Last week we had 75-80 deg weather! Ridge held his last lecture outside in the sun, which resulted in a burnt part and neck (though nothing like a cali burn, just a little pink). We spent the few days of sun laying outside while reading and eating fruit – it was great. I busted out my sandals and rocked them for a few days as well.
A word about spray-on deodorant – it’s cold and shacking! They don’t have a lot of solid deodorant options so I decided to try a spray because a few of my roommates use it. My first experience was memorable. I had seen Steph (my British roommate) use it before so I just held out the can and sprayed. I was hit with a cold shot of air/spray on my armpit and was surrounded by a cloud of dove “citrus” sent – it was overwhelming and hilarious.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
weather can be deceiving
Saturday...
what a beautiful day! I woke up and went on a run with my roomies. The sun was shinning and we did a jog/sprint down the road and back (about 30 minutes). We took showers and got ready for breakfast and I wore jeans and a tank top - it was that nice outside! It was so amazing. After, I talked to Mandy and a few of us decided to go see the waterfall that is close by (about 45 minutes away - once you know where it is).
So about 6 of us ventured off with directions for a fellow student. We cut across a few fields and continued on for an hour before we found the stream that would lead to the waterfall. The path along the water wasn't very clear and we had to make our own way stepping into long grass and plants and cross the water a few times (once I landed with my shoe in it, soaking my sock full of water (but it's better than the mud that filled Mandy's shoe). we nearly turned back before Mandy and Hannah ran ahead to see if they could find it (we'd been looking for an hour and a half). We ended up being really close so at their whistle, we continued up to find a cute small but beautiful waterfall.
We spent some time enjoying it, climbing the rocks and exploring the area before we felt the sprinkles. Luckily I had changed into crummy jeans and a sweater (but the sweater falls apart in the rain, leaving black fuzz on anything in it's path (especially my hands).
The beautiful sunny day had turned into a down pour that we walked in all the way back (only 45 minutes) as it increased in intensity, we increased our laughter at the situation. Our hair was dripping, clothes socking wet and our spirits high, finding much joy in God's sense humor. I might have complained a few times but in all honestly it made the area beautiful and the memory unforgettable. Coming back my roommates couldn't contain their laughter and thus the joy from God was spread...at my expense - but that's okay!
Best part, I decided to wash my towels that day and I put all of them in the wash before I left and they hadn't made it into the dryer so I had wet towels, wet hair, wet clothes and soggy shoes - I have pictures, don't worry!
The lesson was learned, the weather is so unpredictable and I need to remember to bring a sweatshirt and umbrella (though I discouraged others on bringing one - go me!) anytime I venture out in England.
My love to you all,
Nat
what a beautiful day! I woke up and went on a run with my roomies. The sun was shinning and we did a jog/sprint down the road and back (about 30 minutes). We took showers and got ready for breakfast and I wore jeans and a tank top - it was that nice outside! It was so amazing. After, I talked to Mandy and a few of us decided to go see the waterfall that is close by (about 45 minutes away - once you know where it is).
So about 6 of us ventured off with directions for a fellow student. We cut across a few fields and continued on for an hour before we found the stream that would lead to the waterfall. The path along the water wasn't very clear and we had to make our own way stepping into long grass and plants and cross the water a few times (once I landed with my shoe in it, soaking my sock full of water (but it's better than the mud that filled Mandy's shoe). we nearly turned back before Mandy and Hannah ran ahead to see if they could find it (we'd been looking for an hour and a half). We ended up being really close so at their whistle, we continued up to find a cute small but beautiful waterfall.
We spent some time enjoying it, climbing the rocks and exploring the area before we felt the sprinkles. Luckily I had changed into crummy jeans and a sweater (but the sweater falls apart in the rain, leaving black fuzz on anything in it's path (especially my hands).
The beautiful sunny day had turned into a down pour that we walked in all the way back (only 45 minutes) as it increased in intensity, we increased our laughter at the situation. Our hair was dripping, clothes socking wet and our spirits high, finding much joy in God's sense humor. I might have complained a few times but in all honestly it made the area beautiful and the memory unforgettable. Coming back my roommates couldn't contain their laughter and thus the joy from God was spread...at my expense - but that's okay!
Best part, I decided to wash my towels that day and I put all of them in the wash before I left and they hadn't made it into the dryer so I had wet towels, wet hair, wet clothes and soggy shoes - I have pictures, don't worry!
