I was a very busy bee last week! We had Monday off because of Bank holiday, so it was only a four day week for me! I made use of my three day weekend by visiting the V&A Galleries and lounging around the flat. I was worn out from completing my first research report for my department. I am looking forward to getting the reactions from my colleagues about my work. It is so hard to believe that the information I have collected will be used to develop a new experimental exhibit!!! I have included this image as a particular highlight from my V&A day (I literally spent about 5-6 hours there). I am in love with Dale Chihuly (ok and Brad, but Chihuly makes amazing sculpture). This chandelier is a piece that was commissioned by the V&A in the 90's. Aleshia, Rob, and Brad all make fun of it for various reasons haha.
On Saturday (June 3rd), I decided to take a long walk through St. James' Park. It sort of blends into the Queen's garden a bit and IS COMPLETELY PACKED WHEN THE SKIES ARE BLUE! I loved being there, but wanted to tell everyone to leave so I could listen to nature...hehe.
There are like....four gates to the palace, btu I liked this one because it had a nice garden in front of it. You have to get special tickets to even set foot inside, so I decided to save that tour for another rainy day. I did pass through the Queen's gallery, which houses some really great Italian paintings. I never knew that she had her own gallery!
While I was walking the grounds, I received a text message on my phone from Paul asking if I was doing anything the next day. We made plans to meet in his hometown of Guildford, which is about 30 minutes south of London. This little trip was EXACTLY what I needed, a chance to see some countryside, eat good food, and explore more of England.
I almost fell over laughing when I passed this in Guildford. Of all the stores they could have put on the High Street, this is the last one I would have expected. They don't even have it in London! I think mom would fit in quite well in Guildford!
Paul took me to see the little castle they have in Guildford. Beside the castle grounds, there is this monument pictured on the left. It is what lies behind that memorial that actually interested me. The green is used for croquette tournaments..haha.
Isn't it cute! I don't really consider it a castle, but it was fun to climb to the top and look out over the countryside. Take a look below!
It was so nice to look around and see nothing but hills and trees. Guildford is still a city, but much more green and relaxed than busy London. After making the thirty minute trek from the station and then to the castle, I was famished. We both decided to grab some food at the grocery store and eat on this HUGE hill overlooking the town.
I was really far away in this picture, but I wanted to get as much of the view as possible. See that tall cathedral tower in the background.....I will have walked beyond that and back by the time the evening was over! It was totally worth it though.
Here is my friend Paul. By the end of this trip, I have to think of something really cool to get him for being so nice and showing me around.
We are going to Portugal this Thursday!!!
I was really keen to walk around this campus. The University of Surrey reminds me a lot of VU. It is a small school, but the grounds are really pretty. While walking through, we ran into one of Paul's friends, Kem. Kem is moving to Huston TX soon, so he was really excited to talk to me about the States. I gave him my email in case he ever needed anything, and he sent me a message saying what a nice person I was. :-)
Remember that cathedral I was talking about? Well, here it is at night! The picture doesn't do it justice. This place is massive! You can see it from almost any point around town because it is on a hill. The University of Surrey has their graduation ceremonies here.
Make sure to check my blog on Monday, because I am going to Portugal soon! I miss you all....xoxoxox
1 comment:
ok...third time is the charm
Your pics are awesome. You look very good but way too much leg for an American bird. They do still call girls birds right? The Beattles did! Paul looks very posh, fab too cool. It is awesome you have such a cool friend. Give him a hug from your aunt for being such an awesome person to my niece. I don't know if I am going to be able to speak to the Norris's...you guys are so international..you in England, Portugal...might as well get on the Metro and go to the Louvre in Paris....right next to England between England and Portugal. or better yet the CHUNNEL....Brett in Japan and your Mom and Dad will be off the continent soon. Just remember you REALLY live in Indiana, no castles, just corn..corn and oh yeah soybeans....
Did I ever tell you that I had this thing for Queen Victoria and prince Phillip...I had her picture and everything...when I was about 10. Take care and if I have to change my password one more time I will go crazy.
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