Saturday, March 31, 2007

Rouen, Notre Dame, and Bon Bons

We were able to sleep in a bit this morning which was wonderful! As we were getting breakfast, a woman thought I was French. I severely disappointed her. Once again, I wish I knew every language. I had fruit, applesauce-type stuff, jam & butter croissant, and orange juice. We waited 1 hr for the Luggs who had accidentally slept in.

Notre Dame cathedral was once again very impressive. The vocalizing of the choir was so beautiful. There was a monument to Joan of Arc and the heart of King Richard. The difference between the English churches and the French seems to be minimal. The French have side rooms to pray to certain saints and plainer chairs. Much of the cathedral was destroyed and raided during the World Wars.

Next, we waved goodbye to the beautiful stained-glass windows and the men collecting Euro donations to find food and chocolate. I found a cute bon bon shop and bought a big bag of various shaped milk & white chocolate w/hazelnut cream bon bons. Then, we found another set of bakeries in the street. I got a mozzarella, ham, and butter baguette. To use up my 3 euros, I got 3 pasteries (raspberry tart & pear bar). They were both delicious, perfect-looking, and had a wonderful glaze top. I also got a postcard and more candy for Katie. I might put together a bag of candy and stuff for Becs, Sarah, and Emma, so I don't have to buy more than I already have. We are now off to the Calais to Dover ferry. Now that my camera is charged, it's picture time! Goodbye France!

We made it to the vintage hostel and had a great night with a walk to a cheap super market and had hot drinks during devotions. Nearly every hostel has had this great vending machine. My favorite is the choco milk (hot chocolate), but I am also trying
to like tea.

femme = woman
somme = man
bon = good

Purchases: kinder bars, postcards, pasteries, souvenir coin

Angela: "Mmm..." (in response to Australian men)
Mr Lugg: "This is happy." (describing French baguette sandwiches)

Labels: Calais, Dover, France, Notre Dame, Rouen

NatNannyNad at 10:36 AM

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Friday, March 30, 2007

Bonjour, Merci, Bon, Oui, Pardone & Au Revour from France

The ferry was delayed for several hours, but once we got inside, it was unbelieveable! There were perfume accessories, wine, and souvenir stores; bunk bed rooms; huge freight trucks; and French ads. We were in a side room with comfy reclining chairs. I slept on the floor since I can't sleep sitting up. The breakfast was good, but very expensive. Croissant, ornage juice, yogurt (which is very thin, runny & sweet), jam, butter, and everyone's favorite pain au chocolate. Mr. Sarr took us outside on the the deck (we had gone out the night before to view the water and take pics) where we saw France and SNOW! "Normandie" looked lovely. Green fields and perfectly French houses. I enjoyed how they matched all of the classic homes and villages in Ever After, Fly Boys, Beauty and the Beast, and Pink Panther.

We drove on the right side of the road again. As we came into Bayeux, there was a river running through the town with a quaint water wheel. The shop windows and cobblestone roads were delightful. I was so fascinated by the people and said "pardon" and "merci" as much as I could. I so wish I knew every language! That and flying would be my chosen superhero powers! :D

The stores were mostly clothes and bakeries. I officially LOVE French bread! First stop was the Tapestry Museum. (The tapestry is in the opening credits of Robin Hood with Kevin Costner) I enjoyed reading all of the signs that gave info on the Norman Heritage, Vikings, and William. I got 20 euros, so I get 10 a day in France. I have $260 left of my $600 to spend. France seems to have cheaper prices and the Euro is a better rate. I got to practice my French at a fresh bakery. I all I have to do is take out all consonants and add an "ouh" sound at the end. I guess accents CAN get you somewhere! :D Es and I got a 4-cheese fromage and I got a baguette to snack on during the next few days. Kate thinks I'm obsessed with baguettes. I said, "No way! ...croissants too!"

