tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307263454162038492024-03-05T12:46:15.036-08:00Spires, Chaps, and Cheers!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682796735108968507noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330726345416203849.post-64933185891429932202013-11-22T10:23:00.000-08:002013-11-22T10:23:50.091-08:00Remembering Lewis<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">“I
believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I
see it, but because by it I see everything else.”- C.S. Lewis</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Today is an extremely sobering day for America and any of
those who were alive at the time of Kennedy’s assassination. Obviously, I
wasn’t even a thought in anyone’s mind at the time, so I can’t fully what it felt like to experience the shock of JFK's murder on that day. However, what I can speak about is another man whose
death often gets looked over on November 22<sup>nd</sup>, a man I consider
equally as impressionable and inspirational as JFK. </div>
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That man is Clive Staples Lewis. </div>
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If you have read any of my blog from this past summer, you would
know that I had the privilege of intensely studying the life and works of CS
Lewis for 6 weeks. I can’t describe the incredible encouragement and growth I
gained from that experience as an individual, a scholar, and most importantly,
a believer in Christ. I learned to not simply take situations or experiences at
face value, but to contemplate every word, every punctuation, every possible
underlying meaning of one of Lewis’s articles. Therefore, I have no other option but to thank this man in the only way I know how for all that I learned from him.</div>
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It always amazes me that a man who can write an article with
such gravity as The Weight of Glory (I HIGHLY encourage you to read it by the
way) can take his wisdom and inspiration and transform it into a children’s
series about a lion, a witch, and a wardrobe. How can a series touch the life of both a
7 year old and a 50 year old man? It all comes down to the fact that it isn't the series touching the people. It's the meaning behind it and the realization that we are all so hungry for our own Aslan, our own Savior. </div>
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I am incredibly thankful for Lewis because of how many lives
he’s touched, and literally saved through his own criticism and writings. It
always astounds me that he tried to disprove the reality of a higher being, because
he couldn’t understand why a God would love something so unworthy as the human
race. He tried to use the concepts of logic, naturalism, and realism, but all
ultimately failed to live up to the reality that there is no other explanation
for this crazy thing we call life but God and his unconditional, never ending love
for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many people had the
same criticisms as Lewis, and because of his writings and the will of God, were
saved from an eternity of hopelessness? </div>
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I can never really express how grateful I am for the wisdom of Lewis, but I had to give it a shot. Because of him I have come that much closer to realizing that while I am so helpless because of my sin, I am redeemed by the hope that lies in the unconditional love of Christ. I know that we Americans celebrate the inspiring figure that
JFK was on this sobering day, and rightfully so. My only hope is that we wouldn't discount the memory and inspiration of the man behind Aslan. </div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">“To please God…to be a
real ingredient in the divine happiness..to be loved by God, not merely pitied,
but delighted in as an artist delights in his work or a father in a son-it
seems impossible, a weight or burden of glory which our thoughts can hardly
sustain. But so it is.”-C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">“Give
me all of you!!! I don’t want so much of your time, so much of your talents and
money, and so much of your work. I want YOU!!! ALL OF YOU!! I have not come to
torment or frustrate the natural man or woman, but to KILL IT! No half measures
will do. I don’t want to only prune a branch here and a branch there; rather I
want the whole tree out! Hand it over to me, the whole outfit, all of your
desires, all of your wants and wishes and dreams. Turn them ALL over to me,
give yourself to me and I will make of you a new self---in my image. Give me
yourself and in exchange I will give you Myself. My will, shall become your
will. My heart, shall become your heart.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">―</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1069006.C_S_Lewis"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">C.S. Lewis</span></a>,
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/801500"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Mere
Christianity</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #131313;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682796735108968507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330726345416203849.post-19625684387891559692013-07-31T20:05:00.001-07:002013-07-31T20:05:22.930-07:00Retrospect Assignment 5: Things I'm Already Missing About Oxford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9-zrBOixQ3aSb5phGdIq9gIwHokxmH1Q_jlR9TpBOuriOCHT7HCUFcYyLk1J2PrysdSWoXy3_wXSNxtuln8tsmrDX32cJscw696yQrL50wCf6B9zSKS1VLHJMQVh0XQUDglUUTABTu0/s1600/1014168_10151719635364564_894220554_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9-zrBOixQ3aSb5phGdIq9gIwHokxmH1Q_jlR9TpBOuriOCHT7HCUFcYyLk1J2PrysdSWoXy3_wXSNxtuln8tsmrDX32cJscw696yQrL50wCf6B9zSKS1VLHJMQVh0XQUDglUUTABTu0/s640/1014168_10151719635364564_894220554_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(photo by Megan Bean)</div>
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#1. Our last two weeks in Oxford were probably my favorite, simply because we had finally been there long enough to get in a routine of daily living, learning how to juggle reading and writing for tutorials along with exploring Oxford and all that incredible city has to offer. One of my favorite memories of my time in Oxford has to be Monday nights at what we consider the best Italian restaurant in Jericho, Mamma Mia.<br />
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<a href="http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/resources/images/1421234.jpg?type=articleLandscape" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/resources/images/1421234.jpg?type=articleLandscape" /></a></div>
No idea who that guy is, but that's our little table with the six place settings by the door!<br />
It was basically a place of complete relaxation to look forward to after long hours of studying and reading in Jericho cafe. I can't quite find the words to explain it other than I never felt more at home than in those moments of laughter sitting around that table, gorging on cheesy garlic bread and Carbonara pasta (I still think it's the best even though everyone else disagrees with me), half bottle free wine night and just enjoying each other's company. I tried to ask the waitress to take a picture of us, she awkwardly turned me down, which resulted in the group selfie of all selfies. Sorry bout it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-jfz-ctHNNZ7uLlZbnu4f5zl72vzUbn0TgKAFr-9eg5pjcwEqs5l7em5w9awLfKxcCoWsRIscNNbTJNuEUXk3wHVk_asRn-TA3_725RHMkshHKmmeWKyL9xBJx1Z44IvuEdl2eeWo9o/s1600/IMG_2665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-jfz-ctHNNZ7uLlZbnu4f5zl72vzUbn0TgKAFr-9eg5pjcwEqs5l7em5w9awLfKxcCoWsRIscNNbTJNuEUXk3wHVk_asRn-TA3_725RHMkshHKmmeWKyL9xBJx1Z44IvuEdl2eeWo9o/s320/IMG_2665.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Told you it was bad.<br />
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#2. Oh Jennykins.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6m5X4IeINEcmKNxzy5_6JMR4O_GVMzybhVKerFdMnATYIdLBTj6td2BMDf2Saca18XEs8CDybE7uNOe51yzo1YgxizrDO8Vf2j0WjrQlyRxIXqonFN3R0bxnfsqqz4vkprQmn-Yw0uQ/s1600/IMG_2332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6m5X4IeINEcmKNxzy5_6JMR4O_GVMzybhVKerFdMnATYIdLBTj6td2BMDf2Saca18XEs8CDybE7uNOe51yzo1YgxizrDO8Vf2j0WjrQlyRxIXqonFN3R0bxnfsqqz4vkprQmn-Yw0uQ/s320/IMG_2332.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Even though we're about to live directly next door to each other in the same house next year, Oxford wouldn't have been the same without this little bundle of sunshine! We've come a long way from me refusing to sleep in the double bed with you at the beginning of the trip. Any of you that know me well know that I have some SERIOUS sleeping quirks. Jenni put up with every single one of them! She's helped me a lot with becoming more of a morning person too, considering whenever I would wake up before her I would try to be quiet so I wouldn't wake her up. Just when I thought I had made it to the bathroom, she would always turn over quickly and yell, GOOD MORNING NETTHHYYY!!!! Whether it was pranking Mary Lowry with moldy bread in the bed, or listening to weird British radio in the morning, I'll always remember our roomie times together, and you having to start my laundry every, single, time.<br />
Our friendship, in a picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCCCR9Ux7Vc-dCJusmfqLvT-MgMWJk-d6s1A3X2hsHmaT9QXvcFOcEFWpNj3JULQV31J6ICfmwkAqWa3y_UMeBKxdQ5MqB_evgwIvoWfSkAOG0lNi9bj0sjFVylqXROGviutzD-LlSjg/s1600/IMG_2695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCCCR9Ux7Vc-dCJusmfqLvT-MgMWJk-d6s1A3X2hsHmaT9QXvcFOcEFWpNj3JULQV31J6ICfmwkAqWa3y_UMeBKxdQ5MqB_evgwIvoWfSkAOG0lNi9bj0sjFVylqXROGviutzD-LlSjg/s320/IMG_2695.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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#3. This, my friends, is Port Meadow.<br />
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<a href="http://chrisdale.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/port-meadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://chrisdale.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/port-meadow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was my first real discovery while out running along the canal one day in Oxford. I went over a bridge and found myself looking out along the yellow-covered oasis of Port Meadow. It goes as far as the eye can see and is home to cows and horses of local farmers, and served as a bit of a place of relaxation for me when I was overwhelmed by tutorials. A typical afternoon consisted of walking along the River Thames, watching houseboats leisurely drift by and rowers from colleges practicing their skill. One day while exploring we even came upon some old remains of Godstow Nunnery, a monastery that was destroyed during the dissolution under the reign of Henry VIII.<br />
I'll never forget the memories I have here from swimming in the freezing water of the Thames, running with the cows, and walking to the Trout for dinner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUM16KSjEciv_GfjYwy2VHTcBHlkCp8Raw6VosLMAPwZob6z4nCcsDu-qU6yrt1AS8Vae-f052Z6eGWXbLgFk_mHpLkMCxSj2BshAOW_jqCfiGp-K4larxuZ_mr6EKzxpqnb6WOstyCY/s1600/IMG_2251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUM16KSjEciv_GfjYwy2VHTcBHlkCp8Raw6VosLMAPwZob6z4nCcsDu-qU6yrt1AS8Vae-f052Z6eGWXbLgFk_mHpLkMCxSj2BshAOW_jqCfiGp-K4larxuZ_mr6EKzxpqnb6WOstyCY/s320/IMG_2251.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Still can't get enough of this picture. </div>
This place served as my little paradise when I wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford life, and I hope that I can come back and visit one day!<br />
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#5. Speaking of the Trout, one of my favorite memories from the trip will forever be our last meal as a group together at the Trout Inn, one of Oxford's most famous pubs. This quaint little place is set on the opposite side of Port Meadow, so we decided to hike out there since we didn't have a car and are cheap college students who don't want to pay for a taxi and would rather walk in the dark. Naturally. Just to give you an idea of the walk....<br />
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<a href="http://thames.me.uk/s01850_files/SecretThames006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://thames.me.uk/s01850_files/SecretThames006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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See those white buildings at the top left hand corner waaayyyyyy far away? That's Oxford, and that's where walked from. This doesn't show the Trout but is fairly close. Here it is from the bridge.</div>
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Anyway, one night after a lovely dinner at the Trout, Jade and Jenni realized that they had to make a bus at 1:00 in the morning and it was currently 10:30 at night with that long walk still ahead of them. So they left with DJ and his friend while Clayton, Steven, Mary Lowry, and I stayed behind for a few more minutes. As soon as we left the restaurant, we walked across a bridge and heard the most horrendous, frightening, piercing scream I've ever heard in my life. The four of us literally jumped on top of each other we were so scared. Then, Mary Lowry discovered the culprit. </div>
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That black thing on top of the chimney was in fact, a peacock. A peacock in Oxford England???? Who would have thought? After about ten minutes of Clayton mimicking the squawk and trying to get it to come down we decided to leave. Little did we know that as all of this was happening, Jade Jenni DJ and his friend (I am SO sorry DJ I can't remember his name! Ah!) were having an experience of their own. Walking past Godstow at 11 at night can be really scary, considering Lady Rosamund's ghost supposedly wanders the ground at night, and we had seen a group of seancers (spelling?) heading into the chapel that same night. They said that when they walked past the chapel a huge burst of incense hit them but no one was around. They ran all the way back to the apartments, and people, that's a long run. We were pretty freaked out walking back too but thankfully we had Clayton and Steven to protect us (HA.) Here is a random video I found from this dinner. I think we were testing out the new Instagram video feature haha. </div>