The lesson was learned, the weather is so unpredictable and I need to remember to bring a sweatshirt and umbrella (though I discouraged others on bringing one - go me!) anytime I venture out in England.
My love to you all,
Nat
Monday, May 3, 2010
the food
The food…
…since the days run together there is no point in noting what day but the meals themselves are worth mentioning.
Meat pie: this should be have a sub-line, “looks can be deceiving” because it looked cute in a little pie crust (they were all individual) but the were stuffed with “some kind of meat” – by the way they use that phrase about once a day here and it’s not reassuring for those of us who aren’t too keen on meat when we know what it is. So, I have committed to trying everything, even just a bite, so I did. Spicy meat in a pie crust cannot be considered dinner. It was so bad I struggled to swallow but the best part is that I was sitting next to Dave, from Scotland, who eats mince pies a lot and loves them – so he ate four and I had one bite of a half and called it a night…so grateful for the yogurts I bought! Along with this mystery pie we had baked beans, salad, ginger cookies (though not good ones), and some tea...healthy dinner:)
Steak pie: for the record, putting random meat in a pie-crust doesn’t taste good so don’t do it or add a few other things so it’s interesting (and so I can pick around the meat). Lunch today was pieces of steak (leftover from a really good meal a few days ago) that they put in a pie-crust (must be an English thing). Along with that we had green beans and something orange and square (so I just ate it and didn’t ask) and some potatoes (good but trying not to eat a ton of these but when your options are meat in a pie-crust, what can I do? Ps the vegetarian option for the day was ground beef in a sauce, in a pie-crust – so beef in whole pieces or ground…take your pick (I chose the box of cookies in Mandy’s room).
Tuna Casserole: It’s basically tuna with pasta in a red sauce…yum. According to “head chief” Joel, I am the pickiest eater but in my defense, tuna surprise is nasty. It’s not like our tuna at home is like stanky-smelly fish that is wet and gross. So I complained to Joel about the Tuna Casserole, only to be corrected that it’s called “tuna bake” – call it whatever you want joel, it’s still tuna grossness with pasta and red sauce. Vegi option was curry pasta (John, not sure how you did curry for three months) and so after I talked my way out of this, he gave me vegi pasta, which was actually good.
Best meal so far: We had rice and beef in a great sauce with salad and some pita bread (but a really good, fancy one). Lemon Meringue for dessert – though it was a bit too lemony for me. A few of us ate outside in the beautiful sunshine (but I forgot I had a kitchen duty so I had to leave everyone in a hurry and I also had to leave a great conversation on diseases, prayer and God’s will in this – it was truly interesting.
Then, dinner was baked potato with chives, cheese and tomatoes along with salad and flap jack for dessert – sweet flat baked goodness of butter, brown sugar, and syrup – so good!
A word about the small of Capernwray: normally it smells like sheep poop because we are surrounded by fields of it (and sheep and cute little lambs) but today they were fertilizing – and let me tell you, cow poop is way worse here than anywhere else I have ever smelt it – wow! It filled the whole area including the buildings because we had some windows open. After a bit you get used it – sounds weird but when it’s the only thing going up your noise, you do. So that was the smell of my afternoon.
…since the days run together there is no point in noting what day but the meals themselves are worth mentioning.
Meat pie: this should be have a sub-line, “looks can be deceiving” because it looked cute in a little pie crust (they were all individual) but the were stuffed with “some kind of meat” – by the way they use that phrase about once a day here and it’s not reassuring for those of us who aren’t too keen on meat when we know what it is. So, I have committed to trying everything, even just a bite, so I did. Spicy meat in a pie crust cannot be considered dinner. It was so bad I struggled to swallow but the best part is that I was sitting next to Dave, from Scotland, who eats mince pies a lot and loves them – so he ate four and I had one bite of a half and called it a night…so grateful for the yogurts I bought! Along with this mystery pie we had baked beans, salad, ginger cookies (though not good ones), and some tea...healthy dinner:)
Steak pie: for the record, putting random meat in a pie-crust doesn’t taste good so don’t do it or add a few other things so it’s interesting (and so I can pick around the meat). Lunch today was pieces of steak (leftover from a really good meal a few days ago) that they put in a pie-crust (must be an English thing). Along with that we had green beans and something orange and square (so I just ate it and didn’t ask) and some potatoes (good but trying not to eat a ton of these but when your options are meat in a pie-crust, what can I do? Ps the vegetarian option for the day was ground beef in a sauce, in a pie-crust – so beef in whole pieces or ground…take your pick (I chose the box of cookies in Mandy’s room).
