Pantheon; Rome, Italy
Venice Bridge; Venice, Italy
Villa Savoye; Paris, FranceSunday, August 30, 2009
Final Sketches
Final Sketches: Here are a few of my best sketches from my trip abroad! This trip was the greatest experience of my life and these sketches were just one of the ways that I was able to record those experiences. I hope you enjoy these and can get a feel for what I was able to see and to be a part of!
Pantheon; Rome, Italy
Venice Bridge; Venice, Italy
Villa Savoye; Paris, France
Pantheon; Rome, ItalyVenice Bridge; Venice, Italy Villa Savoye; Paris, France
Thursday, August 6, 2009
GRAND TOUR OF EUROPE: My Culture Observations
Here is a piece of some of my insights of what I learned and saw while I studied in Europe for five weeks. I hope it gives you a feel of what I got to see and be a part of. Enjoy!
ITALY
My beautiful Italia: Rome, Venice, Florence. Words can not describe this place. Italy was hot and sweltering, but there was always a gelatto shop around every corner to cool you down. The food was bland and kind of gross. American Italian tastes much better. The Italian people were loud and boisterous, and all smelled terrible, but they were very kind and were always willing to help you out.
Every city we visited was completely different. Rome held Italy's history. The Coliseum, the Forum, Vatican City, and much much more. These places seemed to just pop up out of nowhere. You would walk off a metro station, a pretty modern invention, and find the ancient Roman Coliseum staring back at you. Walk down a street filled with modern shops and restaurants and find the Pantheon tucked in behind some apartment buildings. It was all very strange to me, but at the same time a huge dream come true. The places that we saw in Rome were places that I had heard about since I was a little girl.
Florence. Florence was a giant tourist trap, but I loved it. The streets were all made of cobblestones and all of the buildings and houses were never a dull color. There was too much shopping to do and definitely not enough time to do it. Florence for me held some of the prettiest views I have ever seen.
Venice. Venice looked like a picture book. Something that belonged in Disneyland. Just imagine cobblestoned streets with water surrounding the city, boats and gondolas as means of transportation, with large ornately designed bridges connecting street to street. There was always an Italian playing an accordian or a guitar on the streets while you walked the city. It was all completely magical and enchanting and I loved every minute of it.
Italy was one of my favorite places that we visited on this grand tour adventure. I know that I will see it again. Ciao!
My beautiful Italia: Rome, Venice, Florence. Words can not describe this place. Italy was hot and sweltering, but there was always a gelatto shop around every corner to cool you down. The food was bland and kind of gross. American Italian tastes much better. The Italian people were loud and boisterous, and all smelled terrible, but they were very kind and were always willing to help you out.
Every city we visited was completely different. Rome held Italy's history. The Coliseum, the Forum, Vatican City, and much much more. These places seemed to just pop up out of nowhere. You would walk off a metro station, a pretty modern invention, and find the ancient Roman Coliseum staring back at you. Walk down a street filled with modern shops and restaurants and find the Pantheon tucked in behind some apartment buildings. It was all very strange to me, but at the same time a huge dream come true. The places that we saw in Rome were places that I had heard about since I was a little girl.
Florence. Florence was a giant tourist trap, but I loved it. The streets were all made of cobblestones and all of the buildings and houses were never a dull color. There was too much shopping to do and definitely not enough time to do it. Florence for me held some of the prettiest views I have ever seen.
Venice. Venice looked like a picture book. Something that belonged in Disneyland. Just imagine cobblestoned streets with water surrounding the city, boats and gondolas as means of transportation, with large ornately designed bridges connecting street to street. There was always an Italian playing an accordian or a guitar on the streets while you walked the city. It was all completely magical and enchanting and I loved every minute of it.
Italy was one of my favorite places that we visited on this grand tour adventure. I know that I will see it again. Ciao!
FRANCE
France was... well... stinky. Everywhere we went it smelled. That seems to be the memory that sticks out most in my mind. Urine, cigarette smoke, body odor the smell is something that I am trying to forget. The country of France itself is beautiful and enchanting . Paris is large and exciting. I discovered quickly that there was too much to see, and never enough time to see it all.
