This is a 700 year old  tradition of locking up of the Tower of London every night, without fail. The Queen does not reside at the royal palace, but the Tower is home to Crown Jewels and many other valuables.

At exactly 9:53pm, the Chief Yeoman Warder, meets the Military Escort, which are made up of members of the Tower of London Guard. Together, they secure the main gates of the Tower. Walking away from the main gate, they are met by the sentry and challenged to identify themselves:

Sentry: Who comes there?

Chief Warder: The keys.

S: Whose keys?

CW: Queen Elizabeth’s keys.

S: Pass Queen Elizabeth’s Keys. All’s well.

(This part was quite dramatic. I looked from the left as the question was asked. Looked to the right at the soldier with gun drawn and ready for anything. Looked back to the left to hear who’s keys they belonged to before proceeding. I actually jumped. )

Then, the party makes its way through the Bloody Tower Archway into the fortress, where they stop at the bottom of the Broadwalk Steps. On the top of the Stairs, under the command of their Officer, the Tower guard present arms and the Chief Warder raises his hat, proclaiming:

CW: God preserve Queen Elizabeth.

S: Amen!

The keys are taken to the Queen’s House for safekeeping and the Last Post is sounded. Such history.

Forth Road Bridge and Forth Bridge

Forth Bridge

The weekend before fall break, I set out to spend a weekend  in South Queensferry, Scotland, with a woman that i had never met. My photography class partnered with volunteer organization HOST UK to photograph a “day in the life of” assignment by documenting the life of who we were staying with. The purpose of HOST is to allow students that are studying abroad into someone else’s life and world by experiencing Great Britain. I stayed with a wonderful woman, Trixie. She welcomed me into her home which is outside Edinburgh.

HOST family in South Queensferry

We spent the weekend with her daughter and her family, including two adorable granddaughters. The girls put on a dance performance for us which required an entrance fee of £3.50 or 4 biscuits. How precious? Surrounded by Trixie and her family, I had a breakthrough.

I am still recovering from a breakup. One of the hardest parts, has been breaking up with the family. I had loved him and his family, and found it to be a wonderful fit. It was the night of the girls performance that I realized. It wasn’t that it was “his” family, but that I want a family just like it. One like Trixie’s. One that is close-knit and loving. It brought a sense of clarity, and is helping me move forward.

HOST family lunch

Another daughter of Trixie’s came in from London, along with her boyfriend. We talked about London and our love for photography. I took many photographs of the Forth Bridge. It is commonly called the Forth Rail Bridge or the Forth Railway Bridge to distinguishing itself from the Forth Road Bridge. The bridge connects the northeast and the southeast of Scotland. It was completed in 1890 and expands 1.5 miles. It was the first bridge in Britain to be built in steel alone. During the construction of the bridge, over 450 workers were injured and 98 died. “Painting the Forth Bridge” is an expression used for the constant upkeep and the inaccurate belief that it needs to be painted all over again once it’s just been completed.

Pretty

Storm Chaser

South Queensferry Town Hall

Me and the view

With a Scottish bagpiper!

I had a wonderful time, taking my first trip to Scotland. I drank a lot of tea and have become quite addicted since the weekend. After the weekend, it was time for fall break, where I met Jessica to spend three days in Edinburgh and five days in Paris.

All aboard!!

Train ride to the Cotswolds

Cute little Train Station, where we arrived

The Chance Bed and Breakfast

Our get-a-way

Tassel on the old-school iron key

After dropping our bags off at The Chance Bed and Breakfast, we walked down the town’s High Street, which every small town seems to have.  The buildings are all made with the same Cotswold stone, which is the only stone that is allowed today.  Leisurely walking in and out of shops, we stopped at Badgers Hall Tea Room for afternoon tea.  Teatime was amazing—sandwiches, cakes, pastries and scones.  It was my first formal tea in Great Britain since I had arrived. It was here, that I became a fan of adding brown sugar and milk in my tea.  Thanks, Em!

Back on our adventure, we stumbled upon St. James’ Church, which is one of England’s finest Wool Churches.  Most of the church was built about 500 years ago. I walked into the beauty of twelve seventeenth-century lime trees.  Each tree represents an Apostle, which lines the path to the Parish Church.  Walking through the path, we saw an old cemetery, lush green grass and a view that stretched for miles.  There were remnants of a grand house built in 1615, which was destroyed in the Civil War in 1645, when the Royalist garrison under Sir Henry Bard set fire to it, so it would not become the Parliamentarians property.  The remains are that of the main house.