Tuna Casserole: It’s basically tuna with pasta in a red sauce…yum. According to “head chief” Joel, I am the pickiest eater but in my defense, tuna surprise is nasty. It’s not like our tuna at home is like stanky-smelly fish that is wet and gross. So I complained to Joel about the Tuna Casserole, only to be corrected that it’s called “tuna bake” – call it whatever you want joel, it’s still tuna grossness with pasta and red sauce. Vegi option was curry pasta (John, not sure how you did curry for three months) and so after I talked my way out of this, he gave me vegi pasta, which was actually good.
Best meal so far: We had rice and beef in a great sauce with salad and some pita bread (but a really good, fancy one). Lemon Meringue for dessert – though it was a bit too lemony for me. A few of us ate outside in the beautiful sunshine (but I forgot I had a kitchen duty so I had to leave everyone in a hurry and I also had to leave a great conversation on diseases, prayer and God’s will in this – it was truly interesting.
Then, dinner was baked potato with chives, cheese and tomatoes along with salad and flap jack for dessert – sweet flat baked goodness of butter, brown sugar, and syrup – so good!
A word about the small of Capernwray: normally it smells like sheep poop because we are surrounded by fields of it (and sheep and cute little lambs) but today they were fertilizing – and let me tell you, cow poop is way worse here than anywhere else I have ever smelt it – wow! It filled the whole area including the buildings because we had some windows open. After a bit you get used it – sounds weird but when it’s the only thing going up your noise, you do. So that was the smell of my afternoon.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Bible College
So I have decided not to blog as often as I tried when I was traveling. My goal is once a week but I will see how it goes. I feel God would want me to experience this and give Him my time. I will share some of the amazing things but a lot will be internal processing.
So in a few short days we have dug straight into lectures and studying the bible - what an amazing experience. Each day we have 6 classes: 4 in the morning and 2 after dinner. We get 3 hours of free time in the afternoon after lunch and then an hour and a half after lectures at night. We are limited on internet access which has been very freeing.
So life is good, God is Great and I am loving England.
Prayer requests:
1. God to give me direction for my future
2. To be smart with my time here and to stay focused
3. For those still missing and hopefully coming!
4. For our Kenya team to be able to fly out next Friday as planned
5. For God to do a work in all our lives here (as he has been doing).
My love to all,
Natalie
So in a few short days we have dug straight into lectures and studying the bible - what an amazing experience. Each day we have 6 classes: 4 in the morning and 2 after dinner. We get 3 hours of free time in the afternoon after lunch and then an hour and a half after lectures at night. We are limited on internet access which has been very freeing.
So life is good, God is Great and I am loving England.
Prayer requests:
1. God to give me direction for my future
2. To be smart with my time here and to stay focused
3. For those still missing and hopefully coming!
4. For our Kenya team to be able to fly out next Friday as planned
5. For God to do a work in all our lives here (as he has been doing).
My love to all,
Natalie
Friday, April 16, 2010
Past 2 days in Scotland
We woke up and got showers – always a good start to the day. Shane slept in until the last minute as he still isn’t fully adjusted or caught up on sleep. We ate breakfast and the boys met us at the hostel. We left for the Castle and went in to see all it had to offer. I bought an audio tour so that we could know about the different sights. I loved the old Church and the stories around it. It was built by David I and named after his mother, who later died in the Church of broken heart after learning of her husband being killed in war. Josh climbed into a cannon, I have this documented on video, and didn’t think he was doing anything wrong because the sign said don’t climb “on” the canon, not in it – only Josh. We got pretty tired after walking around the castle for a few hours so we decided to head back to the hostel and have lunch before going further.
After lunch we walked down to the train station to see about tickets to Carnforth for Saturday and for Stirling Castle on Friday. We bought our tickets to Carnforth, saving a bit of money by buying them in advance, and decided against pre-purchasing our Stirling tickets. From there we walked up the hill and stopped in a store so Bruce could get a hat (he bought a beanie) and I got a little animal for Bodi – it’s the lockness Monster in red-plaid.
After this we parted from the boys and planned to re-connect around 7:45 for dinner then to the ghost tour at 9 p.m. I got to skype with mom and Sarah at their lunchtime and was able to catch up on emails too. Mandy and I got to sneak away for our daily girl-time which usually involved tea and we also tried some amazing cookies. We only got about 30 minutes but it was fun. We also were able to Skype with Courtney G. which was so nice! We are so bummed that her flight is likely delayed and she might not get to the school until Monday. It was good to talk to her in general though and both Mandy and I can’t wait for her to join us on our girl-times.
