My Life in London: October 2010

Who knew that while on a study abroad you actually have to study?!?!
The first part of my week was filled with studying, a Jane Austen test, Bible Essay, more studying, a religion test, all mixed in with all our other normal assignments. Blah!

Last Thursday we packed up and headed on out for Wales at 6:30 IN THE MORNING!!!! Meaning that breakfast was at 5:15. I was not a fan of that. But oh well, it was worth it.

The first thing we saw was Tintern Abbey. These are more ruins created by King Henry VIII. I hate him for ruining all the old churches throughout England. Sadly it was raining so the professors didn't let us off the coach.

The next stop was the BIG PIT COAL MINE!!!! This place was a lot of fun. As you can see, we got to wear awesome head lamps and heavy battery packs. To bad my light died as soon as we went down the shaft yet I still had to carry the heavy pack around. It was really interesting to see what the coal mines are like but I'm glad I will never have to work in a coal mine. I totally felt like I was in District 12 from the Hunger Games. To bad Gale wasn't there.....

So while on this study abroad I have learned how to see a site quickly and efficiently. Since we go to so many cool sites we only have a little time at each site. We were all a little surprised when we pulled up to the Museum of Welsh Life: Outdoor Museum and were informed that we had 2 1/2 HOURS!!!!!! We didn't even have that much time for the entire city of Bath!
It ended up being really awesome and I enjoyed every minute of it. This "museum" is an outdoor exhibit of Welsh homes throughout the years. Beginning from a Celtic Village that dates to about 250 BC all the way to present day homes. One of the awesome tour guides taught me how to say good afternoon in Welsh.... p'noun da......The Welsh language is BIZARRE!!!! It looks and sounds crazy! As you can see from my post title, it's a weird language. How do you get Wales from Cymru?
I love the fall here in England/Wales!! It is absolutely gorgeous as you can see in some of the pictures.

Liz and I at the Celtic Village

Part of a carnival at the outdoor museum

I LOVE FALL!!!!

We stayed in Cardiff Thursday night. Thankfully we didn't stay in another hostel. For the first time ever the professors picked our roommates from a hat. They have never been able to do that before with past programs because none of the previous groups have ever been as AWESOME as us! We all get along so well. I truly love every single girl here on the program. They are all so amazing and I'm learning so much from all of them.

Friday was jammed pack with spiritual experiences!

Benbow Farm:

Wilford Woodruff came to proselyte in Herefordshire where he stayed with John and Jane Benbow. He baptized them along with about 600 people in the pond at the Benbow farm. John and Jane Benbow later helped to fund the publication of the Book of Mormon and paid for 40 newly baptized Mormons to immigrate to Utah! They were amazing people and being at the pond was an incredible experience.

Sarryn, Anne and I at the Benbow Pond

The Benbow Home

After a short but steep hike we made it to the top of Malvern Beacon. This is the windiest place I've even been in my life. It was crazy how windy it was and I almost lost my scarf on several occasions.

Dr. Seeley talked to us about what occurred here and the symbolism behind it. That man is so amazing. As soon as he starts crying so do I and about 30 other girls!!

We grabbed lunch in Ledbury. I got Turkey and Stuffing potato chips, which were so bizarre. The British sure make some very interesting chips.

We stopped at the Dymock Parish Church. I'm not quite sure about why but Dr. Tate sure loved this place! And it was pretty.

The last stop on the way back to London was the Gadfield Elm Chapel. This is technically the first Mormon Chapel ever. The saints meet here between 1838-1840. Our professors planned a wonderful program for us and we all sang lots of hymns together.

Father Seeley and Saint Tate

Me and Gadfield Elm Chapel

I had such an amazing and spiritual uplifting day.... then as soon as we were back in London I read about 6 people magazines!! One of the girl's moms sent her a package filled with goodies. I have missed my People magazines so much and feel so out of the loop with the world. I loved how excited everyone was over getting the People magazines!!

Nikki and her People

Cheers.

Here's a little summary of my past weekend:

Went to Portsmouth

Saw the HMS Victory

Had the funniest little Indian tour guide
Learned the origin of the phrases 'son of a gun' and 'let the cat out of the bag'... very interesting stuff...

Went to the Cadbury Outlet and spent WAY too much money on chocolate.... (Merry Christmas family!)

Went to Brighton

Pictures on the beach with the English Channel
Walked along the Pier
Got some yummy doughnuts
Got attacked by a seagull fighting for my doughnut.....the seagull won....
Got a henna tattoo on my hand
Ditched the coach to meet up with some family friends

Went to Worthing

Stayed with some family friends that live there
Decorated their house for Halloween and Thanksgiving!!
Played games and watch Marley and Me for the first time.

Went to a Pumpkin Cottage and bought pumpkins
Went to a craft show

bought fudge and candy ropes....haha

Party on a Saturday night

Went to a carnival in Leicester Square
went on a ride...went on dry came off soaking wet due to the fact that it started raining while we were on it
Walked to Picadilly Circus
Went shopping at Lillywhites.
BUILT A FORT!!! in our room!

Here are the pictures from this weekend: