vontraps in action

What do Wilton House, Salisbury Cathedral, and Stonehenge have in common? Well you may be surprised to know lots of things. A. They are all located within Salisbury, England. B. All are green and lush and beautiful. C. I visited all three today and loved each one!

First Wilton House which is the home of the Earl of Pembroke, and has been since the time of Henry the 8th. The current Earl is the 18th of the family and is unmarried... oh and did I mention he's extremely dishy and an designer. That's what our guide said anyway. She was a prime example of a theater historian gone wacky, with huge flowers, a bright jacket, and poof hair. Anyway the house is famous for the single cube room which is exactly 30' x 30' x 30'. It also house the double cube room which is 60' x 30' x 30'. Both are lavishly decorated and used for movies such as Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Young Victoria. The house was relatively small compared to other palatial homes we've been to, which was nice. The land was pretty barren landscape with only a small garden and adorable Palladian bridge (also famous). My favorite aspect of the land was that it looked like a golf course with a river, huge trees, and lush grasses. Dad would be so happy. We met for lemonade and pastries which was so adorable of them to do. Not to mention, delicious! Best part of the day, they had this giant playground Swiss Family Robinson style. You better believe that I ran right out there, literally, and climbed ropes, jumped on the tramp, rode the slide, and teeter tottered it up. Totally felt like a child again.

We arrived back in Salisbury to go to the Cathedral. We got there early and had the great opportunity to sit on the grass and admire the building. The cloister, or monk's inner courtyard, was simple and gorgeous. This is where we waited for our tour guide. He took us up to the tower immediately, luckily there were nice breaks and chats before we got to about 300 feet. We got to cross the nave, long central part, over the ribbed vaulting which was so exciting to see the actual structure of the building. We saw the bells, the x beams that hold the tower up, and the balcony way atop the structure. I loved being able to witness how the building was made, although it's about 800 years old, it's nice to think I was there experiencing it being built. The original wheel that they used to haul stone up was still there and very much usable. The tower is the largest hollow original tower left. Pretty incredible times.

After this we headed to Stonehenge in taxis. When we arrived I felt like we were just in the middle of fields. I guess I expected to be able to see the stones in all their glory. You had to walk through a tunnel and voila there they were. Not as large as I would have imagined, yet still incredible to think how long they'd been there. The mystery of the purpose and who built them is a complete mystery in my book as well. I'd like to think that it was the people who lived there at the earliest times who built it as a sacrificial temple or gathering place for events, a precursor to the Coliseum if you will. Altogether an incredible set of structure that would have taken immense brain and physical power to make it happen. Enjoy the pictures, and be jealous of my life. thanks.

oh. and my pictures are uploading horrendously slow. hopefully tomorrow I can load the rest. Also i have three hello kitty bandaids on my body. I sliced my finger, one, i had a super bad hangnail, two, and this morning as i bent to pick up my clothes off the floor (mom you'd be proud) i hit it on the tiel wall, three. Also i got a sliver from the cathedral, four. Good day for me.

sunday, bloody sunday

I was looking forward to an enlightened morning of church in England, not THE church of England, you know what I mean. We made it right on time and sat on the back row, not too many members were there, go figure it was early. The assigned topic was scripture study and the talks were really great. Best scripture story I've ever heard, this woman rides the Underground daily so she put her scriptures on her phone that has an mp3 player so she could listen to it on her way to work. Unfortunately her phone was stolen. She later sent a text to the new owner saying 'you needed this more than me, it has the scriptures on it.' I was dying laughing! Miracles happen in random ways I suppose. The building was so modern looking with huge wall sconces and funky organ pipes. I loved it. Gospel is true. Megan, Scott, and I were so tired and were struggling to stay awake so we only went to the first hour to go home and nap before the days adventures.

So Megan and I napped and got ready to go to the Tower of London for the third try. Did we make it, your guess would be right. Negative. Next we just headed to our show, Lion King. As we were approaching the station we saw all these people gathered around and signs everywhere. Apparently the line we needed was closed due to 'someone under the rails.' Most likely someone jumped in front of a train, committing suicide. I can't even begin to describe the feeling that over came me at this moment. It gave me a somber reality check. I can't help but feel emotional and morbid, regardless of the fact that I have never even seen, heard, or met this person. Life is so fragile. The best gift my Heavenly Father has ever given me is my body and life. I could never imagine killing myself, because no matter how bad things are, they are not that bad. Their was this humbling peace that came upon me as I rode along thinking about how many others had done this and reflecting on my life. Why am I so blessed to not struggle with depression? Why am I so blessed to be here. It definitely makes me appreciate the life I've been given and gives me a better outlook and understanding of my plan here on this earth. Megan told me it happens all the time, blood smeared all over with people standing there, on the train and the driver not being able to stop. It's so tragic.

