the ladies day: baths, fashions, and teas

Today was originally supposed to be another one of those ride the underground, train, bus days, but at the last minute Susie and Darrin decided that we could have a sort of free day meaning that we can get to the designated place whenever, but to still probably do it. Like the natural obedient girl that I am, I assembled my troop and headed to Bath only an hour later than planned. We were big girls and got on the train by ourselves and figured out where we were quickly. Right when we got there a horrendous tempest rain storm came and hurled it's powers on the train station. This was a great sign for us, we all turned to one another and said, 'get back on the train?' Would the weather stop us? Clearly not. It's rained every day and we aren't afraid. Being the tourists that we are we got our information pamphlets and estimated where our intended plans would be located. Fearless leadership led us right to the Roman Baths which are the oldest standing baths in Europe. One thing about those Romans is that they like to have great grand building in the middle of the city, hiding until you are right up in the facade. It's incredible, yet hard to find sometimes. We paid our monies and got our little audio guided tour. We learned all about the building as it was actually a temple complex dedicated to the goddess Minerva. They had a grand pool right in the center with these great columns and reflections bouncing off them. Off to each side is either a hot bath or a cool bath. Now when I say bath you think a tub, but I mean more of a large pool or hot tub. On the east side were the hot baths, little round ones, and giant rooms for a sauna like feel. It's incredible to think that these were so old and that taking care of the body was such a sacred thing. There were even healing spas where people could get massages and magically healed through the gods. On the other side of the grand bath is a small circular bath which was a cold bath that is used to cool off. Most men would jump from the hot to the cold just to show off how manly they are. Wow how times haven't changed. My favorite bath was the grand bath because it had this algae green glow that contrasted beautifully against the yellow orange columns and statuary above. I felt like I was at the spa myself. That would be nice, my body is trashed. Perhaps the most memorable part was that we got to drink the bath water. It was included in our ticket and we felt obligated, slash honored to do it. Let me describe the taste to you. It tasted of 800 years of algae, heated by the sun in tinfoil, while some dirty Roman man sat in with his sweaty dirty body. It was so disgusting! Definitely not the fountain of youth or healing waters. I think I got an amoeba.

After this we headed to the fashion museum where they had an exhibit on The Supremes. It displayed all their costumes and how they were a fore runner to all pop girl bands now days with their fabulous costumes. I loved how all three were matching in every detail, every sequin and pearl was in place. They were so funky and fabulous! Sorry, no pictures but you can only imagine how beautiful and spectacular they looked. Also they had mannequins showing the outfit of the year up to 2007. It was unique to see how styles circle around. We also were lucky enough to try on some corsets and hoop skirts. I was a big fan of the corset myself. Loved the look of being sucked in and pushed up. Ha!

Our adventures next took us to the Jane Austen Center. This is the city in which she was born and raised and generally got all of her stories from places located close. Upon our arrival we ran into two gentlemanly callers dressed in their full gear. Naturally we had to snap a few photos and laugh on our way in. The gift shop was great and we spent quite some time there. After this we could not pass up the opportunity to have tea and scones in true Austen fashion. The cafe was so quaint and adorable. Our waitress was in full costume and so sweet. I tried tea for the first time, a raspberry cranberry mixture. This will also be the last time I have tea. Not a fan. Not one ounce. The cake, sandwiches, and scones were to die for though! Not only did I get my own cute little tea pot, I got a cute serving tray. It was such a blast to play tea party that we didn't make it to our intended train. Luckily we barely caught the next one. It was worth the extra running just so we could spend time at our ladies tea.