Dinner was really good and the prices were even better! They have a cheaper menu for people staying in our hostel so I got a full plate of food for £3 – baked potato with salsa (not SoCal salsa but that’s ok), beans, and a salad. They also have live music so we are going to go back for dinner and music on Friday. We ate dinner and also got two different orders of fried Haggis with different sauces. It is good but knowing or thinking about what is in it kills it for me. I have tried it though so that is good.
After dinner we walked to starbucks to get warm drinks before beginning our ghost tour. The tour was fun and pretty informative. The boys scared Mandy about 4 times between them but didn’t try anything on me – granted I was in charge of making sandwiches and I am Shane’s bank for larger purchases (I have the Credit Card). We learned a lot of things about the town; some interesting, some a little creepy. At the end of it we received a free beer – Shane and Mandy’s first. Shane drank about half of it and Mandy had about 4 sips of hers. I had wine but none of us were in the mood for any of it so we didn’t finish and just went back to the hostel. I got on the computer and waited to see if my mom would get on – which she did – and we were able to talk for about an hour and a half. During that time my grandma called and I got to briefly talk to her as well as say hi to my grandpa (though he couldn’t hear me through the phone and computer). Mom and I got some much needed mother-daughter talk time which I was so grateful for since it has been a month since we had that – just us. Shane interrupted briefly when he heard me talking about him but that was fun . I waited for dad to get home and was able to quickly say hi to him before going to be (it was 2 a.m. my time). I also got to see my little B, who I hear has been naughty without Shane and I there. He is not happy about us leaving and after hearing my voice through the computer the other day with dad, he went out and dug a hole in the backyard (and yet, I will still give him a toy because he is my baby).
Hayley sent me a video of her and baby Logan, just for me. He is the cutest baby and it has been so special to see these videos. I can’t wait to meet him in 3 months! He is going to be so big but still little enough (the four month mark is my fav so I am really grateful for that). I am going to have to buy him a little kilt because it’s too cute. We can pass it around the three of us girls for our boys, if we have boys, in the future but Logan will be the first little one to show his international side.
April 16, 2010
After a good night’s sleep where I only had to wake Shane up once for his snoring, I got up and ready for the day. Josh called to say that he and Bruce were going to skip Stirling and so the three of us ate breakfast, packed lunch, checked email and headed out. We stopped on our way to get postcards and then went to the train station. As I was walking down the steps I saw a watch shop and stopped to get a new batter, which came with a lifetime warranty (in case it dies while I am in Scotland again). Then off to get our tickets and get on the train.
We made it to the platform but got confused by the trains. I stepped off to check the front of it, leaving Mandy and Shane on, and when I returned they were stuck on the train. The doors weren’t opening and so we had to get someone on board to let them off. That was the wrong train. Ours pulled in moments later and we asked, to make sure we had the right one this time, and then got on and grabbed a table to play cards and face each other. The ride to Stirling was quick and we talked, played speed and looked out at the sights. Once in Stirling we headed to what we thought was the castle, but was actually the Wallace memorial, until turning back to find some tourist signs which lead us to a map and eventually up to the castle. Along the way we found a cute small park area were we ate our lunch. Around the Castle was a large cemetery with great views of the town, hills and Stirling castle. We got some good pictures before continuing up the hill. We took pictures with the statue of Bruce and talked about spiritual warfare and prayer – good topic!
On our way back down the hill we hit the gift store where I found a tea-towel for the Scott clan and a stamp for Miller which is very cool. After paying I found the funniest mug, a kilt and two legs coming out of it. I had to buy it and so I went back to the front for my final purchase. Mandy found a cute little Lockness stuffed animal for her niece – it’s seriously cute – and then we were off to get Shane and head back.
On the train we had a fun run-in with a large bumble bee (two actually). That was a bummer but we all survived to tell about it. Just such a weird thing to have on a train. Mandy and Shane played cards while I caught up on my blog. After we got off the train we did some shopping before getting back to the hostel around 5 p.m. Shane took a nap while Mandy and I went and had our daily girl-time over tea then dressed cute for dinner.
Dinner was at the same place and we all enjoyed it, and the price. After we sat at Starbucks drinking coffee while Josh told us about Capernwray: what to expect, how to prepare, etc. We parted ways around 10 and I packed and then got to skype with Erin for about 30 minutes - so fun! We just laughed like usual and caught up a little on life.