Moving on, we met for the Lion King! Because I had to order my tickets later, I sat by myself in the Royal Circle which was far better than where the others sat. I felt so privileged, seriously great seats. Also, GREAT show. The costumes were so fantastic and the staging completely made the entire thing. Incredible dynamics with the stage and costumes. The first scene all the animals come out and the sun comes up, after what had happened previously I just started to cry, A- because the power and magic of the stage and B- because of the correlation to the circle of life. I think this happened for a reason. To help me understand what's important. Back to the show, I loved the African vibe and reality of the actors animalistic movements. Here's a run down of my opinions of the 3 shows I've seen in the past 3 days.

1. Wicked.

Magical from the first step in the door. Audience is captured by green ambiance and stage set. It fit so well with the plot and entices you in. Great music and favorite voice, Elpheba.

2. Billy Elliott

Simple theater and staging which fits to the plays simple story and demeanor. Plain theater to create a better dynamic and focus for dancing. Best dancing of all three.

3. Lion King

Nice warm glow and feel. Royal circle seating ties in nicely with the theme of the play. Simple starting set, but great changes in scene every song. Best costumes and tied for best music.

This post is called Sunday, bloody Sunday due to the fact of life. Death happens, unfortunately it's tragic sometimes like what we witnessed earlier. Sometimes it's committed by someone you trust, like your brother as in the Lion King. Point is, we all have to deal with it and the lesson is that there is a comfort in knowing that I'll be able to see people in heaven. Love everyone and be careful. This post has a more sad tone, but honestly it was a good day, just one of reflecting. Cheers!

portobello road, street where the riches of ages are shown

Another free day of goodness. After taking years to get up and ready we headed to Notting Hill to go to the early morning markets. What market did we choose, none other than Portobello Road market. You may, or may not, but definitely should recognize this name from the great classic Bedknobs and Broomsticks. It is exactly like the movie, only obviously a little more updated. As a child I watched this movie all the time and couldn't have loved it more. Ryan, older brother should love this. The only thing I wish I'd had was a bed knob, and believe me I almost purchased a door knob to fill that void. The streets were filled with people and little tables selling everything from London graphic tees to antique tea cups. I naturally had to make a few purchases and get out of there, massive groups of people shopping scare me. Accident waiting to happen on so many levels. I was entertained by the performers though, and the common folk doing their thing. It boils down to I rather enjoy watching people and living the culture by watching.

We missed out on Abbey Road again but headed to the Hummingbird Bakery where they make the most divine cupcakes. It definitely reminded me of 25 Main in St. George, tough competition. The packaging was great and I just had to take a picture for future inspiration and tear file reference; going all designer on you. That may be why I'm here.

We took a long lunch at our flat and got ready to go to another Broadway, Billy Elliott. Our attempts to make it to dinner were disheartening at best. No one would serve us, and the lines were far too long, so what do we do, we hike it to the grocery store and purchase fruit and salad. The best part was that Amanda, Julia, Megan, and I sat on the side of the road and ate it in our dresses. Classic. We met everyone else and sat for the show.

First off, greatest show I've seen. I absolutely loved the rawness and intensity. The dancing was incredible despite the lack of grand scenery. The actors and actresses were so real and in my face, literally front row. One of my favorite scenes is where Billy was asked how dancing makes him feel in an audition and he begins to sing and dance his thoughts. It was really moving, due to the fact that I'm a dancer and it's always been a huge part of my life. The words he said moved me to tears and just made me want to get up there and dance. Here are the lyrics....

I can't really explain it,I haven't got the words

It's a feeling that you can't control

I suppose it's like forgetting, losing who you are

And at the same time something makes you whole

It's like that there's a music playing in your ear

And I'm listening, and I'm listening and then I disappear

And then I feel a change

Like a fire deep inside

Something bursting me wide open impossible to hide

And suddenly I'm flying, flying like a bird

Like electricity, electricity

Sparks inside of me

And I'm free I'm free

It's a bit like being angry,it's a bit like being scared

Confused and all mixed up and mad as hell

It's like when you've been crying

And you're empty and you're full

I don't know what it is, it's hard to tell

like that there's a music playing in your ear

But the music is impossible, impossible to hear

But then I feel it move me

Like a burning deep inside

Something bursting me wide open impossible to hide

And suddenly I'm flying, flying like a bird

Like electricity, electricity

Sparks inside of me

And I'm free I'm free

Electricity, sparks inside of me

And I'm free, I'm free

SO good! That about sums up the day. There is so much that I want to do but just don't have the time to get to. I can't believe I've almost been gone for an entire month! Time is flying by and any minute I'll be home wishing I were here and could do this all again. Speech: I want to thank my parents for giving this opportunity. I tell my mother thanks for letting me live my dreams, and I mean it. My parents are always so supportive and willing to do anything for me. I couldn't be more blessed.

