Share it or lose it.

Graduation

2010-05-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

I graduated May 7 with as a Master of Science in Human Environments, emphasizing in Interior Design. I finished the program with some of my favorite people from USU: Ksenia Choate and Maryam Alsuweidi (both of which I have promised to visit them in their respective countries: Russia and the United Arab Emirates-- boo yeah!).
Another cool thing is that I got to sit next to Rick, who was one of two to graduate from Political Science!

This is the "hooding" process. Very odd. I felt like I was in a cult. But I guess if it's a graduation cult, sign me up- I want out!

My cute Grandma and Grandpa Kidd who sat through every single darn name that was read. I was so impressed. Talk about loyalty. I love you guys!

Others in attendance: Mom, Dad, Kristen (she came to my undergrad graduation too- what a trooper!), and like 9 from the Kelly family, which is only about half.

Momma got overwhelmed when she walked into the parking lot of Interior Design, which also just happens to be the spot she used to drop me off to preschool when I was only 3 years old going to the USU lab.

Thank you to everyone who came and supported, but also I'd like to thank everyone who helped me along the way.

2009-2010 Wrapped In a Bow

2010-04-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

Oh dear. It's been almost a year since I blogged. I love to journal, I love to photograph, and yet blog entries have been a low priority. And understandably- I have been very preoccupied with the mission, the boyfriend, and the-sist...
So here's what has happened this year in a nut shell.

Summer:
Europe (obviously---- see the last 44 entries) and, as usual, very happily boy-less.

Fall:
Student government (2nd year), graduate coursework, gave boy a chance.

This is Suki- "The Pizza Lady" who helped me while I was HASS Senator in order to raise money for student scholarships. I had to put this picture up because she just makes me smile, so I assume it works on other people as well...

Winter:
Boy stayed for Christmas (that was a new and peculiar scenario), I bought myself day-after-Thanksgiving pre-Christmas gifts (much to mom's dismay) including a guitar, camera, and painting supplies, taught boy to ski (he's already good), and hibernated in the basement to write my thesis.

This is me at the GSS Research Symposium I won $125 for this poster. Woot!

Spring: Got mission call (Oakland/San Francisco - Spanish), stayed with Ting while bro-in-law went to Mt. Everest of all places. I went to Idaho, Georgia, and North Carolina for all sorts of reasons. Defended thesis successfully. Boy got job in Orem. Graduate from USU forever.... (that last one hasn't happened just yet- I'm just so excited)

Opening the mission call. Such a great moment.

Mom's cute laugh attack in North Carolina. Is that picture not priceless?! This other one is of the perpetual honeymooners and myself at Chapel Hill, N.C.

I leave June 2- and yes, it is still happening. Having a boyfriend and going on a mission is a very tricky little decision. Everyone keeps expecting me to hit the "eject" button, but I think they are all addicted to drama. So in case you're interested, I'm still going.

I cannot wait to get out of one of my callings (how bad is that?) which I've been in for 3.5 years. It's with the YSA. I realize the calling I am facing is far more strenuous with even weirder people, but I'm looking forward to a change.

So I absolutely recognize that my life is on the up and up. I am also realizing that I'm hardly in control of any of it. So however long this lasts, if only a brief moment, I'm trying to soak it all in like a sponge and grow from it like mold... quickly and in massive quantities. Lovely, I know.

Adios. <-- That's Spanish. It's about the only word I dare use in casual conversation because there are very few ways I could mess it up.

-Jolu

London: the last days

2009-08-12T02:03:00.001-07:00

I have extended my stay in London by 10 days to see friends (Andy and Erin) and spend more time with Mandy and Bryan. Just yesterday I slept in, sketched, played with the kids, went to Ikea through Richmond Park, and then headed to the London Temple for baptisms. It was so awesome. Then Andy met us after work and we all ate at a way nice Thai restaurant. Is that not a perfect day? I am so lucky. And these days have all been like that. Makes it hard to want to go back!

The London Temple!

Sophie, in all her glory

Leaving the Tate Modern (Andy's favorite place in the whole wide world)

M,B, & J Outside of Kensington Palace

A & E inside the Harrod's toy section after eating at a restaurant there with M & B.

These next pictures belong to the day when I met M & B in the morning near Covent Gardens to wait in line for several hours to get tickets for A Streetcar Named Desire, starring Rachel Weisz. We got tickets by the hair of our chins and saw the matinee. In between getting tickets and seeing the show, Mandy and I hit Portabello Road.

Mandy and I bought matching antique cameo rings in Notting Hill. Mine is from the 1930's (made with Silver), and hers is from the 1950's (made from gold).

The travel book shop in Notting Hill (now a shoe shop)

Oh Julia, our friend...

At Hyde Park

London: August 5

2009-08-06T04:49:00.001-07:00

August 5: the end

I woke up at 3:30 am with our flat in order to get them out the door. The task of getting out of bed brought me to to one of those moments in life where your body aches severely and your eyes don't process the light. You are certain you won't function properly unless you are sitting or better yet, lying down. Early morning scripture study growing up in the Olsen household comes to mind, actually. Yeah, that's how that felt.
They packed and left, which was a terrifying reminder that I was to be all alone with my four bags in this big city with no phone and no map to get to Mortlake. I stayed in the flat for a bit to clean up and triple check that we had gotten everything (although I now remember that I DID leave a souvenir for a friend there, which I am very sad about).
As I took off I maintained the pace of a poorly fed, feeble snail. I was deliriously tired and could hardly push or drag my heavy luggage across the uneven surfaces of the sidewalks and streets, let alone the un-escalatored corridors of the Tubes. It took me forever, but I finally made it to Mortlake. Andy found me at the train station (thank goodness) and DROVE (I've never been so thankful for individually owned transportation) me back to their place. I spent the rest of the day and evening lounging about with their three adorable children.

the famous line

Cool view of all the railroad tracks about to split and go their own ways

View out my back window overlooking the backyard (and cute sunroom)

My room on the 3rd floor

London: August 4

2009-08-06T04:48:00.005-07:00

Buckingham Palace!

Darrin informed me that the entire trip was scheduled the way it was so that we could see Buckingham Palace, a building that does not open its doors to the public but for a short time during August and upon invitation. We were SO lucky! And the flag was raised- the queen was home!
I wish we could have taken pictures, but unfortunately it was forbidden. The palace was more up to par with what little girls dream castles and palaces to be. It was B-E-A-utiful! I loved the grand staircase, the window treatments, the chandeliers, the picture gallery, the assembly hall, the red throne room, and the state room with yellow silk upholstery and a hidden door in a giant mirror where the queen makes her entrances.

Palace (note the flag)

This picture is intended to show that the inside was marvelous, but unfortunately the grounds weren't well kept at all!

Right outside the Palace

I thought this was sort of artistic, but check out Susie's scowl!

After the tour, which was to be the last ever taken as a group, the Ireland girls stuck together and went to see Abbey Road where the Beatles shot the art for their album cover. Terri shot a photo that looked JUST like it! Very exciting. Afterwards we went home and began the dreadful task of packing up and cleaning the flat. We were able to spend some quality roommate time together though when Erica needed wedding help.

Here it is!

Just adding to the graffiti. JOSIE OLSEN WAS HERE: 2009

SAD SAD SAD that it's all over! I know many of them feel like it's high time- but I am not the type to get homesick, so I feel like it could go on twice as long and I'd be keen! Another countdown for me begins tomorrow. I will head to my friend's home for 10 extra days.

London: August 4

2009-08-06T04:48:00.004-07:00

Ireland: August 3

2009-08-06T04:48:00.003-07:00

August 3
We woke up and left the hotel in Tralee for a day of pleasant driving and browsing. We looked through Rick Steve's guide which told us to take a road which may have taken longer, but it was truly the prettiest drive I have ever been on. The drive took us through lush Irish country side, up and up and up. Pause: cows are in the road. Hello jolly cow-taker on your bike! Cows come inches from the window, which I have unrolled for the paparazzi fest of the five girls in the car. Unpause (or play, rather): up and up and up the hills. One side of the road falls hundreds of feet down into gorgeous valley. The other is lined with jagged rocks, wild flowers, an occasional batch of sheep, and is speckled with small waterfalls. NO LIE!
We finally make it to Dingle, a cute town on the bay which is home to a single wild dolphin. We walked the streets for several hours browsing and shopping for items small enough to transport back to London in our backpacks. I bought some typical Irish souvenir junk, and then some real treasures at an antique shop there. Very exciting. :) Lunch at a little Garden Restaurant was lovely, and Becky claims it was one of the best meals she had in Europe. I was still feeling quite ill, and was therefore unable to enjoy mine to her extent. But good nonetheless.
The trip back was stressful. We took the less scenic but much faster route back in a race against time to return the car to the airport. We arrived back in London around midnight.