Besties in England

I thought this arch seemed short but it doesn't look it when I stood underneath...

Rows of limetrees

Behind the Church

Cemetery

Phone booth

Ah, the Swine Flu...

We returned to the b&b for some r&r and watched Four Weddings and a Funeral.  How very English!  We dined at Eight Bells, had a real meal (no pub food or quick take away), I had a glass of wine and thoroughly enjoyed it.  The 14^th century inn was cozy and a great way to spend time with my best gal.   Dogs are allowed in the restaurants, here, which is nothing I’ve experienced before. A party sat by us and came with two well-behaved dogs, who sat and weren’t a disruption.  Another group came and pet them under the table (non-hygienic!)

Eight Bells

The next day came too early.  We didn’t want to leave but packed up and made a point to see thatched roofs.

Thatched cottage

Big girl sunglasses

There were sheep in the country, so I had to bring one back with me

Back to London.  Emily and I hopped on a bus to go to the Tate Modern, only to have the most random night.  We had missed the stop for the museum and arrived at the end of the bus route, where everyone has to exit the bus.  There was another girl who missed the stop for the Tate, as well.  The bus driver kindly let us stay on the bus for the eight minutes the driver is required to break for at the end of the route.  This way, we could continue on the route, rather than having to pay to get back on.  The three of us were talking, as the driver picked up trash from the bus and proceeded to take out a rug.  He placed it in the middle of the isle, knelt down and began praying.  We just looked at one another.  We were taken back, caught off guard and I felt as thought I was imposing.  This went on for minutes, and then we decided to get off.  There wouldn’t be enough time at this point to make the museum worth it.  It was already getting late.  Emily, the girl we met, and I began walking near Covent Garden, where we wound up this night.  In an interesting turn of events, I made a new friend, Isabel.  She is a graduate student from Columbia and we have met several times.  Funny what happens?

Walking in Covent Garden, we stopped to eat and saw an artist that was performing—a chainsaw juggler.  It was a night full of the unexpected and spontaneity.

Sunday is the day for Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane. I bought an amazing piece of art to commemorate my time here by a local artist Laura Jordan. Below is a sample of her work that is similar to mine. It represents key pieces of the London skyline, public transport, even the Covent Garden artist Emily and I saw.  This was really special and I knew I’d have it to remember moments that has impacted me and my time here.  Brick Lane is funky as always and there are some great finds and lots of diversity in this area.

Sample image of the London artwork

The last day’s weather was less than ideal—rain (typical London weather).  Off to the Tower of London, the Tate Modern, and the London Eye, for what was meant to take place during the beautiful evening sunset. Alas, it was an incredible view and was an interesting perspective. Jessica joined us to go on the London Eye.

Rainy London

Me and King Henry VIII

London Eye

On top of the world

With Jess on the London Eye

Walk back in front of Big Ben

One thing is for sure—I had a great time with my best friend.   She brought a slice of home to London and I didn’t realize how much I needed that.  We laughed so hard we cried together and before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye.  It was a full trip and I was just so happy to have her here.  She means so much to me.

Being in England and finding this story break, I was shocked and felt so far away from where it was taking place. I called my mom and she turned on the news, I was listening to the local Dallas coverage of the event, and was able to connect with someone closest to the situation. I was also able to talk to some of my old colleagues at the Temple Daily Telegram newspaper, though the wonderful power of social networking- Facebook. This has given me a forum to talk to those who understand working in the media.

Working for the TDT was the best work experience I have had, the best exposure and education I have had in the field, thus far. Being a journalist has allowed me to become a better version of myself, perhaps a version thatI hadn’t known existed or was suppressed. Suddenly, I have an obligation and a duty to the community- to get the best image- to do whatever it takes to get it. I get to be inquisitive, get the answers that are needed. It allows me to find out things I wouldn’t normally ask or do on my own. Even day-to-day assignments, I’ve found that it has given me the best excuse to ask. It is my job. Perhaps it has collided the best of both worlds. It has forced me to come out of my shell and allowed me to help the community, whether it is just being there, giving them a voice through images or just speaking to someone on an assignment. There have been countless times that my heart has been touched, and I hope that I am able to do the same for them, from my being or images.