Megan and I rushed back to meet Susie, Terri, Beccah, and Mal to walk to Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens. We hustled our little buns across Hyde Park which was simply beautiful, a smaller version of a Central Park, river and all. We arrived in this clearing where a huge white tent shot up out of nowhere. The tents were large and actually gave a nice ambiance. Beccah, Mal, and I shared a bag of candy because we HAD to have the gummy crocodiles in honor of Peter Pan. After walking in to our seats we noticed that it was in the round, and our seats happen to be the worst seats in the house. The play was really great though, the sets were unique and different. The best one was the lost boys home with tunnels, and tree trunks, and smoke coming from everywhere. One thing I absolutely hated was the Tinkerbell. She was a Russian grunge punk who only knew one word, ass. Not appealing. When she drank poison I almost hoped she would stay dead. Good point to mention, Captain Hook was the actor who played in Titanic, and as the hunter in Jumanji. He was brilliant. I loved Peter's outfit, very Rufio off Hook looking. I also loved the crocodile puppet that was two person life size and made out of clothespins. They sure flied a lot, which was nice. Also, it was extremely different than our Walt Disney because they added all these odd things in and a crazy bird puppet. Not a fan of that because it created really awkward scenes at the end. I absolutely loved when all the little kids in the audience chimed in and started whispering 'I believe in fairies' while ringing their cute little bells. Tear. All in all, it was a good time. Lots of laughs and great memories.

Being human, we were hungry and headed to the Planet Hollywood for some good grub. It was 11 by this time. We ate quickly and enjoyed the trashy music videos that were showing all night. Quite different than our restaurants. Good times, good food, great fun. Another night of not getting anything done! Mind the Gap, this isn't making sense and is definitely rambling on about a whole lot of nothing. It's late here and I'm behind. Here we are trying to catch up before I head to Scotland for the weekend, no such luck! Enjoy the weekend all my lovely readers, know that I love you, and I will be back for more great story telling on Sunday.

deers and dessert delights

Guess what we did today? Yep, you got it a underground ride to the train station, a train to a bus station in Stamford, and a bus to another stately home. Days are starting to get mixed and my mind is starting to diminish from all that I learn and do in one day. Here is one such beautiful home called Burghley House. You may recognize it from Da Vinci Code when the cardinal pulls up to the house to discuss business. You pull up to the huge lawns and see the gate below the home, but the best part is you see all these deer and think 'what the?'

The family owns their own heard of deer that have bred and bred for hundreds of years and continue to live on the grounds. I was so excited and followed those deer around, clearly they were afraid. What comes to my mind, I have pretzels in my bag and deers like pretzels! I walked on over, stuck out the pretzels and they came a running. It was so fun to have them be that tame and that close to all of us. I tried to film it but it came out only 2 seconds long. After my bag was gone, I walked in to the house for our tour only to discover I had become a victim. Hand bloody I ran to the bathroom and cleaned that right off. Hopefully the deer don't have diseases.

Our group split into two and headed into the home of the Earl of Exeter, the Lord of Burghley, the Cecil families home, the Burghley house. The home was first given to William Cecil who was the treasurer for Queen Elizabeth I. It's a major palace decorated in every square inch with beautiful gardens and incredible history.We first walked in to the kitchen which was about the size of two family rooms, just a huge space with two fireplaces that used to be run by little boys. The other side had huge copper platters above two bread fireplaces. Another cute little story is that back in the day eating turtle soup was a delicacy and since they didn't live near an ocean they had to have them shipped in warm sea water to the house. They had to quickly make the soup or it would turn hard incredibly fast. How cute is it that they even served it in these massive turtle shaped bowls? They knew how to party.

This family seems to be so modern, that may be due to the fact that they still live there. It contains a huge library, a billiard room, many bedrooms (around 80), and drawing rooms. Not for art drawing but where the royal woman would draw together in a single room for female time. My favorite room was the Heaven room which contained massive murals of roman gods and goddesses painted by the family friend. In the center of the room is a massive 290 lb. pure silver wine vat that looks somewhat like a bathtub on high legs. One of the bedrooms was set up for Queen Victoria and Albert when they stayed there. The bed could fit 10 people on it which was too large, and so they had to scale it down, and added more bling because the Queen loved bling. They also added turtle doves to the top because she was in love with her husband and produced 7 children. Everything about these houses is grand, and nothing is left undecorated. Oh to have that kind of wealth. It was gorgeous though. Also, Pride and Prejudice was filmed in parts of these rooms as well as Young Victoria. I get angry because I don't get to take pictures to show, but it was beautiful and gorgeous and everything you could want in a stately home.