The French people were not the kindest people I have ever met. Their language is difficult to understand and impossible to speak, and it was extremely difficult to communicate and find your way around. The country is full of museums. Art, modern art, sculptures, statues, etc. etc. etc. You can either immerse yourself in it, or get completely lost in it. I found myself doing a little of both. It all could be a little overwhelming at times.
My favorite part of France was when we left the city. The countryside was beautiful. Versailles and some of the other palaces we visited were stunning. Although, the history behind it all was extremely sad. The French people have had some pretty horrible leaders in the past, and hard times because of it all. It was always very interesting to go these palaces and learn of the people that had once walked the same halls that we were walking. France may not be my first choice in a country to visit again, but I enjoyed my time there and it holds much more for me to see. Au Revoir!
France was... well... stinky. Everywhere we went it smelled. That seems to be the memory that sticks out most in my mind. Urine, cigarette smoke, body odor the smell is something that I am trying to forget. The country of France itself is beautiful and enchanting . Paris is large and exciting. I discovered quickly that there was too much to see, and never enough time to see it all.
The French people were not the kindest people I have ever met. Their language is difficult to understand and impossible to speak, and it was extremely difficult to communicate and find your way around. The country is full of museums. Art, modern art, sculptures, statues, etc. etc. etc. You can either immerse yourself in it, or get completely lost in it. I found myself doing a little of both. It all could be a little overwhelming at times.
My favorite part of France was when we left the city. The countryside was beautiful. Versailles and some of the other palaces we visited were stunning. Although, the history behind it all was extremely sad. The French people have had some pretty horrible leaders in the past, and hard times because of it all. It was always very interesting to go these palaces and learn of the people that had once walked the same halls that we were walking. France may not be my first choice in a country to visit again, but I enjoyed my time there and it holds much more for me to see. Au Revoir!
ENGLAND
Words honestly can not describe the wonder of this place. It is, to say the least, magical. London was fast paced and exciting, but at the same time calm and surreal. There was never a dull moment or a time where there was nothing to do. The last week there we spent the majority of our time in the English countryside. Now this was something that honestly took your breathaway. When you see the beautiful countryside, and the large beautiful palaces that lie on these lands, you completely forget about the vast city and craziness that lies just an hour away. For me it was always a moment to rest and contemplate.
The people in England are some of the kindest, most gentile people I have ever met. They are not loud and boistrous like the Italians, or snobbish like the French. I noticed this especially riding the metro or the train. The people were very quiet and introverted, some may take this as a sign of rudeness, but I found it more intriguing. As I studied the people around me I noticed that they were always reading. Always expounding their knowledge on whatever they could. I found this very interesting. At first I was nervous to ask the people for help, but I soon found that the English people didn't mind helping you and didn't mind sharing what their country has to offer. They have a pride about their country that is different than any other place that I have ever been.
The English history stretches back for thousands of years. Something, like our English tour guides always like to tell us, that we Americans could never comprehend. I admire the history, and the way that they as a country and people have learned and grown from it. They enjoy sharing their history and realize the impact that their people have had on the world. Although, they share and show their history in a way that makes you gain a total respect for the country as a whole. We Americans would not be here if it wasn't for the English. I feel that out of all of the countries we had the opportunity in visiting, I learned and grew the most here. I love England with all my heart and can not wait until I can return. Cheers!
Words honestly can not describe the wonder of this place. It is, to say the least, magical. London was fast paced and exciting, but at the same time calm and surreal. There was never a dull moment or a time where there was nothing to do. The last week there we spent the majority of our time in the English countryside. Now this was something that honestly took your breathaway. When you see the beautiful countryside, and the large beautiful palaces that lie on these lands, you completely forget about the vast city and craziness that lies just an hour away. For me it was always a moment to rest and contemplate.
The people in England are some of the kindest, most gentile people I have ever met. They are not loud and boistrous like the Italians, or snobbish like the French. I noticed this especially riding the metro or the train. The people were very quiet and introverted, some may take this as a sign of rudeness, but I found it more intriguing. As I studied the people around me I noticed that they were always reading. Always expounding their knowledge on whatever they could. I found this very interesting. At first I was nervous to ask the people for help, but I soon found that the English people didn't mind helping you and didn't mind sharing what their country has to offer. They have a pride about their country that is different than any other place that I have ever been.