A flat door in Dingle that was absolutely adorable. It reminded me of Legally Blonde.

Always nice to have a reminder

Doesn't even begin to do justice to the grandeur of the hillside

An example of the lush life growing upon one of the many stone walls

Some sad spraypainted sheep on the side of the road

Ireland: August 2

2009-08-06T04:48:00.001-07:00

August 2
Today we left the hip little hotel in Limerick (which had glass bathroom doors), grabbed breakfast at Tesco, and took off for the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs are an hour and a half drive through some traditional Irish countryside. It is so strange when the lush green just drops off as a massive rocky cliff into the chilling blue ocean. A magnificent sight. And we were lucky enough to see it all before the rain poured it's lovin' heart out. Again, luck of the Irish! It's a reoccuring theme.
We got lost a lot this weekend, so as we headed to Tralee we saw a lot more countryside than we expected... Haha. I just felt bad Terri had to manage the left side of the road!! After we got to our next hotel (the name escapes me), Meg, Becky, and I headed over to a traditional Irish Pub for dinner. We dodged about 4 Pubs before finding one that actually served solid foods and wasn't too smokey. I got vegetable soup and sprite in hopes
We got home and had really good, deep conversations. I enjoyed getting to know these girls. It was so nice to force myself to bond with new people (outside the senior-girls flat). Megan reminds me of Whitney La Beau King and I could see immediately that we would be friends. And nobody can make me laugh on this trip like Miss Becky Kendrick. She is such a character out of a book or something. So fun. We all hung out in Susie and Terri's room the rest of the night laughing, talking, and eating just enough junk food to push me over the edge of mild nausea. I slept well.

Second Hotel (very posh! Susie was sure to get good hotels with fun designs)

Side of the road cemeteries (they were frequent)

Watchtower at Cliffs

Windmills with Susie
Backseat children on a roadtrip: Megan, Josie, Becky

The CLIFFS OF MOHER!

Ireland: August 1

2009-08-06T04:47:00.001-07:00

Today is the day o the wearin' the green
Today is the day that the little people are seen!

August 1
Today I flew into Shannon with Terri, Susie, Megan, and Becky. A bit of stress from the start: problem with boarding passes so Susie & Meg nearly missed our flight. We packed small backpacks for RyanAir. They are an interesting little airline. They remind me of AirAsia. They have 1 pound flights- but then the taxes rack up the prices to 60-100 pounds. I hate that sort of false advertising. Give it to me straight, people!

I had a headache and stomach ache unfortunately, and my ears did that famous popping adventure, so by the time we found our hotel (called the Absolute Hotel- which was very modern), I showered, watched some Michael Jackson Music videos playing on t.v., and fell asleep while the rest went out to eat. It was a good decision. :)
Oh, but I have to tell you the coolest part! When we were at the airport this cutie named Vinnie (thick accent) gave us a free upgrade on our car rental. Our choices: Mercedes or BMW!!! We took the Beamer. Call it what you will, but I think the luck of the Irish has descended upon me. Woot!

Utah-shaped stop light

Reaction when they saw the Beamer!

London: July 31

2009-08-06T04:46:00.000-07:00

July 31
Woke up early again for a big day with the group. I bought a caramel shake for breakfast- no regrets. After a long train ride we made it to Haddon Hall- a medieval castle that has been used to shoot Princess Bride, Pride and Prejudice, and several more. It has been well preserved and I thought it was very interesting. Simplistic, large, and a bit overgrown. It was a neat insight into the time period.

Spot in Pride and Prejudice where Elizabeth opens the letter from her sister.

Our next stop was sort of the cherry on top of London. It was Chatsworth- another Pride and Prejudice site. This was the most grand- which was Mr. Darcy's estate in the film. And WOW. We spent hours there. The gardens were amazing- but more natural than anything we have yet seen. We walked along paths that looked like trodden entrances looking through a window into God's vision for the land, rather than a man-made, well manicured corridor through a space. Both are beautiful in their own right. We saw the hundred steps with an out-of-place tree sticking up right through the middle of them, we saw a real hedge maze (which I did and it was the coolest thing EVER!), a waterfall, ponds, and the largest gravity fountain in the world.
And I must mention that for lunch we ate Pasteys (mine was beef), and Laura and I agreed that it was our favorite meal SO FAR!! That is saying something, people! Especially since we have been to Italy and France! England is the place with the worst reputation! I thought it was worth mentioning, anyway.

Mr. Darcy's bust

the hedge maze

London: July 30

2009-08-06T04:44:00.002-07:00

July 30
A free day packed full of London touring! We started at Harrods, a ginormous department store where you feel you should have worn a dress and earrings instead of casual wear. It was meant to be a quick stop on the way to something else important, but it's a mesmerizing place full of art, designer dresses, glorious shoes, chandeliers, attendants with perfume at every corner, and a full on Willy-Wonka chocolate factory in the basement. SO COOL. The place has it's own giftshop full of just Harrods merchandise. That's how big of a deal it is. I bought a plastic apron, which sounds silly but it reminds me of the one my mom brought home when I was a little girl.
Becky and I grabbed some Indian food for lunch and took it back to the flat before heading out again to all the sites on our list, for which we met up with Courtney. Together we saw the London Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the London Eye, and the London Tower. Laura and I paid 14 pounds to go inside the London Tower- which was totally worth it! I saw all the history come t0 life. AP European daydreams took place in these walls so many years ago! I saw where Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth were locked away. I saw where Anne's head was cut off. I saw the ROYAL JEWELS!!!!!!!! Those were so magnificent. They have the LARGEST AND SECOND LARGEST DIAMONDS on the face of the earth. This little old island called England has the most precious stones in all of the world! It's incredible.
We came back and played cards (Nertz) at the flat. It was a great day to be alive. :)

London: July 29

2009-08-06T04:44:00.001-07:00

July 29
Too early. I can barely handle the everyday trips, although I am grateful for them because I know I would never see these places on my own. Today we went to Burghley, an estate owned by Earls (but now the trust). Queen Victoria and Elizabeth had visited, as well other royals. It was the house in the Da Vinci Code of the Cardinal, and inside there was the dining room and drawing room of Catherine de Berg in Pride and Prejudice. Way cool! My favorite thing was seeing the rare painting of Queen Elizabeth as an old woman, the intriquitely carved bird, and the furniture inset with tortoise shell, lapiz, et cetera.
We hung out in the gardens for a bit with splendid fish in a pond. The ivy on the house was lovely. After our tour we ate sandwiches and cream tea, which I found out is not tea at alll. It is a scone with clotted cream and jam! Good to know. In the gift shop I bought a book about the British take on staying positive and dealing with life. I bought lots of fudge when we wandered the city of Stamford. It was there that we walked on the street in Pride and Prejudice with the soldiers walking on the street. So cool!!
Then Laura, Jenna, and I found a little cafe and ate a big bowl of Cauliflour soup and french bread.
After the 2 hour ride home I had great intentions to go out on the town and utilize every moment, but was exhausted (or lazy, rather). I bought my FIFTH cupcake from Hummingbirds (I gave two away to Bry and Mand), and consumed it quickly. This time I got red velvet. Yesterday I got black-bottom, the day prior I ate a carrot cake cupcake. Yum! I can't eat any more on this trip.
Talked to mom on skype for the first time!! It was good. She is trying to work out my plane ticket. Then I watched Pride and Prejudice with some of the girls in our common room and nodded off to sleep.

Lady Catherine de Burge's House (Also featured in the Da Vinci Code)

Some fish in the pond at the gardens there in Burghley

The town of Stamford

Stupid fire alarm that goes off for 40 minutes every Wednesday night and Thursday morning (Kristen, I am putting those ear plugs to use!)