We continued on to Rue du Pont. There were huge holes left from American mortars and bombs as they climbed the cliff to take the hill. The fortifications of the Germans were fascinating to explore as well. We climbed all over the cement remains. It was so muddy! From the cliff, we looked out over Omaha and Utah beach by the English channel. At the D-day Museum, we viewed the exhibit in a new light having just been at the cemetary. I loved the stone map by the statue of American Youth. I've seen military cemetaries before, but it never fails to get me thinking. We saw the marble crosses of two of the brothers from Saving Private Ryan. I found myself walking by through and saying "Thank you, _____." I'm sure I don't even know the number of people who lie there. How wonderful for those who found rest- how terrible for those who left what they thought was hell for somewhere far worse! At the museum, I enjoyed understanding history a bit better and seeing the weaponry and uniforms on display.

We went back in the bus and took another nap. (Earlier, being at Omaha beach, it was once again cold and wet, so sleeping throughout the day was great. Driving along gave scenes of sheep, white cows, and nest-covered trees and/or parasite bushes.) At the hotel, I got to room with Kim. The beds were long and skinny. The toilet flushed by pushing a o button and the toiled paper was pulled out one sheet at a time. We dropped our bags (I reorganized mine when we got back before taking a long shower). We walked down the very urban street and found a pizzaria. They seem to like decorating with grapes and old drama masks like Mardi Gras. Angela and I split a 4-cheese thin, THIN crust with goat's, mozzarella, something like blue, and brie cheese. There were delicious desserts, but we just went back. :( Our poor waiter knew about 4 words in English. He had a great little moustache.

Other stores down the street had ivy crawling up the restaurant front. They looked magnificent, but expensive. I did find pain au chocolate (10 in a bag, good until April), but I still need chocolate for Katie. At least I have tasty gifts for anyone I want to give something to. Oh, and praise God, John found my lost postcards!

Devotions by Mr. Sarr: Seeing how God's beauty is aimed for in cathedrals is interesting. They were originally made to honor Him. Exodus- God is serious about sin. we must love to give Him honor by confronting and stopping sin.

jamon = ham
pain = bread
car park = parking lot
bonjour = hello
pardone = excuse me / sorry
merci' = thank you
oui = yes
au revour = goodbye
sortie = exit

Labels: Bayeux, France, Normandie, Rue du Pont

NatNannyNad at 10:00 AM

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Thursday, March 29, 2007

Cemetaries, Cathedrals, Herrods, and Ferries

Breakfast was pretty much the same as yesterday except I tried marmelade and raspberry jam with the croissants. I finished getting ready and used my last 2 minutes of internet to read my mom's e-mail. We had our suitcases in the lobby and waved goodbye to St. Pancras. The bus is pretty nice! Es and I went straight for the back row. John is the name of our first driver. Great accent. (We later found out he's an extra in many movies, including the new Bourne movie) Our first stop was Bunhill Fields. So many tombstones and all falling apart (apparently greatly harmed by smog). We sang "When I survey the Wondrous Cross" by Watt's tomb. Next, we saw the huge St. Paul's. The intricate designs and sheer volume was impressive even in a grey sky and rainy day.

Harrod's was our last stop before lunch. It was UNBELIEVEABLE and WONDERFUL! :D Security was everywhere amid beautiful walls and decorations. The Egyptian escalator was gorgeous. Kim, Es, Angela, and I explored the crazy prices before finding the Food Hall and a Krispy Kreme. We got many presents and enjoyed talking to a British man who idolized Neil Armstrong. He said he wanted the troops out and his favorite actors were Will Smith and Jamie Lee Curtis. That was pretty funny. We were snacking on bakery items at the time. We tried to look for coffee, but went in a smokey bar and then a tiny, expensive Starbucks. Kate, Dolly, and Andrea had gotten cute scarfs and keychains. Kim, Es, and I ran upstairs to buy some keychains, too. I got many special things at Herrod's that day.

Next, we went to Spurgeon's church- the Metropolitan Tabernacle! The pastor and staff had great books and encouragement. It was wonderful to see that they still preached like Spurgeon!

