This is What Dreams are Made Of!

Hello!

So I just thought I would type up  post since I have a few extra minutes tonight. I have now been in London for roughly seventeen days. I say roughly because I took a small excursion to Paris. In those seventeen days, I have done almost every touristy thing possible. I have been to more museums than I can count, I have seen multiple plays and theaters, tried every food imaginable (I still don't understand the difference between sweet and savory biscuits), walked the streets of much of London, through many parks, and over many bridges, been to palaces, ran a 10k with 25,000 people most of whom were British, been to two of the world's most famous churches, went to the most beautiful services at these churches, spent time at some pubs, saw the Duchess of Cambridge, met very nice British and Canadian people, have been hit on by numerous strangers, went shopping, hit up local markets...the list goes on and on.
With all of this being done in seventeen days, I now have the last fourteen to sit back and enjoy my favorite things here. I also get to go to Edinburgh, Glasgow for a USWNT Soccer (Football) game, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and the Harry Potter Studio Tour. In the time I have left here I plan to spend a lot of time in the parks, especially Kensington Gardens. There is something about the park that makes it the most beautiful place in the world to me. Maybe it is the fact that I feel I am a good mix between a country girl and city girl. Deep down I know I am a bit Southern Belle, but I feel I am meant to be in a big city. This park is considered to be in London, but it lie in an area that does not have as much hustle and bustle. It has to sounds and sights of the city surrounding it, but on the inside is green as far as the eye can see with ponds, trees, and just pure nature all around. It also has an atmosphere that I have never experienced before. On weekdays, in the morning the park has this peaceful, calm vibe that I cannot do justice describing in words. There are a few runners, walkers, and cyclers. Then there are a few people enjoying time with their dogs, walking and playing fetch. In the evenings it is still a chill vibe, but there are many more people walking and running. There are many families and pick up games of various sports. In the evenings it is sometimes nice to just sit and watch everyone enjoying their time with loved ones. On the weekends the park is still lovely, it is a whole other atmosphere though. It is filled with families, sports, picnics, sun bathing, and tourists going to the palace. There is also a street on the other side of Kensington Palace, technically outside of the gardens I think, that is probably my favorite street in London. It is lined on one side by gorgeous embassies, and on the other side lie the palace and more embassies. The street does not have many people on it, maybe because the security is intimidating? but that is part of the reason I love it so much.
Now that I have described in full detail my favorite place I have been to in the world thus far in my life, I will move on. I have so much love for this city and country. To start off, the landscape is stunning with miles of green in the countryside, and still a large amount of green in the city, but also many gardens with wide arrays of flowers. Then there is the food here, it is cheaper to eat healthy than fattening (what a novel idea!) The true English food is all comfort type food, like the kind you want to eat that has been home cooked on a cold winter night, then snuggle up to the fireplace with a good book. My favorite thing I have had is probably Sticky Toffee Pudding! The people here are also very pleasant and helpful; I have to say, they have a great sense of humor! Another thing that is great here is the since of pride people have in their country. Don't get me wrong, America has plenty of pride, but maybe because Britain is smaller, it is more noticeable. Everyone here seems so passionate about what they do and making their nation the best it can be, even the street vendors and tube attendants. Maybe the best way for me to describe it is an example with the Royals. The Queen celebrated her Diamond Jubilee earlier this summer. While some people here will flat out tell you there is no since in having the monarchy still, the streets and River Thames were packed with massive crowds. The people still came out to wave their flags and celebrate this mile stone in history even though the weather was cold and rainy. In America, I am not sure that I have or will see an event that will draw that many people to support it. Especially if it is something they don't necessarily agree with. The people here went to celebrate even if they don't find sense in having a royal family. I guess it is just the unity that the monarchy brings to the country that amazes me! For us in the US, we have disagreeing political parties and everyone takes a side or doesn't care at all. Unity is a lovely thing in my book! Lastly, the rich history and culture of this country is probably my favorite thing to learn about! I won't go into depth on this one, but I can be amused for hours upon hours learning about British history.
Last, but surely not least, I believe that everything happens for a reason. With that being said, I know that God had a plan for me this summer. I feel that bringing me here was part of that plan, but I have not figured out why yet. I may spend some time in the next couple weeks, reflecting on my time here, and what it has done for me and why I may have been brought here. I know the answers may not come for a while, but wish me luck!
So now that I have detailed all of my favorite things here so far, and probably bored you to tears, I will let you move on with your life! I will try to post again within the next week!

