Day 2-5 in England

So sorry I haven't updated the blog, but I have been so busy these past four days. Sleep just doesn't come so easily here. The sun sets late and rises early. Plus, the last two days we have had rain and 58 degree weather. Let's just say I didn't pack for cool weather and have been freezing my butt off!

Day two - Belvoir Castle pronounced "Beaver" - This was an amazing castle. It is the home of the 11th Duke of Northumberland and his family. The Rose Garden on the property is phenomenal! And the fragrance was wonderful. There we viewed the main hall, gallery, state dinning room, long gallery, library and a few bedrooms. I would show you pictures of the interior, but we were not allowed cameras....it is a private residence. So out of respect to the Duke and Duchess, we agreed.

Day three - Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral - Lincoln Castle was mainly used as a fortified castle in its beginning of existence, but was later used as a prison. This place resembled a castle more so than Belvoir Castle. It reminds you of the medieval times in is structure. Lincoln Cathedral was absolutely beautiful. If you look closely to the photos you may find that the ceiling has an odd pattern and doesn't match up. This is because when the original building was destroyed and had to be rebuilt. Once the building started the arched saw his mistakes.

Day four - London - London was crazy! I've never been to New York, but I could imagine it like this. While there we took an hour and a half tour bus around showing the many points of interest; Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Parliament Building, Tower of London, and many more. After the tour was over we walked to Tate Modern Art Museum. Not my cup of tea, but I saw the original painting of Water Lilies by Claude Monet. This is a painting I have always wanted to see. Again, no picture...no cameras allowed in the museum.

Day five - Cambridge - In Cambridge we took another tour bus around the city. We saw the American War Memorial. This is a cemetery dedicated to the American soldiers who lost their lives in World War II. It was a very peaceful place and well respected by locals and tourist. Next, we visited Fitz William Museum. There I saw more of Claude Monet's paintings. Others I saw were Martini, Degaus, Gainsborough, Van Dyck and Picasso. This place was amazing. To actually see the paintings you've read about is priceless. After the tour was over we next explored the town. The many shops and vendors made the women of the group very happy!

So this wraps up my trip so far. Tomorrow we will be going to York to visit another Cathedral and possible gardens. More on that later....

Day 1 in England

Evansville Airport - departure day!


Well I made it. My flight to England was interesting. I became a pro and didn't even know it. Anything and everything seemed to go wrong at Evansville airport. Our flight was delayed three hours and when we finally arrived at Chicago we sat in the plane for twenty minutes waiting to exit the plane. It seems Chicago had bad weather and was overwhelmed with flights coming in. So once we stepped foot in the airport we ran the "O'Hare 5K" to our flight to London. The pilot was nice enough to hold the plane for us because of the situation. Plus, we would've had to stay overnight for the next flight out. Wasn't happening. Anyway, after eight hours on the plane and a soar bottom we finally arrived. Next was the two hour bus drive to Harlaxton. Let's just say Evansville drivers are "slow" compared to British drivers. They definitely have no fear when it comes to driving.
The country side in England reminded many of us in our group of Kentucky. Just rolling land with farms and small "villages" here and there. But once we were approaching Harlaxton, what a site. The Manor is beautiful! After arriving we received a quick welcome, lunch and were off to find our rooms. And yes...you can get lost on your first search!

First Post

The blog was created so all my friends and family have a chance to experience what I will be experiencing in England. I hope you enjoy and thank you all for stopping by.