Street that the soldiers march down in Pride and Prejudice

London: July 28

2009-08-06T04:43:00.000-07:00

July 28
A simple day, and yet it still took a lot of time. We went to Oxford (which was very similar to Cambridge in look and feel) and then took a bus to see Blenheim Palace. I had never heard of it, but it turns out it is really worth seeing. It has belonged to the Churchills for centuries. Winston Churchill was born in that house, and even got married there. The estate was marvelous. More impressive than Versailles (not by size, but charm). I loved it.

The gardens were the cutest. We saw the Italian Garden, the Secret Garden (where we took another series of model photos, which I must say has become a common occurance among every individual- even the boys, on this trip, and I'm afraid I started it back at the Colosseum. haha- it's been in jest but it seems too vain!), and the Rose Garden. In the Secret Garden we had a picnic. In the rose garden our senses were attacked with colorful sight, sound of bees and wind, and the scent of paradise all around us. Becky, Laura, Scott and I stuck together. If you ever go, don't bother going to the tour on the upstairs. It was a joke. I felt like I was in another disneyland set, only boring and poorly executed.

The ride home took a chunk of time, especially since we got on the wrong train again. This is our third time mistaking the Circle Line for the District Line! And they said we'd get lost in Venice... Pish posh.
At night I met Courtney and saw Billy Elliot on Broadway playing near Victoria. Front row seats to one of the best shows I have ever seen. I absolutely enjoyed myself. Billy is so talented, Michael is so funny, and the Grandma about killed me. I love shows like this (Holly, I think you and Adam would really like it) because it was not so much about theatrics, but more about the story which was heartfelt and sweet. Realistic too. Three Broadways in London- so now I am pretty much out of money, but it was worth it!

London: July 27

2009-08-06T04:42:00.002-07:00

July 27
Up and at 'em! (Or is it "Up and Adam?"- haha) Up and to the train station at 6:30 am. We had three spots to hit today, which doesn't sound like much but I've learned that when you travel each thing you choose to cram into your day takes hours and hours (or "units" from About a Boy). First thing we did was get to Salisbury, England. A city sitting on the embankment of where several rivers join. Before it even opened to the public, Wilton House let us in for a Private Tour. It is the house of the Earl of Pembroke, and has been for the last 18 Earls. We learned all about them (quite fascinating, actually). Our tour guide, who's name was coincidentally also Josie, deemed the current Earl as a "dishy fellow"- which made me laugh out loud. He was quite handsome, I won't lie. I thought Dad's prophesy might just come true (getting swept off my feet by a duke or earl), but I found out that he has just announced his engagement to be married to a 23 year old next spring. I'll survive, I'm sure.
The house was beautiful! It was even more exciting when I learned that Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice (the new one), and Young Victoria were filmed there. How cool is that? We saw the rooms, too. I also saw a 2,000 year old chair, Fred Astair's dancing shoes (a rather odd gift on display), a room where Winston Churchill strategized after D-Day, and an original Chippendale's book hutch. The grounds were gorgeous. Well groomed and peacefull. Then there was a playground which I couldn't resist. Trampolines, a teeter totter, and slides galore. The slides were soaking wet, a fact I learned after I had zoomed 4 feet down a long metal one. I looked pretty bad from behind- and didn't dry for at least an hour. That's the glory of denim, I guess.
Next was the Salisbury Cathedral. Oh yes, another Cathedral :)... I really liked it though. It has the tallest Nave in all of England, and the tallest medieval nave in the world at 404 feet. We got to go very high within it, even seeing the wood scaffolding from hundreds of years ago still set up and still being used. We saw the bell workings, the view, and the collapsed beam from the 1800's. It was very neat, although all the churches are somehow slightly losing their excitement.
Finally we set off for Stone Henge. I had heard Mandy's story about how it was just sort of a nightmare to get there and then it seemed a bit overrated. I can see what she meant, but for me it went so much smoother. We got a taxi, enjoyed the gorgeous scenery on our way out there. SO GREEN and hill-full (I am allowed to make up a word from time to time). Even sheep in some directions. We spent about 40 minutes around the stones with an audio tour. I really liked it. Then more model poses for fun (that post is still coming), and off for home.

London: July 26

2009-08-06T04:42:00.001-07:00

July 26
Saw Lion King. It took all day. Then I went grocery shopping... Can't think of much else, actually. Oh, I watercolored two postcards. That was fun. Since I need to write 2 paragraphs for our assignments at the minimum, let me just tell you a thing or two about the Lion King. First time seeing it- so it was really a sensory explosion. First scene can make you cry! I felt like the show was more about the theatrics than the plot. I hardly listened to lines or noticed the character developments. I watched the giraffes. the zebras, the elephants, the antelope, the lions, et cetera!! It was un-freaking-real. I could not believe the amount of work that would go into this sort of set and costume production. The money it must have taken! I loved the stampede scene which was very creatively directed. I also loved the new song Simba sings to his dad. There was so much symbolism in this show. I felt like it was a spiritually uplifting experience. The music hits your heart and you get goosebumps several times. Also worth noting: Rafiki was a woman in this show. Not sure why- but she was great. Zazu and Timone were hilarous.
Anyway, another thing I forgot to mention is that I got tickets today. I am officially going to Ireland this weekend! Woot. I will go with Susie, Becky, Teri, and Megan. Very stoked. More details as they happen. :)

London: July 25

2009-08-06T04:32:00.001-07:00

July 25
Happy 30th Birthday, Bry Bry!
SLEPT TIL NOON. Free days were sorely needed- apparently. I never sleep that long! But I still have this lingering cough, so it's good for me. We tried to do the temple today, but they would not answer their phones to make an appointment! Sad day. We went to Notting Hill market instead on Portobello road. I bought a silver soap holder and a "Loo" sign. Notting Hill looks just like the movie! SO cute! I kept half expecting to see a travel book shop with Hugh Grant inside.
We rushed home to get ready, buy some cupcakes from the Hummingbird Bakery, and run over to M & B's. We had email corresponded, but I guess they didn't get the message because when we got there they were no where to be found. I ate my cupcake (so did L) right there and left theirs on the bed. Then we heard them approaching the door so we decided to hide (like a surprise party). They were surprised alright. Blood curdling scream-surprised. Ha ha. SO not funny that it was funny. :) Just enough time for intros and hugs, then off to a Broadway! We saw Phantom of the Opera- which I am intruiged to find myself saying that I enjoyed it far more than the movie! It was incredible what they did with the set. They played all sorts of tricks that were unexpected and thrilling. Then there was the heart pounding sound that filled the entire theater. The voices were outstanding, hitting notes I cannot even replay in my head because the pitch is not one I can comprehend!
After the show we picked our jaws up off the floor and headed over to Planet Hollywood. L had never been before! They are so fun. We saw Charlie Chaplin's cane, a Marilyn Monroe dress, the gun from 007, meteorite from Super Man, boots from Rocky, a Wonka Bar from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, etc. :)
L and I saw a purple man (no joke), got totally lost on the Metro, and laughed our butts off the entire evening. Great free day. Already wish we had more!

The Times Square of London

Amazing! Better on stage than watching the movie.

Missionaries I spotted on the tube!

Shopping in Notting Hill

London: July 24

2009-08-06T04:23:00.000-07:00

July 24

Happy birthday Grandpa Jack! Happy Pioneer Day Utah!
Ah, what a good day. Downright made me happy. I woke up at 9, headed to M & B's, and proceeded to stay there until 10 pm, even though I had originally intended to stay for just a visit. M's boss came and ate lunch in her apartment. Then M & I headed to the Purple Dragon, a posh children's center. For example, there was super cool decorating goin down there, miniature red toilets and miniature sinks just for them, an art section, a huge flat screen for Wii's, a pillow mat that had sensors that would play with you (too hard to explain, but way way cool), and even a little recording studio for kids with a miniature drumset, guitars, and a mic. So cool! I met JB's chilluns and ate lunch. Afterwards we took a taxi home to her place and chilled for a bit. It gave us time to really talk, which is always very satisfying. We even did our own series of ANTM photos, to be coming in another blog. We took a little outing to Hyde Park next, which was beautiful! M and I both noted how it would be very groomed in some parts, and then left to be weedy and natural in others. It sounds like it would be an eyesore, but it was just the opposite. There were long grasses just left randomly next to tall beautiful trees. We walked towards this picturesque pond full of swans (just reminding me of the Notebook!). TT* kept saying, "Duck want a hug and kiss fwam Fakey? Yes? Okay."
Then we got some Thai food before it was time to come home, meet Court, and do laundry. Laura brought Dan (a real live English boy) home and flirted it up :). He was very nice. He taught us that if someone is cute, you say "fit", if you want to look "smart", you wear a waistcoat (which we would call a vest, which he thought was a wife-beater), and that "knickers" to them are our granny- panties! We had a good laugh.

