Day 9: Oxonian Pleasures (Abbreviated)

THE FRIDAY ITINERARY: Early train to Oxford with Naomi, stroll around the beautiful colleges including panoramic views on a very tall church tower, lunch at Cafe Nero, pilgrimage to the site of the Eagle and Child, quick look at the Bodleian, ride home and naps before a splendid dinner with Nana and Grandee at King William IV, the pub.

Pictures to be added tomorrow morning, as our photo expert is asleep. Check back at www.threefriendsinafog.blogspot.com tomorrow morning for pix.

Madeline: While it is looking like my time in England is almost up (come on people, do you really want me to be stuck at UVA next year?) we spent some time looking at some other universities that you might have heard of. I refer to the little school of Oxford. Yes, this quaint school consists of many different colleges all with their own annexes and libraries. We were able to see quite a few of them and add a great time walking around the town. There is such knowledge and history. While we are all tired, we press on. With Naomi, Gabrielle's cousin, as our excellent tour guide, we were able to see the remarkable university. It almost makes me ready for college, but that would require me to return to America. One more day.

Gabrielle: It's the little things, really. I now own more Oxford wear than Wesllely clothing, and I'm not even matriculating at Oxford. It's how many times I saw Knole House and Hampton Court and Westminster Abbey as a set for "The Other Boleyn Girl" tonight. It's the sauteed potatoes and Veggie Wellington at King William. It's getting my picture taken at Peter Wimsey's Alma mater (Balliol). It's the discussion of language differences with Nana and Grandee after dinner, between American English and British English. It's watching the men's Wimbledon semifinals with both Americans and Britons. It's the fact that I know who Andy Roddick and Andy Murray are, and where they come from. It's how Revie made a dog joke in the car. It's how Madeline deleted the pictures of her sleeping. It's Naomi giving up a day of school to trot us around Oxford. It's small, I suppose, but it's lovely all the same.

Revie: Today was fun and full of walking, and I greatly enjoyed looking at the college architchure that I will not receive at VCU(:( }... It is a charming town, you can see the history, I can picture C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien walking about it. Sorry for my brevity, I am very tired. Fact of the day: I do not care for Beef Wellington, although the British now how to making deserts(particularly a gorgeous chocolate cake..yumm)

Day 8: English Real Estate

THURSDAY ITINERARY: Went to Knole House, took long nap, ate dinner, went to
bed.
The gorgeous Knole House, taken by star photographer, Mr. Linnell

Us in front of Knole House (notice the window between Gabrielle and Revie that made its appearance in the Other Boleyn Girl)

Deer roaming about the grounds

Also laying about the grounds

Isabella showing off her lovely hat in the Courtyard

Revie, being gorgeous as usual

Madeline being strange as usual

Madeline modeling Isabella's beautiful sunhat

Getting a head start on that nap

Madeline: Walking in the presence of Natalie Portman was incredibly exciting. The scenes from The Other Boleyn Girl that used Knole House included the Courtyard and inside looking out the window that is present in the second photograph. We all wanted to watch the movie tonight, but being quite exhausted decided it best not to. In fact, we all crashed for several hours after getting back from the relaxing day at the Knole House. With each day, we get older and older, we passed mature adult several days ago, and are now moving quite quickly into crotchety old women (we'll be able to relate to our parents much better on our return). Now we're spending the night getting ready for tomorrow (I might need to start packing my suitcase soon so that it will be much easier when we actually leave). It's not too late to donate money so that I can live happily in England for the rest of my life. I've set up a Fund-Madeline-In-England Charity complete with a PayPal account for anyone who would like, all proceeds go straight to the charity, and it's really doing a public service to the world. I promise all donations will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Only you can stop my return to America, and time is running out.

