Landscapes among the Lakes: Weeklong excursion in Northern England

Countryside

While on the tour bus, I was able to take in the vast countryside that occupies Northern England. The country is very green, filled with old rock walls and sheep. It was very nice to escape the modern and bustling city to take in the fresh air of this pastoral landscape.

The following pictures are more country landscapes in which I tried to capture the effect of the light on the grasses. In the first picture, I really loved the ominous clouds looming overhead. The clouds appear to threaten rain, yet beneath them the area seems almost comforted and clothed in a soft light. The second picture shows the bright blue sky and I immediately feel the freshness of the open air and the crisp heat emanating from the sun.

Boats

The following series of pictures are either landscapes that include boats or close-ups of boats. I have a slight obsession with old wood boats and I really enjoyed myself as I tried to capture the colors and age of the boats. I did not use any editing tools with any of these landscapes and boat portraits because I was so pleased with the lighting and colors.

I felt like these photographs captured the spirit of the "Lake District". Whenever I think of this area in my mind, I think of serene lakes with old sail boats on them and people enjoying the calm pace of life.

Part of the reason why I believe boats have an appeal is because of the idea of setting sail into the sun and leaving behind all my cares. It is particularly appealing in these photos because the sun casts a soft warm feeling on the perfectly still water which makes the task seem simple and free of danger.

I liked paying particular attention to one type of landscape and subject matter because it allowed me to focus on my photography skills. I hope to be able to find other subject matter to focus on in other excursions as well so that I can continue to develop my artistic ability.

Please excuse the poor picture placement and bland blog format. I am in the process of learning how to use this program and dealing with sketchy internet makes this even more difficult than it should be. I bet if Apple had created this it would be much more use friendly.

I want to be royal.

A week ago yesterday, I immersed myself into the history of English Royalty. First on my agenda was to visit the crown jewels housed within the Tower of London, which is located right next to the River Thames. The LSA group arrived early in the morning so I was not rushed through the process of viewing the jewels. The jewels were in a large vault secured room with dim lighting. There I saw a diamond called the Star of Africa, which is embedded in the monarchy's scepter. This diamond is the largest in the world and was crafted from an even larger diamond years ago. The world's second largest diamond is also in England; located in the imperial state crown. In this same crown is also the largest emerald. Who wouldn't want to be royalty when you get to wear great jewels? Prince William, where are you? I of course had to wear my bejeweled shirt this day. While at the tower of London, I had to engage in educational elements as well, however the jewels were the best things I saw that day.





The white tower, built by William the Conqueror, which was second on the agenda is located in the center of the compound, which is what most people recognize as the Tower of London, however, the entire complex is the actual Tower of London. This is also the site where many people were held prisoner and some were even executed like Anne Boleyn. Here, Abby and I had a private tour with Clint. He was very entertaining and took us to rooms not allowed to the general public. We also got to take pictures when everyone else was prohibited. I have never enjoyed historical facts so much as I did when on this tour.





Following the Tower of London, I went by myself to Buckingham Palace for a tour of the staterooms. These rooms are open every summer while the Queen Mum is on holiday and I wanted to make sure I visited before she gets back this week. The audio-guided tour was well worth the 15 pounds. I am amazed at how lavish these residences are. Every room was perfectly color coordinated with custom tapestries, gilded ceilings, and gold clocks. I particularly enjoyed the private art gallery in the home. I have never seen so many Rembrants, Reniors, and Raphaels in one location. I also loved the chapel hall where the Queen knights people. I can just imagine the likes of Sean Connery and Elton John taking part in these special honors. My favorite part of the tour was at the end when I strolled through the private garden. While in London, I have come to appreciate the beauty of nature so much more because I am stuck in a city environment so often. I am enjoying my time in the city but I love my home where I have access to the city but I am still able to enjoy nature and all the outdoors have to offer.