Courtney's flight is delayed because of the volcano in Iceland so that is a real bummer but she's is being so positive about it. We can't wait to see her!!!
Tomorrow we go to school where the internet will be limited so not sure how much blog time I will have but pray for good connection:)
My love to all,
Nat
After lunch we walked down to the train station to see about tickets to Carnforth for Saturday and for Stirling Castle on Friday. We bought our tickets to Carnforth, saving a bit of money by buying them in advance, and decided against pre-purchasing our Stirling tickets. From there we walked up the hill and stopped in a store so Bruce could get a hat (he bought a beanie) and I got a little animal for Bodi – it’s the lockness Monster in red-plaid.
After this we parted from the boys and planned to re-connect around 7:45 for dinner then to the ghost tour at 9 p.m. I got to skype with mom and Sarah at their lunchtime and was able to catch up on emails too. Mandy and I got to sneak away for our daily girl-time which usually involved tea and we also tried some amazing cookies. We only got about 30 minutes but it was fun. We also were able to Skype with Courtney G. which was so nice! We are so bummed that her flight is likely delayed and she might not get to the school until Monday. It was good to talk to her in general though and both Mandy and I can’t wait for her to join us on our girl-times.
Dinner was really good and the prices were even better! They have a cheaper menu for people staying in our hostel so I got a full plate of food for £3 – baked potato with salsa (not SoCal salsa but that’s ok), beans, and a salad. They also have live music so we are going to go back for dinner and music on Friday. We ate dinner and also got two different orders of fried Haggis with different sauces. It is good but knowing or thinking about what is in it kills it for me. I have tried it though so that is good.
After dinner we walked to starbucks to get warm drinks before beginning our ghost tour. The tour was fun and pretty informative. The boys scared Mandy about 4 times between them but didn’t try anything on me – granted I was in charge of making sandwiches and I am Shane’s bank for larger purchases (I have the Credit Card). We learned a lot of things about the town; some interesting, some a little creepy. At the end of it we received a free beer – Shane and Mandy’s first. Shane drank about half of it and Mandy had about 4 sips of hers. I had wine but none of us were in the mood for any of it so we didn’t finish and just went back to the hostel. I got on the computer and waited to see if my mom would get on – which she did – and we were able to talk for about an hour and a half. During that time my grandma called and I got to briefly talk to her as well as say hi to my grandpa (though he couldn’t hear me through the phone and computer). Mom and I got some much needed mother-daughter talk time which I was so grateful for since it has been a month since we had that – just us. Shane interrupted briefly when he heard me talking about him but that was fun . I waited for dad to get home and was able to quickly say hi to him before going to be (it was 2 a.m. my time). I also got to see my little B, who I hear has been naughty without Shane and I there. He is not happy about us leaving and after hearing my voice through the computer the other day with dad, he went out and dug a hole in the backyard (and yet, I will still give him a toy because he is my baby).
Hayley sent me a video of her and baby Logan, just for me. He is the cutest baby and it has been so special to see these videos. I can’t wait to meet him in 3 months! He is going to be so big but still little enough (the four month mark is my fav so I am really grateful for that). I am going to have to buy him a little kilt because it’s too cute. We can pass it around the three of us girls for our boys, if we have boys, in the future but Logan will be the first little one to show his international side.
April 16, 2010
After a good night’s sleep where I only had to wake Shane up once for his snoring, I got up and ready for the day. Josh called to say that he and Bruce were going to skip Stirling and so the three of us ate breakfast, packed lunch, checked email and headed out. We stopped on our way to get postcards and then went to the train station. As I was walking down the steps I saw a watch shop and stopped to get a new batter, which came with a lifetime warranty (in case it dies while I am in Scotland again). Then off to get our tickets and get on the train.
We made it to the platform but got confused by the trains. I stepped off to check the front of it, leaving Mandy and Shane on, and when I returned they were stuck on the train. The doors weren’t opening and so we had to get someone on board to let them off. That was the wrong train. Ours pulled in moments later and we asked, to make sure we had the right one this time, and then got on and grabbed a table to play cards and face each other. The ride to Stirling was quick and we talked, played speed and looked out at the sights. Once in Stirling we headed to what we thought was the castle, but was actually the Wallace memorial, until turning back to find some tourist signs which lead us to a map and eventually up to the castle. Along the way we found a cute small park area were we ate our lunch. Around the Castle was a large cemetery with great views of the town, hills and Stirling castle. We got some good pictures before continuing up the hill. We took pictures with the statue of Bruce and talked about spiritual warfare and prayer – good topic!