Gabrielle: Knole was lovely. It's buried in the Kent countryside, which itself is lovely although it was the cheapest spot on my old British *Monopoly* set (games can be deceiving). The rooms felt a little bit inadequate, however, because it seemed they needed a Gothic ghost to roam its halls. Although Tudor-era players like Thomas Cranmer and Henry VIII lived there once, I felt it was in its essence a place for writers like Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf to re-imagine Victorian horror stories. It's got that vibe, don't you know, and it was fun. The Venetian Ambassador's room was my favorite, especially since he had a Dressing Room. I want a dressing room when I return or I will commandeer someone else's room for the purpose. That's how Henry got Knole, in fact. (Thanks, Grandee, for the piccies!)

Revie: To begin with my fact of the day's so I don't forget: firstly, bathrooms in London are quite scarce because their are no bathrooms in restaurants or any other shops for that matter. Fact number 2 is that deer, epically baby deer, can just be cute as our cartoon character Bambi. It was a fun day with Stephine, little Isabella is such a delight, and Mr. & Mrs. Linnell were so obliging, taking us to Knole House which is in the next county( 2 hrs. away). If you will please record the two Women's and Men's Finale's at Wimbledon, because we will be gone and I wish to see it. Also dear mother If you could cancel my foot appointment on the sixth it would be great because my foot hurts and I would love to not haft to think about it on my seven hour flight( my reasoning is that I have walked so much on it, If I wait a few days and try to get it down, it will hopefully work better, but if you can't, I understand). Thank you for your comments they are nice. Love you all, Rev

Day 7: London Art

THE WEDNESDAY ITINERARY: Walked across the Milliennium Bridge, went to the Tate Modern Museum, saw As You Like It at the Globe Theatre, walked to Buckingham Palace and through St. Thomas Park, returned home tired.

On the Millennium Bridge overlooking the Thames River

The Millennium Bridge and a view of St. Paul's cathedral (when viewing the Harry Potter 6 trailor, when you see the Death Eaters destroy this bridge, pause it, and you can see St. Paul's, and across the Thames you can see the Globe and the large building adjacent is the Tate. We had great fun discovering the Globe's appearance in the movie.)

Where the magic happens.

Anxiously waiting for the play to start (notice the unfortunate groundlings below).

The "obstructing" pillar that made our seats half-price, it actually provided nice shade when the sun beat down towards the end of the play.

Outside Buckingham palace

The entrance to Madeline's future house (please wipe your feet before coming in)

Outside the palace having our picture taken by some friendly Italians.

Gabrielle: I am so exhausted I can barely make comprehensible English but Madeline is holding an axe to my neck so I figured I better be comprehensible. The Tate Modern was lovely, some mind-blowing pieces by Picasso and Magda Conwell and Andy Warhol that really made me think about what we classify as art. The Millennium bridge was fabulous for the view and for the upcoming scene in Harry Potter. The Globe was pretty much the best Shakespeare I've seen in my entire life, and it's pure delight to watch. We had so much fun they need to reinvent cliches to describe it. Here's one: if I don't go to sleep RIGHT NOW, I will be deader than an aardvark who met an unhappy end to tooth floss... or was that the lion... dear God I need sleep.

Revie: Our last day in London was an extremely memorable one, but at least we were able to walk for three hours and then sat for three hours, fairly balanced. The Tate Modern Museum overlooking the Thames is one of the best uses of a old factory I have ever seen. Their collection was fascinating and a wonder to have beheld. Being able to study works of art done by masters of their craft;Picasso, Pollock , Andy Warhol...The globe was wonderful and exciting, I was never bored throughout out the play which has defiantly happened in three hour plays. We were able to see if the queen was home at Buckingham Palace(which she was, because the flag was up). I hope you will have a wonderful Thursday, tomorrow we will be going to Anne Boleyn's' family home.. Good night.