The English history stretches back for thousands of years. Something, like our English tour guides always like to tell us, that we Americans could never comprehend. I admire the history, and the way that they as a country and people have learned and grown from it. They enjoy sharing their history and realize the impact that their people have had on the world. Although, they share and show their history in a way that makes you gain a total respect for the country as a whole. We Americans would not be here if it wasn't for the English. I feel that out of all of the countries we had the opportunity in visiting, I learned and grew the most here. I love England with all my heart and can not wait until I can return. Cheers!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
8/4/09 -- Finale!!: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Final Goodbyes
Today is the very last day of my trip, and I'm so so sad! It went by way too fast. Today was the last day as a group and we went to Buckingham Palace all together. It was such a great place to end. The palace is beautiful and is one of my favorite palaces and homes that we have visited this trip. There were so many times that I would just walk into and my mouth would drop completely open. They were breathtaking. My favorite room was the music room. It was so beautiful! There was a circular area that was just for the piano and I love that. I love when there is an emphasis on such a beautiful instrument as the piano. It was stunning.
After walking through the palace Julia and I went to the cafe for the treat of the day. They had these yummy chocolate tarts and ice cream. They were so cute! They had little crowns on top of the tart and the ice cream. We took pictures outside and then spent some time in the gift shop. It was so much fun.
After Buckingham Palace Beccah, Mallory, Whitney, Julia and I went to the restaurant ASK. It was the last horrah of going out to eat before we leave. It was very delicious food. I ordered an Italian pesto pasta. It was delicious, and tasted like American Italian not real Italian which was nice ha ha. We spent about an hour or so at lunch and then Julia and I seperated from the others and went to Westminster Abbey.
Westminster Abbey was really cool. It's a really really old cathedral that is full of memorials to all sorts of great people and burial sites for the kings and queens of the country. Julia was so funny she found the Abbey to be a complete unorganized mess. But I thought it was so cool. To stand in the same place that Jane Austen, Shakespeare, Winston Churchill and other great people had once stood was really cool for me. My favorite part of the Abbey was the memorial to the Unknown Soldier. It was this beautiful plaque on the floor and was where a soldeir from WWII had been buried. They never were able to identify him and this happens to so many soldiers. So in honor of all the unknown soldiers they created this memorial. It was a beautiful plaque and had roses all around it.
After Westminster we had to go back to Portobello Road AGAIN to meet up with the other girls. I'm pretty sure that was our third time going back. ha ha. and I found something to buy again! It's a total trap for me. I bought the prettiest dress though it was completely worth it. We had to quickly run over to Queensway so I could buy a duffel bag to get all of my crap home! Luckily it only cost me 5 pounds. Thank heavens.
Westminster Abbey was really cool. It's a really really old cathedral that is full of memorials to all sorts of great people and burial sites for the kings and queens of the country. Julia was so funny she found the Abbey to be a complete unorganized mess. But I thought it was so cool. To stand in the same place that Jane Austen, Shakespeare, Winston Churchill and other great people had once stood was really cool for me. My favorite part of the Abbey was the memorial to the Unknown Soldier. It was this beautiful plaque on the floor and was where a soldeir from WWII had been buried. They never were able to identify him and this happens to so many soldiers. So in honor of all the unknown soldiers they created this memorial. It was a beautiful plaque and had roses all around it.
After Westminster we had to go back to Portobello Road AGAIN to meet up with the other girls. I'm pretty sure that was our third time going back. ha ha. and I found something to buy again! It's a total trap for me. I bought the prettiest dress though it was completely worth it. We had to quickly run over to Queensway so I could buy a duffel bag to get all of my crap home! Luckily it only cost me 5 pounds. Thank heavens.
Today being the last day I decided I had to say some goodbyes! I strolled around the building and made sure to take a picture of where I've lived for the past 2 1/2 weeks. This trip has been the greatest experience of my entire life. I feel like I have grown so much over the past 5 weeks. I have learned so much for interior design and architecture especially. The Europeans were all complete geniuses! And I'm so grateful that I have had the opportunity to learn from them. I feel like there is so much inspiration in the world and I can't wait to get back home and design!
This trip overall has been a huge learning experience for me. I have loved learning about all of these other countries and experiencing their cultures and ideas, but more than anything this trip made me realize how much I love America and what a great place it is. We really are so lucky to live where we do. I have loved every minute of this trip, but I'm excited to get back home! Ciao, Au Revoir, and Cheers for the final time.