This summer, I stepped out from working for a newspaper, and interned for a magazine. The day that the Michael Jackson story broke of his failing health, there was buzz all over the internet. The office was so quiet. If it had been a newsroom, it would have been chaos. Wonderful chaos. As crazy as it might sound, I miss it. I love it. I want to be involved and feel so grounded and helpless from here. Events like these, remind me I love working for news outlets and want to return. It’s where my heart is.

I saw local papers today with coverage of the story on the front. This is worldwide news. It isn’t a local story, a local connection or tie. It’s worldwide. I cannot believe it. I feel so helpless being here in London. I desperately want to cover the story- to be back in Temple and Fort Hood, as I have done countless times. To be covering Scott and White Hospital, where many of the soldiers have been taken, where community members selfishly showed up to donate blood for the victims.

I’m always fascinated by what publications run of breaking news. Here are a few copies of today’s front pages.

- The Temple Daily Telegram, where I used to work

- The Killeen Daily Herald, TDT’s sister paper, which is based in Killeen, near Fort Hood

- The Dallas Morning News

- Austin American-Statesman

Time for the first face. The speed of the lure was incredibly fast. The greyhounds ran after the lure and dang, those greyhounds went fast. The races are in the evening at Wimbledon Stadium, which is outdoors. This made for less than ideal photographs. The combination of low lighting, time of day and the speed of the dogs= hard to capture. I bet on Lord Karl. He seemed dignified and the right choice. I am in England, after all. He didn’t place, so I didn’t win. Ah, well—all in good fun.

I saw Billy Elliot, the musical. It was amazing. I’m not much of a musical/ play kind of gal, but Jessica mentioned how wonderful it was supposed to be. I had a wonderful time. The lead that played Billy this night was superb, as I’m sure the entire cast would be. There was one part of the musical, which was a long solo that was just breathtaking. The audience went wild and cheered him on. The actor broke out of character, looked around at the audience taking it in, and went onto the next scene. It was so precious. The theatre is very big here, and even found to be recession proof. Sales are actually up in the West End.

Billy Elliot at Victoria Palace Theatre.

Being away from my dad and a temple on the High Holidays is always tough. Being in another country was no different. It seems there is a decent Jewish population here, so I had no problem finding a way to services. I actually didn’t have to seek it out. I was unsuccessful in finding other students to join together for Rosh Hashanah, so I went alone. Services were a bit different. There were three people wearing hats where the service was being given. Two women were wearing hats, one like a tea party hat—very and the male was wearing a top hat. When they would stand/ sit, the congregation would. It wasn’t said by the Rabbi or written in the prayer book, as I’m used to. The place I was in was at a different location than the actual temple, so it didn’t have much of a religious feel to it. It felt cold and didn’t feel very special to me. On Yom Kippur, I met a group of kids to sit with, which was nice. I saw a girl falling asleep next to her dad, I’m assuming. It made me think of being with my dad and resting my head against him during the long services.

King Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill is currently on exhibition, celebrating the 500^th anniversary of Henry VIII becoming King of England. He was fit for armor at three different points of his reign. The armor showed his increasing size. Horse amour was also shown along with weapons. The weight of the gear and weapons was heavy, and hard to believe that it was how wars were fought.

Here are some pictures of armour shown in the exhibition.

Legend has it that Charles II believed if the ravens left the Tower, the fortress and the kingdom would fall. The Tower of London, through the British government, today employs the ravens. One of their wings is clipped so they do not fly away.

A running video of the Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, was shown prior to entering the vault where the jewels were held. She was 25 years old and was a striking resemblance to her son, Charles. Queen Elizabeth practiced with a crown made up of the same weight as St. Edward’s crown—the one used for the coronation. This way she could get used to weight on her head and to keep it on.

Here is a video I found from Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953:

The Crown Jewels have been kept at the Tower since the early 14th century, after it was found unsafe to keep them at Westminster Abbey.

At attention at the Tower

With the guard!

Tower of London, Thames River and the city of London

White Tower

Traitor's Gate

Artillery was shot through here

Westminster Abbey was surreal. I thought of Princess Diana’s funeral and the media coverage. How the event impacted people worldwide. Walking through the Abbey and the courtyard, we were walking on gravestones of people were buried there. On the tour, a Reverend went up to the pulpit and led a prayer on the hour. It was wonderful. How very special. I decided to light a candle and say a prayer, and continue the tradition to the churches I go to while abroad.