Madeline: As you can probably tell, we are all quite tired. But it was an absolutely wonderful, if not scorching hot day. After spending a considerable amount of time in the Modern Art Museum, we went to see As You Like It at the Globe Theater. It was probably the most fulfilling experiences while in Europe thus far, it was so well done and made me reconsider my whole view on Shakespeare's plays. For a while, I was quite convinced I was the only person in the world who didn't like Shakespeare, but the truth is, it isn't Shakespeare I don't like, but rather I've never liked the way Shakespeare has been presented, and I didn't know what I was missing until now. Shakespeare wasn't meant to be acted by amateurs, it was meant to be the best of the best, His plays were not meant to be acted out in large concert halls, but rather in the intimate nature of the Globe Theater itself, and the language was not meant to be spoken with a poor British accent faked by some unfortunate American, or even a normal British accent from a native, but rather a refined and practiced voice. Saying good bye to London was such sweet sorrow, until next time, good friend.

Day 6: Puttin' on the Ritz

TUESDAY ITINERARY: An hour and a half at the British Museum exploring the ancient exhibits, a quick jaunt in Hyde Park, lengthy and luxurious tea at the Ritz, browsing through all the things we couldn't buy at Harrod's.

Another museum, another photo-op

A Side-trip to the Parthenon

Now for easy installments of 19.95 for 10 months, rosetta stone can teach you every language.

Different Rosetta Stone, perhaps?

Little People, Big World

Tea Time!

Sitting on Cloud 9

7 Deadly Sin Number 5

This loo is twice the size of my HOUSE.

The Cinderellas with the fairy godparents.

The gleam of giddy consumerism

7 Deadly Sin Number 3

A very nice ride, let's say £1,500 is a adequate price for a toy car.

Gabrielle: What can I remember about today? I'm wishing that I had eaten more of those scones with clotted cream and jam, except that I ate five of everything and realistically if I had eaten more at the Ritz, I would be currently getting my stomach pumped in the hospital. Eaters' regret and all that. On a more historical note, I have wanted to see the Rosetta Stone my entire life and today I saw it. Having learned Latin, it's so incredibly cool to see one block of stone that unlocked an entire civilization. We visit these museums because we're trying to find out the story of who we are, because without it, we don't know where we're going. The Rosetta Stone might be a small piece of my story, but it's a treasured one. Hyde Park was pretty, and Harrods was heaven. Never have I had more fun in a toy department.

Madeline: So far two of the background players in our European adventure haven't really been discussed, but they are actually an integral part of our trio, making it... a quintet. I'm referring to Mr. and Mrs. Linnell, Gabrielle's grandparents. Not only have they been absolutely wonderful in helping us in every way possible, they have gone over the top in really making our experience the best ever. Everything from making us every meal, cleaning up (gosh i feel so lazy right now! Sorry, mom.), taking us everywhere, housing us, amusing us, and more (It's hard to imagine that they could do much more, but they find a way!). We are so incredibly grateful for everything that they've done and do for us, and repayment is so impossible, I'm not quite sure where to start. So I'll start on the blog, by merely saying, thank you. Our trip to the Ritz today was one of the best trips I've ever had. The tea was phenomenal, the scones were better than anything I've ever tasted, and I'm really starting to like clotted cream and sugar. It was a truly wonderful experience, I was particularly touched by the Claire de Lune song request, even though it is not one of Mrs. Linnell's favorite songs. She suffered Debussy for my sake. I'm honored. For everything they've done, I raise my Passion Fruit and Orange tea high (and all those following the blog, may do the same with the tea of your choice), and give a toast with a teacup.

Revie: Today was a walking and finding day, did I mention walking. The British Museum was very interesting, however I would have preferred more time at the National Art Gallery the day before. The British Museum had many interesting piece's; one of the best Egyptian exhibits I have seen, the Rosetta stone that unlocked a whole language, a wonderful exhibit concerning the stone freeze above the Parthenon, and the collection of Saxon artifacts that Mrs. Robison mentioned in English. The tea at the Ritz Hotel was FABULOUS, best tea and cucumber sandwiches ever. I did try a new pastry that was interesting. Then we went to Harrods,which was a fun experience. Except that they have a whole floor just for toys and Dear Mum and Dad, they had the newest Playmobile (I cried for there I looked and saw a new Egyptian collection, full with pyramid and everything, if only I had that when I was interested in both toys and Egyptian history) hmm Argg.!!! Aggravation setting in, o well, took pictures. Hope you will have a lovely Wednesday, love Revie

P.S. The film clip is so funny, watch it many times.