Hyde Park

Hanging out with my sister, Mandy!

A posh center for kids to hang out all day

*Tiny Toddler

London: July 23

2009-08-06T04:19:00.000-07:00

July 23
Cambridge!
Cambridge is a college city that has loads of character. We had tour guides who helped a lot. The first church we went into (the name escapes me already, which isn't a great sign) was small and rundown, but had the most fabulous patterns painted into the walls. Just like wallpaper, but big and bold colorful patterns put into this old, rundown church. So bizarre.
Next we went to The Kings Chapel, and by golly, it was the most amazing sight! I think you had to have walked through the main doors yourself, but I am telling you- it was incredible.
Finally we went to a Cambridge museum. I saw really neat artifacts and paintings (very impressive collection), as well as the spot Sir Isaac Newton lived, while at Cambridge, and a cousin of the original apple tree, which currently sits where the first one once resided long ago.
Our final adventure before getting set loose to go home was called punting. It was much like a gondola ride in Venice, only our guide was a young girl only about nineteen years old. She explained so much about Cambridge and how the university works. It is very different than in the states. Here you are a part of the university technically speaking, but you hardly identify with it as a collective whole. It is all about the individual college, of which there are hundreds. Each college has its own resident halls, professors, sports team, and chapel even! I thought it was really neat. I loved it there.

Kings Chapel (biggest WOW factor yet. The ceiling was incredibly detailed)
Cambridge chapels

Purdy

London: July 22

2009-08-06T04:15:00.000-07:00

July 22: BRINTON'S

Woke up at 4:30 am... Not taken kindly to my body, as astonished as you may be. It was a huge effort to go where we were headed, which was the city of Worcestershire England. There houses a manufacturing and design firm for Brinton's Carpets, which claims the title of finest carpets in the world. It was impressive- it's more like art than floor covering. They took us on a tour of the company for an entire day, showing us the process from trying to win potential clients, the designs, the archiving, the dying, weaving, etc. They even fed us and we all ate like 11 or so mini sandwiches. We felt like pigs...
The people at Brinton's were so hospitable to us. They gave us all little memory sticks (random but awesome) and really any info we wanted. I learned that to be a carpet designer there you have to be willing to travel all around the world (how tragically inconvenient- jk) and you have to train to be an artist with them (they disregard your university education and make you train with them for at least 2 years before you can design for them). It sounds intense, and if you want to work for them it is a pretty big commitment

Carpet factory we spent all day at

Coming home from Brinton's

After a long day of nodding off during presentation after presentation, we headed back to London. We got back maybe around 7, so I had little time to make it over to see my sister, Mandy, and her husband, Bryan. They happen to be working in London over the two week span that I am studying here. It is fate, I tell you! She is very close to me in proximity, but unfortunately I still got very lost. I asked at least 12 people on the street how to get there, but not many people, even locals, had heard of it. I figured out why very quickly. The hotel they are staying in is so upscale that it doesn't even have the name on the front. I only was able to find it after wandering near all the Bentleys, Mercedes, Jaguars, BMW's, and the likes.
B and M were happy and healthy. I LOVED seeing them.

Freaked out a little bit when I saw this subway stop.
First pair of "skinny jeans"
Long train rides every single day

London: July 21

2009-08-06T04:09:00.000-07:00

July 21

Today we hit two museums: The Soane House and the British Museum. The Soane Museum is an architect's house that after he died got renovated and opened to the public. It is a bizarre house, especially for what you'd expect out of an architect's home. I guess growing up next to Stan Kane's white stucco rectangle house, so I just assume all architects like simplistic, modern, architecture. Soane has all sorts of craziness up in his house. Random added on archways, mirrors, pillar tops, pictures, and domes just everywhere. I mean, room after room of stone faces and pillar tops placed in rows all over the walls (top to bottom), placed as if Grandma Bee were decorating. It was so strange! But cool. He did use very forthcoming techniques though. For example, he had these light domes all throughout the house in the rooms that brought in natural light (even in the basement). The house from the outside just fits in with all the ones next to it. You'd never be able to pick it out. Then on the inside it has just become level after level. He gutted everything and made it his own. It was too busy for my taste, and hardly a home, but very cool to see.

Soane Museum (house of an old architect)

The British Museum was a much more traditional museum. It was also free (Oh, so was Soane's), so if you ever come to London, you should take advantage of all the free sites. Super cool! I saw sections on Islam, Egypt, Greece, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Very cool. The thing I really noticed was how different and obvious the sculpting styles are of Egypt vs. Europe. So interesting.

British Museum

Rosetta Stone

Susie (my teacher) and I had lunch afterward and a good discussion. Love her! Then we met back up with the group and headed to St. Paul's Church. It is the second largest church (next to St. Peter's in the Vatican). Not near as ornate, although of course it was very beautiful. It's the church that Winston Churchill's funeral service was held, as well as the church Princess Di got married in!
We climbed the 500+ stairs (I was with Darrin, our other teacher, and his daughter, Hannah). It was a workout. I better have noticeably better calves after this trip. I have never climbed so many stairs in my life. Not the 500 alone, just in general. Europe is full of them! I can't imagine being handicap here- it would be so difficult. It has been so interesting to research. The view of London was beautiful. Definitely worth it, as it always is. :)
I went shopping after and bought my first pair of skinny jeans. Yikes! If you are reading this and are nervous for me, just imagine how I feel. I know what they are, and I know what I am- so it was a bold move. But one that I am willing to try for the sake of me being completely sick of the tiny wardrobe I packed for this trip. 5 shirts are NOT enough for a 6 week trip, no matter how much laundry you do in the sink! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. And packing a bigger suitcase will, I guarantee you, be better than packing 3 small bags in order to feel like you packed so smart. Smart? No: Stoopid...
Anyway, the roomies and I all got milkshakes tonight that had a lot of milk and hardly any shake. We felt like we paid six dollars for a Nestlee stir-in package- haha. But it was funny!
Tomorrow we have to wake up at 4:30 am, so I have to go to sleep!

Climbing up to top of St. Paul's

Top of St. Paul's with Hannah and Darrin

London: July 20

2009-08-06T04:03:00.000-07:00

July 20

V&A day! We split off into groups for an assignment because the cliques are getting a little out of control. All of us Angela-Adams veterans are taking a group to design patterns. I got Amanda, Brady, and Whitney. It was fun. We each took a floor and documented it thoroghly with a series of a bazillion photos. We have to come up with patterns as a group. I feel pressure to make sure they turn out- which just makes me nervous I guess. I absolutely loved the V&A. It is a museum (free of charge) with a great section of jewelry (Cartier and the likes), fashion (all the way to present day), theater costumes (they even let you try them on! I felt like I was at the Children's Museum in SLC), technology, sculptures, etc. I especially liked seeing Cornelia Parker's flattened band instrument piece because Erica and I had studied it in Darrin's class last summer! It just brought it full circle, you know? Really cool. I think the patterns we come up with should be really interesting.
Afterwards we walked across the Millenial Bridge (the only walking-exclusive bridge in London) and saw the Tate Modern Museum WHERE I saw a Picasso! There was a cool soap string, a randon love bus with sleds falling out of it, and more random stuff. It was strange. Haha. We rushed through because we were sick of being in museums all day and we wanted to go back to the hotel.
Later on we all (My entire flat, but not Erica, because it's "not her thing") departed on the journey of all journeys. The quest to see Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince movie (insert Alleluia chorus!) I was beyond excited. It blew my mind that several in our group haven't even READ THE BOOKS YET. What rock did they grow up under? I mean, really? I don't get it. And half of my family falls into this category, now that I think about it. So if you are reading this, stop! Go pick up a Harry Potter book, read it, and THEN come back and read this blog. Don't own it, you say? I do. It is on the third shelf in the south east corner of my bedroom. You may borrow it. That being said, I loved the movie. It was funnier than the others have been, better timing, etc. And it was even more special because the scene where all the death eaters fly around in the city of London was exactly where we had walked today! I mean, even the bridge that collapses and is in all their papers is the Millenium Bridge- the one I waled on today!! Is that not crazy surreal? I just LOVED it. (Lee, I want to discuss in more depth of course, and can't wait for our next walk :D...)