This trip overall has been a huge learning experience for me. I have loved learning about all of these other countries and experiencing their cultures and ideas, but more than anything this trip made me realize how much I love America and what a great place it is. We really are so lucky to live where we do. I have loved every minute of this trip, but I'm excited to get back home! Ciao, Au Revoir, and Cheers for the final time.
Our front door!! It was such a pain to unlock every day, but I will miss it.
Our building! Number 13.
Our street .. Manson House!
I heart the Tesco. We would go there everyday. It was a really inexpensive fast grocery store that just had what you needed and nothing more literally. But it was nice because it was on the way home from the metro station. So we would just stop there on the way home. I'm going to miss it!8/3/09 -- A Day of Rest
Today was so nice and relaxing. Julia and I got back to the flat from Scotland at around midnight and we were so exhausted, so we allowed ourselves a day to sleep in. We got up around 10 am and did our final run to Hyde Park. It was such a beautiful day. The first time I've seen blue sky in London. And I loved every second of it. We took our time making sure to run past the things we hadn't seen yet. I think we've covered that park entirely. Things go a lot faster when you run everywhere. I think I'm going to try that the next time I come to Europe. I'll probably see tons of stuff. Ha ha jk that would be so tiring. Anyway, in the park we ran into Allie and Erica. We stopped and walked some witht hem and then we all ran back to the flats together. I can't believe this trip is over. It went by so fast! I'm going to miss all of these people so much.
Anyway, after running Julia and I showered and got ready for the day. I had to get some last minute gifts for the fam so we headed back to Portobelo Road because all of the stuff there is extremely inexpensive. I found way too much stuff that I liked and purchased way too much that's for sure. Ha ha i'm such a shopper! I did so well this trip to not be, but I gave in while we've been in London. Ugh oh well. The stuff is super cute! and I think my family will really like it.
After Portobelo we went to Queensway to try some Lebanese food that Julia's sister said was a must. We grabbed it and then headed to a park to eat. We soon discovered that the park was the one and only Hyde Park that we had been running through. Ha ha. So we decided to walk home through the park and take things at a slower pace. It really is so beautiful. We're not able to enjoy everything so much when we're running. It was nice to take it slow. We even stopped and sketched some of the scenery.
We got home at around 4:30 and both fell asleep! We were so exhausted from the weekend in Scotland. Ashley woke me up around 5:30 because we had to head out to th Globe Theatre! She and I saw the comedy 'As You Like It'. We got to the theatre at about 6 and there was already a long line out front. We had purchases standing tickets because they were only 5 pounds, and it's all part of the experience to be a peasant. Anyway, we stood in line until they let us in at about seven. We were able to get second row right up next to the stage. And it was so amazing! The theatre itself is beautiful and so cool. A genius design. Having the stage circular there is never a spot that you can not see. The play itself was unbelieveable. It was so funny! I was laughing the whole time. I was also surprised too that I actually understood what was going on, because Shakespeare can be a little tricky at times. He was a complete genius though, I will give him that. I thought I was going to hate standing but I really didn't even mind it. My lower back got a little tired, but I really enjoyed being so close to the stage. We got back to the flat at around 10:30 and I packed a little so that I would know about how much stuff I had! I ended up having a lot more than I thought I would so I'm definitely going to have to purchase a duffel tomorrow just to get everything home.
I am so sad that this trip is ending! Tomorrow is the last day, and then it's back to reality.
Anyway, after running Julia and I showered and got ready for the day. I had to get some last minute gifts for the fam so we headed back to Portobelo Road because all of the stuff there is extremely inexpensive. I found way too much stuff that I liked and purchased way too much that's for sure. Ha ha i'm such a shopper! I did so well this trip to not be, but I gave in while we've been in London. Ugh oh well. The stuff is super cute! and I think my family will really like it.
After Portobelo we went to Queensway to try some Lebanese food that Julia's sister said was a must. We grabbed it and then headed to a park to eat. We soon discovered that the park was the one and only Hyde Park that we had been running through. Ha ha. So we decided to walk home through the park and take things at a slower pace. It really is so beautiful. We're not able to enjoy everything so much when we're running. It was nice to take it slow. We even stopped and sketched some of the scenery.
