Spain is a real eye opener to the world. I never thought I would find myself in a situation where I was a minority. I understand that sounds terrible, but it's true. As ignorant as I may be; I am finding it exceedingly difficult to be in a country and not be able to communicate with anyone. Not only can I not speak or understand Spanish, but here most people also speak either French or German. I blame the Canadian education system, and partly myself for not making more of an attempt to learn French.I miss English conversations most of all, but thank goodness for books.
The island Mallorca is exquisite. For some reason I never expected there would be mountains, and they are so beautiful. Tropical trees never fail to amaze me, and the constant sunshine is definitely something I can live with. My days might not be as historically rewarding as they were in England, but I will not be complaining about the swimming, snorkeling, or tropical fish. You'd be surprised how quickly you get use to the taste of salt water, and the jellyfish stings. I will have to adventure out to the city at least once to see the Cathedral there. I am quite content to relax for the next month, and I am positive I will have the most wicked tan of my life.
C
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
When you have a difficult day what do you do?
I always take a long, hot shower after. However, living in the English countryside one should remember that long, hot showers can only last twenty minutes. The hot water tank is not endless.
I cry. I use think a girl could never cry too much if she was upset, especially if it was time (it can be time for various reasons 1) it's been a long time 2) a special time 3) an emotional movie, play, or greeting card). However, the ultimate crying rule that trumps all the rules even the main one: "it being time," is that you should not cry more than three days in a row. That is when you know you are actually sad and need to make a change.
Change. It is the best cure for a day gone wrong. It can be simple; do something you wouldn't normally do, like pick up a good book, plan a day for yourself, get in touch with an old friend. If it is bad, do all three or something like it.
Always remember that life moves forward. Tomorrow you could go to a castle and by the end of the week be in Spain! You never know, so you should really stop feeling sorry for yourself. Today sucked, but my life still rocks. It really really rocks.
C
I cry. I use think a girl could never cry too much if she was upset, especially if it was time (it can be time for various reasons 1) it's been a long time 2) a special time 3) an emotional movie, play, or greeting card). However, the ultimate crying rule that trumps all the rules even the main one: "it being time," is that you should not cry more than three days in a row. That is when you know you are actually sad and need to make a change.
Change. It is the best cure for a day gone wrong. It can be simple; do something you wouldn't normally do, like pick up a good book, plan a day for yourself, get in touch with an old friend. If it is bad, do all three or something like it.
Always remember that life moves forward. Tomorrow you could go to a castle and by the end of the week be in Spain! You never know, so you should really stop feeling sorry for yourself. Today sucked, but my life still rocks. It really really rocks.
C
Monday, July 5, 2010
Cheers to England!
Ten things I will miss terribly about England.
1) London, London, London (being able to hop on a train to one of the most magnificent cities in the world is as fantastic as it sounds)
2) Costa coffee- there are no words.. other than the stuff has made a coffee drinker out of me..Who knew?
3) Walking in the English countryside- when I listen to my i-pod the hills are most definitely alive with the sound of music
4) The accents - living in a world where everyone sounds like they are from harry potter is something I could live with for a long time
5) The money- I am finally use to pounds and pence I looked at a Canadian dollar the other day and was like "ugh what is that?"
6) The history- when almost everyday feels like the best and simplest history lesson, it's a good day.
7) The baking- something which at first I dreaded and now surprisingly I love..minus the millions of calories that follow.
8) My adventures- whether it be getting lost in the city, meeting locals with different lives, or spending the day in a museum I can't pull myself away from, it has been quite the adventure
9) The train ("So it's true then, what they're saying on the train, Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts." - Is there any other way to travel? classically English, love it!
10) The way this country makes me feel...Alive. Refreshed. Like there is a whole world out there waiting to be seen. By me. It feels good.
Many thanks goes out to...
1) Most importantly everyone who has supported me..for making this decision and for keeping in touch with e-mails, facebook, and msn. It all makes me so appreciative of 21st century technology. You guys make me feel secure and so much less homesick.
2)Leslie Rossi, my Au Pair mom, for letting me out of the house to see some of the most incredible sights, and for helping direct me to them. I am so thankful my sense of direction has improved tenfold.
3)Thank you To the Yeoman at the Tower of London, who have the greatest jobs ever! Living in the tower is enough to command my respect, but the tours they provide are incredible. All the tour guides are amazing in London. The Yeoman did a particularly good job summarizing the tower's infamous history, and creating a chilling and entertaining Jack the Ripper walk.
4) Many thanks to Andrew Lloyd Weber for writing the best musical of all time. To the Phantom of the Opera for being the greatest, most powerful, and tragically misunderstood villain, for making me cry for two and a half hours, and fall completely in love with London theatre.
5) Thanks and much love goes out to Tailtee because without you I never would have properly seen the English countryside. Your company and guidance was much appreciated, I will miss you dearly.
6) As vain as it might be I would like to thank myself, for taking a chance, and making the best possible decision for me. I would do it all again a million times over.
As sad as it is to leave I know that I have had an unforgettable experience, and that England has not seen the last of me. Look out Spain, here I come.
C
1) London, London, London (being able to hop on a train to one of the most magnificent cities in the world is as fantastic as it sounds)
2) Costa coffee- there are no words.. other than the stuff has made a coffee drinker out of me..Who knew?
3) Walking in the English countryside- when I listen to my i-pod the hills are most definitely alive with the sound of music
4) The accents - living in a world where everyone sounds like they are from harry potter is something I could live with for a long time
5) The money- I am finally use to pounds and pence I looked at a Canadian dollar the other day and was like "ugh what is that?"