Bridge that collapses in HP6 (Millenial Bridge)

Globe Theater

Public Building (also in HP6)

Cornelia Parker exhibit at V & A

The let us try on costumes in the theater department!

Picasso at Tate Museum

London: July 19

2009-08-06T03:48:00.000-07:00

July 19
Cheerio! Left Paris at about 10 am. We chunneled it to London, which I didn't even realize because unlike the Nemo and Jaws scenarios I was expecting, you just go into a big black tube underground for an hour or so. No biggie. Still freaked me out though. What would happen if there was an earthquake or something? Or if a big cruise liner just rubbed up against us? These are details I'm sure an engineer assessed and there's not need for my brilliant mind to fret, but I still wonder all the same. I had a sore throat yesterday, and although I didn't have one today I still felt awful. My nose is so raw! I just have a typical cold (I'd like to think I got swine flu out of the way, but I'm sure I'm not that lucky), but it's hard enough to carry three bags and a purse up and down hotels, subways, and in and out of train stations without one...
We got to London and I don't remember much. Honestly I was so light-headed that it was a big blur. We got oriented by a young man in our flat at Manson Place, who told us that talking on the street of our flat is strictly prohibited (we live in a VERY ritzy part of London and people pay millions for their apartments. celebrities even. I mean, I walked down our street the first day to Mercedes, Audis, Beamers, et cetera. We cannot disturb anyone or we get fined thousands of pounds!)
Then the group took a trip to the grocery store and then did a walking tour of London while I took a bath and went to bed early so I could get better. This is the first time bringing all that food and dragging it all over Europe is paying off. I made myself some tea and Ramen Noodles before drifting to sleep. It was a little bit of home. :)
First impression of London: Not as "magical" necessarily as the other cities, but more home-like. I mean, I feel like I could realistically live here and be happy as a clam. In fact, I really want to. Our flat is awesome! It is me, Laura, Jeanette, Allie, and Erica rooming together, which is the smallest group to share a flat. We are so lucky. The flat has 12 foot ceilings, 2 bedrooms, a tiny little kitchen, a big common room, and really gross carpet. We love it! We even have a tiny balcony. :)

The signs here crack me up

Living room in flat 13 of house 13

Kitchen (really tight for 5 people)

Bedroom (I share with Laura)
As I looked in my closet I paused... I never realized what a GIRL I am. Pink, pink, polka-dot pink!

Paris: July 18

2009-08-06T03:45:00.000-07:00

July 18
Flea Markets are cheap, no? One might think that, but that one would be wrong. The flea market L and I went to had lamps, broken chairs, knock off purses, you name it... Only thing is, I'd pick up a candlestick and it would say 600 Euro. I'd look at a disgusting used brush and it would be 75 Euro. It was bizarre. But way cool too because it was so pertinent to our field. We saw all these beautiful antiques (4000 Euro) that although we could never afford them, they would sure be fun to buy on someone else's dime!
The line at the Catacombs was as bad as the grand opening of the Pirates ride at Disneyland, so we skipped it. At night we went to Fountain Blue followed by a picnic at Vaux, where we waited to see beautiful candlelit gardens... except that it rained, so they never lit them. Better for me though because I was SO blasted cold out there for hours in the wind and rain. I woke up sick this morning with a sore throat and cold, so I just wanted to take it easy. I loved the stories I learned in the museums. Louis XIV had such an ego! He imprisoned a friend for having a nicer house than him. He wanted the death penalty for him, but the judge just banished him. Sad story.
This was the last night in France, I'm sorry to say. I absolutely loved it and already long for the day I can return.

Paris: July 17

2009-08-06T03:43:00.000-07:00

July 17- Versailles

Happy Birthday Jen! Miss you. :)

Okay, we went to Versailles today and it was everything and more than I had imagined. I took AP European History from Mr. Markworth when I was in 10th grade and have ever since longed for the chance to see it in the flesh. (Cup of chocolate? Inside joke that nobody will understand...)

Our tourguide, I kid you not, had a rattail. It was the best thing ever. We were all less than subtle with our attempts at capturing it with our cameras. He took us through the palace where I learned about the 7 salons/apartment for the royal family, which is meant to represent the 7 known planets at the time. I walked down the beautiful hall of mirrors, I meandered through the gardens, I ate a picnic in front of the grand canal, and literally melted when I saw Marie Antoinette's Hamlet! I WANT TO LIVE THERE. I have always dreamed to live in a European cottage over a mansion, so why not dream about the queen's cottages? :)

Rat tailing tourguide!

Perfect little cottage

FREEZING OUR TAILS OFF with the wind/light rain

Pretty flower in gardens

Hall of Mirrors with Laura (roomie)

Paris: July 16

2009-08-06T03:30:00.001-07:00

July 16

We went to Villa Savoy this morning, a famous house designed by Corbusier. I was impressed by the architecture, but not the interior. And I'm not talking so about decoration, because there was none. I'm talking about the floorplan. It just seems clear it was designed by a man, but I guess you'd have to see it for yourself. Haha. Sketching it was really fun. It's such a famous house and it rests in a perfectly manicured property enclosed with tall trees and shrubs and a large wall.

Villa Savoy
(great on the outside, impractical on the inside)

Afterward we ate at a pricey little restaurant called Kong (a Phillipe Starke creation). There was a ballerina tu-tu light fixture, a giant geisha on the ceiling, and see through chairs (ghost chairs, officially) with pictures of female Asian faces on them. So strange! I got a cheeseburger and fries were 17 Euro (without tip). But it was cool. I found my favorite bathrooms so far (Oh, so on this study abroad I have been checking out bathrooms EVERYWHERE I go for my research. It's been pretty fun because they are all so different and quirky). These bathrooms were rad though- a blown up child sumo wrestler on the wall, naturally. The floors were made of rocks with a clear goop around them. Hard to explain...

We then headed off to the Museum de Orsay, which had impressionist paintings and such. I loved seeing all the paintings I'd seen in textbooks my entire life. I saw work by Renoir, Monet, Manet, Degas, etc. Very nice.

Finally Laura, Scott, and I ended our day by going to the Arch de Triumph. It was one ginormous arch, that's undisputed. We climbed roughly 6 thousand stairs to get to the top, which was beautiful. The city splits out like a sun from the Arch de Triumph, so everywhere you turn is full cityscape. It was sunset, so even more gorgeous. I love love love Paris. :)

Arch de Triumph

Nancy performing surgery on my pink chaco

Paris: July 15

2009-08-06T03:26:00.000-07:00

July 15

How fun fun fun! We started at St. Chapelle's Cathedral, where they have the coolest stain glass. Then we went to the Pompidou (sp?) which is a modern art museum. We saw a dress made of meat, a naked woman hula hooping with barbed wire, and a big pile of garbage. UH? It was strange. But the building was SO cool! Sparkly signage, bright colored walls and lettering, and all these exterior escalators that have the most incredible view of Paris- equivolent to the Sacred Heart (which sucks because we put so much effort into all those stairs!). And some of the art was really cool. I liked the furniture and this one totally feminist exhibit by the Guerilla Girls. :)

The Louvre was not at all how I expected. After wading through the fountains (probably not allowed, but lots of people were doing in this hot summer day and nobody stopped them) we headed inside. It was TOO BIG! Like, not cool how big it was. Just thinking about how the royalty kept adding on to this enormous structure is baffling to me. Why? One of them even brought in livestock and filled a wing with water so he could HUNT INDOORS. What a dissillusioned joke. Anyway, the Mona Lisa was practically the size of a post card (honestly, the copies with arrows beneath which were signs leading you TO the Mona Lisa were larger than the actual Mona Lisa). I also saw the Venus, the Winged Victory, and many more famous pieces. I enjoyed them all, but the Louvre itself was a bit overwhelming. Too big with too many people.

