeter Cathedral.

The largest stain glass window in the cathedral.

After a couple of hours of driving we stopped to tour Jane Austen's house in Chawton. It was cool to see how one of the writers that we have been studying lived. There were copies of some original manuscripts, a lock of her hair, and some dresses that she wore. I quite enjoyed it.

Outside of Jane Austen's House.

Overall Cornwall was a great trip. I really loved the English countryside and the beach, but especially the cliffs. Tomorrow a small group of us are going out to Bath for the day which should be a great birthday treat!

The First Two Days in Cornwall

Yesterday the entire group took off in a bus to tour the area of Cornwall for a few days. From what I understand (being just a follower in this whole situation) I am now in the southwestern part of England. It is a beautiful area with fun villages and towns, grassy cliffs, and beaches. I love it here.

Yesterday our first stop was in Polperro. It is a fishing village in the southern coast of Cornwall. When we were there it was pretty cloudy and the tide was out - all the ships were stuck in mud - but it was still very pretty. We found a cave to explore and climbed the cliffs for a little bit. It amazes me how green it is out here...being from the desert and all. I just wish it was a little sunnier, then it would be perfect.

Climbing the cliffs.

The cute town all nestled in in the hills.

Exploring caves in Polperro.

On the beach in Polperro with a little of the town in the background.

After Polperro we drove down to Truro to see one of the newer cathedrals in England - its the first to be built in England since St. Paul's and the great fire of 1666. I honestly didn't find anything remarkable about this cathedral...they are all kinda blending together for me, but we did get to hear the organ and the choir perform which was a new experience. I have to say though I enjoy MoTab much more than the creepy, eerie organ music they were playing.

The outside of Truro Cathedral.

We spent the night at a hotel in Falmouth, another coastal town. After a nice dinner at the hotel we walked along the beach and around some piers. There didn't seem to be much around so I asked the girl at the front desk this afternoon if there was anything cool to do and she gave me a map and showed me all of the pubs in town and said that was about it...so we stayed in tonight.

Our exploring group that walked around the entire town trying to find something to do...we found the pier...thats about it.

Anyway, this morning we took off to Tintagel to see the castle that claims to be the birthplace of King Arthur. It is probably my favorite place out of everywhere we have been so far. I loved it! It was up on a cliff overlooking some of the most blue water I have ever seen. It wasn't even the castle ruins that were awesome (I mean they were cool...but not the best part) it was the scenery and the peacefulness there. I could have stayed for hours. In Tintagel I got a traditional cornish pasty which is a pastry filled with beef and potatoes. It was delicious followed by some clotted cream ice cream. Oh so good. Also in Tintagel is one of Britains oldest post offices. This is back to when the people who ran the post lived in the house so it was basically a tour of an old home...it kinda reminded me of a church history site.

The castle ruins and some ruins of other town buildings.

On the cliff where the castle used to be.


Tintagel...I could have stayed there forever!

The old post office.

Mom! In Tintagel I saw a surf shop. So although I didn't see any surfers, people must surf because there is a surf shop with like Quicksilver and Billabong, and O'Neil. So your book was correct.

That one is for you Mom.

From Tintagel and the post office we drove to Porthcurno beach which is the most southern part of England. It was a pretty beach but thats about it. We did however get to visit the Loo of the Year in Porthcurno. Yep, I was honored enough to pee (or wee as I heard one mom say here) in the 2006 Loo of the Year. My favorite part is that the bathroom didn't have mirrors, there was no soap, the water turned on for two seconds at a time, and there was no way to dry our hands...I think they just gave up after they won. Near Porthcurno is Lands End, the most western part of England, which we also visited. These are both types of places that you visit to say you have been to and then you leave.

It was totally official. This certificate took the place of the mirrors.

Stairs carved into the rocks at Porthcurno.

Hopefully tomorrow I will have pictures to try and show how beautiful it all is but they really can't do it justice.