feelin' wicked

Due to my late night movie shenanigans with Megan and Brady, I didn’t wake up till noon! It felt so nice to sleep in (free day), and refresh my body into remembering what sleep feels like. Megan came in bright and early so we could go get tickets to Billy Elliott, did I get up, sure didn’t. Regardless they went to get tickets, Billy was sold out so we got tickets to see WICKED. Who was pumped, yeah me. Anxiety is a killer. In the meantime we met up with Beccah, Whitney, Mal, and Jenna to go to the National Gallery.

Unfortunately it began to rain right as we were walking to the designated meeting spot. Mother Nature sure knows how to treat a lady right. Upon our arrival I found out I was excluded in Lion King ticket purchasing and wanted in on that. Half an hour later I got off the phone with a single ticket costing much more than necessary, but it is the Lion King. We’ll see how that pans out.
Moving on, we went to the National Gallery and saw all the beautiful works by Reubens, Van Dyck, Caravaggio, Van Eyck, and Van Gogh’s sunflowers. I feel so blessed to have taken art history in high school with the greatest teacher who gives you so much more than dates. She lit my artistic fire and I love being able to see all these works I studied in real life. Generally the scale is so different than I imagined or the texture; simply incredible to be a foot away from these works. Due to our lack of communication, Megan and I lost the other four girls and waited for about 45 minutes before we decided to leave. We knew they’d be at the Hard Rock Café at some point so we headed there. Finally found it, walked in and there they were. It was a stress reliever to know they were there and safe. Motherly instinct to make sure everyone is alive. Unfortunately we didn’t get to sit with them but we sat close, right under the Beatles memorabilia. Pretty incredible to be in London where the first one was opened, or so I hear. They had a vault full of rock antiquities and a full separate building for a store. Good food, good fun, and great music.
After this I had to book my huge butt over to the theater to meet everyone who was going to Wicked, none of whom were with me. Picture little Kylee in the Underground alone with a map trying to figure out where the heck she was going, and quick. Our intended meeting place wasn’t working out, so I headed to the theater and luckily found everyone. Let me just give you a brief description of this place, green glow, magical lights, and merchandise! It was all too tempting. We found our seats which were the first row on the balcony; what a bargain. We couldn’t see the faces incredibly well, but we got to see the entire stage which was really nice to see. As we’re preparing for this momentous occasion, what sits behind us, no words are coming. Some cultures just don’t believe in hygiene, hence the body odor from Satan behind us. I had to lean forward and cover all the holes in my head. Yeah, that bad. Back to the show, I cried and I laughed, I was shocked and awed. It was INCREDIBLY WICKED. I loved every second of it, totally worth every penny I paid. The staging was so well done, the costumes were done to the nines, the lighting was phenomenal, and the actress Elpheba (wicked witch of the West) had the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard. When she performed Defying Gravity I wanted to weep, and I did. The best part was everyone got a happy ending. YAY! The themes throughout the show helped me to become a better person and opened my eyes to my priorities. Also shout out to my best friend, you need to see this. It will make you cry because seriously it’s like us, and I am a better person for knowing you. You are the Elpheba to my Glinda, except you’re pretty too! Go see it, now. After this incredible show in which I didn’t want to leave… we just headed back to our flat for some quality hang out homework time. Cheers!