We got home at around 4:30 and both fell asleep! We were so exhausted from the weekend in Scotland. Ashley woke me up around 5:30 because we had to head out to th Globe Theatre! She and I saw the comedy 'As You Like It'. We got to the theatre at about 6 and there was already a long line out front. We had purchases standing tickets because they were only 5 pounds, and it's all part of the experience to be a peasant. Anyway, we stood in line until they let us in at about seven. We were able to get second row right up next to the stage. And it was so amazing! The theatre itself is beautiful and so cool. A genius design. Having the stage circular there is never a spot that you can not see. The play itself was unbelieveable. It was so funny! I was laughing the whole time. I was also surprised too that I actually understood what was going on, because Shakespeare can be a little tricky at times. He was a complete genius though, I will give him that. I thought I was going to hate standing but I really didn't even mind it. My lower back got a little tired, but I really enjoyed being so close to the stage. We got back to the flat at around 10:30 and I packed a little so that I would know about how much stuff I had! I ended up having a lot more than I thought I would so I'm definitely going to have to purchase a duffel tomorrow just to get everything home.
I am so sad that this trip is ending! Tomorrow is the last day, and then it's back to reality.
A very pretty flower in Hyde Park.
Just relaxin beside the lake. Coming to Europe I missed out on some of the usual summer activities so you have to fit them in somewhere.
Kensington Gardens. Kensington Palace is where Princess Diana lived for many years. These beautiful gardens are kept up in her memory.
Portobelo Road is full of some very exciting things. Including this very well designed front porch.
Towards the end of the trip Julia and I had eaten so much sugar so we decided to only allow ourselves one treat a day. The magnum bars were today's treat and OH BOY were they delicious! The Europeans just know how to make chocolate. America is definitely struggling in that area.8/2/09-- SCOTLAND!!
Today started off early... very very very very very early. Kylee and Michelle were headed to Liverpool at ten in the morning so our day started at 6:45 am in hopes that they would be able to see as much of Scotland as they could before they left. That's extremely early for a free day, especially because those are supposed to be our days of rest! But whatever. Anyway, Kylee and Michelle wanted to see the coast before they left. We spent forever figuring out if that was even possible. We found a bus that would get us to some water. We asked the bus driver when we got off if he could point us in the right direction of some water. Ha when we asked for the coast he just started laughing at us and was like, "if what you mean by coast you mean a dock?". And so we walked to the dock... at 7 in the morning. It was really pretty though. The water was beautiful and there was a light house off in the distance. The only thing missing was the sand. Bummer... We did get to see the royal yacht Brittania. Well the place where it's stored, but still pretty cool! Ha ha.
We left the coast at about nine and headed up to do some touristy shopping. Kylee and I walked into a scottish shop and they were playing some sweet bagpipe music. We stopped in our tracks and asked the owner immediately where we could buy the cd. It was the Red Hot Chili Pipers. It is the raddist cd I have ever listened too. Eye of the Tiger .. Scottish style. We also bought some 100% wool scarves. They are so cute and really warm. Also traditional scottish patterns. They are very nice. The last thing I purchased for myself was the cutest little bag pipe man! He's a figuresque and is just so darling. He cost me way too much, but I just couldn't pass him up. He was worth every penny or pence whatever it is.
Kylee and Michelle left us at around 10 so Mallory, Beccah, Julia and I grabbed a bus and went to the LDS church. It was in the cutest little neighborhood and the mission home was right next to the church. It was a beautiful home. It was really cool to see. Church was so great! I felt stupid though because I forgot a dress and I had to wear jeans, but the people were all very welcoming and kind. Ha ha it was funny though the Bishop had to tell them all that they couldn't have any kind of physical contact at church because of the Swine Flu epidemic. They even started hitting elbows together to have some kind of contact, but the Bishop told them that that wasn't okay anymore. Ha ha it was super funny. It was fast and testimony meeting and it was so good. They all have the purest and sweetest testimonies and it is so refreshing to hear. I fell in love with the people right then and there.
The city on the opposite end of the coast.
The beautiful coast.
Me by the coast. It was extremely early I did not want to smile at all.
Okay.. so this is a firare on the Royal Mile. It was the prettiest car I have ever laid my eyes on.
Mallory, Julia, and I by the Royal Mile sign! We had such a blast shopping and walking the famous Scottish seat.
