It does make a nice backdrop

CANTERBURRY/ KENT/ GLASTONBURRY/ STONEHENGE/ BATH

This weekend was very eventful. I enjoyed both trips to Canterbury, and Kent, England on Saturday. And going to Stonehenge and Bath on Sunday. Canterbury Cathedral was beautiful. Hopefully, you were able to look at some of the pictures I posted of it on facebook. 

After Canterbury, we drove about an hour to Kent, England and toured through Leed’s Castle. What better way to spend Valentines Day then touring a romantic castle, right? My favorite part was going through the maze, which was in the courtyard. It was huge, and made up of forest green bushes, neatly squared off and were a little over six feet tall.  I was in a group of four but we decided to split up to make it a competition to see who could get through the maze first. We didn’t end up winning even with my height advantage and competitive edge! I kept trying to get to the opposite side thinking that’s where the exit must be, but really you wanted to get to the center of the maze because that would lead you up stairs to look at the maze from above. Anyway, it was fun!

I also loved seeing how the castle was decorated so nicely for Valentines Day. There were two rooms that had probably about 25 tables each. They all had pink and red roses in the center. How amazing would it be to have diner there! Especially, on Valentines Day!

On Sunday, we went to Stonehenge. I was really looking forward to seeing it because one, I love history, and two… I love tourist attractions! And well Stonehenge is definitely one of them. After taking more pictures of rocks than I ever have in my life we got back on the bus… excuse me “coach” that’s what they call it here and continued on to Glastonbury. Glastonbury Abbey is the first Christian Church that was built in England. On they way there our tour guide impressed me with all the knowledge she knew about England and its history. I mean sure, she is a tour guide that’s expected but even as we passed a hill she said if you look to your left that hill was… etc. She knew everything. And also talked about British slang that you might enjoy. Here are a few!

British slang: It’s going all pear shaped.

Translation: Things aren’t going as well as we planed.

British slang: Is she up the duff?

Translation: Is she pregnant?

(Last one) British slang: Going around the houses.

Translation: Taking a detour. 

Glastonbury Abbey was also very interesting. Apparently, it is said to believe that The Holy Grail is buried at Glastonbury but no body knows where.

For lunch two of my friends and I asked a local where we should go eat. She recommended a place called Rainbow Café and said it was just down the street and to the right. Thinking we would find it very easily since those were basic directions we ended up going up and down the street a few times until we finally found it after passing it twice. (It was a small sign). Anyway, after we got inside 30 seconds later the cook from the back casually yelled out “Fire! Everybody out!” They way he said it made it seem as significant as yelling “orders up!” Like he didn’t sound concerned at all. In fact as soon as we got out my friend asked a few locals if that’s ever happened before but they said that was the first time.

Anyway, we were going to wait to see if they would let us back in but it was a good thing we didn’t because five minutes later 2 fire trucks appeared, along with an ambulance. Everyone was okay though.

We ended up going the bakery across the street. They had delicious food. So far I have no complaints about British food. I suppose normally I just eat at my school’s cafeteria but there hasn’t been anything that I thought didn’t taste very good. They don’t have ice though. It’s weird drinking pop with no ice. 

Our last stop was Bath. People would come from all over the world to drink or bath in the Roman Baths. The water was said to be magical and healing. The Romans drank about 6 glasses a day. I got to try some and it was warm, tasted rusty, and smelled like eggs, but I tried it! I couldn’t imagine how they stomached 6 glasses. But overall Bath was BEAUTIFUL!

This weekend a group of us will be traveling to Amsterdam. I’m excited for my first trip outside the UK! It should be interesting to say the least! Don’t worry I have the saying “Spreek je Engels?” memorized… Do you speak English? In Dutch. Until next time! Cheers!

-Britt

PS I’m starting something new, two things actually. First, I am going to write more often so I won’t have such LOOONNNGGGG entries like the last two I had. And I’m adding a shout out section to acknowledge all my loyal readers out there and to say HI!

SHOUT OUT: Naturally, I’ll dedicate my first “shout out” to my Mom and Dad! I want to thank you both again for giving me this wonderful opportunity to explore the world. Even from just being here for only two weeks I am already having the time of my life. <3