The west entrance of the Abbey, includes 10 statues were unveiled in July 1998 that are set above the doors. The modern-day martyrs represent every continent and religious denomination. One statute is that of including Martin Luther King, Jr., representatives of those who have sacrificed their lives for their beliefs.

Me at the west entrance of Westminster Abbey

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s statue is shown fifth over from l-r.

Fabulously dressed English women leaving a wedding from St. Margaret's Church (next to Westminster Abbey).

Brighton was another breath of fresh air, like Salisbury. Away from the chaos of London, Brighton was a beautiful city between the South Downs and the sea on the south coast. Their beach consisted of rocks, not sand. There was a pier, with a carnival and vendors selling food and seagulls flying. People were relaxing by the water and soaking up the sun. The Royal Pavilion was the main attraction of the trip. Built for King George IV, it was also used for King William IV and Queen Victoria. The pavilion was anything but ordinary. It was extremely lavish, in a different way than Buckingham Palace, and built with an Indian and Chinese influence.

One fun tidbit: I learned here that the saying “Why the long face?” is thought to have come from when when women’s makeup (made of beeswax) would run. There was a screen in front of the fire to prevent the fire from getting too hot to melt the women’s makeup. Hence the term, the long face!

Brighton Pavilion

Me at the back of the Royal Pavilion

Enjoying a red velvet cupcake in the many hidden pathways leading to shops of Brighton.

Brighton Pier

Purple. Apparently, I like it. Jessica and I frequently find each other wearing the same color in the morning. I bought this awesome felted necklace and purchased sunglasses, which happened to be purple.

Brighton seaside

I had only been to the gates of Buckingham Palace before. This time, I went on a tour of the 19 State Rooms, which are used for official and state entertaining. The palace was very elaborate, as I had imagined. We went to the Music room, where Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Charles and son Prince William were christened, using the water from the River Jordan. Thinking about the history in that room- Princess Diana being there for the christening of her first born.

Marking the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Commonwealth, 28 of the Queen’s dresses dating back to six decades, are on display.

Photos of some of the pieces on display:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/royalty/5126751/The-Queens-Commonwealth-wardrobe.html

Video of the exhibition:

At the gates of Buck House

Just an ordinary day.

Behind Buckingham Palace

Turner and The Masters is on exhibit at Tate Britain. Jessica and I were privy to join the members the night before it opened to the public. The couple we are subletting from are members. I walked around the space being led and educated by the complimentary audio guide. I will NOT go to another exhibition without this. It was wonderful to learn about the pieces and pointing out comparisons between JMW Turner and his rivals work. This was not an exhibition I would have sought out but I had a wonderful night. It was here that I saw my first Rembrandt. I actually teared up when meeting up with Jessica, as we were walking around admiring the artwork. I felt so humbled to be around such amazing art as I did this night. WOW.

My favorite piece from the show was actually one that didn’t quite go with the theme of the exhibit. I could have stood at Rembrandt’s painting for hours. The light, the detail, how did he capture it so well? Hundreds of years ago to have accomplished such a complex picture without photography. It was perfect.

Turner's "The Angel Standing in the Sun"

Rembrandt's "The Holy Family at Night"

I love that the museums are free here. If there is a special exhibition, it costs money. At the National Gallery, my favorites pieces were Georges Seurat’s Bathers at Asnieres from 1884. The paintings is comprised of muted and pastel colors but are mixed together in a way that brings life to the piece. There are shadows and uses of light. Rembrandt’s self portrait at age 34 from 1640 was remarkable. I’ve come to really become interested in him after seeing a work of his at the Tate Britain. The detail, use of light is extraordinary.

Georges Seurat’s "Bathers at Asnieres "

Rembrandt’s self portrait

My photography class went to the BBC for a tour and Q&A session given by one of the two picture editors for the BBC News website.  Ah, to be back in a newsroom. I loved it!

Me and my cold have been using MANSIZE tissues.

Dallas clothing in London! Shout out!!

Cheers!

Jessica was told to ask for a fruit shooter at the bar, and was denied. She was "too old", We found it at the store. It's a kids drink.

