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.

Day 2: The Local Experience

THE FRIDAY ITINERARY: Walk in the woods, trip around Ockley, fish and chips at the pub, exploration of the shops in Dorking and dinner at a French restaurant before an evening play.

Madeline and Gabrielle discovered this lovely Tudor-era house in the middle of the woods. The shack we found too, but it was less photogenic.

Revie was in awe of the Norman tower. It's so big... she's so short...

Woohoo for fourteenth century churches!

Really? They spelled "offence" wrong!

Walking around the British countryside, we found a place to sit in front of an abandoned well.

Madeline was contemplating the oh-so-legal purchase of alcohol, but decided to save money for London.

Gabrielle: Today was, in a word, "local." British life is so far-reaching and its culture is diverse: we have old guys in the post office saying that Farrah's death preceded marriage AND divorce, the pub lady telling us about the ghost upstairs, hearing the techno music being blasted in Dorking, trying the French chain food and finding it good, listening to local townspeople put on an absolutely hilarious play about love and lust in seventeenth century London. I'm thankful for the ability to bypass tourists and get to the heart of this crazy country, and for the enormous Cadbury Fruit and Nut bar Nana bought.

Revie: WOW, Micheal Jackson passing is a bit weird, even over here they are mourning his death by having music videos of his on all the channels, when we get home the E! channel will still be covering it. I had a most wonderful day starting with a most unusual shower while Madeline and Gabby toured the local paths near by. Dorking was a extremely busy little town, full of energy and excitement. From now I will be providing a daily fact about the differences of British life from that of the States: The British have very few fast food chain restaurants, but we found one called Wimpy's (there version of Hardy's) lol. Anyway have a wonderful day tomorrow, and i am looking forward to my next fact can not wait. Bye Bye

Madeline: Currently I am enjoying the previously mentioned Cadbury fruit and nut bar. I feel quite at home, which is wonderful, since I found the home I'm planning on moving into this morning on a walk through the woods.... Actually its more like a shed, but it's in my price range. I absolutely loved visiting Dorking this afternoon. It's pretty much the idyllic version of a British town. Unfortunately, it was 5 pm when we began our jaunt, so all the shops had closed (This time bit should be instituted in America). After watching the play, we were able to visit Gabrielle's aunts house, which was absolutely lovely, and for possibly the tenth time we were offered tea. (Note to self: when stocking my new British house, buy tea).

Welcome to England!

This past Wednesday and Thursday have been spent in arriving in England. We landed Thursday morning, with only a brief delay and an hour in immigration. The day was spent in exploring Deerleap and is surroundings, and visiting Stephie and Isabella.

Gabrielle: It's hard to escape school while I'm here. Nana drove us down a Roman road, past a Norman tower, through the countryside that has enchanted so many English writers. It's also hard to escape the fact that I am mercilessly teased by my traveling companions about my inability to walk, talk, read, photograph or interpret hand signals. Despite all of this, or perhaps because of the three pairs of Wellington boots sitting outside the kitchen, the trip is already shaping up to be one of those you keep telling your great grandchildren about, as they do their own history homework. Mommy- sorry I didn't call you on the runway!

Madeline: It was a lovely afternoon. At any given moment, at the airport, on the plane, at the house, I found myself completely knocked out. Jet lag is absolutely wonderful. I'm definitely already in love with the country. I may not be coming back, sorry mom and dad. I mean between the beautiful countryside, polite road signs (instead of yield signs, they say "give way" and another sign suggested to "please drive safely"), and wrong side of the road navigation, it's all quite exciting. So I have no intention of returning.

Revie: As with all things, let's start with the food. I have had nothing but great food since I came to England, everything from cookies at tea time, stir fry of vegetables with fish cakes, and then topped of with strawberries with cream. I am looking forward to become lost on the endless paths for walking in the countryside. Of course there are a few things that might hinder our passage throughout the idyllic landscape( my reference is the possiblilty of "death", as i was warned by the sign) lol. I will try to keep up with this blog as possible, but for know I need to go to bed, and for everyone in VA have a fun day!:)

The Travel Playlist: Kanye's Got it Right

He crazy, I know what ya thinkin.

Ribena I know what you’re drinkin.

Rap singer. Chain Blinger. Holla at the next chick soon as you’re blinkin.

What’s you’re persona.

About this Americana rhymer

Am I shallow cuz all my clothes designer.

Dressed smart like a London Bloke.

Before he speak his suit bespoke.

And you thought he was cute before.

Look at this Pea Coat,

Tell me he’s broke.

- American Boy by Kanye West and Estelle

The Travel Playlist: Sara Bareilles Knows How Far We're Going

There's too many things that I haven't done yet

Too many sunsets

I haven't seen

You can't waste the day wishing it'd slow down

You would've thought by now

I'd have learned something

I made up my mind when I was a young girl

I've been given this one world

I won't worry it away

But now and again I lose sight of the good life

I get stuck in a low light

But then Love comes in

How far do I have to go to get to you

Many the miles

Many the miles

How far do I have to go to get to you

Many the miles

But send me the miles and I'll be happy to follow you

- Many the Miles by Sara Bareilles

The Travel Playlist: Michael Buble Loves London Too

A foggy day,

In London Town,

It had me low,

And it had me down

I viewed the morning,

With much alarm,

The British Museum

Had lost its charm

How long I wondered,

Could this thing last,

But the age of miracles,

It hadn't past

And suddenly,

I saw you standing right there

And in foggy London Town,

The sun was shining everywhere

- "A Foggy Day in London Town," sung by Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra

From Gabrielle: 101 Reasons to Visit London

All my life is open to you, cousin. I go hence

To London, to that gathering-place of souls,

To live mine straight out, vocally, in books;

Harmoniously for others, if indeed

A woman's soul, like man's, be wide enough

To carry the whole octave (that's to be prove);

Or, if I fail, still purely for myself.

- Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Aurora Leigh