After church we took the bus back up to Prince's Street to head up to the Edinburgh castle. We got off a couple stops after what we were supposed too. We all fell asleep and didn't wake up until we were past the castle. Ha ha oops! We had to backtrack a couple of blocks. So much walking all the time. I guess it's all a part of the experience and you really do get to see a lot more when you walk. It's so tiring though. Anyway, we took our time walking up to the castle entrance. The entrance is huge! And so insane. It's the oldest portion of the entire castle. I'm not exactly sure how old it is though. We walked through the large entrance into the main square. The castle was not as big as I thought it would be. It looks HUGE on the outside, but the majority of the castle was made up of the center courtyard. My favorite part about the structure of the castle itself was that it looked as though it had been created right out of the rock. The castle seemed to just grow out of the ground. It was probably one of the coolest things I have ever seen. After walking around the courtyard for a little bit we went through the castle. There were the state rooms of Mary Queen of Scotts. This was really cool. Design side of it, they were not very well designed, but they were from midevil times... so I guess they were doing the best they could. We also got to see a huge war memorial that was dedicated to the Scottish army. Scotland spent many years fighting the English for independence. A lot of soldiers were killed. It was a beautiful memorial. My favorite part of the interiors of the castle was where the Scottish jewels were held. The coolest part was that they had the stone that the royalty kneels upon when they receive their coronation. This includes the English royalty. It was so cool to see.
The best part of the castle was the view! It was so beautiful. You could see all of Edinburgh from one spot. Below I have some of the pretty pictures.
After the castle Julia and I had to run, with our heavy backpacks, all the way to the train station because we weren't going to make the 6:00 train. We ended up making it and we were so relieved. The first few hours of the train ride we had a little heart to heart and told some stories. Ha ha it was so funny! After this we sketched for a couple of hours and these funny scottish boys tried to talk to us. Their accents were impossible to understand! We probably looked like such losers because we weren't able to understand half of their questions. It was super funny though.
This little weekend adventure to Scotland was one of the highlights of my entire trip. I loved every second of it. The land itself is beautiful and I just fell in love with the people. They have such a pride for their culture and their country, but not in a conceided way. They are really into family and preserving the name. I really liked that. Scotland will definitely be put on the to do list for when I return to Europe.
The best part of the castle was the view! It was so beautiful. You could see all of Edinburgh from one spot. Below I have some of the pretty pictures.
After the castle Julia and I had to run, with our heavy backpacks, all the way to the train station because we weren't going to make the 6:00 train. We ended up making it and we were so relieved. The first few hours of the train ride we had a little heart to heart and told some stories. Ha ha it was so funny! After this we sketched for a couple of hours and these funny scottish boys tried to talk to us. Their accents were impossible to understand! We probably looked like such losers because we weren't able to understand half of their questions. It was super funny though.
This little weekend adventure to Scotland was one of the highlights of my entire trip. I loved every second of it. The land itself is beautiful and I just fell in love with the people. They have such a pride for their culture and their country, but not in a conceided way. They are really into family and preserving the name. I really liked that. Scotland will definitely be put on the to do list for when I return to Europe.
Monday, August 3, 2009
8/1/09 -- SCOTLAND!!
So.. Today was a free day, and I decided to go to Edinburgh, Scotland! It was kind of a spur of the moment thing. Yesterday Beccah and Mallory had told us that they were going to Scotland, and they kind of told us what they were doing. Julia and I were both a little worried about going because we didn't want to miss out on anything in London, and we weren't sure if our funds could cover a trip to Scotland. We soon learned that our Brit Rail passes that we have been using to take the trains would get us all the way to Edinburgh. So knowing that we decided to go to at 12:00 at night. Ha not the greatest idea because we didn't have a place to stay yet. We jumped on the internet and started looking up hostels. Not a single place was empty. It was festival weekend in Scotland so everything was really packed. I was getting a little frustrated because we couldn't find a place to stay and I wanted to go really bad! Luckily we had Kylee coming along and she jumped on the internet and found a hotel for 99 pounds and sense there were four of us it would cost us about 25 pounds each the same price that Beccah and Mallory were paying for their hostel. We decided to take the hotel and we were off to Scotland the next morning.
