Thursday, April 3, 2008

I LOVE LONDON!

One of my favorite things to do when I feel like I could use a little time away from the Centre, is go to Foyles. Foyles is probably the most famous bookshop in London. It used to be the world's biggest bookshop. The rows of books are endless!This is my station, and this is my friend. Yes, I realize that it's in the kids section, but it's so comfortable! I love Foyles!
Me and Rocky Tonight after dinner we decided to go to Caffe Concerto on Regent Street for some dessert. We thought it closed at 11, but it definitely closed much earlier, so instead we took a nighttime bus ride around parliament and came home!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds

Today we took our last day trip together to Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds. Blenheim Palace is currently the home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough. Blenheim Palace is also the birthplace of the famous Sir Winston Churchill. The Palace is surrounded by 2100 acres of parkland and gardens. Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim Palace by a mistake. His parents didn't live there, but they were part of the family a lot of time at the Palace. Winston's was not expected for a few weeks, but went into labor early on November 30, 1874. Unfortunately they are updating the facade of the Palace and so there is scaffolding everywhere. We were able to go through the Palace on a tour, and I have to say the best part was our tour guide. Blenheim Palace.The gardens are part of what makes the Palace so famous.

From Blenheim we headed to Cotswolds. Cotswolds is known for its' small towns and villages built of Cotswold stone. It is very quaint, and has a pristine feel about parts of it. However, most of Cotswolds is very touristy.
Stopping for a treat!
Homes along the river.
The town is filled with several shops like this!
Alyssa, Soj, Me, and Kaitlyn on the bridge.
Welcome to Cotswolds!

Today was yet another fun trip with the group. That was our last trip outside of London, and I must admit, I'm SO happy to be done with coach drivers and rides! It's been so much fun!

Monday, March 31, 2008

Oxford Circus and PIccadilly

Today I went two the Oxford and Piccadilly area twice. Why? Because that's where all the shopping is at, at least a lot of it. Oxford Street intersects with Regents Street, and together it makes up one of the busiest major upscale shopping areas of the world. This is the view of Oxford street from a double decker. This is one of the four corners of Oxford Circus, Niketown! All the shops on Oxford are amazing!Carnaby street is an offshoot of Regent Street. It's a very old street that has been updated, and is now home to several shops and fun boutiques. Some of my favorite shops are on this street. This is the view of Piccadilly Square coming down from Regent Street. The famous fountain which lies right in the middle of Piccadilly.

London has the best shopping in the world!

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Oxford Football Game

Yesterday a bunch of us went to the Oxford and Cambridge football game. It was down off the Putney Bridge stop in Fulham. The tickets we got were in the 'mixed section' of the crowd, which made it really fun! There were Oxford and Cambridge alumni sitting all around in their bright suit jackets and scarves. I should have known that it was going to rain, it always rains! Luckily, most of the stadium was covered, but it still was cold! Jen, Alyssa, Alysia, Me, Liz, and Britnee before we left for the game. Go Oxford!
It took me all of two seconds once I sat down before I was really cold.
Cambridge is the light blue team, and Oxford the navy blue team. Getting warm at half time. Check out the guy in the background, he's Cambridge alumni and proud of it.#9, Toogood was my favorite player-I'm pretty sure he looked at me after I yelled his name!

Cambridge won 5-3. They scored those last two goals within the last two minutes of the game. After the game there was a boat race down the Thames. It too was between Cambridge and Oxford. I was shocked to see what a big deal the boat race was. We were too cold and not prepared to wait for three hours for the race to start, so unfortunately I didn't stay. It was still quite the experience!