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#6. New Challenges</div>
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This trip was one of the most mentally and physically draining things I have ever done, but I could not be more grateful for it. Being challenged weekly by Dr. Ward was an incredible learning experience that will forever be unmatched. I can't describe to you how much pressure it is to sit in front of an Oxford genius, read your 8 page research paper TO HIM, present him with your findings on CS Lewis (as if he doesn't already know, it's not like he's the foremost living scholar on CS Lewis or anything), and then have an intellectually stimulating discussion for the next 45 minutes. I'm tired just thinking about it now! After this tutorial I have learned to look at people and situations in a new light, questioning things for what they really are, and trying to figure out answers for myself. So often I would simply just accept a book or politics or religion simply for what it is and what I have been taught, but not really do any research for myself on the matter. I realized how much I am missing out on life and its little nuances that I would have noticed if I had simply taken the time to ponder it just five minutes more. </div>
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(photo by Megan Bean)</div>
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If any of you are fans of CS Lewis and are familiar with the Chronicles of Narnia, then please take the time to read Planet Narnia by Dr. Ward! It's basically a book that he has written about his theory that the seven books of the Narnia series represent the seven heavens in every essence. His theory is iron clad and actually really creepy how accurate his proposals seem to be. I'm so thankful to have experienced the opportunity to get even a little bit of insight into the mind of a true genius. </div>
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#7. I'm so glad that I participated in this travel blog, it's a really freeing way of telling people all of your adventures, but still feeling like you're writing "Dear Diary" every time. I'm so excited for the day that I can give my kids this url address and boy will they be in for a surprise. Just like we've been talking about in the MSU led Objects of Travel class, I've collected so many memories through pictures, this blog, souvenirs, and stories that I will forever hold dear. I came back from this trip truly feeling changed. It may sound cliche, but I really believe those six weeks were a time of unique growth and maturity that many people cannot say they have experienced. I'm thankful for being able to share in this experience with this awesome group of people (picture provided by MSU photographer Megan Bean, she's legit). It's really neat to be able to say that we all experienced this trip together, soaking in a new culture and appreciating this adventure we were granted. From meeting new friends both from MSU and other colleges around the US, to being led to amazing museums and palaces by Dr. Ben Harvey, to conquering the sights and sounds of Oxford, London and Paris, it's hard for me not to think that this was all one incredible dream. </div>
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(photo by Megan Bean)</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682796735108968507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330726345416203849.post-47407092637649910222013-07-03T15:23:00.000-07:002013-07-03T15:26:01.557-07:00Last Weekend in OxfordtownAs I found myself nearing the end of my Oxford trip, I realized there were so many things left that I needed to do! One weekend when Jenni and Jade went to Scotland, Mary Lowry, Steven, Clayton and I stayed behind to do a little bit of exploring parts of Oxford we hadn't "conquered" yet.<br />
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Surprisingly we had only been to visit a few other colleges so we decided we would visit Magdalen College (C.S. Lewis was a tutor there, it was also the place where he converted to Theism). The college was beautiful, but even more fun was the little nature trail we took in Magdalen meadows. It was a peaceful little escape, I felt like I wasn't even really in Oxford anymore. Clearly, we had a lot of fun exploring!<br />
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Next, we went over to an exhibit that the Bodleian was putting on called "Magical Books". We had seen signs all over Oxford advertising for it, but didn't realize how amazing some of the things actually were in there! They had Tolkien's original drawings of Middle Earth, his first drawing of the inscription on the inside of the ring, as well as other drawings from the scenes in his books. There was also a page from Wagner's book that was the very picture that evoked Lewis's awe of "pure northerness" that he references as his inspiration for imagination in Surprised by Joy. It was amazing to observe the very picture that spawned the creativity and imaginative genius of this man I had so intensely been studying for several weeks. Obviously, one of my personal favorite finds was Lewis's original drawing of Narnia. I stood in awe in front of it for about 10 minutes just trying to take it all in. We weren't allowed to take pictures and I could probably go to jail if I put the pictures from the internet up on this blog, so you'll have to be satisified with this link to the website if you want to go check out what exactly I saw!<br />
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http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley/whats-on/online/magical-books<br />
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After Magical Books we decided there was one thing that we HAD to do before we left Oxford: swim in the River Thames. Yes, it was probably 50 degrees out and yes, the water was nasty and murky and we might have had a hard time deciding if it was home to leeches. But hey, we had to do it! As you can see, we had a little trouble actually getting to the rope swing, but once we did it was a blast! Jumping into the water completely knocked the wind out of all of us, and Mary Lowry may have picked up a few diseases after cutting her hand while trying to get back up on the bank (one of the ONLY times I have every seen Mary Lowry ungraceful, ever seen what a beached whale looks like?). She wouldn't mind me telling y'all about it though, she thought the pictures were pretty hilarious herself.<br />
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Success.<br />
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The following Sunday we made our second trip to London and met Jenni and Jade at the Tower of London! This place was so steeped in history, I was completely awestruck by all of the awful executions and stories about the Tower. One of the stories we heard was about James Scott the Duke of Monmouth who led a rebellion against King James II in 1865 and was ultimately caught and executed. It was said that it took eight blows for his head to finally be cut off. Yeesh, talk about a bad day. </div>
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Also, we found the spot where Ann Boleyn was beheaded. </div>
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Here are some awful torture tools, like this one that would stretch a person's body until all of his joints were pulled out of socket. Yah.<br />
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After crossing the Tower Bridge we headed off to our main event of the day, visiting Warner Brother's Harry Potter Studios!</div>
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Can I just point out that at one time we were being those classic Americans running to catch the train to Watford (cleverly stationed between Platforms 9 and 10. Coincidence? I think not!) one of the attendants must have noticed our frantic looks and yelled out "'Arry Pottaaaaa???" and directed us to the correct train. It was classic.</div>
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I can't really put into words how amazing touring the Harry Potter studios was, so I'll leave you with some pictures. All I know if the movie series isn't simply a multi-million dollar franchise to me anymore. I have the utmost respect for every singly person that put so much work into every detail to make the movies what they are today. And all I know is that by the time the tour spit me out into the gift shop I was ready to buy every single wand and candy I could.</div>
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Butterbeer was so. stinking. good. </div>
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Family photo op outside of Privet Drive!!! Love them. </div>
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Model of Hogwarts. Erected in 40 days. </div>
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Gryffindor Common Room.</div>
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Sorry we're not sorry. Had to. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682796735108968507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330726345416203849.post-29329737144621763872013-06-29T10:58:00.003-07:002013-06-29T10:59:01.801-07:00Objects of Travel Assignment 4: The Museum of the History of Science<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Museum of the History of Science is located in west
Oxford, conveniently next to the infamous Bodleian Library. Opening in 1638, the
ultimate theme of the museum is that of science, housing a variety of
significant scientific instruments dating from hundreds of years ago up to the
early 1900s. The museum is often referred to as the “Old Ashmolean” and was the
first museum in the entire world to be opened to the general public. Elias
Ashmole contributed his collection to the museum which was housed there until
the collection expanded into what is now the Ashmolean Museum on Beaumont
Street. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://rottenparchments.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/museumofthehistoryofscience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://rottenparchments.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/museumofthehistoryofscience.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The layout of the museum itself has an interesting history,
considering the basement was first used as a chemical laboratory, and the
middle story of the museum was used for lecture rooms and demonstrations. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1924 the museum became a primarily science based museum
and has been such ever since. Upon climbing up the steps the doors open into a
surprisingly (but pleasant) single room divided into two halves. The outer wall
of the left side of the room is lined with mathematical and astrological
instruments. There are about six centerpieces that serve to present a wide range
of the museum’s objects, something to give the visitor a taste for what they
are in for. Within a showcase, there are three tiers, each with very distinct
objects. Here is an example:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
When glancing at the top shelf, you probably wouldn’t
realize that it is actually a silver microscope that was made for George III in
about 1770. The middle shelf contains some Persian astrolabes, a common
astrological object found throughout the museum. The bottom shelf contains a
drug jar from the seventeenth century, originating in Italy. The layout of the
tiers doesn’t necessarily represent what types of objects are found on each
floor, but instead shows the wide range of countries represented in the museum,
as well as the types of instruments that contribute to the museum as a whole. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The right side of the floor contains a wall of microscopes
and sundials all contributed by Dr. Lewis Evans. This collection was deemed the
“foundation collection” of the museum that made it into the science-based
museum that it is today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Travelling down into the basement seems to suggest the
passage of time as the light gets darker, and the stone walls turn into wood. I
felt like I was really travelling into a medieval lab where weird, sharp
objects made me feel like I was walking into Frankenstein’s lab.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnuuYdsCiM70SUwWWCxvt_g4kF2ft4YNVKz5jVqRIAt3tmJmM1DDZCVDz6Ez8-EJNfOT-mVZxxrjpeWMV4HsgoGu0QWnuIZ5oII5hRy9ktf3bvGSf7tUftvhkXsP0gfQu7j7ZyoZ5ge8/s640/image-176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnuuYdsCiM70SUwWWCxvt_g4kF2ft4YNVKz5jVqRIAt3tmJmM1DDZCVDz6Ez8-EJNfOT-mVZxxrjpeWMV4HsgoGu0QWnuIZ5oII5hRy9ktf3bvGSf7tUftvhkXsP0gfQu7j7ZyoZ5ge8/s400/image-176.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This turned
out to be my favorite floor by far, considering there were objects ranging from
horrifying medical instruments all the way to the evolution of cameras. There
was an entire cabinet that paid homage to Louis Pasteur’s discovery of
penicillin, a drug that saved so many lives during the World War and continues
to show its significance today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTwPu9HZU_kzrVMRM7fgKBn7KniP71UIBcisjFJ_x71-iqgw33rGbZFVz0rvTyGvQOaYkSGlj4sy5Fu-1rlPwinWSKDKV8hi-MfWdd7msuO0_h-NsA-eG9ooel_7KNZvA6Bap0YbczjM/s640/image-184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTwPu9HZU_kzrVMRM7fgKBn7KniP71UIBcisjFJ_x71-iqgw33rGbZFVz0rvTyGvQOaYkSGlj4sy5Fu-1rlPwinWSKDKV8hi-MfWdd7msuO0_h-NsA-eG9ooel_7KNZvA6Bap0YbczjM/s400/image-184.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvjJ-6OoJx3X4O15zGMPtlVfv_KgAt8zsSMAQqpJJWzTheIBTf6_di5s6NFVKyc983mDDWtXmVP3xP9UrxW-BpmBb1alvUqIOF7QzEeGkZUZiJ_VSeuWin-pESzuDCsaUnnR7viVVcSQ/s640/photo-49.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvjJ-6OoJx3X4O15zGMPtlVfv_KgAt8zsSMAQqpJJWzTheIBTf6_di5s6NFVKyc983mDDWtXmVP3xP9UrxW-BpmBb1alvUqIOF7QzEeGkZUZiJ_VSeuWin-pESzuDCsaUnnR7viVVcSQ/s400/photo-49.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another amazing piece is a blackboard with