We woke up at 6:30 am in order to make the 8:00 am train. It ended up being Beccah, Mallory, Kylee, Michelle, Julia, and I that all went. It was such a party! Our first stop was Almouth, which is a hour outside of Edinburgh. This is the location of the Alnwick castle, which was used for the exterior filming of Hogwarts for Harry Potter. I love all of the Harry Potter sites so I was super stoked to see the castle! It took us four hours by train to get to Alnwick. When we got there it was really windy and wet outside. You will be able to tell by my hair in my pictures ha ha. We took a bus from the train station to the castle. It was so big and so cool. The castle looked just like Hogwarts. The whole time I was whistling the Harry Potter theme song out loud. It added to the scene. Outside of the castle they had a huge zoo of owls. They had one of the smallest owls I have ever seen. It was just the cutest thing. The employee held the owl and he let us pet it. It was scary, but really cute ha ha. There was also an owl that looked just like Hedwig! It was very exciting.
We went inside the castle grounds and walked around the towers and the canyons. It was mostly a fortress castle so there weren't any furnishings in any of the rooms. The countryside around the castle was to die for. It was some of the prettiest I have ever seen, and I've seen a lot of spectacular views. We took some pictures around the castle and of the view. Inside part of the castle was the place of the first flying lesson from the first Harry Potter movie! It was so fun. We took some sweet jumping pictures and are planning to photoshop some brooms in there. It will be pretty cool. After touring the castle, we stopped and ate some lunch and then jumped back on the bus to head back to the train station.
The train ride to Edinburgh was about another hour and a half. I don't even notice how long it takes to travel somewhere anymore because I've done it so much! Anyway, we got to Scotland around 5:00pm. We had to try to fit as much as we could in that night because Kylee and Michelle were heading to Liverpool in the morning and Julia and I were headed back to London Sunday night. We went and checked into our hotel. It was called the Thistle hotel. Surprisingly it was so so nice! I couldn't believe it. We were stoked. The room had a giant king size bed in it and I was glad it was big because it had to fit all four of us in it. After checking into the hotel we went and got on a bus that gave a tour of the entire city. We wanted to see as much as we could even though we didn't have a lot of time, and this was the best way we could think of! It was so cool. We sat on the top of the doble decker bus so that we could see everything. They gave you head phones and had you listen to a Scottish man explain the history of the city. It was really interesting. I had no idea how old Edinburgh was! The bus drove us all the way up Calton Hill and we got some really pretty photos of the skyline of the city.
After the bus tour we headed up to the Royal Mile to grab a spot on the Ghost Tour. This was one of the coolest/scariest/funnest (not a word)/amazing things I have ever done. Along time ago Edinburgh had been surrounded by a huge wall to keep the English out. At the time they had millions of people living in the city and they no longer had enough room for everyone. They couldn't extend the city outward because of the wall so they tried to extend it upward. The Scottish couldn't build the buildings and homes out of wood because they have fires in the structures almost year round because the weather is so cold, so they had to build it with stone. The problem with stone is it can't go very high. They go as high as they could with the stone, but they still didn't have enough room for everyone, so they decided to go underground. They built these places called vaults. They were just large open spaces that people actually lived in. They are supposedly supposed to be 'haunted'. So our Ghost Tour was a tour of these underground vaults. It was so sweet. Our tour guide was so animated and really into it. Ha it was so funny. She really did actually scare me though. The vaults were really creepy and dingy. I couldn't believe people actually lived down there.
We finished up the Ghost Tour around 9:30 and headed to dinner at Hard Rock Cafe. I know not very Scotlandish, but it was the only thing that sounded good at the time and it's open really late! Julia and I shared a smoothie and some delicious fajitas. It's always so nice to eat American food! and it tasted delicious. Also from our bus tour ticked there was a coupon for a free chocolate ice cream sundae, so we made sure to all get one of those. We left Hard Rock at about 12:30 and just walked back to our hotel. Beccah and Mallory booked their hostel a few days before us so they didn't stay anywhere close to where we were. We parted ways at the half way meeting point and discussed what we were going to do the next day. At the hotel we got ready for bed and we all slept like rocks. Surprisingly too because we were fitting four people in a king size bed. It was so nice though to sleep in a comfortable bed and on normal pillows. The morning came way too fast.
Today was one of the greatest days of the trip. Scotland really is such a great place. I loved every second of it.
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