Not to mention the gardens are sure beautiful with fountains, ponds, and flowers. Too bad it was raining so bad that we couldn't see them. We did however eat lunch at the cafe, scones and cream. Best thing I've eaten yet here! SO good. It was our own little tea party. We finished our visit to the house and headed to Stamford to hang out and shop for a little while. I was not so interested in wandering the streets as it was raining, I was tired, and completely shopped out by this point. Needless to say we headed on our long journey back home for the night and here we are, yet again, every night, doing homework, loving every second. Cheers!

secret pleasures

It seems to be the norm now days that we get up super early to go ride a train to some other city outside of London and spend the whole day there. Today was such a day in which we got on the train to head to Oxford. Naturally the train put me to sleep, the lull and hum just does something to me. I'm sure I look fabulous with my head back, arms at my side, and mouth wide open. Blackmail pictures may be coming. Naturally we made it to Oxford and rode a bus, not just a bus, but a Double Decker bus! It was a very different experience to not be able to see the driver and have the people on the sidewalk be 5 feet below you. We took this bus to Blenheim Palace which is the home of the Dukes of Marlborough. The family that owns this happens to be the Spencer Churchills', yeah that Churchill. The history behind this building is that during the battle of Blenheim, John Churchill won the battle and the king gave him the land as a victory prize. The style is English Baroque, heavy, strong, and beautiful. The style was super traditionally modern. We walked through the state rooms and saw Winston Churchill's birth room and all his memorabilia. I love things like this. Knowing he lived there and this building inspiring him to be the man he became. Upstairs they had Disneyland historic room style, similar to Vaux, only full on mannequins moving and talking and exploding things. It was intense and I only learned that John Churchill was a slut and slept with the kings wife and got a promotion to be the general of the army. I don't know. Besides the creep play upstairs we went down into the gardens which were GORGEOUS! The small group of us probably spent 4 hours in the gardens taking pictures and enjoying every minute of being outside. Totally ANTM amateur hour. (America's Next Top Model for all those out there who don't share this guilty pleasure) The secret garden was incredible and exactly how I'd imagine my dream garden looking. Fountains, grasses, trees, benches, paths, and flowers everywhere. I could have spent all day there but unfortunately we had to get a move on with our lives. It was nice to relax and enjoy things on our own times. The scenery was amazingly beautiful and picturesque.

Due to the fact that I am a fan of Churchill and WWII in general, we naturally headed to the gift shop. They were selling these beautiful books about him for only 3 pounds! But they weighed 50 lbs. and I couldn't pack that.

For my daddy

After about 6 hours here we wanted more! They have an adorable little train that takes you to these other 'pleasure' gardens. Pleasure meaning games and fun times. They had a butterfly house, lavender gardens, mazes, giant chess and checkers, and miniature golf. Needless to say we spent quite a lot of time here. SO much time in fact we missed the gates being closed and had to walk around the entire lawn to the other side of the palace to get out. We then missed our bus and almost missed the last train into London. Thank goodness we made that because all of us are tight on money and had no real idea of where we were or how else to get back to our shelter.

After the train ride, Megan and I decided we had attempted to many times and finally went to the London Eye. It's a huge Wheel that overlooks London on the river. The sights were gorgeous, everything was lit up so beautifully! I honestly felt like I was in Peter Pan flying over the city, landing on Big Ben and going to never never land. Because that's honestly how I feel. The experiences that I'm having are incredible and definitely nothing I'll ever forget.

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!