After finding out flat not cleaned to our standards, Jess and I started our cleaning spree. Apparently when confronted, our landlord said that he isn’t one to say what is clean and what isn’t. People have different standards. Since when does finding hair, dirt, and money all over the floor, mean that?! We found our bedding less than ideal and set out to buy our own. We heard of a store, Primark, and set out for the adventure. The tube system had been going well, so we tried to master the bus system. We got off to early, walked many many blocks to find the store CLOSED due to a power outage on the side of the street of the store we needed to go to- naturally. I was pissed. Jessica was sad, as you can see by the photos. We then went to Marks & Spencer Foods on the way back. First, I was literally baffled by the grocery carts. They were chained one by one and I just stood there trying to figure it out.  I asked and found the carts accept one pound for you to use and you get it back when you return it. New to me! When at the checkout, I found that it was 5 pence per bag to carry groceries. Ugh. I bought a bag after finding this out for groceries, markets, etc.

After finding our way through London's bus system, we finally made it to Primark, in desperate need of bedding. The store was closed. Bullocks!

Jess was sad Primark was closed.

Riding first class on the rail. Looking important with the news.

So, we proceed on the tube to go home rather than the bus. There was a tube stop just nearby. We got off at a station before needing to transfer to find we weren’t being let off. There was an “incident” we were being told and to be patient. Approximately 10 minutes later we were let out of the tube that was packed full of people, shoulder to shoulder, body odor and all. Everyone from that station had to exit one area due to the “incident” and the passengers were allowed to use the railway to get home, due to the situation. This would have been expensive, otherwise. We got in with our bags of groceries and ran to first class to milk it. Somehow, this made the afternoon a little better. We found out the next day at our tube stop that there was a person under the tube…. Who knows what happened there…

We eventually made it to Primark the next day to get what we needed. I passed OUT on the way home.

Passed OUT on the bus after going to the craziest store ever- Primark.

Lugging all the bags back from our successful Primark trip after getting off the tube, walking blocks to our flat. I miss having a car.

We went to Argos, which is such a different store to anything I’ve ever known. It’s a small storefront with a huge warehouse. There are catalogs where you can get just about anything. From vacuums (we’d know because ours didn’t work and we made the landlord get a new one) to TV’s to jewelry. We went and bought a desk for the flat. I built it!

I built a desk for Jess's room! Me and the instructions did well.

In 1939, more than 10,000 children from Austria, Germany, Poland and Czechoslovakia, arrived at Liverpool Station in London, to start a new life in Britain. One of the children, was Frank Meisler. Meisler is an internationally famous artist and sculptor to returned to Liverpool Street to unveil his bronze sculpture, a tribute to Britain for taking in the children. There are 16 milestones with the names of each city from which the Kindertransport departed. The sculpture is of five children and their suitcases and a train track, as if they just arrived. I was unable to get a photo due to the congestion this morning of meeting our group and heading out for the day, but will go back and get this. There was a lot of history there, and through out the tour that I wasn’t expecting but very pleased to learn.

The dedication reads:

“Children of Kindertransport: In gratitude to the people of Britain for saving the lives of 10,000 unaccompanied mainly Jewish chidren who fled from Nazi persecution in 1939 and 1939″

-Whosoever rescues a single soul is credited as though they saved the whole world – Talmud

This was extremely powerful to me. I had no idea such history would be right there. It’s everywhere.

We headed out to Columbia Road’s flower market which was beautiful and had amazing deals. I wanted to buy an orchid (5 pounds!!!) but we had 3 other markets to go to. Another Sunday, I’ll go. There were great shops and places to eat.

I made a new friend today, Stephanie, she’s from Boulder, CO, and is Jewish. We bonded and had scrumptious a “beigel” a.k.a. bagel at Beigel Bake at the Brick Lane Market and it was delicious! It was here that I bought a strawberry and blueberry custard tart which was amazing! Brick Lane is in the Whitechapel area, where I live. This used to be a Jewish section of London for decades. I can’t wait to learn more about the rich history.

From here, we went to the Spitalfields Market, which was pretty fancy compared to the others. I was very happy to find the markets within reasonable distance from our flat and nice places to go.

I came back to take a nap and get ready for the Thames Festival. The festival has been taking place this weekend in different parts of the city. Yesterday, I walked over the Thames River on the London Bridge. Walking back we heard beeping and realized they were closing the gates for pedestrians. They were closing off the road to raise the bridge, allowing a ship to pass through! Wow, what an experience. I stumbled onto a dance floor of swing dancers. I just smiled ear and ear and was in amazement of the couples. I had wanted to take lessons this summer and didn’t. I picked up loads of flyers on upcoming lessons and places to go. I can’t wait!!!