cambridge. our college away from college

Another early morning and another long day to follow, we repeated almost the same process as yesterday with the underground, transfer, underground again, and long train to Cambridge. Yes the college, but little fact, it’s an entire college town, so quaint and hip. The shops were fun and contemporary, definitely an artsy side of England. We met up and split into groups for a tour with Sally. She was the stereotypical old British lady plaid pants, blue eye shadow, white hair, and best accent I’ve heard. She really knew here stuff too and was so excited to tell us about her town. Here’s a tad bit of information, Cambridge was founded in 1209 by the King. It has 31 colleges, all with separate little buildings and quirks, or lawns that line the Cam River. We went to King’s College Chapel which was designed by the King and is where the boys choir sings every Christmas that is broadcasted around the world. The ceiling had amazing fan vaulting.
The king had originally wanted the chapel to be white stone, but since there are no real quarries close he white washed only ¾ of the façade. They also have this school tradition where a group of students play pranks on top of the building. They have 6 hours to do it between the night watchers. One year they got a car on top, another year they put chamber pots on the corners, interesting and a good idea for us at USU.
We continued our tour to the Eagle, which is the pub where famous things happen. For example this is where the double helix, the elixir of life, was first mentioned, and where the first signed graffiti appeared on the ceiling. It’s so quaint and adorable with brick walls, flowers on the tables, and fish and chips signs. Mentioning the food, divine fish and chips and dessert, and I hate fish. I would highly recommend it to anyone. I sat with Megan, Ashley, and Michelle in whom I went shopping with shortly after. I decided that I’m not a shopper. If I have a purpose that’s great but I hate aimlessly wandering in stores to glance around and hoping to find divine things. Even if I’m in the mood, an hour is best at most. I did find this adorable market where I got some nice vinyls, first edition Beatles records produced in the UK. Not only is that great music, but a great bargain and art piece.
We returned to a tour with Sally at the Fitzwilliam museum which basically was artifacts found in England at some point in time. I loved her as our tour guide because she had spunk, got to the point, and went fast. Yet, I found myself wanting to spend more time with her and her mind. One such piece in the museum was the first prototype swiss army knife complete with spoon and spice sorter. Pretty incredible. Unfortunately I was not allowed to take pictures, but everything was spectacular.
Our next adventures led us in the rain down to the river. A cute little trail of umbrellas behind Sally. What do we come to find… punting! Let me explain, a punt is a small flat boat that is pushed by a long stick. You may say that sounds a lot like a gondola Kylee, in fact it is! Only better because you can actually sit comfortably, not smell like garbage, and see beautiful scenery. Speaking of scenery… Harry Potter bridge, quidditch field, and grasses, filmed right where we were. Our punt Shaffer, or chauffer, was named Orlando and he went to Oxford. Complete traitor, but he was extremely nice and good at steering us down the river which made him okay in my book. He also had a wicked accent which made the experience that much better. We were all so tired so anything and everything made us laugh. We got off the boat, took a picture, and headed back into town to shop for a tiny on our way back to the train. Train time came and you know I fell asleep on it. So nice. After this we just decided to call it a night, but not before our train pulled up to platform 9. For all of those Harry Potter fans you know what is about to be said, lo and behold, here I was at platform 9 and ¾ pushing the little cart in and looking like a drunken sailor tourist. We officially made it back had a nice time hanging out in our commons room and did homework. Patterns are due so we’re doing those and I’m not tired one ounce. Megan, Brady, and I decided at two thirty, time now, that we’d watch a movie… so in about two hours I’ll be in bed making it 4:30. YAY! Mind the Gap. Cheers!

museum patterns

Our assignment was to create a pattern for each of the museums we visited that day. The first one is for the V&A, second for the British Museum, and lastly the Tate Modern.

little girls room

commons room

our little roomsie

Let me tell you how great it was to wake up at 4:30 this morning, I can hardly stand it. I was taken back to my youthful days of high school. We boarded the underground, got on a train, and got on a bus to drive to Kidderminster where Brinton's Carpets factory was located. This is the trip of every kind of transportation you can image. Kidderminster was the cutest little gosh darn town you've ever seen with cute little row houses and plants, green countryside like you'd imagine, and sweetest little old people. We started out by eating tea and biscuits, adorable, and then listened to a presentation about projects they had done recently. Their carpet designs are so unique and great because they will custom design anything you want into a rug. Our group was split into little baby groups and taken around the facility. Our little group went next to the archives with this lady that I want to be someday. She had the ultimate British accent and was dressed so hip. She knew her stuff and was so passionate about the designs. The paper prints were in impeccable status and you can see all the little paint splotches dating from the late 1700s. She told us that back in the day they would burn all their prints just because they didn't know what to do with them. Now they keep them and frequently reuse old patterns. I couldn't believe how modern some of them were.

They then fed us some sausage ham meat whatever pastry pie. It seriously was a huge meat roll baked in crust. Not a fan, needless to say I went hungry. Bless their hearts for feeding us though. Our tour was then followed by a designer chat with sampling and manufacturing where we saw their floor plans and computer software in use. It's incredible what computers can do now days, that's all I'm saying.

Next this sweet dear old man took us for a tour of the factory. He loved his job and you could tell he wanted to talk for days about the processes they used. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures as they would imprison you because their processes are secretive. After such a long day we called it home to catch up on homework and blog. Suprise Suprise. Here are a few of my favorite Brit words:

Cheers, meaning thanks

Brilliant, meaning cool

Rubbish, meaning garbage

Mind the gap, meaning avoid the edge

Way out, meaning exit

ello, meaning hello

I mainly just love the way they phrase every single thing, it's so proper and brilliant!