Day 58

February 16th, 2014

On Thursday, Camille, Audrey and I had a girl day date. First, we went to lunch at GBK (Gourmet Burger Kitchen. It was SO GOOD. (Food pic - Typical blogger but like whatevs)

Then, we went on a bike adventure in Hyde Park

This tree is called the Elfin Oak. Its 900 years old and  has elves, gnomes, fairies and animal creatures carved and painted into the bark. 

Love this. Time Flies. 

I <3 Audrey! She is so fun to hang out with. She has the same kind of personality as Camille and I, so we all goof around together all the time. 

Camille and I went to the Film Premier of A New Yorks Winter Tale

Complete with fake snow and heart lights

I dont know who this guy is, but people were taking pics with him and getting autographs. 

AND THEN WE MET COLIN FARRELL

Camille told him he had great eyebrows and he said thanks I grew them myself. Then, she said will you take a selfie with us and gave him her phone. Thanks Colin for taking this average selfie. Dont you know the take 3 rule? 

On Friday, we went to Westminster Abbey. They don't allow pictures inside (dumb) so I'll just tell you things about it. I saw the graves of Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. I really like Darwin so that was really cool. I saw the Grave of the Unknown Solider. The Coronation Chair, that has been used for its original purpose for basically all the Royalty. If you haven't watched Queen Elizabeths Coronation you should! I watched a bit of it in the London Tower while looking at the Queens Jewels ww.youtube.com/watch?v=aGLN1kREJ2Q .  I also saw the memorials for Lewis Carroll, the Author is Alice in Wonderland. and C.S. Lewis, Author of the Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe series.  Carrolls plaque is supposed to look like a rabbit hole (pic from google). I love that so much.

C. S. Lewis was a convert to Christianity, influenced by Tolkien who was Catholic. His plaque says, "I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen. Not only because I can see it but because by it I can see everything else."

There is also a memorial to the Bronte sisters with a description saying With Courage To Endure. Bronte, if you are reading this I think your name fits you perfectly because you do have the courage to endure. You are the most perfect 11 year old in the world and I love you forever. 

This is Britian oldest door. ooooh ahhhhh.

After, we headed home in the pouring rain. The rain can't stop a photo session though. 

Ben was my Valentine. 

Yesterday, we went to Blenheim Palace which is right next to Oxford.  It was very fairytale-esque. The wind was fierce and biting, but I didn't mind that much... because I was too busy singing Frozen songs. 

The sun would come out and shine down, enchanting the grounds for brief magical, unfiltered moments. 

Inside the Palace, I learned the Winston Churchill was born there, and that he was a really neat guy. Not only was he a powerful and loved leader, but an artist. He became friends with the founder of Hallmark and many of his Christmas painting were printed as Hallmark cards. He did a lot of landscapes paintings as well. 

The Library, ft. statue of Queen Anne

The library was used as a hospital in WWI

The Chapel

The amazing gardens. I wish my mom could have been there. She loves a good garden.

Next, we went to Oxfod

These statues faces though...

School motto in Latin translates to The Lord is my light. 

The filmed Harry Potter 4 in here. When they are preparing for the Yule Ball and learning how to dance. Its also used as the Hospital wing in a lot of the films 

These are Oxford students celebrating that they are half way through

C.S. Lewis went and taught at Oxford. This is the Lamp Post in Narnia

And Mr. Tumnus

The Great Hall, that inspired the hall for Hogwarts. They were prepping for dinner when we walked through. Students really come and eat here. How awesome would that be. Step up your game UVU

This stained glass window in the hall has Alice in Wonderland characters in it on the bottom of each window.

More Oxford student, dressed like Legos.

If weirdos can go to Oxford maybe Camille and I should apply. We found out they are required to wear cloaks almost daily, and Emma Watson used to go there.... so its Hogwarts. Basically. 

Pub where Tolkien, CS Lewis and the rest of the Inklings gang used to hang out and talk about how awesome they are. We sat down and had a chat about sub-creations and fantasies. I was very inspiring. 

A door to Narnia

xx Jac