Einstein’s equations of the expansion of the universe, written during a lecture
he gave in Oxford. Winding around the basement, a very different tone presents
itself as the visitor walks through a room of ancient clocks and models of the
planets until coming upon a passageway that traces the evolution of insects and
bugs. The theme of the passage of time at this point is almost awkwardly
obvious, but necessary to the basis of the museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The third floor is arranged very different from the bottom
two floors, not only spatially but also within the types of objects presented. The
cases are not nearly as cramped as the basement and middle floors. The level of
scientific achievement is much more elevated, consisting of astrolabes and
sundials, suggesting a calculating atmosphere and a higher level of scientific
genius. The walls are lined with glass cabinets, chronologically oriented and
categorized by country. The countries presented are from the Islamic world,
Renaissance Europe, Nuremberg, London, and Paris. </div>
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Overall, the theme of the museum is clearly and effectively
presented with a wide range of objects that were all significant contributions
to the world of science. From the basement to the top floor the visitor
experiences the passage of time from hard labor in a laboratory to sophisticated
scientific instruments on the top floor. Being a biology major, I thoroughly
enjoyed seeing firsthand several objects that were essential to the development
of modern science and research. </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682796735108968507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330726345416203849.post-86685290789128002172013-06-29T09:37:00.004-07:002013-06-29T09:38:10.446-07:00Objects of Travel Assignment 3: Collecting Doors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Throughout our class in Objects of Travel we’ve been
discussing many different themes of collecting. Some people collect books, some
collect figurines, and some collect packs of cards (like me!) It’s been
difficult to fully express the scope of what all I have learned on this trip, but the
blog has been a great way to keep a collection of those memories that will
sadly soon begin to fade.</div>
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Following along with the theme of collecting, we were
challenged to collect pictures of objects that are characteristic of Oxford and
hold special value in the objects themselves. After doing some thinking and
exploring, I kept finding myself standing in awe of doors. It might seem
ridiculous, but every single door that I have crossed paths with has a different
personality, flavor, and story behind it. I’ve even said a few times that I
would love to come back to Oxford in about 10 years, pick out my favorite door
in the whole town, ship it back to the U.S. and then build a house around that
door. Might be wishful thinking, but hey, a girl can dream right?</div>
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Each of these doors either holds a special memory of my time
in Oxford, or has a certain air of mystery that grabbed my attention.</div>
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First up is a church door found during our time at Stratford
upon Avon. The first thing that caught my attention was the shade of blue,
something of a mix between cobalt and navy, as well as the curvature of the
iron on the long wooden beams. It almost gives it a fairy tale like quality,
something you wouldn’t think would normally be associated with the entrance of
a church.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0DaJ8eVh6py5IEYd83L77-g47N4DeXCmys6m7gLGQXgY0dFCFiWQV0auuBJq4ApBzf7nVABMrPxJwvWWefZuxBytf6187-vGUXGS4mc8LE4UU_1iBKUTyUaxjDT8rMGsQQ-QeCamC-U/s640/image-133.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0DaJ8eVh6py5IEYd83L77-g47N4DeXCmys6m7gLGQXgY0dFCFiWQV0auuBJq4ApBzf7nVABMrPxJwvWWefZuxBytf6187-vGUXGS4mc8LE4UU_1iBKUTyUaxjDT8rMGsQQ-QeCamC-U/s400/image-133.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The teal rustic door with the chips of paint and hole in the
bottom suggests a sense of wear and tear. From what I could figure out, this
was a simple door for a simple house. Yet it was this simple characteristic
that seemed to draw me in and demand a sense of respect. For me, this door represents the locals of Oxford, shaped by their history but also a distinct
element of that history. <br />
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When this picture was taken, the grounds of Christ Church
were buzzing with the excitement of the Summer Eights, a rowing competition
held every year between the 38 colleges. It looked like Christ Church might be
taking home the trophy, and the students were clearly excited about the
possibility of returning glory to their college. This door is the entrance to
one of the men’s dorms in Christ Church, as can be noted by the seal of the
college on the right hand side. Along the left hand side you can barely make
out how many bumps were made by the team. The person with the most bumps wins
the competition. Not only is this door the entrance to students’ living
quarters during the term, but also a way of showing their pride for their
school and accomplishments.<br />
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This door caught my attention because of its distinct
medieval flair. I came across this door when I walked into an old partly ruined
Norman medieval castle (Oxford Castle) in the western part of the city. In the
14<sup>th</sup> century it was turned into a prison and now, oddly enough, is
used as a hotel. The studded door, great iron hinges, and bars across the
bottom capture the history of the castle quite well. Something that also
intrigued me about this particular door was that it was one of the few white
doors I came across in Oxford. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0P961mWb1DJSl3YQIPW8NwGfRYcwWMJM2c3OE792faPQXbRNfMIuOtBaqYYcAP6dTXQG9_bV7Dn1z8PABVfUn-WZb4fuXWRNPd-vFzVmclM2cOu1FpY7cgAUe7Z0yNAhUwFMDlToW75g/s1600/IMG_2172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0P961mWb1DJSl3YQIPW8NwGfRYcwWMJM2c3OE792faPQXbRNfMIuOtBaqYYcAP6dTXQG9_bV7Dn1z8PABVfUn-WZb4fuXWRNPd-vFzVmclM2cOu1FpY7cgAUe7Z0yNAhUwFMDlToW75g/s400/IMG_2172.jpg" width="167" /></a></div>
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These two doors serve as a memory our tour of the Churchill
War Museum in London. Clearly, the first was the entrance to a map room and the
second, a door covered in keys that unlocked all of the other doors in the war rooms. I
chuckled a little when I thought about the fact that this door’s sole purpose
was to gain entrance to all of the other doors. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ica_0HDajTeLwKMCpLJ2nGlA-6D8sT8haBsAmDYAwiI4LelzF4ay0IxLOcAaktR-hBWP2zWRxZW0D_lnkGAenhgndQ62kBlP-Sg9irQ9RmGhv8pYbDeweEU4aeWJxr21PraQD8u1LII/s1600/IMG_5249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ica_0HDajTeLwKMCpLJ2nGlA-6D8sT8haBsAmDYAwiI4LelzF4ay0IxLOcAaktR-hBWP2zWRxZW0D_lnkGAenhgndQ62kBlP-Sg9irQ9RmGhv8pYbDeweEU4aeWJxr21PraQD8u1LII/s400/IMG_5249.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This door might seem a little familiar after taking a closer
look, because it is the entrance to Hogwarts! We traveled to Warner Brothers
Studio in London to take a tour of the set of the Harry Potter movie series. We
had just watched a short film, narrated by Daniel Radcliffe himself, and in the
film he beckons everyone to follow him into Hogwarts. The screen lifted up and
there stood this door. It was made of real wood and opened up into the set of the
Great Hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxSgkSMihfkMkMdHH801e8BwzzHJgwsCMJBk8_DgFTDFqpq8tpB_YLOCXfTmIv7xaW2W-DyH8ZpR04BO_Y5KQ_Fv84OMW2-gHLZwTuqcxg-IMwYdV1GC9q1UKpyY30kZLn5dGm0hj4BQ/s1600/IMG_5480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxSgkSMihfkMkMdHH801e8BwzzHJgwsCMJBk8_DgFTDFqpq8tpB_YLOCXfTmIv7xaW2W-DyH8ZpR04BO_Y5KQ_Fv84OMW2-gHLZwTuqcxg-IMwYdV1GC9q1UKpyY30kZLn5dGm0hj4BQ/s400/IMG_5480.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last Wednesday we took a tour of Blenheim Palace, and this
magnificent door was our first greeting to the palace. The intricate detail and
golden designs are indicative of what was to come on the tour, and it ended up
being our favorite palace of all. <br />
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After exploring along Port Meadow and the River Thames we
came upon the remains of Godstow Nunnery. The first picture serves as an entry
way into the chapel of the nunnery, one of the last remaining visible buildings
on the site. The second door (archway) was found along the wall of the ruins.
The story behind this place is that when Henry II’s mistress died he
originially buried her at the high altar at Godstow. The bishop of Lincoln did
not like this and dug her up and buried her at the cemetery, which was destroyed
due to the dissolution of the monasteries during Henry VIII’s reign. She is now
said to roam the grounds searching for peace. <br />
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Not only do these doors serve as entryways to destinations,
but they ultimately serve as a collection of some of my best memories from my
time here in Oxford. Here are a few more that caught my eye that you all might
enjoy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnp6AdAkSvTHhyb74gnWDPAB9B-PFykhKPof9aHplGLkBX7sHybD_kbwonhsQ6RtQPFmq8oWfAad53B9Kx4DHsd_rOdmuJL5uOg4ztLQc_jrAvllh8LFE1DqdlE3xBopIqMmSmxqj-h8Y/s1600/IMG_2168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnp6AdAkSvTHhyb74gnWDPAB9B-PFykhKPof9aHplGLkBX7sHybD_kbwonhsQ6RtQPFmq8oWfAad53B9Kx4DHsd_rOdmuJL5uOg4ztLQc_jrAvllh8LFE1DqdlE3xBopIqMmSmxqj-h8Y/s400/IMG_2168.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xOji84BaSdIY8I8VUWBdNa7MVUTSk7yeHptzHmTM4Y9FQpXa9-r3DCgaCF58pBxEItfyeZ68Y5F_GtbAyVgYDXxvzjugPx2yK9A6JV8vSupUnbjCqbH-WoLgaBSgmMrvb3alfyX-cc0/s1600/IMG_2505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xOji84BaSdIY8I8VUWBdNa7MVUTSk7yeHptzHmTM4Y9FQpXa9-r3DCgaCF58pBxEItfyeZ68Y5F_GtbAyVgYDXxvzjugPx2yK9A6JV8vSupUnbjCqbH-WoLgaBSgmMrvb3alfyX-cc0/s400/IMG_2505.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This door was teeny tiny. I deemed it he "Hobbit" door. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682796735108968507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330726345416203849.post-27639725190998055112013-06-27T16:29:00.001-07:002013-06-27T16:29:57.437-07:00Parisian AdventuresThe only way I can begin to describe this trip would be two words: amazing, and exhausting, but worth every single step taken, metro conquered, and French menu deciphered. The idea of a trip to Paris came along when our teacher gave us a free weekend from classes on Friday and Monday. Naturally, we decided to take advantage of the opportunity and decided on Paris. I mean, how can you be this close to Paris and not go?? I'll admit, I had my doubts because the only descriptions of Paris I had heard were that it was "dirty, stinky, and the people are very rude, especially to Americans." All I have to say about those stigmas are that they are just that. We never came across one rude French person, and I found them very helpful, especially when it came to deciphering the French menus and getting directions to places.<br />
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So to begin our adventure, we woke up at 3:45 a.m. Friday morning (I know right??), hopped on a bus to Heathrow at 5:00, arrived at Heathrow at about 6:15 and our flight left at 7:25. We were in Paris by 9:30 (one hour time difference)! Next up was navigating Charles de Gaulle, a MASSIVE airport. We had to walk the entire length of it to get to the RER which is the train that takes people from the airport to the center of paris and then on to the airport on the other side of Paris, Orly. After wandering aimlessly in the train terminal, finally figuring out what metro pass to buy, surrounded by French military men carrying machine guns, we hopped on to the right train. The train proceeded to fly by the first stop that we "thought" it took. And then the next. And then the next. We began to get a little concerned as what we thought was our destination stop was approaching. I was wracking my brain trying to figure out the puzzle of the station when I finally realized that the train we were on only stops at places that had the RER designation. After this, we were able to change trains and proceed to our neighborhood, Alesia. It was the most glorious breath of fresh air when we finally stepped out from the underground into the shining sun. We were basically walking zombies at this point, and it was only about 12 noon. Here's the map we were trying to decipher:<br />
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<a href="http://mappery.com/maps/Paris-Metro-Map-4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://mappery.com/maps/Paris-Metro-Map-4.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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Not gonna lie, Steven and I were pretty proud when we finally conquered the metro system.<br />
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About an hour later we finally found the entrance to our home for the weekend! By the way, I highly suggest using the Airbnb app if you're planning on travelling for cheap in the UK or Europe. We had an awesome experience! Our neighborhood was very homey and not too terribly far from the center of Paris.<br />
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Of course we didn't stop a beat, what with only having 2 and a half days to conquer Paris. We were so excited to start our adventure!</div>