Then Julia, Amanda, and I headed off on a ridiculous adventure to see the French National Library, a modern structure. It was huge, but not as great as we'd hoped considering the effort exherted. Effort which even cost me my shoe! My cute pink chacos died in a revolving door! I was so so so sad. I think Europe is out to get me. I have the worst luck. Could be worse though- so I'm enjoying the journey. :)

The Palace Marie Antoinette spent her last days in.

Random little toilettes

St. Chapelle's

The Pompidou

No Holding Hands, I'm afraid.

Paris: July 14

2009-08-06T03:00:00.001-07:00

July 14

BASTILLE DAY (and free day)
Today was full of sites. It was our free day and Laura, Jeanette and I got started (after stealing some extra cheese and bread from our continental breakfast, naturally) by trying to see the parade. All we saw was a bunch of middle age Johnny Hannyville fans camping out for the concert tonight. We decided to make our way to Notre Dame instead. We rode on a funny two-story metro, which I had never seen before. Notre Dame is very detailed on the exterior. Much like how I would have pictured it to be. Inside had beautiful stained glass windows. I really liked a chandelier they had on display which was symbolic of the crown they put on Christ.
Basilique Du Sacre Ceur was next. I had never heard of it. It is a church on a hill that overlooks all of Paris. It's not just any church either- it's white and reminds me of Gondor in LOR. GORGEOUS! It was a highlight. And looking out on Paris is just so surreal, because it's such a light-pallette of a city. I've never seen anything like it.
We lost part of our group while trying to find the Moulin Rouge. It was fun to see- although it looked a little more plastic-y than authentic. Does that make sense? It looks like it's still used though, so that was cool. We were creeped out by an older man staring at all the photos of can-can dancers. Oh well.
I was hesitant to go back to the Opera House since there is just so much to see in Paris and such little time. Since we had already seen the outside I didn't see a need to go back-- but I was WRONG (That's right Mom, I can admit it)! Inside was incredible! So fancy. I would love to see a show there. I'm happy to report that although it won't hold a charge and has a monochromatic screen now, my ipod works enough to salvage material on it. In fact, it allowed me to play one song (Masquerade) while I was inside to help me connect to the Phantom of the Opera motif! :)
The chandelier hall was unexpected and words just don't describe the feeling I got as I turned the corner into it.
Somebody had the bright idea of walking home (about 4 miles) which after walking all day just about killed me. I didn't leave the hotel again until 11:00 pm to watch the most amazing firework display off the Eiffel Tower I could have ever imagined! I think today was my favorite day of the trip. :)

On the stairs in the Opera House where Phantom was filmed

Most amazing chandelier room ever!! (In opera house)

Sacred Heart (my favorite "site)

Laura snapped this shot of me doing an interview for my research

Notre Dame

Moulin Rouge!

Paris: July 13

2009-08-06T02:33:00.001-07:00

July 13 - Paris!

I think I wanted to hate Paris. I think I wanted it to be snobby and gross and totally overrated. Wrong, so wrong. It is like a clean NYC. Lots of white buildings with cute little balconies. The subway is even pretty clean! I like this city the best so far. It has a gorgeous city scape. When we arrived we passed a lot of the great sites and I felt so giddy. We got to the hotel, freshened up, and then went to the Opera House (the one from Phantom of the Opera) before grabbing dinner (Food here is WAY better than Italian Food. In fact, I think American Italian food is better than Italian food!) and heading off to a boat tour at night of Paris. The Eiffel tower is lovely. Especially at night. Tomorrow is Bastille Day so I can't wait to see the fireworks and lights they use on it.

Cool building at a museum

My favorite pic of Darrin (my teacher)

Pretty at night

Susie, Josie, and Laura on boat tour

Eiffel Tower!

Amanda and Josie at the famous sign

Venice: July 12

2009-08-06T02:25:00.001-07:00

July 12
Cockadoodle doo! 6:00 am shower and pack so I could check out and get to church. I am sorry to say I had to leave a handful of clothes and food because my suitcase wouldn't shut. After a swift hotel breakfast, Megan, Malory, Whitney, Laura, Beccah, Kylie, and I made our way with one water-taxi, two bus transfers, and about a mile of walking to the branch in Venice. We attended S.S. and Sacrament mtg. and I LOVED it (not like I'm really surprised or anything). The people were so nice! We met the missionaries and I thought of all my friends. I donated some of my American Ramen to0 them- haha.

Making it to the church!

The group that made it to church (plus we found missionaries!)

Megan brought stuff to her brother who is finishing his last month of his mission. I contributed some Cup O' Noodles to the package. What every missionary wants, right?

Laura and I spent the rest of our day wandering about near the train station. We ate pizza, gelato, we sketched a bridge, and relaxed inside a few beautiful catholic churches. The we wated around for a few more hours until the group got onto the train. Wht a joke. Tensions were high because it is a stressful process. I felt like I was in Harry Potter. Im rooming with Allie, Erica, Laura, Jeanette, and Becky.

A real confessional box. We saw several people go in and come out. I don't know what the draw is, really- but it seemed pretty exciting at the time.

A big group of Thai people I met at the train station!

Venice: July 11

2009-08-06T02:09:00.000-07:00

July 11 -Venice
We woke up on our free day only to find we were not-so-free. But it was a good thing, because I like the structure. And we go to great places. This morning a speed boat picked us up and took us to the Murano Massego Glass Factory. We watched a man with no voice make a stallion ouit of glass in just one minute! We toured their inventory which consisted of vases, figurines, dishes, wall hangings, jewelry, but more than anything, chandeliers. My favorite were teh black and white ones. Some pieces scared me. They looked like they belonged at a circus- but overall it was very intersting. Watching the man actually make the stuff helped me to appreciate the art of it. It's not like they stick the glass into a mold and whip out twenty. It's all hand done, and it is what Venice is famous for.

On speedboat

Real oven with molten lava fire where they make the glass

Afterwards many of us went to St. Mark's Cathedral. There are probably no greater modaics in all the world. Full ceiling and wall gold mosaics. Wow. But words I sawy simply don't do it justice.
We were scared to find our way back to the hotel because it's just understood that you WILL get lost in Venice and that you should just embrace it and enjoy it. But we've been lucky I guess. Not lost once!
One of the best parts of our entire trip came at 7 pm when we met up with Ksenia Choate! I arranged via email to meet her at the Rialto Bridge, after which we (Laura, Scott, Ksenia, and I)foujnnd a little resaurant in a hidden little courtyardI'm certain I'd never be able to find again. 2 musicians played our entire meal, making the evening quite enjoyable. I ordered Gnocci 4-cheese pasta and water. I got about 17 pieces of small pasta and a glass of water with no ice, and all for the price of just 14 Euro + a tip! Oi, my plate had so much blank space on it, it was pathetic. They added a leaf to make me feel better, I'm sure.
We left the restaurant to go get a gondola.It just doesn't seem right to leave Venice without riding in one. Granted, it would be much nicer witha significant other, but then what wounln't? Our gondolier was handsome. He talked about the city and sang to us. Ahh, heaven. And we did it at dusk, so the day hyad cooled off and the reflections were fabulous. I desperatley tried to take pictures and video footage in my head.
We saw where Casanova's house was, we learned that all gondolas are black and asymmetrical so the gondolier can row just on one side. Our guy has been rowing since he was six year old and is a 3rd generation gondolier and even wins many races here, including one last week!
The ride was pleasant. It honestly felt like a ride in Disneyland though, as if all the buildings were just a swet, built for tourist pleasure.

Jeanette looking at St. Mark's

Venice: July 10

2009-08-06T01:54:00.000-07:00

July 10

Love/hate relationship with Venice today. I had this humiliating fall into the river because I guess sandals and moss create a slippery union... A union which cost me my camera, I'm sorry to tell you. *Poof*- gone in an instant! It had photos from Rubelli's and some architectural details I'm very sad to have lost. I also hurt my ankle, arm, and rump :(. I didn't even notice the blood- I was so focused on my camera sinking to the bottome of the canal and how the fish simply won't appreciate it as much as I did... I also felt pretty bad about getting Jeanette's dress dirty.

Spot that I fell. I know the river looks calm now, but it's a mysterious beast!! Haha. Also I am just very clumsy...