God is Love!
Court

England Has Captured My Heart!

I am going to start off this post by apologizing for taking so long to put up a good post about my European adventures. 

I am not really sure where to start...there is so much to say, yet I am not sure I can put some things into words. I guess I will start by saying that I have officially seen the outside of every large or well known monument in London and Paris. 

My first week in London I explored the inside of a few places, but I quickly discovered there is no way to take in everything this city has to offer in only a month. I will just have to try my best though, or pray that I get to come back! Some of my favorite things that I have done so far (there is too much to list everything) include: Attending the choral Evensong at Westminster Abbey; it was one of the most beautiful things that I have ever witnessed! Words cannot describe the experience. I also ran in the British 10k with 25,000 other people, most of whom were British. This was very cool as I got to meet "natives" and talk to them about their lives and the UK. I have also had the privilege to enjoy Starbucks with a beautiful view of the River Thames right under London Bridge, thanks to a friends suggestion. Another fun thing I have done was meet up with my friends cousin who lives here. He and his friends took us to a pub and filled us in on all of the "ins and outs" of London. It was so helpful! I have visited multiple museums and seen the outside of each palace. I took a field trip to Stratford-upon-Avon. Last, and certainly not least, I have explored some of Kensington park. So far, it is my favorite place in all of London. I love it so much I even go there some mornings to run. I find it so lovely because it is a little slice of peace, quiet and beauty in this amazing city. 

Now on to Paris. Lets just say it was an adventure! I thought it was beautiful, but I was definitely glad to be back in London. I even got that "home sweet home" feeling when it came into view on our Eurostar ride back. Don't get me wrong, the food and sights in Paris were superb, but I felt a little nervous most of the time I was there. When we first got there, all of the CCSA students got a coach tour of the city. We were then dropped off at our hotel and they basically said see you Sunday at 3:30 (it was Friday at 5). This would not have been so bad, but no one we were with really knew any French or knew their way around the city. After a rough first night, we went to bed early and woke up early to set out for the morning. We walked the whole city! We hit up the Eiffel Tower and got crepes (banana and nutella!) Then we walked to Champ elysees and watch the military parade for France's independence day (Bastille Day). After the parade we headed toward Notre Dame and happened upon the Lock Bridge. We then made a stop at the tunnel in which Lady Di's car wreck occurred. After Notre Dame we went to the Louvre and spent a few hours there. At the end of the night we went back to the Eiffel tower for the Bastille Day fireworks. Parisians really like American 80's and 90's disco music! Then last day in Paris we just kind of chilled. Oh, we also ate macaroons from Pierre Hermes and had more crepes! 

Also, I can't forget why Paris made me nervous! There were small children trying to pickpocket everywhere! I saw someone's junk as they peed in broad daylight. We witnessed someone get beat up after he got caught pickpocketing. There was a bomb scare in the room of the Mona Lisa and they had to clear us all out. And last, a girl on our trip got her iPhone pick pocketed as she looked at a little kids clip board with a "petition to aid the deaf and dumb." But hey, I made it back okay and got some good experiences, sight-seeing, and food!

Back in London, I have a busy week ahead. I had class today. Tomorrow is a field trip to the Globe theatre, St. Paul's cathedral, another church and we are going to see Woman in Black (the play). Wednesday is class and then some sight seeing. Thursday we are going to the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, and somewhere else but it is slipping my mind right now! Then they whole weekend after that is free to do as we please! I am sure that it will be filled with more sites and events that will cause this city and country to further steal my heart. 

I feel as if I will never want to leave. This place is just so beautiful and so me. I cannot wait to see more of the UK, inside and outside of London!

Thanks for reading! 

P.S.- Pictures are posted on my Facebook...there are too many to post on here!

London...32 hours in!

It has been a while since I have posted, and this one is going to be quick because I am jet legged and need sleep before I run in the British 10k tomorrow morning!
Basically, I am all settled in in London. I have seen most of the city now (all but Kensington Palace, some parks, and the Tower of London). Although I have seen it all and taken pictures, I have not been in much, but I have a whole month to explore! Below is a link to all of my photos from the first two days!

Pictures!

Enjoy!