Day Five: A Sunny Day in London Town

THE MONDAY ITINERARY: Two and half hours at Westminster Abbey, quick peek at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, lunch at Trafalgar Square, a thirty-minute RUN through the National Gallery to see Van Gough and Rembrandt, an exciting double-Decker ride passed St. Paul's Cathedral, another two hours at the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels and torture chambers, an hour at Cvent Garden shopping for presents and listening to street string quartets and a ride home with rebellious feet.

The most beautiful church in the world.

Three friends in an Abbey.

Amazing service she got out here.

What time is it?

WE'RE ON A DOUBLE DECKER BUS!

Passing St. Paul's

Tower Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down...

Gabrielle is all set for the Bloody Tower.

Madeline has never seen the shopping like Covent Garden and it makes her HAPPY.

Madeline: We are all so very tired after our day in London. It's wonderful, but the heat is absolutely horrible. We managed to go all over London, and there is still so much to do. It's just all very exciting. Realizing that you are standing on top of George Frederic Handel's grave is probably one of the weirdest feelings ever, only in Westminster Abbey will you find monarchs buried next to musicians, scientists, and authors (to steal Gabrielle's quote). There is so much more to say, but my mind is fried. so tired.

Gabrielle: Tourism here is really like attending a funeral. You wear special clothes (grungy sneakers, ugly shorts, enormous purses and confused faces), visit the graves of those who have passed (Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I, Henry the Confessor, Shelley and Keats, for example) and offer presents (money to the ice cream vendors to support the present economy). In all seriousness, I started tearing up in Westminster Abbey. I was standing on the floor that housed the graves of Charles Dickens, Geoffrey Chaucer, George Friedrich Handel, Robert Browning. I have read and listened to these works of art most of my life and here, next to the most important political figures of Western culture are buried their greatest artists. The reason we do this pilgrimage to everywhere is to, really, honor their effect on our lives. Poets' Corner houses many of my influences, and I had to resist the urge to kneel down and pray. Have got to go: Madeline is wearing her pajama pants on her head.

Revie: Wow, my poor legs are like jello and my feet feel non-existent. I feel like I went on a city wide tour in a day(come to think of it, I did{LOL} hahaha) I am tired, I definitely need to pace my self with shopping, their was so many things I wanted.(Do not worry, I still have plenty of money). Daddy you must watch Wimbledon, the Swiss Vs. the British guy(Maury) was one of the best matches I have ever watched, Maury kept on going and going but i wont spoil the ending for you if you have not seen it. Westminster Abbey was absolutely wonderful( quite crowded, stupid tourists...wait.. o ...me) LOL. Love you all, Rev. Fact of the day: Double Decker Buses are awesome, especially when you're on the second floor, front row seats, nothing beats it as little humans scurry for their lives as we come charging their way(It's almost like jousting, except for the lance.)

Day 4: Enjoying Sunday

Church in the morning

Jonathan lent some British hospitality in a fierce game with Madeline.

"Go over there, you stupid piece of plastic!"

The lunch was lovely and we had Roulard for dessert!

Enjoying "lollipops"

Gabrielle: My companions' inability at ping-pong (what the British refer to delicately as "table tennis") is hilarious. Granted, I did not attempt to compete with their ineptitude, but I have rarely seen such a badly played game. We had an enormous lunch with everyone and subsequently all three of us crashed on the couch for a three-hour nap. It was NOT my fault that Madeline and I stayed up till 3:30 AM... well, maybe... I'm still having a wonderful time and enjoyed the peaceful Day of Rest before our Week of Insanity Known as Mad Tourism!

Madeline: It was a quaint Sunday for us. Simply put, it was enjoyed as any Sunday should be, with family, naps, good food, walks, and rounded out with a hilarious movie (Easy Virtue, for those curious). I'm looking forward to tomorrow most of all, and hoping to not be too much of a tourist. Granted, I learned my lesson from carrying a bag around Hampton Courts, you can be sure that I will be using a backpack for the rest of the week. Must not stay up late again.