Both Rubelli's and Fortuny's textiles were AMAZING! Wow! They have fabrics for extremely high-end clients. Rubelli's showed us the palace, their five collections, and a small section of their archives. I saw fabric from the 1400's! I also loved their five collections. I am learning that I like traditional stylings more than I ever thought. The colors were so vivid. Pity I didn't have my camera for Fortuny's. They have secret methods for their fabrics. Fancy non-woven patterns on soft, light materials. They were deceiving too! Some totally looked like cut velvet.

Pre-fall at Rubelli's (taken on someone else's camera)

At night I had severe computer problems. When Susie couldn't figure them out either she was kind enough to share hers. I used skype to call 7 different family members. Nobody answered! I was so depressed. And apparently my ipod and voice recorder got soaked earlier in the fall and won't work. Booooo.

Fresh berries

Street of people, not cars

Blueberries at a market (don't know why this was picture worthy... I was desperate to get any pics after losing my camera since 5 are required every day for my grade)

Venice: July 9

2009-08-06T01:30:00.001-07:00

July 9
This morning we ate (L and I), napped, and walked around our little neighborhood one last time in Florence before taking the train (3 hours) to Venice. Venice = Paradise! Prettiest City I have EVER been to in my entire life. I feel like I say that or at least think it about every site on this trip, but in all honesty this takes the cake. Out of the train station we hopped onto a river taxi, dropping us off near our hotel.
The hotel doesn't look like much from the outside, but inside is a little slice of heaven! Upholstered 2-tone cream damask walls, 30 inch plasma flat screen tv, brown embellished carpet, Venician glass light fixtures, large gold framed mirror, round nightstand covered in 2-tone striped fabric overlain with a brown velvet square, which coincide w2ith the window treatments-- WHICH by the way house windows that overlook our own little moat-like canal!! How adorable! I love it. :)

This isn't my room, but it someone else's that I took a pic of. Mine was brown and cream. So fancy!

We took a walk and saw the Rialto Bridge, ate some disappointing wraps, and then looked for a dress for me to wear tomorrow in all the little shops. With my luck we fo8und a dress (that I had originally pointed out, mind you) for Laura almost instantly. For me? Not so much. I have one extra foot of leg coincidentally. Oh well. Jeanette is letting me borrow one of hers.

Cute multi-colored homes and buildings

Bread Faces

Florence: July 8

2009-08-06T01:27:00.000-07:00

July 8
Free day: Erica and Allie tackled the train again to hike on some islands. Laura kand I simply lacked the energy and will to leave. The only think that would have pulled us away was to go see Tuscany. Well, that was the case until Ermand informed us that we already are in Tuscany. Score! That sealed the deal that we would spend our free day resting in Florence.
Scott and Jeanette joined us. I spent the day sketching, shopping, and packing. So far I've tried lemon, raspberry, strawberry, crema de grom, milk and mint, chocolatte extrordinare, nutella, pistachio, hazelnut, and melon flavors of gelato. Yummmm.
Buying all my souvenirs made it difficult to re-pack. Laura gets a kick out of it every knight. Totally sucks for me. I should have packed the bigger piece of luggage! I chose the smallest size: a regrettable decision...

my sketch

Beautiful bridges were all over

Never seen so many statues in my entire life. I just thought this was a beautiful view.

Cool street players at the Republica Square

Medici Chapel (right by our hotel)

Florence: July 7

2009-08-06T01:23:00.000-07:00

July 7
More touring. This time we got to go in most of the buildings. I was surprised at the Duomo (which is gothic-style with outta-control detailing on the exterior) because of the simplicity of the interior. Not what I expected at all. Almost refreshing, actually. Same with the baptistry. I didn't even see a font! Maybe it was more of a sprinkling ritual. But the mosaics were gorgeous. I found one that looks like a bull. Go Big Blue!
So we saw the DAVID! I sketched him twice. He's magnificent. I'd always sort of wondered what the big deal was, but I don't feel that way anymore. He was chiseled from a 40 ton piece of marble. How they even transported it to come to Michelangelo is dumbfounding. I'm starting to appreciate art more, I think.
We also saw Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" which I LOVED! I learned that the story says roses were created from her birth, she was ashamed of her nudity so the woman to her right is cloaking her, and there is wind, all of which is depicted in the painting.I enjoyed the "Birth of Spring" painting as well. All the women in the painting appear to be pregnant, and it is said to have taken place in March, which is 9 months away from December 25- signifying the birth of Christ.
We also saw da Vinci paintings, Donatello sculptures, and Raphael's works. It made me want to watch the Ninja Turtles.

I learned that Mary is always holding a book even though she couldn't ever read to symbolizes the foretelling of Christ and her submission to the prophesy. If she has a wall with a garden behind her it symbolizes her fertility, which is much too private for us to see.

We ate at Aqua's Ristorante, where we had the sampler for pasta and dessert. We tried 5 pastas and 3 desserts! It was our favorite spot to eat in all of Florence, so if you go I highly recommend the spinach pasta and fruit pizza. Let me know and I'll tell you how to get there. :)

This pic is faded, but it was a purple nun!

Ash, Scott, Megan, Jeanette, Josie, Laura, Erica, and Allie

View of Florence

Creature in the middle sort of looks like Big Blue, no?

David replica outside of museum with the real one in it!

Florence: July 6

2009-08-06T01:21:00.000-07:00

July 6
Transfer day to Florence! The train ride was beautiful! We saw fields of sunflowers, rolling green hills, and old stone homes. Hard to sleep when you want to look out the window the entire time! Getting off was a bit of a joke. Luggage is a pain- especially on uneven cobblestone.
I knew next to nothing of it prior to arrival. Our hotel is in the city center and everything is about five minutes away. I did all my laundry in our sink before we hit the town for our tour. The bridges are picturesque and the streets are tall and narrow. Very quaint. Warmer than Rome (and I don't mean temperature). We saw the Duomo, the Baptistry, Grom's Gelato shop (best gelato in Italy! Made with melons the man grows himself for the love of Pete), the Ponte Vechio, the Library, Dante's Museum, and the Medici Spirito Church with the most amazing thing: it was Michelangelo's first sculpture. A naked portrayal of the crucifex, made by looking at a body in the morgue (which was very illegal at the time). Wow.

Ponte Veccio (sp?)

Duomo

Laundry in my sink

Tuscany (pretty sunflower field)

Happy little mini-truck that could be a character in "Cars"

Rome: July 5

2009-08-06T00:53:00.001-07:00

July 5

Happy Birthday Jackson!
Today was our free day and we decided to spend it at the beach in Nettuno. I wish I had pictures to show you of such a blessed event, but unfortunately we never made it there. After missing three trains (that's right- we managed to miss THREE), we called it quits. Problem #1: We do not speak Italian, and apparently they reserve the right to switch your platfor at the last second, which they kindly announce over in intercome in their native tongue. Problem #2: Apparently weekends have a different schedule and don't match up to the departure board.

Trying to figure out the dagnab moon-language on the departure boards

Watching the train leave... One minute too late.

Jeanette, Erica, Becky, Allie, Josie, Laura
SO depressed

Anyway, we're mildly convinced that God didn't want us to go, or at least that is what we have been telling oursleves to feel better about completel.y wasting one of our free days in a train station. When we got back to the hotel (after missing our shuttle- don't even worry), we jumped into the pool for an hour (where they force you to wear a blue cap). I saw a lot of skin, if you know what i mean. Oh and hair. Haha... yikes.

Synchronized Swim Champs

Lovely

Rome: July 4

2009-08-06T00:52:00.001-07:00

July 4

Today we left Italy and entered the state of Vatican City. I watched "Angels and Demons" like a month ago and got TOTALLY stoked for this day. :) The museums were over a mile long. I learned so much! They were exquisite. I saw frescos, sculptures (all the "offensive bits" had been destroyed or chipped off and hidden somewhere in the Vatican!), marble ancient flooring, tapestries made with real silver and gold thread, and detailed coffered ceilings. I feel so cultured! Ha ha. The Sistine Chapel is one of those sites that actually lives up to its expectations. I learned about the wall of judgement (and the scandal about all the naked bodies in a chapel that Michelangelo had hidden from the pope until it was too late), and the man getting his special bits (our tour guide always called them "bits" which I've now adopted) eaten by a large serpant because Michelangelo didn't care for him (it was a cardinal). My favorite part in the chapel was the creation of woman, which is in the very center.
Next I entered a truly indescribable space: St. Peter's Basilica. Hundreds of several story mosaic murals, 20 foot sculptures, pillars, gold, and an enormous dome. Most of us opted to climb hundreds of stairs to the top level of the dome to see the view of Rome. Darrin says it's #2 of his bucket list, it's THAT beautiful. Later we went to the Pantheon and attended Mass. It was there I met my Italian boyfriend, Mario. Mmmm.
To celebrate the 4th of July I got really hyper back at the hotel with Jeanette, Allie, and Erica. We sang the National Anthem pretty loud in commemoration.

