Originally I planned on posting very detailed descriptions of our travels, but now that I am sitting down (well actually lying sprawled out on my stomach) to do this, I am vetoing my original idea, mainly because it would take ages and ages. A quick run-down of the places we have seen and things we have done this past week:


1. As I said in my last typo-filled post, the climate is very similar to that of Upstate. Well, with the addition of palm trees and loads more cows, if that is possible. Also it has yet to rain for any longer than 30 minutes at one time! Yay, considering as I was prepared for drastic downpours every afternoon and brought a brand-new super classy raincoat to wear during these.
2. Drivers hardly ever use their blinkers because of the abundance of roundabouts. Also, they HATE stoplights and one town we drove through even went as far as holding a live, one-man protest to argue against putting in one stoplight, complete with signs saying to spend the money in Afghanistan instead of on stoplights.
3. Arundel Castle still has a Duke living in it, and so I felt super lame in comparison. Damn, why can't I live in a house that is on display to the public so they can ogle at portraits of previous Dukes and royalty? I'll have to work on that (aka marry a Duke! okay great plan!!). While we were there I witnessed some mini-Dukes getting into a golf cart, so I already have some options.
4. People are really well dressed here, so of course I am making some mental notes of what I should probably purchase (second hand or vintage of course, not because I am sooo hip that I have to have original items only but because with the exchange rate being 1.67 pounds to one U.S dollar I will be broke in about 2 months). Tights with floaty shirts and boots seem to be the usual uniform, with messy hair (thank goodness I don't have to buy that!) and random bracelets. Also oversize sweaters and skinny jeans. Hmm...
5. Some VT lovin'- we were at a small air force museum where my mom's cousin volunteers and met another guide there. When we told him we were from Vermont he said "Ohh, that is the funny state where everybody is happy and loves each other, yeah?" I told him "Yeah, that is the one". Also, we had Phish Food ice cream after dinner and the people were are staying with said "We got some Pppp-HHH-ish ice cream, funny spelling". I had a nice chuckle. And we met a gardener at Arundel Castle who loved skiing at Smugg's and driving over the Gap. Who knew?
6. London was a blur, doing it in a day was pretty ambitious I suppose. The top of the Double Decker was fun, took lots of photos but mainly people watched. Definitely going back to see the wax museum, shop, and go clubbing duh.
7. LOVED LOVED LOVED Bath, so pretty. It is carved into the side of a mountain (yesss they have things that almost resemble mountains!!!!) and has funky streets and all of the buildings are the same color but with bright doors. The Roman's definitely knew what was up when they ate their oyster snacks in the their baths there.
8. Oxford was cool too, the Colleges are gorgeous. Except I felt totally inadequate roaming the streets with what I assumed were the super smart Oxford- goers. Oh well. Some of the buildings had funny gargoyles on them so I got over my worries of not being smart enough to be in the city pretty fast.
9. BRIGHTON aka the BEST PLACE ON EARTH. I will move there one day, and work in a cute old record shop by day and bar tend at night. On the weekends at I will eat fish and chips on the beach and go clubbing with my hippie friends. I will also bike around in boots and a dress and grow dreadlocks. It will be amazing, and an excellent use of my degree in English. Also, I will somehow find a way to sneak in to the Royal Pavilion and re-create one of the elaborate parties put on there by the Prince Regent.
10. Jane Austen's House. Confession which will surprise you seeing as I am an English major: I have never actually finished a Jane Austen novel. Horridly appalling, I know, as I do respect her as a great female novelist. I just don't like her books, that is all. So the house had little significance for me, but the town it is in is cute.
11. At many of the historical places we visited, such as Westminster, The Royal Pavilion, and The Roman Baths, you can get a headset leading you on a tour explaining what you are looking at. This cracked me up because when you first walk in, it appears as if everybody is chatting away on their cell phones in these highly regarded places.
12. I almost forgot this one. I went to a small section of Hogwarts!!! They filmed the a few scenes of H.P one and two here, so of course it was a magical experience.

So, there it is, a very short and concise rundown of my time here thus far.

Enjoy the day.