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First we decided to make the trek out to the Montmarte district on the other side of Paris. My sister had told me visiting this area was an absolute MUST and I'm so glad we decided to go! From what I gathered, Montmartres is kind of equivalent to Fondren in Jackson. It's at the peak of Paris on a GIANT hill we had to climb up. At the top is the astounding structure, is Le Sacre Coeur. See that hill with the Arabian looking castle on top? Yep, that's where we were.<br />
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Shot of Le Sacre Coeur.</div>
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Crepe shops are everywhere, as well as this amazing gelato shop. </div>
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Painters, sculpters, and all sorts of artists were set up in a little craft center right in the middle. If I had all the money in the world I would have bought every single one of those paintings, each was so unique and exquisite!</div>
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I loved this little woman who was an awesome street performer. She whistled fun classic Parisian tunes while playing an accordion. It may have been a cheesy tourist attraction, but it definitely completed the atmosphere of a true afternoon in Paris. </div>
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One of my favorite parts of the day was going out to the overlook in front of Le Sacre Coeur. The view of Paris is breathtaking. It feels like you can see all the way from one side of Paris to the next. We stood there for probably about 45 minutes, just taking it all in. We also did alot people watching from afar, and let me just say there is one stigma about Paris is true. They are definitely the city of looooovveeee. I can't tell you how much PDA we witnessed. </div>
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After we wandered down from the top of the hill we decided to set out on the next adventure to find the Eiffel Tower. It was so funny because we were able to find it because it's visible throughout much of Paris. As we got closer and it got bigger we had a hard time keeping track of it though, as ironic as it seems. Then, we were walking down a street, turned a corner, and there it stood in all of its glory. </div>
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One of Jade's bucket list bullets was to climb the stairs of the Eiffel Tower, so after having woken up at 2:30, travelling to Paris, walking to Montmartres, and then walking to the tower, we naturally decided to use what was left of our energy to climb the stairs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2xhyphenhyphenz9aJrm3kxbU_gKcrjNl6q8oeB9efGmVUVMOlmPwcLMmJbqD5ALJnCWZYiKxA5picKTS1adhPDD3sCMZRHB64Fh7sOfCExQFroMUFFvgascpQxYSUrPFWs7_-5T2S14GgMnkXRhg/s1600/IMG_2332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2xhyphenhyphenz9aJrm3kxbU_gKcrjNl6q8oeB9efGmVUVMOlmPwcLMmJbqD5ALJnCWZYiKxA5picKTS1adhPDD3sCMZRHB64Fh7sOfCExQFroMUFFvgascpQxYSUrPFWs7_-5T2S14GgMnkXRhg/s400/IMG_2332.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Waiting in line. Such class. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDSGAotqQ1RVoFm1tMRya9gS-w9blSRenfuQkloyTpM4m8l5blU7dJYGbYf6zLZKQJIMWDvPWOUbnTfuf25dJ5lYWTbKRiELWNIwD82TE35AFyFDcunOg5nyxN5PQ2r4H2M7LBReaOls/s1600/IMG_2359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDSGAotqQ1RVoFm1tMRya9gS-w9blSRenfuQkloyTpM4m8l5blU7dJYGbYf6zLZKQJIMWDvPWOUbnTfuf25dJ5lYWTbKRiELWNIwD82TE35AFyFDcunOg5nyxN5PQ2r4H2M7LBReaOls/s320/IMG_2359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Step 1.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbcrPT8sx0Xpg-SA_yJ_CUtvgqFBwIPVtX1HHfMbL3hAabsyj0YJ5UtIrT1xYSyDx0pbbsBbRMkotMdiSpnX_j9DeA_S4J6yFqz5OJMnoPph0DzNrI5MvXIuNU9x941zl3tgDwMN6nxw/s1600/IMG_2333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbcrPT8sx0Xpg-SA_yJ_CUtvgqFBwIPVtX1HHfMbL3hAabsyj0YJ5UtIrT1xYSyDx0pbbsBbRMkotMdiSpnX_j9DeA_S4J6yFqz5OJMnoPph0DzNrI5MvXIuNU9x941zl3tgDwMN6nxw/s640/IMG_2333.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Still excited about it. Steps 5-12.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2brEOljUegaLEo8sjdgx7A07DjGL0raX1gBvy7Ffv0P0dyZGLY-f1YUCH-jhXWYJkU2XKNJ3vZE8GrPmrrLh9AFUxslluKej_hsdcFOILF90wzT2LM5JpDb1KyaNeEKRBRnlKGn5jVg4/s1280/IMG_2339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2brEOljUegaLEo8sjdgx7A07DjGL0raX1gBvy7Ffv0P0dyZGLY-f1YUCH-jhXWYJkU2XKNJ3vZE8GrPmrrLh9AFUxslluKej_hsdcFOILF90wzT2LM5JpDb1KyaNeEKRBRnlKGn5jVg4/s320/IMG_2339.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Not so excited about it anymore. Step 1840484946352530047443857958. </div>
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Straight thuggin. Started from the bottom now my whole team here. </div>
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Unfortunately the very tip top was closed off, but we were able to go all the way up to the top two tiers. There is no way I can possibly put into words or pictures the view, but here are some that will hopefully do it justice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1jviYqDT06bXzbhaSZLQi1YxyDD6DWfLsHf0R3mIFwNXuLv4qfLBwKl08mCi4mmuoJVMQ1sGSvnqhePks0AcH-VZyuAwI_k4Q_wFBHkHNkHPfqG-ygNYsHn-CQWKUhghiQ5lM7uYnk0/s1600/IMG_5357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1jviYqDT06bXzbhaSZLQi1YxyDD6DWfLsHf0R3mIFwNXuLv4qfLBwKl08mCi4mmuoJVMQ1sGSvnqhePks0AcH-VZyuAwI_k4Q_wFBHkHNkHPfqG-ygNYsHn-CQWKUhghiQ5lM7uYnk0/s320/IMG_5357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4Lr6yXWL-B4ku8aBldf48kjmEwfQXSFtc3fDJlMdMppKC6WE4ZwC1oeeEzn5a65cxN44G982nUiM7OwWUBjejnNxa8ellyvf76NITaOmyagcE5RNY571mHnCpEOsQUGNtKwGSTYoR3o/s1600/IMG_5363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4Lr6yXWL-B4ku8aBldf48kjmEwfQXSFtc3fDJlMdMppKC6WE4ZwC1oeeEzn5a65cxN44G982nUiM7OwWUBjejnNxa8ellyvf76NITaOmyagcE5RNY571mHnCpEOsQUGNtKwGSTYoR3o/s320/IMG_5363.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We spent an hour or so up there before we headed back down the steps. By then it was probably about 9:30 at night, but still light outside! We found a small baguette shop and bought some wine, then headed out to the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower to watch the sunset. At about 10:00 it started changing colors and at 11:00 it twinkled brighter and more beautiful than any view of Cinderella's castle I've ever seen (and trust me, I've seen a lot). That night was definitely one of my favorite memories from Paris, if not my absolute favorite. We literally had no cares in the world in that moment except for eating and enjoying the view and each other's company. We even met a nice couple from Tennessee and enjoyed talking to them and exchanging stories of all of our experiences. Just in case you were questioning if we were really having fun or not, here's a few pictures to prove it to you. Of course Clayton had us all rolling laughing. Just thinking back on it brings a huge smile to my face. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWkock7ZqC0jWA-6d46UcWMHAu4D0hWDYoSfNAAyc6NWKQvyn_0fqS4iQzZxando7x2DhSkgAh52-SUPMnDTasYnXPXNPjCiHG89J6kwXPsnzVeh929SqiwnpCJ51Z0uBJO8nPqEhPbc/s1600/IMG_5376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWkock7ZqC0jWA-6d46UcWMHAu4D0hWDYoSfNAAyc6NWKQvyn_0fqS4iQzZxando7x2DhSkgAh52-SUPMnDTasYnXPXNPjCiHG89J6kwXPsnzVeh929SqiwnpCJ51Z0uBJO8nPqEhPbc/s400/IMG_5376.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYz9Zis2eAzYd7qBhA4wB6m6xbs27MdqdqE8nqvuhoaq-AwroY7azttQu9dkiNBjScmuTXPwGfna0MUeSj6EN_mzIl8u1iJhGKUXnh79tKcNpIYRZcSPtWKPzLOJrYinBeqPadXK3k3w/s1600/IMG_5378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYz9Zis2eAzYd7qBhA4wB6m6xbs27MdqdqE8nqvuhoaq-AwroY7azttQu9dkiNBjScmuTXPwGfna0MUeSj6EN_mzIl8u1iJhGKUXnh79tKcNpIYRZcSPtWKPzLOJrYinBeqPadXK3k3w/s400/IMG_5378.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukXAwyqRRlkJcbHq1sq_etoqSr1h-gDfxftR51yRQxF-DE-GwgfUFczdbx2NmlbvAGjtflGPAxVnMQXY-FdOHuiUcwuzqQJ2AVCPAFTv3JSeQbiH6SKVbwrwt3XJRsHwoOcNG59QnBT4/s1600/IMG_5388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukXAwyqRRlkJcbHq1sq_etoqSr1h-gDfxftR51yRQxF-DE-GwgfUFczdbx2NmlbvAGjtflGPAxVnMQXY-FdOHuiUcwuzqQJ2AVCPAFTv3JSeQbiH6SKVbwrwt3XJRsHwoOcNG59QnBT4/s400/IMG_5388.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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A little vid of the twinkling! </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx-Yp2cXpef2fTGvSTFDLWe5N8Boy-gjZk0FppIPDhur5-BlyP7W61XPeAC_PheJ14ZbSSrmZZmfhNc42yVxw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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In case you wondered if I was being serious about Clayton having us ROLLING laughing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIV-1uAmI_Vz7GqfDa-Iu0vpvjRg-6VQSN-Hn2dexYi58nx5xcYUiI35Y20wULQ71b2gSXFL-sCdqWGU1Mki_V6pc61GUtULnKGHyeTSJYaCvovTotRdvq1bhH2tZqbyjmTBhxQnIOfk/s1600/photo-47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIV-1uAmI_Vz7GqfDa-Iu0vpvjRg-6VQSN-Hn2dexYi58nx5xcYUiI35Y20wULQ71b2gSXFL-sCdqWGU1Mki_V6pc61GUtULnKGHyeTSJYaCvovTotRdvq1bhH2tZqbyjmTBhxQnIOfk/s640/photo-47.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This pic about sums up how much fun this trip was. </div>
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It's safe to say we were beyond exhausted from such an eventful day, but I wouldn't have changed one thing. After all, who has time for sleep when you're going to Versailles the next day!</div>
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We woke up fairly early to travel on the train to Versailles, about a 30 minute ride. Safe to say Jenni was more than excited considering she had been trying to convince us to go to Versailles since the previous week. The palace was absolutely astounding, I can't really even put it into words. After waiting in line for about an hour to get in, we took an audio guided tour (we were pros with those things at this point) around all of the various rooms of the home of Louis the XVI.</div>
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Here are some pics of the most beautiful rooms in my opinion.</div>
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The chandeliers were breathtaking.</div>
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This is the hall of mirrors! It's a hall, filled with mirrors......it's really cool and surprisingly was only used as a passageway from one room to another back in the day, not really much other significance to it. </div>
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King Louis' bed.</div>
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Marie Antoinette's room</div>
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The inside of the palace was all fine and dandy, but let's be real, we were really there to see the gardens! I was expecting lots of bright colors and beautiful flowers but came to find that it was more of a greenery type landscape, with lots of grooming involved. And then there were all of these random statues or tree things scattered around the gardens. Here's one example. It was basically a tree being held up by the bark of two other trees. </div>
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Weaving through the maze of gardens always turned up fun little passageways and fountains left and right!</div>
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Right after this picture was taken, I had a garden soldier blow a shrill whistle at me for touching the plants. They're quite particular about their greenery...</div>
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This was one of the coolest fountains we saw. I'm sure it would have been even cooler if the fountains were on, but sadly they didn't come on until 3:00. We had been there for about 4 hours at this point and our legs were beginning to grow a little shaky (especially after that flight up the Eiffel Tower the night before). Anyway, this fountain depicts the fall of the Titans as they were trying to overthrow Mount Olympus. Jupiter started raining down rocks on the giants, and this is one of the giants plummeting to his grave. </div>
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After wandering around the gardens for about 30 more minutes (more greenery, more statues, more awesomeness) we headed back to Paris. </div>
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That night we were able to travel around the 4th Arrondissement along the River Seine. We saw Notre Dame from the outside. It was really beautiful and I'm glad we saw it! But nothing compares to Westminster Abbey.</div>
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I'm so thankful that we have Steven on this trip. I don't think we would have made it without him in Paris! He and I both worked and conquered the Subway station. Thus, we were given the titles "Mom and Dad" with Jade as the older rebellious sister (that goes on dates with British men that we all stalk), Jenni and Clayton as the youngest twins (never paying attention and always talking in their own little language to each other), and last but not least, Mary Lowry as Grannugget. She's our sweet little grandmother that lags behind and reads alot, but we love her anyway :).<br />
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This was the Pompidou (spelling?) building, which is apparently mocking the industrial age. I don't really get it, ask Jenni about it, she'll be MORE than happy to explain it to you.<br />
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That night we had one of the most amazing meals of my life at Le Trumilou. We sat outside like all the cool Parisians do and we ate like kings. The sweet owners were nice enough to come translate the entire menu to us, as well as answer any of our other typical "American" questions we had. My dinner was duck marinated in an incredible prune sauce. And this was like an entire duck on my plate. Not to mention the turkey platter of french fries to go along with it. I ended with a classic flan dish that Clayton so kindly reminded me looked like a boiled egg with every bite. </div>
