Friday, November 12, 2010

Guy Fawkes Night!!!

Today is going to be a history lesson about Guy Fawkes Night!
Don't worry it will not be too long.

Guy Fawkes was a Catholic solider, that believed that England should be lead by a Catholic king. This lead to him and many others to organize the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. This conspiracy goal was to assassinate King James I by blowing up king and Parliament when Parliament officially open by the king on 5 November 1605. However, Guy Fawkes was capture at midnight on the 4th of November.

On this date, the citizens celebrated his capture with bonfires and fireworks. Since, this historic day England celebrates this day. It is some times called Bonfire night!


I had the pleasure of enjoying this amazing holiday. Unfortunately, i was not able to enjoy beautiful, warm bonfire. But i did get to enjoy incredible fireworks and festivities. I took some pictures but i had my pathetic camera with me, so i took video instead it is some much better. (will download photos on facebook)

The first part of the night was enjoying the festival. They had rides and carnival food. I felt like i was back home at the county fair, however; these rides were so much better.

I found it not cool that we had to pay for each ride separately. However, i definitely got my money's worth. One of the longest rides i have ever experienced. Whooh!!! Although, i lost my one glove. I mean one glove what can one do with only one glove except the Micheal Jackson fad. (Which i am pretty sure i could not pull that off) The fireworks made up for this sad moment. :)



Besides how freezing cold it was that night. It was a incredible experience i would love to enjoy this holiday again! I know Luke you would have loved seeing it!

Friday, October 22, 2010

A Castle, a whole Bunch of Doctor Who, add Chinese food, lots of Walking You Get.....

...CARDIFF WALES

Word of the Day:
Arcade
American Definition: Video Game Station

British Definition: Like a Mall in America


What amazing place to experience! So alive with history, mixed in with modern life. I found it so very calm, yet; full of pure chaos. I got to enjoy this amazing place with Mary, Mea, and Michael who are awesome, incredible people. Also, i got experience my first train ride which was pretty nice especially since we got to see so many beautiful views.


(Train View)


We went straight to the Cardiff Castle after the train trip. No words can describe how beautiful this castle was to me. Every turn was a new adventure. Everywhere i went i felt the history all around me. I learned so much, but left knowing i had only learn half of it...actually not even half.


(One of the Tunnels in the Walls)

(The Main Castle Where Everyone Lived)

(Part of the Main Castle)

(The Smaller Castle on a mot if the main walls were invaded)
The King and court could seek refuge in it.

One aspect that interested me the most was the language. Everywhere you went there were signs in welsh first then next to it were English signs. Such a twist to see English being a second language. Especially, being in the UK.

Our next destination was The National Museum. Where i freaking got to see Rodin's "The Kiss". WHOOH!!!! love this sculpture! One of my favorites from Rodin. Then to top it off i got to see a real Van Gogh painting not one of his hugely famous ones but still its a Van Gogh.



Then we finally got to the best part of the day!! Doctor Who Exhibit!!!! Lets just say that only a true Doctor Who fan could appreciate this exhibit! Mea and i are officially nerds!!!



Cardiff was definitely a worthwhile adventure!!!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Church Exploring...

Word of the Day:
Sick
American Definition: Not feeling well or under the weather

British Definition: throw-up


I decided to go and try out Trinity Church, the other day, which is affilliated with the Church of England. It was different and enjoyable. It is more common for youth and young adults to go the evening service here. This was nice, mainly; because i got to sleep in :).


I almost fell out of my seat when one of the pastors stood up and welcomed all the need attendees and offered all of us a free drink at the pub. Oh i forgot to mention, after service is over, everyone to goes to a local pub and hangs out. I found this so interesting one because it is so unnatural a for a church in America to actually imbrace drinking let alone go to a pub as church social event.


Besides, that unique difference i found the church loveable. I think i might go check out some other churches before i settle down. Please, keep me in your prayers because i really hope to find a home church while i am here.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Well!!! It's Finally Time to Update!!

Word of the Day:
Pants
American Definition: The piece of clothing one wears on the legs.
British Definition: Underwear for men
So it is official! I have been living in England for two and half weeks. Such craziness! Here is a list of things i have done since arriving....
1. Experienced the joys of Jet-lag (do not recommend it)
2. Got to celebrate my birthday at a proper English Night Club and had "to save the queen from drowning" (if you like to hear the story, its better in person lol)
3. The interesting flavors of British food
4. Went on an adventure in a real castle. Name was Warwick castle. it was freaking sweet!!
5. Slowly, but surely learning to speak in a english accent! Whooh!
6. Went and saw an english (Tamara Drewe) movie, It was very different compared to American films but liked it. Tamara Drewe was the main character who was played by the same woman from the Prince of Persia
7. I met two extremely awesome english people which are Sally and Dayvid(yes with a y)
8.Went to a mansion that had 70 rooms. This does not even include the kitchen section.
9. I got to experience my first English Tea Time which was amazing! Clotted cream is so delicious on (america version)biscuits/(british version) scones!
10. I got to see the coast line which is called Lands End and we visited Cornwall and St. Ives
I Will post some pictures on facebook soon. The photo uploader is not working at the moment.

Monday, September 20, 2010

First Official Update of England!

Hey Everyone!

I am sorry i have not posted sooner, however; i have had some issues with my computer. This is the reason why i will not be able to post pictures yet. When i get everything up and running i will post them. i will also try to post a least once a day.

For this whole week i will not be able to post a lot but i will trying to jump on once and awhile. This will go on until i can get my computer fully running again.
Any comments of encourgement will be much apperiated.

I will also posted on facebook the address you can reach me. If you would like to send me or write me anything.

God Bless,
Miss you all,
Sylvia