Sainsbury was a great little store to stop and get sandwiches from. I got a honey mustard salad wrap and a pineapple, mango & banana drink. We took the food in the bus to make it to Winchester. The cathedral was so tall and a unique mix of Romanesque and Gothic. I can't imagine how much work it took to build and carve everything! It was also special to see all of the honors for fallen soldiers. We ate dinner at Pizza Hut which had a great meal deal that included appetizers, 2 sides, pizza, a drink, and a dessert. I went "halvsies" with Levi on the cream puffs and banana cream pie. The food was so much fresher and had less grease! On the bus ride to Portsmouth, we started laughing alot. Es and I used our British accents to the fullest and enjoyed the countryside. Our ferry is delayed, so we have to wait 3 hours to board and 2 more to leave. It's fun to finally hear some French being spoken! Goodbye England!

give way = yield
VVVVVVV with flashing O lamps = pedestrian crossing
square market = London's financial district
strand = beach
sale agreed = sold
pot = bowl
static at lights = stopped at light
to let / letting = for rent / renting

Dolly- "What if the buildings fall?" (about our meeting place)

Purchases for gifts & me: keychain, astronomy book, evolution book, devotional book, tea tin, tea saucer, mint candy tin, cookie/candy jar, bear chocolates, pecan danish, and a cheese scone.

Labels: Bunhill Fields, England, Europe, Harrod's, Metropolitan Tabernacle

NatNannyNad at 9:39 AM

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Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Along the Thames with London Bridge & Tower

I slept very well last night! We all woke up around 2, though, since our biological clocks were so off. We went to breakfast where I enjoyed granola cereal, gloucester sharp cheese, bell O cheese, peach yogurt, and 2 croissants. I've decided that I like black current jam. Yum! The bathroom is very unique. In the shower, no matter where you stand, water shoots into your eyes. So, we all have to keep our eyes closed constantly. :) The sinks here are unique, too. Apparently you mix the two (hot and cold) by plugging the drain and then stick your hands in the soapy warm water.

We started the day by going on the Tube to the London Tower. The yeomen in their little red suits were in the perfect setting with castles and towers alike. We went on a fascinating tour and then walked into the Bloody Tower, Crown Jewel storage, and armory. I really liked the emerald + diamond sword and the crown worn for state affairs. The ancient weaponry and hall of kings were also impressive. I got many gifts and souvenirs between 2 shops. I am mostly English after all! We then ate lunch in the Tower Cafe'. I had a brie turkey or chicken pesto baguette as well as a mango peach drink. I've noticed that many drinks, even ones from a same American company, have less sugar and perhaps food does not contain high fructose corn syrup. Whatever the reason, everything seems fresh and tasty! Anyway, we sat outdoors and enjoyed the warm weather. We had a great view of London Bridge from there. All of
the restaurants charge more for eating in!

We spent the afternoon walking along the Thames. It was a strange mixture of unique modern buildings and gorgeous old architecture. There were fun shops including Marks & Spencer which seems to be around alot. We also found a self-cleaning bathroom that cost 20p (pence) to use. Kim and I went for it. In that same shopping area, there were many pretty fountains and sculptures! Along an old cobblestone alley, we passed a prison museum, wharf, and the infamous Globe Theatre. I bought a 99 flake from one of the ice cream trucks. The side of the vehicle was painted with red, white, blue, and gold stars with Disney characters. Hmm... The ice cream was a mixed taste of whipped topping and gelato to me. Fudge poured down the narrow top and a chocolate candy stick (a Flake Cadbury candy bar) stuck out of the side. Yum! As we kept walking, we passed through a park area with entertainment. One guy sang with a guitar, another rolled a glass ball all over himself, and many were fully dressed in 1 color. They all acted like statues or entertained passerbys.

As the London Eye came into view, we found a souvenir shop selling cheap Burberry knock-offs. I wore mine immediately and got one for my mom. I also found a little ceramic Big Ben statue. Finally, after viewing the Millenium Bridge, we could see and hear Big Ben and the Parliament houses. City Hall was an awesome ovular, slanted glass building. Next, we went to Wesminster Abbey. It had many famous Brits buried and honored there. The ornate designs were amazing and I loved the ridiculously tall ceiling! They did seem to glamourize some pretty ungodly people there just because they were well known... As we made our way back to the hostel, I finally found a Barclay's to get more cash. We stopped at Burger King, which was also very different from back home. I got a BLT chicken baguette with fries and a sprite. Even the fast food tastes healthy!