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The last stop on the adventure that night was visiting the Arch de Triumph at sundown while watching the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Here's a family pic! So thankful for each one of these guys. </div>
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Had to throw in a pic of the Louis Vuitton store. </div>
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After we stuffed our mouths with even more food from a classic creperie it was time to head back to the flat. When we got onto the subway, I proceeded to stuff my mouth with something else: my foot. So here's what happened: People often will get on to the subway, perform a little singing or musical act, then ask for spare change as a reward. I will very gladly give change to something I think worth giving. Earlier that day, I had given 50 pence to some men playing the accordion. Well, as soon as we got on the train we heard the sounds of mexican music come over the speakers. We look to the front of the subway and there is a creepy little puppet show going on. This man was basically swinging his puppet back and forth to the tunes of the song. After he finished he asked for change, no one gave him any, and he was really mad about it. As soon as he got off I said something along the lines of "I'm sorry but I'm just not giving change for that, that takes absolutely NO talent." I looked up to see Mary Lowry and Jade with their eyes bugged out giving me a look of "shut up! shut up! shut up!" Little did I know, the man had gotten off the train, seen that the doors were closing, and got back onto the train behind me right before the doors slammed shut, right as I was making my little comment. Apparently I had the eyes of Satan boring into the back of my head as I said these things, and I have never had a more awkward, long train ride as the one between those two stations. FOOT IN MOUTH. </div>
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The next morning we somehow drug ourselves out of bed, cleaned up the apartment, and packed our little backpacks. We were off to the Louvre as our last stop on the Paris tour. Jade had been talking about the famous Lock bridge for most of the trip and to our surprise we stumbled onto it on the way to the Louvre! It was such a fun little memory to have of that day, and the bridge really is breathtakingly beautiful with all of the glimmer from the locks. </div>
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How to throw a key into the River Seine:</div>
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Write on lock, lock it to the bridge (duh) and give it a kiss.</div>
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Rear back and...</div>
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Give her a throw!</div>
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Basically, the idea of going to see the Louvre was really cool but what with all of the travelling and walking we had been doing the past two days, it's safe to say we were pooped. I feel like we spent most of the time actually trying to navigate the Louvre rather than looking at all of the amazing artifacts. </div>
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Speaking of which, there's Mona. </div>
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And Aphrodite. Just when I thought I had a clear shot of Aphrodite, I looked down to find the ultimate photobomb. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbSVNY4FShtpKtPf2vzDkXL6Ph7dIW9lGJs993ylRkvdhVNAosXqoW6c7trcmGWcoSKEnzT_4buSsIUOZR5GR7l0z_cBpbeoC14HlcIyIw1wMr5SWul2gDB1IrRSjS0ZgICqDjDwgINQ/s1600/IMG_2483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbSVNY4FShtpKtPf2vzDkXL6Ph7dIW9lGJs993ylRkvdhVNAosXqoW6c7trcmGWcoSKEnzT_4buSsIUOZR5GR7l0z_cBpbeoC14HlcIyIw1wMr5SWul2gDB1IrRSjS0ZgICqDjDwgINQ/s400/IMG_2483.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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All in all, the trip to Paris was one I will never forget and truly one of my favorite memories of this trip. We were exhausted beyond belief, I literally didn't know if I was going to wake up in the morning, but it was completely worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I'm so thankful for this trip and the chance to grow even closer with these amazing people I call my friends. </div>
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~Avoir France, we'll never forget you~</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682796735108968507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330726345416203849.post-90775576422472112482013-06-19T15:05:00.001-07:002013-06-19T15:05:10.886-07:00Objects of Travel Assignment 2: The Elgin Marbles
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Neil MacGregor, the director of the British Museum in
London, is also the author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A
History of the World in 100 Objects</i>, a text used for our Objects of Travel
class. One specific chapter focuses on the hotly debated topic of the Elgin
Marbles. For those who have never heard of this debate, the Elgin marbles are
structures that Lord Elgin, the British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, took
around 1800 from the Parthenon. He then proceeded to put these marbles on
display in London, and they now find their home in the British Museum. </div>
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<a href="http://www.reportage-enviro.com/images/marbles/Elgin_Marbles_British_Museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://www.reportage-enviro.com/images/marbles/Elgin_Marbles_British_Museum.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/106/302422841_022815f93e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/106/302422841_022815f93e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Other structures from the Parthenon are not only present in the British Museum, but in others such as
the Musee de Louvre in Paris. Here is actually a picture of these structures that I saw in the Louvre this past weekend, the exact
ones these articles refer to!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUN0aOw7yfkoXPffg4Ul8P3-zsHbWyOnTx4cXzfQFyrQB1rCA_bk-0ooJfjD5G8Y7xcnqDQo1VxpkJZ2vtZA_GDU_qzq0Y57blnZ9-QB505x8ysjbq5Ffl0u5iw_nJiGOyj76kxwAMQx8/s1600/image-159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUN0aOw7yfkoXPffg4Ul8P3-zsHbWyOnTx4cXzfQFyrQB1rCA_bk-0ooJfjD5G8Y7xcnqDQo1VxpkJZ2vtZA_GDU_qzq0Y57blnZ9-QB505x8ysjbq5Ffl0u5iw_nJiGOyj76kxwAMQx8/s400/image-159.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>First, a bit about the marbles themselves: MacGregor and his
staff seem to think that the images depicted on these structures are those of
myths that represent the struggle between that of the Greeks and Persians when
the Persions invaded the Greek mainland. Since the Ottomans used the
Parthenon as a means of gunpowder storage in 1637, these structures were
significantly damaged when an unexpected explosion occurred. It is suggested that one of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord Elgin’s motives in removing the structures was to help
restore and preserve the structures from the previous damage.</div>
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<a href="http://i2.wp.com/listverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Parthenon_night_view.jpg?resize=600%2C387" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://i2.wp.com/listverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Parthenon_night_view.jpg?resize=600%2C387" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are two sides to the story. The Greeks claim that Lord
Elgin actually stole the marbles because they claim the Sultan did not
officially approve Elgin’s removal of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the marbles, and that this unofficial agreement from a
Turkish officer did not contain an agreement to take them out of the country. (3)
There is still much discord on this argument in particular. On the other hand, The
British Museum uses the marbles as an argument for their stance that they play
a leading role in allowing cultural identities to develop from the
interconnection of sculptures and artifacts from all over the world, allowing
the public (free of charge) to get a taste of the Greek culture. <o:p> </o:p>An article from the British Museum website states the importance of the arrival of these marbles in London because they “regenerat[ed] interest in ancient Greek culture and influence[ed] contemporary artistic trends.” (2)</div>
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In 2007, the Greeks finished construction on a much needed new
museum, the New Acropolis Museum, in an effort to prove they can care for their
structures and no longer need babysitting from the British Museum. Their
websites states “the new Museum offers all the amenities expected in an
international museum of the 21<sup>st</sup> century.” Thanks Greece, ‘bout time
you decided to catch up. (4)</div>
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<a href="http://www.ricksteves.com/tms/uploads/img/418c_NewAcropolisMuseum_CH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://www.ricksteves.com/tms/uploads/img/418c_NewAcropolisMuseum_CH.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I find myself agreeing with the British Museum’s side of the
debate, mainly because of the aftermath that would follow if the museum were to
return the marbles. Wouldn’t that then suggest that all artifacts should go
back to their original homes? This would obviously leave no need for museums
any longer and would lead to “a global loss of appreciation and understanding”
in the words of Tristram Hunt (1). </div>
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Even if Lord Elgin did in fact steal the marbles, I think
that at this point it would be more beneficial for the good of the museum
industry for the marbles to stay where they’re put, so long as they’re properly
preserved and given the rightful exhibition that they deserve. </div>
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An argument such as this holds such moral implications on
both sides that it seems like the two countries will never quite see eye to
eye. Give up the marbles and potentially give up the global connection of
cultural identification that is the very foundation of museums themselves? Or
live with the fact that the very artifacts the museum presents to the public eye
were acquired through deception and manipulation? </div>
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The man behind the drama. Just look at that smirk!</div>
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<a href="http://www.athensguide.com/elginmarbles/photos/elgin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.athensguide.com/elginmarbles/photos/elgin.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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References:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(1) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18373312">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18373312</a></span></div>
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(2)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.britishmuseum.org/about_us/news_and_press/statements/parthenon_sculptures.aspx">http://www.britishmuseum.org/about_us/news_and_press/statements/parthenon_sculptures.aspx</a></span></div>
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(3) http://gogreece.about.com/od/museumsingreec1/i/marblereturn_2.htm</div>
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(4) http://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en/content/museum-history</div>
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As part of my faculty led program with MSU, my “Objects of
Travel” class requires 5 assignments focusing on the theme of “collecting”. Just wanted to throw that out there to any readers questioning why this post is a tad different than the others. </div>
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A couple of weeks ago our class studied one of Virginia
Woolf’s essays entitled “Street Haunting”. Basically, Woolf tells the story of
an outing she embarks on one night in London in search of a pencil. What the reader comes to find is
that it isn’t really the pencil that she is searching for, but rather the
observations and encounters she has along the way. When she returns from her walk, she sets the pencil on her mantel as a reminder of not only all of her memories, but also how the walk changed her perspective on life in different ways. Thus, the pencil represents
a collection of her memories and herself from that walk.</div>
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Unlike Woolf, I wasn’t set out on a journey to find an
object that would remind me of my day in London. I assumed that I would simply
buy a touristy Union Jack flag or miniature Big Ben figurine (to add to my
collection of course!). Little did I know, my object would make its appearance later on in the day.</div>
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<a href="http://img.timeinc.net/time/photoessays/2008/london_10/souvenirs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://img.timeinc.net/time/photoessays/2008/london_10/souvenirs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When we went to London last Thursday it was a whirlwind of a
day. The streets were packed full of tourists and civilians alike, all buzzing
about to the sounds of streetcars whizzing around corners (which we quickly
learned were not easy to dodge). As soon as we stepped out of the bus we turned the corner to find ourselves standing in