Laura and Josie with St. Peter's Basilica in the background

On top of St. Peter's overlooking Rome (SO BLASTED HOT UP THERE)

Wall of Judgement (so so cool!)

Creation of Man

Tapestry of Jesus who's eyes follow you down the hall

Pantheon

Rome: July 3

2009-08-06T00:45:00.001-07:00

July 3
Because of the swift arrival of the hail storm yesterday we were unable to go inside the Colosseum, so we returned confidently with umbrellas and parkas in hand (regardless of the fact we wouldn't need them). The structure is magnificent. Larger even than I had expected. Laura and I had to swallow our normal inclination to feel embarrassed and replace it with pride (or at least a false sense of it anyway, knowing we'd never see these people again), as we attempted to recreate an "America's Next Top Model" photo shoot. As luck would have it, we actually like a handful of the photos and had a good laugh doing it.
We then met a tour guide and walked for about a hundred or so miles... She took us to see the Church of St. Clemente, Church of St. Peter in chains, Church of St. Maria Maggiore, St. Carline, the President of Italy's palace (where they happened to be changing the guards with a full band of handsome men), and finally to the Trevi Fountain. I threw in one coin in hopes that I would one day return to Rome (an old legend).

Colosseum

Allie-Berry

In front of the fire statue in Angels and Demons!

One of the thousands of adorable doors

Erica and Josie

Arch

Rome: July 1-2

2009-08-06T00:38:00.000-07:00

On July 1, 2009 a group of USU Interior Design students left bright and early for a study abroad to Europe. Laura Andersen picked me up at 3 am for the airport. Somebody, for financial purposes no doubt, had the bright idea of giving us 3 flights wich came hand in hand with 2 long layovers. We lost a full day and arrived in Rome, Italy on July 2 at 10:45 am.

View from the plane

Tired, perhaps? Nonsense. Jetlag? Never heard of it... That's right, we began touring the city immediately. I felt like I was on drugs or something because I was so disoriented, but no time to complain: I'm in Rome!
We started by walking through some of the city, seeing the exterior of the Colosseum, ancient stonework, and bridges along the roads (so great in numbers were they, it was as if they were nothing special), and the Capitolini Museum.

Ruins we saw on the walk in the Rain

Building erected for Italian Independence

Pretty view from museum

Just keeping it G-rated :)

The part of the day most worth noting was the near flash flood we experienced right outside the Colosseum. It's like we, the teachers included, jjust thought it would stop as quickly as it had started, but we poorly misjuged mother nature. An hour later, after never seeking shelter, we were all drenched from head to toe... and so was our stuff. Many lost Metro passes, sketchbooks, and more. But I don't think a single student would tell you it wasn't outrageously fun. :)

At the Borghese Museum we saw gardens and sculptures. My favorite was the Apollo and Daphne sculpture. The story goes that Apollo was in love with Daphne and was chasing her to show her his love. In doing so Daphne prays to her father, a god, fork a solution. As a result she becomes a Laurel tree. The sculpture captures the moment of transformation as Apollo reaches for her.
Italy is charming. The buildings with their flower boxes, their shudders, and their rod-iron balconies. Most of all I am loving the doors. Such a variety I've never known! I've made a personal note-to-self that I would like to instal round topped blue Italian doors in my dream house.

Ireland

2009-08-03T16:38:00.000-07:00

top 5

Patterns

2009-07-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

Some of my textile designs: V&A, the Tate, and British Museum (in that order)
Some inspirations (of those that could be pictured.)

I couldn't take pics in the Tate, but the middle one is loosely inspired by something that sort of looked like this, except it was a cool painting.

Venice

2009-07-13T23:55:00.000-07:00

Venice Top 5:

5. The laughably disgusting food. Italian food sounds good, right? You're wrong. American Italian food sounds good. Sure, that is a blanket statement that is completely out of context, but the food we had is worth noting as some of the most deceiving food I've ever had- and that includes April Fool's Day dinners.
4. Falling into the Grande Canal. I was the only one on the trip who can say that.
3. The fact that streets are crowded with people, not cars.
2. Going to church in Italy! So fun and the people are kind. It was a trick to get there, but totally worth the effort.
1. Gondola ride, hands down. If you go to Venice, don't skip it.

ROME (overall)

2009-07-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

Rome top 5:

5. Swimming with blue caps at our hotel. We saw hairy armpit lady, topless little girl, and bottomless little boy.
4. Singing the national anthem late at night in our hotel room on July 4.
3. Hailstorm at the Colosseum
2. VATICAN CITY! Good glory. That includes the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's, the view, etc. It was the most incredible experience. And a little creepy too. Haha
1. Meeting Mario, my Italian boyfriend... Or so I'd like to believe.

Summer

2009-06-25T11:46:00.001-07:00

I graduated from Utah State in May, which was a delight because I was side by side my older brother, Jackson. I didn't even try to line up a job because I'm cutting the summer in half with a research trip to Europe (Oh, I got accepted to finish my masters degree at USU in Human Environments). So I've been packed for Europe since the first week in June (I don't leave until July 1), and all the spare time of summer has had a noticeable affect on me. I've categorized my belongings in my closet by sleeve or pant length, followed by color order within that subset. I've thrown away possibly 1/3 of my overall belongings (Holly and Les would be so proud), and now I'm a little obsessed with de-cluttering. It feels like heaven. No need to snicker- I know I'm pathetic. But had I known all along I would have never accumulated all that stuff!

The month of June, I'm not afraid to admit, has been a heavily drugged month. I turned 21 yesterday, so you may think I would lean towards drinking, but the Lortab kept calling my name with all my dental adventures. Starting with an emergency root canal, an infection, followed by 4 wisdom teeth extractions (2 of which were impacted), and there's no end in sight. While the bruising has ceased, I'm still in pain two weeks later. In this picture I look like Flick from "A Christmas Story", no?

My 21 Birthday was kickin'. (Yup, I used that word Jackson. But I don't feel bad because Holly told me yesterday that you use words in the wrong context ALL the time and she's one of the few who calls you out on it. Kickin' is in the correct context here, I'm sure of it. ) Usually it feels like ALL of my friends are on trips or just plain forgot. It's always a beautiful day, but it's often been a lonely one. However, I gotta say: Facebook has really changed the mood of a birthday. Is it crazy to anyone else?It has made a way for the entire "village that raised me" to send their regards. It's definitely nice... but in a weird sort of way.

The annual family picnic was perfect. Mom made my new favorite meal: Chicken enchiladas (except I quickly learned that they are in no way legitimate enchiladas, as discovered at Mexican Restaurants when I order the same dish.) Home Sweet Home. :) We played volleyball at Adams Park. My team skinned by with the win (The other team claims it was a "gimme" since I'm the birthday girl. Unnacceptable.). Later at my house friends came by for cake and ice cream. I was, yet again, unable to earn my birthday wish. And this year I only had 12 candles! (They reversed the number in hopes I would have a better chance.) THREE blows later I realized I would likely not meet the queen on my adventure in England.

So this summer entry (my first EVER) is dedicated to my family for the following 5 reasons:

5. Kristen and clan came to our graduation (which was brutal even for me) in support. Wow.

4. For Adam riding bikes to Nibley AND BACK with me and waiting for me when I got lost getting to Willow Park (Yup, lost in my own small town that I've lived in for 20 years).

3. For Mom taking care of me while I bawled on the way out of surgery when I found out we "didn't have cottage cheese in the fridge," a true dilemma in my life at the time.

2. For Clay and Jen making me a candy bar poster that took obvious time and wit ;). P.S. I like M&Ms too!

1. To the losing team at volleyball, for feeding my sad volleyball ego. But really for the H.S.H. book that everyone contributed to. I cried both times I've read it, and I haven't even left yet.

xoxo

Jolu