Monday, March 23, 2015

Day 7: Final Day in London




Day 7:
It was befitting that after our collegiate day yesterday we should begin the new day at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The medieval church began its climb above the city in the eleventh century and has both a dark and elaborate history. We all began our trek – and I choose that word deliberately – up the winding staircases to the 360° view of London. Breathtaking I say? A resounding ‘yes!’ from our group is heard. After all, it is 528 steps both ways. Put that in your Fitbit! After catching our breath and practicing our best British accents, we were off to The Globe Theatre…complete with actors warming up for a performance on stage! I honestly could have stayed for hours, except I knew what was, literally, around the corner: the students were about to experience an acting class with a Shakespearean actor (and I had a video camera)! Many of you freshmen need to share your talents in theatre class. What energy! What focus! And what talent! (Or for some maybe I should say, ‘what effort!) Seriously, to think of the day ending here would be a day well worth remembering. But lets keep going or, as Elizabeth would say, “Let’s go a weenie bit farther.” Following a busy, noisy, and tasty dinner at The Strand Carvery, we made our way through the Theatre District’s frenzied hustle and bustle to our final musical, Les Miserables. The musical’s story is legendary, and the performance was riveting. Few students snoozed this evening; the talent and overall strength of the company was astounding. What a memorable way to end our time in London! One last ‘group up’ and sweet prayer at the corner and onward toward our hotel…but wait! What would our nightly trek to the Mentone be without converging on the convenience store on Cartwright Gardens? Yes, it’s large waters, cereal, and odd candy before setting our alarms for 5 a.m.

For our fitter-by-the-minute travelers and followers: 15,005 steps, 6.77 miles, 62 flights of stairs ascended...



Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Day 6: The Learning Continues


Day 6: 
Today was filled with sunshine, academia, loads of information, and a woman – in black. The students were able to see their C.S. Lewis endeavors come full circle as we visited his home, church, and gravesite. After visiting The Kilns, we had an extensive tour around Oxford and numerous colleges. The architecture and realization of how many great minds have learned, taught, debated, discussed and developed within the colleges at Oxford was astonishing. There is no doubt that several of our freshmen have the ability to join the Rhode Scholars and intellectual giants we discussed today. A harried run through the university shops led to a fabulous dinner and then our first stage production together - where screams and gasps abounded. We retire for the evening with brains and legs weary - and dreams, whether peaceful or troubled, await…

For our fitter-by-the-minute travelers and followers: 16,653 steps, 7.49  miles, 21 flights of stairs ascended...







Monday, March 9, 2015

Day 5: "Who's There?"


Cloudy skies, blustery winds, Tudors, Warwicks, spies, an historic castle and peacocks! No, it's not a scene from a script. It's today's adventure (and let's not forget wooden swords, falcons, and aggressive bushes)! There was much frivolity and singing today while traveling to Warwick Castle and then to Stratford upon Avon (gasp appropriate here) to visit the birthplace of Willy. Not Nelson - although he does, at times, have a way with words. We are talking Shakespeare! This evening, after experiencing a UK ‘rest stop’ far different than USA rest stops I might add, we walked and talked about Jack the Ripper with our story-telling guide, Adam. Tomorrow holds more quests including our first show, Woman in Black. “Good night sweet prince…” (and princesses).

For our fitter-by-the-minute travelers and followers: 13,790 steps, 6.68  miles, 11 flights of stairs ascended...


Sunday, March 8, 2015

Day 2: Let the Games Begin!


DAY 1: After a long but flawless trip to London, we immediately hit the ground running (& if any of you have travelled with Mr. Zeal, you know what I mean)! We quickly dropped bags at our hotel & took off to Covent Garden for some local foods, shops, & fresh air. The students & chaperones became pros at the Tube & reading underground maps while forcing their bodies to London time.  With 18 hours of travel & sight seeing behind us, we crawled into the Hardrock Cafe for music & much needed sustenance. Tonight we may rest, but dawn brings new adventures to the always eager Class of 2018!

For our "more-fit-by-the-minute" travelers & followers: 11,037 steps, 5.35 miles, & 22 flights of stairs...

Day 4: Psalm 18


Day 4: What an amazing, wonderfully tiring day! As we all settled in this much colder evening, I began thinking about the many juxtapositions we experienced today. Strength. Humility. Light & darkness. We began our Sunday morning with worship at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. The history around and beneath us was absolutely breathtaking. This was what we would call 'high church,'and the service was sung in entirety. Although it was very different than our norm (and sometimes difficult to fight the lull of softly lit architecture and mantras) the one thing many of us discussed afterward was the holiness that was present. The reverence & humility was astonishing. We then toured Windsor Castle & the beautiful town built around this occupied fortress, & Yes! The Queen was in residence! We exhausted the evening hours -& ourselves- with "The Ghosts of London Tour," continuing to experience the macabre history of this great city. In reflection, I began to think about the main scripture from today's beautiful service, Psalm 18. I think it no coincident ( my sister calls it a God-incident) that The Scripture God gave us today spoke with strength and humility light and darkness. In times of and certainty, there is always one thing for certain is that "...The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower...For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness." Windsor Castle? A force to be reckoned with for hundreds of years. Our God? THE force to be reckoned with from the very beginning to the end of time. Our light among utter darkness. "I will love thee, O Lord, my strength."

For our fitter-by-the-minute travelers & followers: 15,556 steps, 7.54 miles, & 35 flights of stairs ascended...




Saturday, March 7, 2015

Day 3: Thrills, Chills, & Very Few Spills

DAY 3: The weather is absolutely beautiful. Sounds awfully strange, but we are experiencing more warmth & sunshine than most of our Texas loved ones! We began the day refreshed & ready for our speedboat tour of the River Thames. Sunshine, water, & more great tunes filled our morning before we plunged our senses & imaginations deep into the dungeons tour - historically sound & thoroughly entertaining, it was an interactive tour that many of us unwittingly played a role. Late afternoon brought brisk winds & Camden Locks Market which had sights, sounds & international flavors galore. People watching at its finest! How else could a day like this end? Well, a Medieval Banquet, of course...and more Tube adventures, & photos worth a thousand words.

For our more-fit-by-the-minute travelers & followers: 15,836 steps, 7.68 miles, & 39 flights of stairs ascended...


Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Ready for London 2015?

Ready or not, Here We Go! London will never be the same! Prayers and more prayers for all of the travelers. These freshmen are going to ROCK London!

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

I can hardly believe that London 2015 is already here.  Tune in here daily for updates and photos of our trip.  The warriors across the pond will be victorious once again!