Revie: I do hope everyone is doing well at home, i must say i have never tried so many new foods in my life, it is both fun and scary (lol). I enjoyed the service at church, reminded me of old times at Galilee :( However dear parents, I must recommend you the movie Easy Virtue(starring Colin Firth, Jessica Beil, and Ben Barrens{the guy who couldn't act in Narnia s prince Caspian}however he was much better in this) It has been a while since i had laughed so hard at a movie like Easy Virtue, but don't go see it without me, when i get back we can watch it together. Looking forward to tomorrow, our first day in London, fun stuff. And now for the thing you have been waiting for( apology for not writing yesterday, way to tired, but my O SO Funny friends filled in for me). The British DETEST peanut butter, I wonder what old peanut butter has ever done to offend them except being something Americans love, who knows. I find it rather upsetting, but o well life i guess goes on. Love
Rev

Day 3: The Music of Kings and Angels

THE SATURDAY ITINERARY: Early morning train to Hampton Court Palace, where history, Henry VIII and superior gardens live on. After frolicking in the pond, return to town for smoothies and subsequent naps at Naomi's, and an enchanting acoustic concert by college music students.

The Americans at King Henry's Court!

Peek-a-boo, Tudor where are you?

Madeline and Revie were pissed that Gabrielle made them stir the beef stew vat. She doesn't even eat meat!

As duchesses of the court, we had to be suitably dressed for the Royal Wedding. And try not to lose our heads.

Revie thought Madeline ought to cool down a bit after all the excitement.

We thought we would be lost for another 500 years in that maze. Gabrielle's orienteering skills did NOT help.

The girls decided to become Grecian goddesses in honor of the sculpted trees. They should keep their day jobs.

Gabrielle: I love British people. From the man at the ticket office who told us to change at Wimbledon (!) because it would save time, to the friendly guard at Hampton Court who took our picture in our awesome robes, to the young woman playing Katheryn Parr's sister in the reenactment of the Parr-Tudor wedding at HCP today (who gossiped mightily about Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard), to the train worker who figured out that the train home left 15 minutes later than she thought it would, to Naomi who let us crash on her couch and watch Britain's Next Top Model for three hours (same exact thing as in America except with nicer accents and different judges), to Daniel who performed (with many other talented music students) six or seven of his beautiful original songs tonight. I think it's something in the tea.

Madeline: Hampton Court was absolutely amazing. The English have some amazing preservation of their history. The paintings, tapestries, and the ceiling designs in each room was so ornate and amazing, I couldn't imagine that at one point, people actually lived in the palace. I feel like We could've easily gotten lost without the maps among all the rooms. The gardens were definitely one of the most beautiful parts though. They were so well kept, and the trees provided the most wonderful shade. It has been so incredibly warm here, not as warm as at home, but its barely rained at all. Needless to say, I'm getting the feeling I can stop bringing my umbrella everywhere, and I think this whole "It rains all the time in England" claim, is really just a conspiracy to keep away ignorant tourists. There are also quite a few talented musicians in England. As discovered at the concert, there are at least fourteen of them, and I imagine there are quite a few more. The Live at St.Paul's UNPLUGGED concert to benefit Oxjam and Kenya Link was gorgeous, with music composed by one of the 19 year old musicians, and cleverly arranged to include a whole strings section. I'm still amazed.

Revie: I would love to tell you about my lovely time at Hampton Court (and my discovery of the best frappucino I've ever had, it was NOT at Starbucks). However, I would much rather tell you about my amazing friends Madeline and Gabrielle. I have never met such witty, gorgeous, stylish, athletic, cinematic, generous, caring, hard-working, perfect individuals. On the way home from the palace, they entertained me by sleeping on my shoulder and making delightful snoring sounds. They truly are the best friends in the world and no one could ask for any better; they even agreed to write this post for me as I passed out upon returning from the concert. I love my life.