Back at the hostel, I got a 15 minute internet card, postcards, stamps, London tin, and keychain. I read Mom and Dad's e-mail and wrote back. Then, I bought a ton of candy bars from the vending machine to take home. Some I've seen in Canada before. Others, never. I even got free chips since the machine had them worth 0.00. They are roast chicken flavor... interesting. What a full day!

Devotions by Mrs. Frisk: We saw amazing architecture today. We also came in contact with a lot of death, but it was good to see the impact that many left. We were very confused to see the lack of discernment in who is let into the Abbey. It was all about money and prestige. We also saw a bold post-modern statement in the tomb of Elizabeth and Mary. We must always think heavenly thoughts as Colossians 2 says.

litter = trash
way out = exit
clamped = towed (car)
pasty = pastry
advice slip = receipt

Purchases for gifts & me: black currant jam, London keychain, 2 guard teddy bears, Paddington Bear tin, King & Queen chocolates, 4 pencils, crown silver spoon, Spencer crest bookmark, 6 candy bars, 2 scarfs, Big Ben statuette, London Tin, ice cream, postcards

"If I had enough money and I could live here and there wasn't a bar... I would sit here and think." (Angela at the Tower of London)

Labels: England, Europe, London Bridge, London Tower, Tube

NatNannyNad at 9:10 AM

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Tuesday, March 27, 2007

The Tube & The British Museum

Labels: British Museum, England, Europe, Tube

NatNannyNad at 12:49 PM

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Monday, March 26, 2007

The Journey Begins

It’s still not real: We leave TODAY! I am so excited to embark on another journey! I still have fond memories from the DC Trip, so I can only imagine how special Europe will be with my best friend and other close senior buddies! We will have awesome pictures for sure! I survived work last night and brought home $68, so not bad! I organized all of the digital pics for the senior slideshow, but 4 of 18 years is a bit lacking! :) Mom and Dad are scanning other ones soon.

Yesterday I took a picture in the cockpit of 51Mike and one by the Statue of Liberty in my Red Robin. Guess what? When we get back, it’s only 2 months until graduation (and a mere 2 weeks until Banquet) and after graduation, 2 months until Berlin mission’s trip and then 5 days until college at Embry!! I’m so glad Mom and Dad are coming down with me! So fun! And just last night we figured out that I won the MOF/WA state Pathfinder’s scholarship. So, I got $15,000 (ER) + $1,000 (Math) + $1,000 (Comcast) + $5,000 (Pathfinder’s) = $22,000 for my freshmen year. The larger amounts are renewable (get it every year!) Praise God!! Well, I need to finish packing and getting ready! Europe, here I come! Cheerio!

~~~

After some last-minute shopping with Mom, we picked up Dad and headed to Sea-Tac. It was group picture and goodbye time. Next came security. After that, we sat by S10 (our gate) and waited. Esther and I wandered to fin d a cinnamon roll. Seattle’s Best had exactly two! Es and I also got chai and enjoyed. The lady was so sweet, we both loved talking with her about our trip and our college plans. Later, we wandered through shops to get 2 coloring books and colored pencils. On the 747, we had the very back middle rows:

(back)
Kate Dolly Angela Kim
Me Es Sarr Levi
Andi Ian Frisk Lugg
(front)

The two meals served were excellent, but I only slept for 15 minutes…
The entertainment system was crazy! You could pick pretty much anything to watch or do! I played Hangman and Solitare and watched Night at the Museum, Dream Girls, and School of Rock. Each day I’m going to write down fun quotes and words I learn:

“Many Thanks.” Steward
“We’ll hit you as soon as we can.” Mr. Lugg

Nappy = diaper
Toilets = restroom
Bonnet = hood
Mind the Gap
Underground-Tube = subway
Take-away = to-go

Labels: England, Europe, scholarship

NatNannyNad at 12:48 PM

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Saturday, March 10, 2007

Monthly Madness

Labels: Europe, FOF, Red Robin, scholarship, senior surprise, snow, Track

NatNannyNad at 9:05 PM

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