front of the domineering, magnificent Westminster Abbey. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NP0wRliVIN7_C9hJfYNqmxbT5bbTLMPoaMl8_68QmyI1Zw4ZAFeMzU31i7FrytaKtVVVl-m4Tm-ci1-53n5vp6DVYdGgQNdd5XJwEuzjAu7eyJPtOmxdG9A3xEHo_wnFZ_Ug-5j86AM/s1600/IMG_5214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NP0wRliVIN7_C9hJfYNqmxbT5bbTLMPoaMl8_68QmyI1Zw4ZAFeMzU31i7FrytaKtVVVl-m4Tm-ci1-53n5vp6DVYdGgQNdd5XJwEuzjAu7eyJPtOmxdG9A3xEHo_wnFZ_Ug-5j86AM/s320/IMG_5214.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnd3CjPDDQzQ3SPNuaTf3L-8fGQredHk6HA1_0L7fc2otpYIUxA_8JlA5fsfIFNgDnzGBBb-S_LBLzMVMtonL98eLCDvFzYLjV_e_aJz0YvNjGjsEa8_DeEIBuSp8yxtIGVkZUQ4NmW0/s1600/IMG_5212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnd3CjPDDQzQ3SPNuaTf3L-8fGQredHk6HA1_0L7fc2otpYIUxA_8JlA5fsfIFNgDnzGBBb-S_LBLzMVMtonL98eLCDvFzYLjV_e_aJz0YvNjGjsEa8_DeEIBuSp8yxtIGVkZUQ4NmW0/s320/IMG_5212.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Our tour guide, Bryan,
walked towards the House of Parliament and there he was, Big Ben himself,
rising above the River Thames as if he seemed to be watching over the city. Across from that was the London Eye, moving so slowly you had to look very
carefully to see the minute movements.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfSRhQiUFnSJvr8P_ZlHPsNpqtZ07OW0rj7zT-OFHMF-Lx73UOgaxvcj3TLp0wotRcH-PWczrPbhtwxLMsERZvpD-KrQlNeXSHdc39OYIdygOinG07IZaDDry7IAb_NjcCetWiu50YKU/s1600/IMG_5270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfSRhQiUFnSJvr8P_ZlHPsNpqtZ07OW0rj7zT-OFHMF-Lx73UOgaxvcj3TLp0wotRcH-PWczrPbhtwxLMsERZvpD-KrQlNeXSHdc39OYIdygOinG07IZaDDry7IAb_NjcCetWiu50YKU/s320/IMG_5270.JPG" width="320" /></a>Next we headed to one of the most anticipated sites,
Buckingham Palace! Sadly we weren’t able to get up close enough to a picture
with the infamous iron, gold-tipped gate, but we were able to line up along the
road for the changing of the guard! I had never seen anything like it, the
soldiers all marched down the streets in different directions to the penny
whistle tune. I couldn't help but be reminded of the loyalty of the guard as they marched, undeterred by the mass of eyes watching their every movements. Their love for their country and queen is evident in the strong mechanical strides of the moving pack.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy56ktCra9XDrj7SM5DkyL2_3nfDNFTPoMKxsWKdiylyvIbz_rEgSJISMj9aALTm1segiU4dbQvmZOFi-6qTcYwVVYhX-OPH81paj7e8dx4wfoX5EWgFwPJq_EPEZpNBZstKq1VT-nn2k/s1600/IMG_5227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy56ktCra9XDrj7SM5DkyL2_3nfDNFTPoMKxsWKdiylyvIbz_rEgSJISMj9aALTm1segiU4dbQvmZOFi-6qTcYwVVYhX-OPH81paj7e8dx4wfoX5EWgFwPJq_EPEZpNBZstKq1VT-nn2k/s320/IMG_5227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After we had lunch we were privileged to tour the Churchill
War Rooms, where Winston Churchill and his war cabinet met underground when
London was being bombed nightly. We learned that these war rooms were chosen
for their location not only because it was close to 10 Downing Street (home of
the prime minister), Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and Parliament, but also
because Churchill refused to leave London and back down from a fight. I think
it is so respectable for him to stick it out with the fearful people of London
when he had the option of safety. That just reflects the loyal nature that the
people of Britain seem to be especially blessed with. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lastly, we decided to go
back to Westminster because I was NOT about to miss the opportunity to see this
incredible place. Immediately upon walking in my breath was taken away by the
high ceiling adorned with ornate designs, stained glass windows with beautiful
scenes all along and shrines upon shrines upon SHRINES! So many famous people
are buried there, not just kings and queens of years past! Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Michael Farraday, Lewis Carroll, just to name a few. Even though
photography isn’t allowed I snagged this little shot of the knave. This is
actually right in front of where Isaac Newton was buried! Another fascinating tidbit about the Abbey is that every hour on the hour a priest comes over the speaker and asks everyone to bow their heads in prayer, as a reminder of the true purpose of the church. So many different religions and people go in and out of that church, and I know it was a blessing for me to be able to experience that time of silence and prayer with people literally from all around the world. </span></div>
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Being the American tourist that I am, I couldn’t help but ask one of
the workers to point out the exact path Kate took for the incredible wedding I
woke up at 4 in the morning to watch. Naturally, we proceeded to walk the same path
(with Jenni as my Pippa) until we came to the center of the abbey where
coronations, funerals, and weddings have taken place for hundreds of years.
Just two days before, the Queen had stood in the very spot I was in for her 60<sup>th</sup>
coronation anniversary for the Diamond Jubilee.</div>
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<a href="http://employees.oneonta.edu/farberas/arth/Images/Ambassadors/westminster_abbey_sanct_wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="339" src="http://employees.oneonta.edu/farberas/arth/Images/Ambassadors/westminster_abbey_sanct_wedding.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next we moved on to one of my
favorite parts of the abbey, the Lady Chapel. I’m going to put a picture I
found on the internet but just know that it will never do it justice. I
literally stood in awe just taking it all in for about five minutes. Here's a little link to some interesting facts about Henry VII's Lady Chapel.<a href="http://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us/highlights/the-lady-chapel">http://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us/highlights/the-lady-chapel</a></div>
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<a href="http://blog.londonconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Lady_Chapel-WA-BAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://blog.londonconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Lady_Chapel-WA-BAR.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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I left Westminster feeling completely content and struck with awe in what I had just experienced. We then had about 2 hours to wander around that area of London, with no plans in mind. It was really freeing, just wandering around not knowing what might come around the next corner. We happened upon one of the bridges over the River Thames where we took in the beautiful horizon of London, with Big Ben on our right and the London Eye on our left. Just standing there taking it all in was more than I could have asked for.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0_U4uuSgPPboRQ-4QjXqT7i0ot9ErM6mn2CsptU0XrAJLBXr1dAxe5xekPmvc9ZJn_9tgO5XvtrHwbzRREVcv2PazZGpAh_0EDPNpnIS1PVsmLf4nTD2IFrc-P_oIu1T_DzC5reIvns/s1600/IMG_5275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0_U4uuSgPPboRQ-4QjXqT7i0ot9ErM6mn2CsptU0XrAJLBXr1dAxe5xekPmvc9ZJn_9tgO5XvtrHwbzRREVcv2PazZGpAh_0EDPNpnIS1PVsmLf4nTD2IFrc-P_oIu1T_DzC5reIvns/s320/IMG_5275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0uQmEUNSc1isb0lvvlHCAaz7pwbzatBOo4B_kfVEpahsoy-Efda1YXbPmcauKstXp958NebuPEM34hZUesi-kJMZLuH5LCA_Tt-I0e7SvJ24Q2kWn-EEIHuVZyMqXw4KqV7QgNRsGX0/s1600/IMG_5274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0uQmEUNSc1isb0lvvlHCAaz7pwbzatBOo4B_kfVEpahsoy-Efda1YXbPmcauKstXp958NebuPEM34hZUesi-kJMZLuH5LCA_Tt-I0e7SvJ24Q2kWn-EEIHuVZyMqXw4KqV7QgNRsGX0/s320/IMG_5274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next we went down to Trafalgar square where my
object makes its first appearance. A street entertainer approached me and said,
“Miss, I have something for you.” He promptly grabbed my finger and attached a
piece of string to it which he quickly began flinging in all different
directions. The swift movements became more organized and a shape began to take
form, full of vivid colors of red yellow white and blue. Before I knew it, he
had constructed a beautifully woven bracelet around my wrist, a sweet reminder
of the spontaneity of that day and the memories of my first visit to London. Of course I paid him, but he made sure to say, "You choose what you owe, it is not for me to decide my worth." He literally would have been fine with either one pence or 5 pounds. I had to decide the worth of this man in that moment, as well as the worth of the bracelet itself. I scrounged around in my wallet for change and ended up with a pound. The bracelet itself probably wasn't worth 5 pence, but the meaning was worth so much more. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7yXbCgr2Yq26-E-f1zvPjz9-nJ_vfCtoAJQoSTXEJSyNDAtC5dL8zHJl9MpGoR1f0FTJwuBYjylPxMh2jFYkcG9Z6bH_0lwi7PDuJXlO6HUx9_5m2VH3wdr-ZMCLdo5VUtIcSL_bQTM/s1600/image-157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7yXbCgr2Yq26-E-f1zvPjz9-nJ_vfCtoAJQoSTXEJSyNDAtC5dL8zHJl9MpGoR1f0FTJwuBYjylPxMh2jFYkcG9Z6bH_0lwi7PDuJXlO6HUx9_5m2VH3wdr-ZMCLdo5VUtIcSL_bQTM/s320/image-157.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqectmLrVOXRdfqhSPkDPgUSZ8DI3Pf7RkaqrGddC91dQXKKVqyoFARM8d3h07_De9ms4onTYlB631WAJSUzahMau0jlw4Dc37ssPkAfQj8jWajoEKeKK8L_LI572t4GqF3_8i3IpqS4k/s1600/image-156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqectmLrVOXRdfqhSPkDPgUSZ8DI3Pf7RkaqrGddC91dQXKKVqyoFARM8d3h07_De9ms4onTYlB631WAJSUzahMau0jlw4Dc37ssPkAfQj8jWajoEKeKK8L_LI572t4GqF3_8i3IpqS4k/s320/image-156.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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(Sorry for the awkward picture, I couldn't untie it because as you see, it would all fall apart and I would never be able to get it back on it I did.)</div>
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I’ll never forget that experience or the experiences
of that day that led up to it. You see, the vivid colors of the string remind
me of the beautiful reflections of the stained glass windows of Westminster
Abbey. And when I think of Westminster I think of Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye all standing in their glory nearby. And when I think of these things I am reminded of the incredible opportunity this entire trip has placed before me, as well as the relationships that I have formed along the way. And it all is triggered in a simple string bracelet. This isn’t simply a stuffed bear or flag that I’ll look at every now and
then, but is actually something I can look down at my wrist and remember my
first London trip every single day. And in my opinion, my object is much prettier than a simple pencil. </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682796735108968507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330726345416203849.post-16101982039349948202013-06-08T03:23:00.000-07:002013-06-08T03:23:14.759-07:00Snobby DogsIt's been a while since the last post and a lot has happened so I'll do my best to keep it as short and sweet as possible! Last weekend we had the incredible opportunity to go to the infamous Windsor Castle. Bryan, our tour guide, mentioned that Windsor is the Queen's favorite weekend destination, and that we would know immediately if she was there if the Queen's flag, the Royal Standard, was perched atop the castle. If she wasn't there then we would see the classic Union Jack flag whipping in the wind. There was a slim chance she would be there because a huge horserace was going on that weekend and the Queen is an avid fan. In fact, she's 87 and still loves to ride! But lo and behold....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2KoDgiIkeQ4kJ3Sz24ie4KB3LAqrNP8bboS0rKet6xA6RRgFh7r_ScCyWkcAJ3v7svKWAWrE-KTIDjuw05Ud8H7o88xfyGYZds3vVNLj5u-rFOr7g3M3sbaYXFjE6ZimQ1TJnJeFT8M/s1600/IMG_5145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2KoDgiIkeQ4kJ3Sz24ie4KB3LAqrNP8bboS0rKet6xA6RRgFh7r_ScCyWkcAJ3v7svKWAWrE-KTIDjuw05Ud8H7o88xfyGYZds3vVNLj5u-rFOr7g3M3sbaYXFjE6ZimQ1TJnJeFT8M/s400/IMG_5145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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There she blows! The Queen was there! Clearly we were a little excited that we were within a one mile radius of Her Majesty the Queen. And so the stalking began...</div>
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Now while we were at Windsor, of course we didn't just stalk the Queen. We went into the cathedral where we saw beautiful shrines to Kings and Queens past like Henry VIII. Sadly, we weren't allowed to take pictures inside any of the buildings including the castle itself. We did manage to get several pictures along the outside of the buildings, including this little gem, possibly one of my favorites from the trip thus far. </div>
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Let's do a litte zooming here...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrw4LxmcR1Ejy2I2HePWKBWmB7rGYwyHWMrB5BD3YN_5RSGKcZ5Hac2PYouH6XN7YfDC6doxReRsmpzAz9zQchzlu8VbX7iH3cbem3w5KUdE3efQ-qVKq4hpLkZZwdV9O-cOeQGcfWok/s1600/Bomb-2big.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrw4LxmcR1Ejy2I2HePWKBWmB7rGYwyHWMrB5BD3YN_5RSGKcZ5Hac2PYouH6XN7YfDC6doxReRsmpzAz9zQchzlu8VbX7iH3cbem3w5KUdE3efQ-qVKq4hpLkZZwdV9O-cOeQGcfWok/s400/Bomb-2big.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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So the Brits are very snobby about their grass over here which means basically its untouchable. Literally. Clayton and Jenni were trying to be sneaky and photobomb mine and Mary Lowry's lovely picture in front of the cathedral. As you can see, they remembered the grass rule about halfway through jumping onto the grass. Clayton's expression pretty much says it all. </div>
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As we quickly ran away from the crime scene, we came upon this little fella. </div>
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I know, I know, cheesy awkward pic beside the soldier. But hey, even though I'm living here for six weeks I can still act like a tourist sometimes!</div>