On our way back down the hill we hit the gift store where I found a tea-towel for the Scott clan and a stamp for Miller which is very cool. After paying I found the funniest mug, a kilt and two legs coming out of it. I had to buy it and so I went back to the front for my final purchase. Mandy found a cute little Lockness stuffed animal for her niece – it’s seriously cute – and then we were off to get Shane and head back.
On the train we had a fun run-in with a large bumble bee (two actually). That was a bummer but we all survived to tell about it. Just such a weird thing to have on a train. Mandy and Shane played cards while I caught up on my blog. After we got off the train we did some shopping before getting back to the hostel around 5 p.m. Shane took a nap while Mandy and I went and had our daily girl-time over tea then dressed cute for dinner.
Dinner was at the same place and we all enjoyed it, and the price. After we sat at Starbucks drinking coffee while Josh told us about Capernwray: what to expect, how to prepare, etc. We parted ways around 10 and I packed and then got to skype with Erin for about 30 minutes - so fun! We just laughed like usual and caught up a little on life.
Courtney's flight is delayed because of the volcano in Iceland so that is a real bummer but she's is being so positive about it. We can't wait to see her!!!
Tomorrow we go to school where the internet will be limited so not sure how much blog time I will have but pray for good connection:)
My love to all,
Nat
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Shane is here!
Shane is here:)
Tuesday we packed all our luggage and left it at the hostel (so we could be ready to grab it and get Shane on our way to the hotel by the airport). We went straight to The Tower of London which we all really enjoyed. We say a ton of different things like history of the tower, crown jeweles (good stories from here) and the armor museum. It took us about 2+ hours (I think) to see it and after we grabed some sandwiches and coffee from this cute little local coffee shop, Starbucks. It was very good - I recommend it!
Then off to Westminster Abbey where we got free audio tours with admission (do you like how they phrase that) which made the experience even more interesting. We spent about an hour wondering on our own listening to the guide as we went. There were some beautiful parts of this massive church but unfortunetly we weren't allowed to take pictures.
After that we jammed back to the hostel to get our luggage and then on the tube to get Shane. I was so anxious because we didn't leave our station until 3:50, which is when Shane landed, and it takes an hour to get to the terminal. Cell phones don't work on the tube either so I was even more nervous that Shane would be sitting at the airport trying to figure out why I wasn't answering (that is the big sis in me). At last, we made it and I left my luggage with Bruce, Mandy and Josh and ran to the arrival gate where I waited about 10 minutes for him to come through (It was 5 p.m. and I am so grateful that he didn't have to wait). I pulled out my camera to take a picture but was too busy crying to actually take one. I was so happy to see him. We caught up on our way to meet Bruce, Mandy and Josh back at the tube station where we continued to get a taxi to our hotel.
We did a quick check in and then off to the tube station to ride it for an hour into the City - worth it though. I bought a jacket at H&M since mine was too big to come with Shane. Then we ate at O'Neil's where we all got burgers and the four of us nearly finished off a bottle of ketchup - can you say "Americans"?! We stood out for sure. We were so hungry though that we hardly cared.
An hour back on the train where Mandy and I talked the whole way. I feel like God lead that conversation because we got a little closer and realized how the Lord had been working in both our lives leading us here, to Bible School in England - a dream come true. The time flew by for us but the boys were very quiet and Shane feel asleep (not surprising as he didn't sleep on the plane ride over. We finally got to our hotel around 11:30 and off to bed around 12:30 for my room - we were talking, packing and drinking tea (mandy and I have a tradition of tea at night - it's so good!).
The alarms and wake up call came all too soon at 4:30 a.m. and none of us moved fast enough as we all snoozed our alarms for an extra 5 or 10 precious moments. Then up and dressed to meet Josh and Bruce at 5 p.m. It was a quick taxi ride and we were there. Check in was almost smooth except for Josh getting in trouble for trying to check Mandy's bag - he was escorted over to Mandy and they asked who the owner of the bag was. So, lesson, don't check a friends bag - they have to check it (Mandy has two bags to check so to avoid any fees that they might charge Josh just took it to check in). We got some coffee/juice/water and muffins at the airport, boarded and were off to Scotland. I was alseep before we took off and couldn't believe how quick that flight was:).
