Week #3

This week has gone by so fast. Actually this whole semester feels like it is going by really fast. I can't believe that I am through week number 3. Life in London has been amazing. I think back to when I first got here. Everything was new. Money was different, I couldn't tell the difference between all of the different coins. In fact, I still can't. The people were different. Walking down the street in London is not like walking down the street in the states. In the states we look at each other as we are walking. We give a look as if to say, "I recognize you." Here no one looks at each other. But that's ok, I don't mind.

Living in London is now starting to feel normal. I no longer walk down the street and am starry eyed at everything I am seeing. At least not in my neighborhood. I now know where I am going and am not as nervous if I am lost. I am so happy to say that I now know how to work the tube, and may I tell you that that in itself is a huge accomplishment. The first few days, I don't know why, but it was so confusing. Now, if I want to go somewhere I can figure it out and it is not that big of a deal. If we accidentally get on the wrong train, we know how to fix it. Life is a lot better when you know how to use the tube.

The weather here is like Utah's but on steroids. You wake up and think that it is going to be a beautiful day, then when you walk outside it is cloudy. Then ten minutes later it is raining. Then sunny. Then raining. I sometimes I wish the weather would decided what it wanted to be for the day, so then I could plan my outfit accordingly, unfortunately the weather likes to keep me guessing. I have just decided that the weather is Mary Crawley. Reason: "It would hate to be predictable."

Last Saturday a group of us went to the famous Harrod's, and we were not disappointed. The building itself is amazing. I loved all of the lights, but when you enter it is like you are entering into another world. Suddenly I was standing amongst diamonds, gowns, luxury cars, you name something that is expensive, they have it at Harrod's.

Do you have $15,000 lying around? You could buy this.

I didn't know when I was first putting this hat on how
much it was. When I took it off I looked at the tag.
Don't worry, it's only $600.

Wouldn't mind taking a bath in this tub.

Harrod's

This past week was so much fun. On Monday a group of us decided to go to the London premier of Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. My two roommates who thought of going were geniuses. We were able to see Kenneth Branagh, Kiera Knightly, and...Chris Pine. And yes, he is just as good looking in real life as he is in the movies.

Kiera Knightly. She looked so lovely.

Just look at her shoes.

This was one of the security guards. What a boss. Haha

Chris. Pine. (No caption needed)

Wednesday was our London walks day. Our walk ended at St. Paul's Cathedral. It was so beautiful. I seriously had my mouth opened the entire time. The last part of our tour was a 500 stair climb up the dome. 

Me and my roommates Hali, Kristin, and Jillian on the steps of St. Paul's.
Aren't we darling?

St. Paul's

Me and Kristin

Do you recognize this staircase?

You should. It was used in Harry Potter. 

Made it to the top!

Don't worry mom. I was being safe.

Thursday all that wanted to go got free tickets to the London Chamber Orchestra concert. This is the same orchestra that played for Will and Kate's wedding, so naturally I had to go. I was not disappointed. They were amazing.

The venu was beautiful.

The ceiling was too.

Friday we got the day off, so a group of us decided to wake up at 6:30 and go stand in line for 5 pound tickets to Matilda. 

Look at those forced smiles. We were so tired.

Thanks to these guys I didn't freeze.

Before going to Matilda my friend Jillian wanted to go and get red ribbon to wear in our hair so we could be like Matilda. I looked up places to get ribbon that was close to us when I found it. The most amazing store in London. I almost cried when I walked down the stairs. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. The store that I had found was a trimming store called Barnett Lawson Trimmings. It is so awesome. If you want buttons, they got it. What size do you want? What color? It doesn't matter because they had everything. If you want elaborate ribbon, they got it. If you want turkey feathers, they got it...in multiple colors. You want velvet ribbon? Check.

We were seriously dying.

I told you they had every size.

So clearly I will be going back to this place. 

That night we went to Matilda, and let me tell you. It was one of my favorite musicals I have been to. I laughed, I cried, you name it I probably did it. I would go again tonight if I had tickets. The music was so good. One of my favorite songs was "Quiet." I have been listening to it every night since.

It was so much fun wearing the ribbons.

The stage was so neat.

Me, Abbie, and Kristin

On Saturday we had our day trip. Our first stop. Bodiam Castle. This castle has been used in such films as Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It's the Swamp Castle.

Bodiam Castle

Dr. C

Finally, and entryway that is just my size

Me and Hali

He told me to look 13th century. Clearly I nailed it.

After we played around Bodiam Castle for a bit. We left to go and explore Canterbury.

St. Augustin's Abbey
It was founded in 598.

Canterbury Cathedral

We were lucky enough to sit and listen to the
choir practice for their performance of
Handle's Messiah. 

I loved this stained glass window.
The colors are so beautiful.

So you could say that this week was a pretty good week. I can't believe everything that I did. It seems like I should be more tired, but I'm not. Can't wait for this next weeks adventures.