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Finally we ventured into the castle where we first came upon Queen Mary's dollhouse. This is one of the largest dollhouses in the world, complete with three stories, each room exquisitely furnished and intricately designed. Instantly, it was like I had become a giddy little six year old girl again. After the dollhouse tour we made our way into the monstrous castle of all castles. A magnificent staircase led us up to the first floor where we were greeted by shining knights in glistening glass cases. The first room was filled with war time treasures of swords and guns displayed in interesting shapes all around the walls. The next room led us into a vast dining hall with portraits of wartime heroes of centuries past surrounding the entire room, almost as if they were inquisitively eyeing each visitor enter into their sacred place. We wound round and round the maze of the castle, in and out of rooms each with their own history and personality. One feature that particularly stuck out to me was the ornate wallpaper that each room is gloriously adorned in. </div>
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Finally we made it into the biggest room of the castle, a vast hallway with knights' shields covering the ceilings and walls and a royal red carpet rolled out that seemed to span a mile long. The room in itself was amazing, but we then realized that we could see the Queen's private apartment across the courtyard, just about 150 yards away. Naturally, we gazed out the windows for about 20 minutes, looking for any sign of movement that might indicate the Queen. Finally, we saw someone coming out the grand doors into the courtyard. As the light began to hit the slowly emerging shadow we all held our breath and saw!.... a dog. And another. And another. Until we counted 7. Now, I should mention that what we realized was that these weren't just any dogs, they were the Queen's royal corgies! Turns out we had just missed seeing the Queen drive off about an hour before. Just our luck. It was still neat to say that we saw the royal corgies, the really fat royal corgies I might add.</div>
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Which brings me to the title of this post, "Snobby Dogs". We've discovered that there are two classes of dogs here: the cocker spaniel and the pitbull. I'm a dog lover so naturally whenever I see a dog I say "Hey puppyyyyy, aren't you so cuuuuutteee???" The normal dog reaction is to wag its tail and stick out its tongue, as if you are the most important human being on the planet at that moment. I've come to find that these dogs are SNOBS. They walk on by, acting as if I don't even exist and then I end up looking like an idiot. The snobbiest are the cocker spaniels for sure and we've realized this makes sense considering all of the people that own cocker spaniels seem to be the wealthiest. Then there's the common dog, the pit bull. Which I still don't understand. Obviously, I don't even bother trying to pet them, I'd rather come back to America in one piece. </div>
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But back to Windsor....here are a few more pics from our fun day.</div>
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I had to include the last one because apparently there's a difference in J and K over here?? Same store, just a different letter. After we reluctantly left Windsor, probably our closest chance of being part of the royal family, we ate some yummy Nutella ice cream and made our way back to Oxford. </div>
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Well I think this one has been long enough, but it's only from one day from last week! Ahhh I need to catch up. I've got so much to talk about, especially our London trip from this past Thursday! Maybe I'll be able to post another later on tonight. Until then...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682796735108968507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330726345416203849.post-45781193363235029832013-05-30T03:27:00.000-07:002013-05-30T03:27:18.482-07:00I Miss FunfettiIt's Thursday morning about 10:00, about that time for another update! This week has been very different from the previous simply because we've actually fallen into a bit of a routine what with going to our MSU led class as well as acclimating to the study habits of Oxford students! On Monday we had our first "Objects of Travel" class led by Dr. Ben Harvey. This class is very different from others I've taken at State, mainly due to the fact that I am in the UK, but also because it's a very interactive, discussion and activity oriented class. I mean, one of our first assignments was to go visit the Museum of the History of Science where I found some pretty amazing things.<br />
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This is how people carry their backpacks here. Not really. But upon entering the museum we were forced to carry our backpacks as so...<br />
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Oh you know, just a blackboard from one of Einstein's lectures here on the expansion of the universe.<br />
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And some surgical instruments used for amputations in days past. Makes me realize how thankful I am not to have lived in that time!</div>
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Later that afternoon we made our first attempt at acting like real Oxford students by studying in the Radcliffe camera. Definitely a big change from our typical "Club Mitch" experience. </div>
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Tuesday was pretty consistent with Monday except for the fact that we attended a C.S. Lewis Society club meeting that night. Johnathan Kirkpatrick, current curator of the Kilns, was the main speaker who talked about the appearance of "Bacchus" in some of Lewis's literature. One thing hasn't changed in that I still get an awkward lump in my throat whenever I see one of my teachers outside of a classroom setting. How could I not expect to see my C.S. Lewis tutor at the C.S. Lewis Society meeting?? It's like that time I saw Dr. Carskadon in Wal Mart and didn't know what to say except "I like your jacket". Still just as awkward.</div>
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Yesterday I had my first experience with Indian cuisine at a place called Chutney's! Dr. Snyder is off to London today so he wanted to treat us for one last meal. I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty hesitant to try out the curry due to some less than ideal experiences with Thai food I've encountered in the past. To my surprise I liked it a lot. Like a whole lot. Like maybe went back for a second plate a lot...Probably because everything actually had some flavor to it unlike the typical British meal which I'm pretty sure has about 3 salt crystals in an entire meal. </div>
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Afterwards we all split up into small groups and Mary Lowry had a great time exploring where we found a quaint little shop with old timey postcards and trinkets. Later on we went off to explore Christ Church Cathedral which is a truly magnificent place. Like Steven always says, the pictures here really don't do it justice. It's hard to capture the beauty of one place in a simple 4 x 6 photo. </div>
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Forgot to mention, we went to Evensong Monday night! This is where the college choir sings and tourists and students are allowed to worship in the cathedral for about an hour. I had actually thought about joining the choir for the remainder of Trinity term, but after about two minutes into their first song I quickly decided that probably wasn't the best idea. I think I could catch on if I had enough time, but one of the hardest parts would be trying to produce the same vowel sounds as them. They can twist their mouths into some funny shapes that I'm just not quite sure my little Mississippi mouth can do!</div>
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Outside of Christ Church Cathedral. </div>
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Last night was a fun night in the flat just relaxing and enjoying each others company. I bought my first baguette yesterday (delicious by the way) but the other girls cooked pasta for themselves. We watched Pride and Prejudice, typical I know, and Jade and Jenni attempted to make cookies. Here's the thing, cookie dough doesn't really exist over here. I know, I know, crazy right?? They managed to find some in the crevices of Tesco but let's just say it was no Nestle's. Once again, no sugar! At least now we know. If I ever find funfetti cake mix over here I might die. </div>
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Well I'll leave you with a little pic from one of our first days outside of Christ Church! </div>
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Ta ta for now!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682796735108968507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330726345416203849.post-40559191986062779242013-05-27T14:31:00.003-07:002013-05-27T14:31:59.348-07:00Summer Eights<i>Saturday</i><div>
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After our long haul to Stratford, Saturday came with the promise of late mornings and relaxing afternoons. We slept until 11:30 so I guess we were still getting over the effects of jet lag. Jenni and I have been having a bit of trouble waking up on time because we never hear our alarms! Hopefully that will straighten out in the next few days. Once we finally rose from our slumber we decided to go eat lunch. We stopped to eat at a little restaurant called Ask Italian. Little did we know, what good fortune was about to befall Jade. The manager seated us at our table and we simply thought that he was being friendly. Well, when the waitress brought the check she brought another little surprise along. The note was for Jade and went something along the lines of "Jared, blonde manager, would like to take you out sometime if you are single :)." Literally five minutes before, Jade had mentioned how she wished that she could marry a British man and have blond hair blue-eyed babies. Jared had blonde hair. And blue eyes. Serendipitous.</div>
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After our eventful lunch we went to do what us girls do best....shopping!! On this shopping trip we found the godfather of all department stores. MARK AND SPENCER'S. I'm talking this place had a three story clothes department, cosmetic area, coffee shop, bank, and grocery store! I think I might be cheating on Target. Afterward I had my awkward experience where a young guy followed us into the store, proceeded to have a one-sided conversation with me about shoes and his mom's birthday, got tongue-tied, and turned around. Poor thing, he was trying so hard to start a conversation but it just didn't work. Anyway, it made for a great story and is even better to tell in person, so ask me when I'm back in the states. </div>
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Later on that day we went to the Summer Eights, which is a rowing competition between the 38 colleges of Oxford. Steven tried to explain the process of "bumping" to me but I still don't really understand it that well. Basically, the boats are lined up in a row and as they paddle down the river they try to literally bump the other boats in front of them. The boat that comes out in front is the winner and thus advances to the next day. At least that's how I think it works. </div>
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This is a picture of Mary Lowry and I in front of one of the college boathouses. The students stand up on top of the boathouses and cheer on their respective colleges. It can be compared to a high class tailgating event and everyone looks as if they are dressed for a summer in the Hamptons. We tried to fit in as best we could. One of the highlights of the Eights was the drink of choice, "Pimm's". It's a summer drink, and the British REALLY like it here. And so did we! It tastes like lemonade and sweet tea and a bit of alcohol. Oh, and remember how I said that the Brits are more reserved than we are? WRONG. After the last race we heard shouts of joy and laughter coming from behind us. We went to see what all the fuss was about and people were stripping down to their knickers and swinging into the ice cold river. Not only that, but I'm pretty sure the PDA here is even worse than in the states. </div>
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After the Eights we went to a famous little pub near the Bod called The Turf Tavern. It was absolutely swamped with people, but the food was worth the wait. </div>
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This picture was too good not to post. Wonder if Bill knows it's here?</div>
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<i>Sunday</i></div>
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We woke up for church Sunday morning and attempted to go to New Road Baptist Church and found that it was having a combined service with Wesley Memorial Church. Surprisingly, it wasn't that different from church back home. I was expecting angelic voices and long sermons, but it was short and to the point. The priest pointed us to a restaurant down the road called "The Nosebag." This should have been our first inclination to STAY AWAY. It's cheap prices and small crowd drew us in, but little did we know what we were in for. Jenni, Steven, and I ordered the quiche with three side salads. And everything was ice cold. One of my salads was raw potatoes mixed with mayonnaise. Straight up mayo. Don't get me wrong, I'm a mayo fan, but using it for a sauce to mix my potatoes in?? Our only saving grace was our tiny cup of fruit. </div>
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Later on that afternoon I tagged along with Jenni and Jade and sat by the river to read <i>Surprised by Joy</i> while they went for a run. And what did we wear? Nike shorts and a t-shirt! It was one of our first really beautiful days, and at that point we didn't care that we were screaming "Look at us we're Americans!" from head to toe. </div>