Scotland is so beautiful. We did a free walking tour today that lasted 3 hours. We learned our way around as well as some fun history and town stories. We nearly froze before we made it back to the hostel for some rest. Shane slept for about 2 hours and Mandy and I caught up on the computer (we didn't have internet for much time in London). Before Shane slept we were able to Skype with dad - so fun! I took a snapshot of him and the video was fuzzy - very funny - and sent it to mom at work. She was so bummed that she had just missed us but hopefully we can connect with her soon!
After resting we went out for dinner. Mandy and I had Salmon (Grandma, can you believe it!) which was really good. Shane and Josh had a burger but neither enjoyed it very much. Bruce tried a local favorite (I forget the name but it starts with an "H"). After dinner we called it a night. I re-packed with Shane so that all my stuff is in the large suitcase and he has the smaller one (with the busted wheel) and the duffle. I gave him some nyquil and he was listening to music last I checked.
I am off to bed now as I need to get some sleep! Don't have to get up until 9 p.m. though so hurray for that!
My love to you all,
Nat Marie
Tuesday we packed all our luggage and left it at the hostel (so we could be ready to grab it and get Shane on our way to the hotel by the airport). We went straight to The Tower of London which we all really enjoyed. We say a ton of different things like history of the tower, crown jeweles (good stories from here) and the armor museum. It took us about 2+ hours (I think) to see it and after we grabed some sandwiches and coffee from this cute little local coffee shop, Starbucks. It was very good - I recommend it!
Then off to Westminster Abbey where we got free audio tours with admission (do you like how they phrase that) which made the experience even more interesting. We spent about an hour wondering on our own listening to the guide as we went. There were some beautiful parts of this massive church but unfortunetly we weren't allowed to take pictures.
After that we jammed back to the hostel to get our luggage and then on the tube to get Shane. I was so anxious because we didn't leave our station until 3:50, which is when Shane landed, and it takes an hour to get to the terminal. Cell phones don't work on the tube either so I was even more nervous that Shane would be sitting at the airport trying to figure out why I wasn't answering (that is the big sis in me). At last, we made it and I left my luggage with Bruce, Mandy and Josh and ran to the arrival gate where I waited about 10 minutes for him to come through (It was 5 p.m. and I am so grateful that he didn't have to wait). I pulled out my camera to take a picture but was too busy crying to actually take one. I was so happy to see him. We caught up on our way to meet Bruce, Mandy and Josh back at the tube station where we continued to get a taxi to our hotel.
We did a quick check in and then off to the tube station to ride it for an hour into the City - worth it though. I bought a jacket at H&M since mine was too big to come with Shane. Then we ate at O'Neil's where we all got burgers and the four of us nearly finished off a bottle of ketchup - can you say "Americans"?! We stood out for sure. We were so hungry though that we hardly cared.
An hour back on the train where Mandy and I talked the whole way. I feel like God lead that conversation because we got a little closer and realized how the Lord had been working in both our lives leading us here, to Bible School in England - a dream come true. The time flew by for us but the boys were very quiet and Shane feel asleep (not surprising as he didn't sleep on the plane ride over. We finally got to our hotel around 11:30 and off to bed around 12:30 for my room - we were talking, packing and drinking tea (mandy and I have a tradition of tea at night - it's so good!).
The alarms and wake up call came all too soon at 4:30 a.m. and none of us moved fast enough as we all snoozed our alarms for an extra 5 or 10 precious moments. Then up and dressed to meet Josh and Bruce at 5 p.m. It was a quick taxi ride and we were there. Check in was almost smooth except for Josh getting in trouble for trying to check Mandy's bag - he was escorted over to Mandy and they asked who the owner of the bag was. So, lesson, don't check a friends bag - they have to check it (Mandy has two bags to check so to avoid any fees that they might charge Josh just took it to check in). We got some coffee/juice/water and muffins at the airport, boarded and were off to Scotland. I was alseep before we took off and couldn't believe how quick that flight was:).
Scotland is so beautiful. We did a free walking tour today that lasted 3 hours. We learned our way around as well as some fun history and town stories. We nearly froze before we made it back to the hostel for some rest. Shane slept for about 2 hours and Mandy and I caught up on the computer (we didn't have internet for much time in London). Before Shane slept we were able to Skype with dad - so fun! I took a snapshot of him and the video was fuzzy - very funny - and sent it to mom at work. She was so bummed that she had just missed us but hopefully we can connect with her soon!