Tonight we went to see the Fire Garden at the festival. Compagnie Carabosse, one of France’s street art groups, created the fire garden outside Tate Modern. The fire alchemists did quite a job!

Fire Garden

A girl running through trees

St.Paul's Cathedral, River Thames and Millennium Bridge

River Thames riverboat and Millennium Bridge

Onto the fireworks! Short and sweet- 10-15 minutes. We had a heck of a time getting to the events tonight, due to traffic congestions. Getting back home we took the wrong bus, oh and I ran our of money on my Oyster card. Fortunately the bus driver let me ride. We transferred busses, going the right way now, and fortunately the bus driver let me stay on even though he was going to make me get off. I got so frustrated with the bus system tonight. **CORRECTION: frustrated with public transportation** This is something I’ve never had to deal with. I used it less than a handful of times at Syracuse when I needed to but that isn’t navigating a city like London. Slowly but surely, it will get easier.

Londoners watching the firework display at Thames Festival

Londoners watching the firework display at Thames Festival

Now, I’m putting my tired feet to sleep.

The trip started off with meeting the rest of the Syracuse University kids at the Royal National, where we were staying during a week-long orientation.

Jessica and I at the Royal National

SU had guides for us who were available for questions on getting acclimated to the city and finding a flat. It wasn’t easing finding a flat for the 4 month stay that we will be here for the program, and that was for two people. We came across flat after flat that had 2-3 beds in each bedroom, expecting a dorm-like living style. Apparently, this is common here to share a bedroom with at least one person, if not two others.

Many random and funny things have happened to us since we’ve been here. One funny adventure was in Marble Arts, an Arab area of London. We went with a local guide from SU, Elliott. Outside the place of business we were approaching was a newsstand. Inside were more news magazines and in one corner were cell phone accessories. The store also served as a world travel agency. We proceeded down the stairs and passed a currency exchange agency. We wound up at the end, where there was the estate agency. Very shady.

Jess and I did find what we were looking for in the end-  a 2/1, which is located in Whitecastle. The people we are subletting from left a less than tidy place, and we have been busy all week cleaning and getting settled. School started this week. We have been getting better with the tube and busses, but it still isn’t easy. We are still finding our way.

Elliott, mentioned above, and Andy, are two of the members of Idiots of Ants, a comedic group here in the UK. You might have seen their Facebook Wall skit.

Jessica and I didn’t even know until it somehow worked its way in conversation, and we realized it was them. They are fun guys.

Me, Andy, Elliott and Jessica at Shakespeare's Head Pub

Jess and I during the first week in London

We have taken advantage of the school trips so far and have many lined up for this coming week.

One trip was Greenwich, the birth place of King Henry VIII. There was a great market where I bought a bracelet and had lunch. From here, we hit the Royal Observatory, located on the Prime Meridian, zero degrees longitude, the point where all time is measured. The observatory was founded in 1675 by Charles II to find a way to determine longitude at sea. We walked underneath the River Thames, inside Greenwich Foot Tunnel. This runs 1217 feet in length, 33 feet underwater at low tide and 53 at high tide. Coming out the other side the Observatory.

It was so cool to see a camera obscura. I’ve read and studied about them, but had never witnessed one.

http://www.nmm.ac.uk/places/royal-observatory/camera-obscura/

Prime Meridian

The gals- Jess, Hannah, Katy Mae, Kasey and I- at the Royal Observatory on the Prime Meridian in Greenwich.

Photographers dorking out in front of the Camera Obscura sign.

Camera obscura at the Royal Observatory!!!

Inside the Greenwich Foot Tunnel which runs underneath the River Thames.

Friday was the trip to Stonehenge and Salisbury. Stonehenge, built in phases between 3000 and 1000 B.C., includes 500 burial mounds within a three mile radius. The site still functions as an accurate celestial calendar. The stones weigh between 25 and 45 tons and were brought in from 20 miles away before being placed.

Sleeping on the coach ride to Stonehenge and Salisbury- a long day of riding to see the sites.

Kasey, me, Jessica and Hannah at Stonehenge

Stonehenge

Stonehenge

Stonehenge and the moon

Stonehenge

After Stonehenge, we went to Salisbury, a quaint town and toured the Salisbury Cathedral. It was gorgeous to be inside the 13th Century Cathedral and be surrounded in such history and beautiful architecture.

Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral

I lit a candle and said a prayer at the Salisbury Cathedral

One billion year old rock outside Salisbury Cathedral