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That night will go down in history as one of the coolest experiences I've ever had: eating in the Great Hall at Christ Church! Aka the dining hall in the Harry Potter movies! We even had to wear black robes to signify that we were students. It looked very much like the one in the movie except much smaller, and the portraits sadly didn't move. The ceilings were extremely high, the tables long with dimly lit lamps, and the walls were covered with massive paintings of chancellors and deans from hundreds of years past.We were served a seated three course meal consisting of tomato soup, roast, cabbage, and potatoes and a pear/summer berry crumble. Needless to say, we were spoiled rotten!</div>
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Afterwards our international liaison named Georgia took us to a nice little pub called Chequers where we exchanged stories and enjoyed one anothers company. She was just as eager to learn about American life as we were to learn all about the ways of a true Oxford student. </div>
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Here are a few pics from our first night in the Great Hall</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLalusCFXnDFMLw0glpZJ3MTq0GJ56pvdN3h09YmXAcE0qr23quO9DFYo4Abk_wx_cJPLBxi2eHHQY_SywvmWajtdUTnyCGKZfjYzMYdYpGwppx_E59WPfTIl8sULAMJORQwp6NpZyGJo/s1600/IMG_5075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLalusCFXnDFMLw0glpZJ3MTq0GJ56pvdN3h09YmXAcE0qr23quO9DFYo4Abk_wx_cJPLBxi2eHHQY_SywvmWajtdUTnyCGKZfjYzMYdYpGwppx_E59WPfTIl8sULAMJORQwp6NpZyGJo/s320/IMG_5075.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezWCZ4AOHPoJQ88nrDE82dTTgt3imSbtjvNuBiHC50cFAOMAEAM5GwWGoo4D7NnzIhnTUp-qFN1EUq-Zyd3tHPK4Bp8EfD9ZiN-87HLoZNHPItU-nCjgQe_vfHm_urm-a1nssYLpNql0/s1600/IMG_5077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezWCZ4AOHPoJQ88nrDE82dTTgt3imSbtjvNuBiHC50cFAOMAEAM5GwWGoo4D7NnzIhnTUp-qFN1EUq-Zyd3tHPK4Bp8EfD9ZiN-87HLoZNHPItU-nCjgQe_vfHm_urm-a1nssYLpNql0/s320/IMG_5077.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I know I know, cheesy Chi O pic but it isn't every day that you get to eat in the Great Hall!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682796735108968507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330726345416203849.post-61058205030284591722013-05-26T10:24:00.002-07:002013-05-26T10:24:41.588-07:00A Day in Stratford<i>"All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players..."</i><br />
<i> -</i>William Shakespeare, <i>As You Like It</i><br />
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I realize the picture does not fit the quote above, but I couldn't leave out my main man Hamlet! On Thursday, we were once again not allowed a single minute to rest as we headed off at 10:00 for Stratford, aka Shakespeare's home. One of my favorite parts about the trip was not actually Stratford itself, but the amazing English countryside we drove through on the bus ride over. We passed through several small country villages that had such a quaint and simplistic spirit, complete with grazing sheep and rolling meadows. I'm hopeful and excited to be able to visit some of these villages, because apparently that's where the real heart of England lies. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCIvnlrbS396waaq0lpoLKgVSwouHMP-kqNXr2p6Hr8OYirm581D8NbWZ6BFaugvvaaVeZMyPAqDZvhv36G_M08y5zJWBxbtL8r_wRmIvPyU9f08qOqkDFsIGp6-AU8Rm9EsNVQVqz4c/s1600/IMG_5018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCIvnlrbS396waaq0lpoLKgVSwouHMP-kqNXr2p6Hr8OYirm581D8NbWZ6BFaugvvaaVeZMyPAqDZvhv36G_M08y5zJWBxbtL8r_wRmIvPyU9f08qOqkDFsIGp6-AU8Rm9EsNVQVqz4c/s320/IMG_5018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As for Stratford, we found out that it is a HUGE tourist hub, what with it being the home of Shakespeare's birthplace and resting grounds, as well as my personal favorite part of the excursion, the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre. First, we went on a walking tour of the city. The first main attraction we visited was probably the most significant, the Holy Trinity Church where, you guessed it, Shakespeare himself is buried alongside his wife, Anne Hathaway. A couple of interesting facts about Shakespeare: he is thought to have been born on April 23, 1564 and died on April 23, 1616. Bummer. I would hate to die on my birthday. Our guide told us about the courting method that was used during 16th century times in which all of the eligible bachelors and bachelorettes would meet in a designated area and mingle amongst each other. The fathers of the women would give all of the interested men a block of wood and knife to wittle on and would take it back at the end of the night. This was to ensure that the men had been wittling on their block of wood and that their hands weren't in any spot they shoudn't have been. Not a bad tip for dads today! Shakespeare and Anne were married on November 27th, 1852 and their daughter Susannah was born in May 1583. You do the math, doesn't sound like that wittling block worked after all. </div>
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We had alot of free time just to wander around that afternoon, so we found a neat little pub called "The Old Thatch Tavern". It was completely authentic with small cozy rooms, wooden beams, and a thatch (straw) roof. We hung out there for about two hours just taking in the laid back lifestyle of an Englishman with no cares in the world but sitting and enjoying each others' company. </div>
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My favorite part of the night hands down was having the opportunity to see the amazing Royal Shakespeare Company perform "As You Like It." I had never read the play and was a little hesitant about seeing it for the first time because I simply didn't know if I would able to follow along with all of Shakespeare's flowery language. To my surprise, I actually found it easier to follow than analyzing every aspect of every letter like we used to in Mrs. Downey's class. The wonderful thing about this specific play is that there was a modern day spin to it. The music ranged all the way from dubstep to Mumford-esque styles. With all of the flowery shirts, leather vests, suspenders and bare feet, it was basically a hipster's paradise. After the play, we loaded up on the double decker buses and headed for Oxford. I'm so grateful that I was able to visit such a prominent figure's birthplace and learn a little bit more about the man behind the classics. </div>
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Tune in soon for an update on my weekend, including the Summer Eights, awkward encounters, and sunshine!</div>
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<i><br /></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682796735108968507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330726345416203849.post-61748103439125871152013-05-22T16:47:00.001-07:002013-05-22T16:47:33.593-07:00A Glimpse of OxfordIt's amazing what one can do in a 48 hour span. And how many miles can be walked. And how little sleep can be had. Even though I think my ankles might break off any minute, I wouldn't have traded one step for all that I was able to explore today. Not much happened yesterday and to be honest, it was such a blur that I don't remember a whole lot. But here are a few things that I have learned about "Oxfordians" and the way of life here.<br />
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It didn't take me long to realize that we Americans are LOUD. It all started on the bus ride from London, when I was seated towards the front of the bus and my other American friends were in the back. In my opinion my friends were talking at a normal decibel, but compared to the complete lack of utterance of even a groan from the front of the bus, it made us sound like bulls in a china shop! When they do speak, I find myself inching closer and closer because everyone is so softspoken. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to criticize in any way. I actually respect them all the more for it because they simply understand that less is more, and treating others with manners and formality is a virtue that we Americans could definitely take a few notes from.<br />
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Secondly, the bathrooms here are really entertaing. Exhibit A (read the fine print in the blue, if you can)...<br />
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Third, do not set fire to the library. One of the highlights of today was being inducted into the monstrous Bodleian Library. Just to give you an idea of how impeccable this library actually is, there are approximately 11 million books underground that span blocks beneath the city. We were first taken into the room pictured below where Parliament was once held! We weren't able to go into any of the reading rooms, but there will be plenty of time for that once we receive our reading lists from out tutors and are locked up inside studying. Fun fact: you cannot check out books from the library. Even King Charles was turned down when he sent a formal request for a book. The second picture is the actual induction where I recited the oath (containing the part about "I will not set fire to the library") and then gave my signature. It's crazy that I actually have access to this incredible library and all of its magnificent books!</div>
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After that was when things really got fun. For one thing, the sun came out! I'll never take the beautiful sunshine of Mississippi for granted again. Just as the sun burst out of the clouds we embarked on a beautiful 2 hour walking tour that mainly consisted of touring a few of the college campuses. Another fun fact, the name "Oxford" actually came to be because River Thames was actually a "ford" where the "oxen" crossed before bridges and such were made. Who's the cow college now TSUN?? Anyhow, the first college we came to was Trinity College. Isn't it absolutely gorgeous? How is that grass so green you say? It's because no one is allowed to even step one foot on it unless you are either a tutor or a recent graduate of the college. The thought of not being allowed to walk on the Drill Field sounds preposterous, but then again, this is Oxford and they can do whatever the heck they want. The second college we went to was New College where apparently a very famous boy choir is home to. In fact, they were doing a recording for BBC while we were there. Hopefully we'll get the chance to see them during our stay. Forgot to mention that I found out that I will be a member of Christ's Church a.k.a. Hogwarts!! We weren't able to make it into CC before the doors closed today but I will be officially inducted on Friday, adorned with robes and all!</div>
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After the walking tour we decided to set out to find the 8's, which is the name for the infamous rowing competition between all of the colleges. It started today and will go until finals on Saturday. All I can say is I think we may have found a rivalry that may beat MSU vs. TSUN. I've never heard so much screaming in my life from the enthusiastic fans who are so loyal to their individual colleges. By the way, there are 38 colleges that make up Oxford University. It was the perfect setting just along the River Thames right behind Christ Church meadows. There were geese wandering about with their ducklings, families strolling along the river bank, and lots of people dressed in speedos adorned with each school's crest. I am absolutely amazed at the sport and can't wait to watch the growing competition in the coming days!</div>
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We ended our wonderful day with a warm dinner in a nice little pub called "The Crown" which was tucked away in a little alley off the street. Interestingly enough, I ordered a burger which ended up being a nice little taste of home. </div>
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Well, tomorrow we're headed off to Stratford to see "As You Like It". I can't wait to see the place where Shakespeare's imagination came to life. We leave at 10:00 a.m. and don't return until after midnight, but I'll be sure to update at some point on Friday. Until then, cheers!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682796735108968507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330726345416203849.post-76438320089595224642013-05-19T18:40:00.000-07:002013-05-19T18:40:51.645-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Well, tomorrow I leave for the adventure of a lifetime. It's been a hectic couple of days trying to get all of my clothes, last minute emails, tickets, and luggage all packed up. It's hard to believe that in just 35 hrs I will be touching down on London pavement, ready to spend 6 weeks at Oxford University, the real Oxford, that is ;). During my time away, I will be updating this blog with photos and stories of my travels in Oxford, as well as some other trips I will be taking on the weekends. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Many of you have asked specifically what I'll be doing and to be honest, I'm not all that sure. I will be taking a class called "Objects of Travel" led by Dr. Ben Harvey from MSU. More details about that are later to come. The really cool part about this trip is that I will be meeting with an Oxford tutor once a week for about an hour to learn anything and everything I can about the incredible C.S. Lewis. My tutor is named Dr. Michael Ward, who is THE foremost expert on Lewis, especially his Narnia series. Dr. Ward wrote a book entitled "The Narnia Code" in which he delves into decoding Lewis's allegorical strategies in the Narnia series. He was also curator for Lewis's house for a number of years. I'll meet with Dr. Ward on Friday to learn more about what I will specifically be studying. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm a first time blogger, but really excited about the opportunity to share my adventures with all of you (that is, if there are any of you actually reading this). Hopefully I'll be able to update pretty frequently. Until then...Bon Voyage!!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682796735108968507noreply@blogger.com2