After resting we went out for dinner. Mandy and I had Salmon (Grandma, can you believe it!) which was really good. Shane and Josh had a burger but neither enjoyed it very much. Bruce tried a local favorite (I forget the name but it starts with an "H"). After dinner we called it a night. I re-packed with Shane so that all my stuff is in the large suitcase and he has the smaller one (with the busted wheel) and the duffle. I gave him some nyquil and he was listening to music last I checked.
I am off to bed now as I need to get some sleep! Don't have to get up until 9 p.m. though so hurray for that!
My love to you all,
Nat Marie
Monday, April 12, 2010
London and Oxford...Mandy and I are in love with this place
First of all i am so glad to have a girl traveling with me! We are having so much fun and loving London. They boys are enjoying it too and they go wherever we tell them we are going - and we all are interested in seeing the same things so that is good.
Today we went to Oxford. Mandy and I found the street where the couple from the book "Severe Mercy" lived but we later found out that their studio burnt down in the 70s - we were both so bummed (the boys could care less but enjoyed laughing at our quest to find and see what the couple saw)! We sat in the in pub where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien would have their Tuesday lunches. It is called "The Eagle and The Child" , but the locals call it "The Bird and The Baby". So cool (Ps Mandy please correct any of the mistakes I am making in here - boys, i do not give you the same permission:))!
Then we walked the walk from the characters in the book - past Trinity College (Sarah, were your classes here???), down Queen's Lane to Magdalen College - where Lewis taught at and the church where he was converted. We also did Adison's Walk which was beautiful.
We ate lunch at "CoCo's" - it was actually called "Cafe CoCo's" - and we had some amazing pizza! I think it beats Germany but Josh said his didn't. Mandy and I tried blood pudding and as Mandy was eating it, Josh told her it was dried blood and she nearly lost her stomach. Later we found out it does actually have dried blood in it and we both are sick thinking about it.
We walk more of the City and down to Christ's Church, which was huge! The dining hall at the college nearby is where the inspiration for the harry Potter dinning hall comes from so that was pretty neat.
We then headed back on the train to London. I slept the entire time but we all slept on the train at some point. We made it back and Mandy and I ran upstairs to change before the play - Les Mis - and were back down by 6. We got dinner at Costa Coffee Shop and then headed accross the streat to see the play. It was amazing! We loved every minute of it. It reminded me of when I saw it in LA a few years back - both great expereince and different as well. This was a smaller theater but the actors did great! It reminded me how much I enjoy the theatre and how I want to go more often - Mandy and I made a pact to this when we get back and are financially stable again :).
Now we are sitting the the cafe at the hostel, sipping English tea with milk and both ready for bed.
Tomorrow, we sleep in then see more London sights then get Shane!!!
Love to all,
Nat
Today we went to Oxford. Mandy and I found the street where the couple from the book "Severe Mercy" lived but we later found out that their studio burnt down in the 70s - we were both so bummed (the boys could care less but enjoyed laughing at our quest to find and see what the couple saw)! We sat in the in pub where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien would have their Tuesday lunches. It is called "The Eagle and The Child" , but the locals call it "The Bird and The Baby". So cool (Ps Mandy please correct any of the mistakes I am making in here - boys, i do not give you the same permission:))!
Then we walked the walk from the characters in the book - past Trinity College (Sarah, were your classes here???), down Queen's Lane to Magdalen College - where Lewis taught at and the church where he was converted. We also did Adison's Walk which was beautiful.
We ate lunch at "CoCo's" - it was actually called "Cafe CoCo's" - and we had some amazing pizza! I think it beats Germany but Josh said his didn't. Mandy and I tried blood pudding and as Mandy was eating it, Josh told her it was dried blood and she nearly lost her stomach. Later we found out it does actually have dried blood in it and we both are sick thinking about it.
We walk more of the City and down to Christ's Church, which was huge! The dining hall at the college nearby is where the inspiration for the harry Potter dinning hall comes from so that was pretty neat.
We then headed back on the train to London. I slept the entire time but we all slept on the train at some point. We made it back and Mandy and I ran upstairs to change before the play - Les Mis - and were back down by 6. We got dinner at Costa Coffee Shop and then headed accross the streat to see the play. It was amazing! We loved every minute of it. It reminded me of when I saw it in LA a few years back - both great expereince and different as well. This was a smaller theater but the actors did great! It reminded me how much I enjoy the theatre and how I want to go more often - Mandy and I made a pact to this when we get back and are financially stable again :).
Now we are sitting the the cafe at the hostel, sipping English tea with milk and both ready for bed.
Tomorrow, we sleep in then see more London sights then get Shane!!!
Love to all,
Nat
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