Day 3, June 10, 2008 "Kansas did it"

After a full night's sleep everyone seems to have a little bit more energy this morning. We attended a British Cultures class this morning and learned quite a lot about Victorian Country House Estates. The Harlaxton Manor is considered a Victorian Country House Estate.

It was very interesting to learn a little bit about the politics and land ownership over here in England. It is definitely different as compared to the USA. We also learned that the wheat grown over in the USA played a vital role in the downfall of the Victorian Country Estates.

Next we went to Belvoir, pronounced 'Beaver', Castle. All I can say is Wow!! It was just phenomial. We couldn't take any pictures of the inside but it was very ornate in some of the rooms. This definitely fit one's image of what a castle looks like. I have included some of the images of the outside.




Tonight we are supposed to be getting a guided tour of Harlaxton. It should be great.



I have to say that we are all pretty tired at this point. I don't think that we have fully recovered from the jet lag. And one more point, we think we drive fast in America, come to England, and just hang on!!

We made it to England!!

We finally made it! After a rocky start with bad weather, running the O'Hare 5K, and not sleeping on the plane....my first trip out of the country was great! I knew someday I would have to get on a plane and I'm so lucky to have experienced this with such a great group of people. Let's just say on the flight to Chicago, my nerves got the best of me and the tears started to fall. All the emotions I was feeling just came out in tears. No screaming, just tears. The feeling is not something I wish to experience again and thankfully by the time we were on our jumbo jet to London, I was feeling much better.
After arriving in London we still had a two an a half hour bus ride to Harlaxton. Our driver, David, was very nice and funny. He definetly wanted us to enjoy the "country side" (by the way...it looks like Kentucky). But once we finally approached Harlaxton...what a site. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful view. The manor is breath taking. A quick tour of the small village of Harlaxton and we were up the drive to the manor. We received a very warm welcome and soon were eating our first meal there, finding our rooms, and exploring the manor. Day one in England was quickly under our belt and the fatigue won over. After being awake for nearly thirty-one hours...a few of us hit the sack early.
To best describe how I felt through the whole ordeal of flying for the first time and stepping foot on English soil...where to begin. It is a trip I will never forget and one I will always be thankful for.

It's finally here....oh really? Not so fast.

The theme for today is hurry up and wait.

We all arrived with various family in tow prepared to say our goodbyes. Bad weather in Chicago put us on an earlier flight so we quickly hugged and kissed our loved ones and hurried through the gate. Alexis' daughter had a hard time saying goodbye to mommy. Once on the flight we suffered through the in flight instructions and Jo started deep breathing exercises to deal with first flight jitters.


Just as the plane was waiting for final clearance we received word from Chicago that all incoming flights were delayed; we disembarked and began the process of negotiating our way to Heathrow. Stay tuned for further details.

By the way, Paul is no longer the only male in the group, check out the red head on Christi Bailey's shoulder! Andy is already causing trouble.

Woodhenge

I think we should check out Woodhenge while visiting Stonehenge. It is about 5 miles away. Woodhenge is made from petrified wood.

So how much money should we convert over when we get there Monday?

Just checking things out hope this works.

Hi, am I connected. I hope to be able to get this down before I leave. I am looking forward to this experience. Jackie