As You Like It

The entire group went to Shakespeare's Globe Theater to attend a production of "As You Like It". I had to read this play for my Humanities Landscape class as well as my Shakespeare class. I was glad I had read and studied it before hand so that I could better understand it. Unfortunately, I am not very good at reading Shakespeare. I can follow the story line just fine but I do not catch the subtle jokes. While watching the live play, I was able to make connections and understand things more clearly than when I read it. I appreciated the characters of Touchstone and Audrey who provided much needed comic relief. When reading, I thought they were very annoying but they were by far the best actors in that production.

It was very cool to see "As You Like It" in the Globe Theater. I felt like I was back in Elizabethan times enjoying all Shakespeare had to offer. I took a brief opportunity to stand around the stage and enjoy the talents of the actors more fully.

Another thing I enjoyed about this play was the interaction between the audience and the actors. They looked directly at us as they spoke and made it seem as if we were a part of the scene. I am really learning to appreciate the talent of live stage actors. They have to have so much more raw talent than those who act in movies. They have one chance to get it right.

Here are some pictures from the evening.

A view from the Millennium Bridge.

I have learned in my Landscape class that taking a picture at this time of night is called the 'golden hour' where the lighting has a magical sense to it.

Abby and I on the Millennium Bridge with the Tower Bridge in the background. For all you Harry Potter fans; this is the bridge at the beginning of the most recent Harry Potter movie that gets destroyed.

Abby and I at our seats inside the Globe Theater. Our seats were slightly obstructed but I guess that is what you get for trying to go to a show on a budget...and with a group of fifty.

Here is a better view of the interior of the theater. It did get a little cold but at least we were sheltered from the rain!

The background is a little dark but this is me standing right in front of the stage after intermission.

Canterbury Cathedral

Traveling to Canterbury Cathedral was a good experience for me. This was the first time I had spent a significant amount of learning and studying of the history of a location before actually traveling there. Not only did I learn more about the story and martyrdom of Thomas Becket but I gained more of a desire to learn of various locations and visit them.

King Henry II, who was a good friend of Thomas Becket’s, rapidly, advanced him to the high position of Archbishop of Canterbury. Thomas Becket fulfilled his church duties while also remaining active in the affairs of the crown. Many people, especially the church members, felt King Henry was gaining too much control by placing Becket in the church. For some unknown reason, Thomas Becket decided to fulfill his church responsibilities instead of the opposing crown demands. A rift occurred and Thomas Becket soon became a martyr. Canterbury Cathedral became a popular pilgrimage because of Becket’s strong defense of the church.

The tour of the cathedral along with the narration from the guide, made the story of Thomas Becket come alive for me. It is easy to hear the courageous stories of people of old and simply push them to the side; not taking the time to comprehend why they are important. On this occasion, I enjoyed immersing myself into the history of the beautiful Canterbury Cathedral. Aside from the history, I enjoyed the beautiful structure that was built so long ago. After taking an interior design class last semester, I am able to appreciate the work and innovations that go into such a building.

I am glad I had such a good experience visiting Canterbury Cathedral. Not only do I better appreciate those brave religious leaders of the past but I have a renewed desire to learn all I can about historical places before I venture out to visit. I can only hope that my next excursion is as good as this trip to Canterbury.

"There will be blue birds over the white cliffs of Dover"

Thanks to the Righteous Brothers, I was already familiar with the white cliffs of Dover before traveling there with my LSA companions. They were just as spectacular as I had imagined. Take a look for yourself.




We also took a trip to Canterbury to see where Sir Thomas Beckett was killed. The town was charming - I wish I could have stayed longer to explore. Courtney (pictured above) and I were so cold and tired from the wind though we picked up some hot chocolate from Starbucks (thank you Seattle) and hopped on the bus for a two hour ride home.

Seats of Power

This was an assigned walk through royal, government, and religious buildings in London. I was fascinated by all the old architecture and the massive scale of everything. Last week, a Bishop from one of the local Stakes talked to us about the English pride in regards to all things "old". He compared this to American pride of all things "big". However, I think most things in England are old as well as big.

I have seen all of these structures before but never with the details mentioned in my guide book. I like knowing the history behind the structures and the institutions they house. I am anxious to complete more of the assigned walks.

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

In front of Buckingham Palace

Whitehall Gardens

Westminster Abbey