6) The history- when almost everyday feels like the best and simplest history lesson, it's a good day.
7) The baking- something which at first I dreaded and now surprisingly I love..minus the millions of calories that follow.
8) My adventures- whether it be getting lost in the city, meeting locals with different lives, or spending the day in a museum I can't pull myself away from, it has been quite the adventure
9) The train ("So it's true then, what they're saying on the train, Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts." - Is there any other way to travel? classically English, love it!
10) The way this country makes me feel...Alive. Refreshed. Like there is a whole world out there waiting to be seen. By me. It feels good.
Many thanks goes out to...
1) Most importantly everyone who has supported me..for making this decision and for keeping in touch with e-mails, facebook, and msn. It all makes me so appreciative of 21st century technology. You guys make me feel secure and so much less homesick.
2)Leslie Rossi, my Au Pair mom, for letting me out of the house to see some of the most incredible sights, and for helping direct me to them. I am so thankful my sense of direction has improved tenfold.
3)Thank you To the Yeoman at the Tower of London, who have the greatest jobs ever! Living in the tower is enough to command my respect, but the tours they provide are incredible. All the tour guides are amazing in London. The Yeoman did a particularly good job summarizing the tower's infamous history, and creating a chilling and entertaining Jack the Ripper walk.
4) Many thanks to Andrew Lloyd Weber for writing the best musical of all time. To the Phantom of the Opera for being the greatest, most powerful, and tragically misunderstood villain, for making me cry for two and a half hours, and fall completely in love with London theatre.
5) Thanks and much love goes out to Tailtee because without you I never would have properly seen the English countryside. Your company and guidance was much appreciated, I will miss you dearly.
6) As vain as it might be I would like to thank myself, for taking a chance, and making the best possible decision for me. I would do it all again a million times over.
As sad as it is to leave I know that I have had an unforgettable experience, and that England has not seen the last of me. Look out Spain, here I come.
C
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Henry, Elizabeth, and Me
If I had endless amounts of money the one thing I would absolutely do is spend a night in Hampton Court. I would make the largest donation ever, so they wouldn't refuse me. It took me 6 hours of travel time and seven buses to get there and back, but it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
The palace is half 16th century Tudor, made famous of course by King Henry VIII, and the other half is baroque architecture transformed by King William III. All I have to say is that the palace is an incredible blend of the two styles, and thank goodness William ran out of money rebuilding it because so much of the Tudor architecture would have been lost. For the 17th century sections though, props to Sir Christopher Wren once again.
Historical actors make my life. Why am I not in this line of work? Henry VIII and Katherine Parr's wedding was amazing and surprisingly believable. I bowed at the feet of Henry VIII. I can understand the world's obsession with this man even today, not just because of his scandalous life or six wives, but because the guy had a real presence. A charisma that could dominate a room, enchant everyone around, and a power that could equally command emotions of both fear and love. I very easily (and happily) found myself shouting "God save the King," falling to one knee every time he entered the room, averting my eyes, and answering with "Your Grace," or "Your Majesty" when he spoke to me. Which he did, freaking Henry VIII spoke to me, or at least as close as I am going to get to Henry VIII. It was like being star struck; I know a little silly to be over an unknown actor, or a guy whose been dead for centuries. Either way though, it feels pretty good when a King, even a false one, acknowledges you. It makes me think that I would have been a damn good courtier.
Poor Henry VIII, the first monarch to have a completely secure throne in years after the bloody, gruesome, and tragic War of the Roses or Cousins' War where Henry's father, Henry VII, came out the final victor. So naturally Henry's greatest fear was to lose the throne again because everyone was completely sick of war by that point. Could you imagine spending everyday of your life fearful because you didn't have a son to follow you? It became his obsession, which is why we have divorce, and multiple marriages. Still a popular trend, nice one Henry. The happy ending to Henry's life is that he did get a beloved son, Edward, from the pious woman he considered his only true wife, Jane Seymour. Unfortunately, Edward died at age 15, only six years after he was crowned. The real tragedy of the story is that the powerful, charismatic Henry would never know that he in fact did not need a son because his little princess Elizabeth, with her fiery red hair, possessed extremely similar qualities. We do know that Elizabeth I was the most successful of Henry's three children, she had a long, stable reign, and lives on in English history as one of the most celebrated monarchs of all time.
Moral of the story: do not long for what you do not have, appreciate what you do because you never know where it might lead. I don't think I have a shot at being Queen, but never under estimate the power of a determined woman.
The palace is half 16th century Tudor, made famous of course by King Henry VIII, and the other half is baroque architecture transformed by King William III. All I have to say is that the palace is an incredible blend of the two styles, and thank goodness William ran out of money rebuilding it because so much of the Tudor architecture would have been lost. For the 17th century sections though, props to Sir Christopher Wren once again.
Historical actors make my life. Why am I not in this line of work? Henry VIII and Katherine Parr's wedding was amazing and surprisingly believable. I bowed at the feet of Henry VIII. I can understand the world's obsession with this man even today, not just because of his scandalous life or six wives, but because the guy had a real presence. A charisma that could dominate a room, enchant everyone around, and a power that could equally command emotions of both fear and love. I very easily (and happily) found myself shouting "God save the King," falling to one knee every time he entered the room, averting my eyes, and answering with "Your Grace," or "Your Majesty" when he spoke to me. Which he did, freaking Henry VIII spoke to me, or at least as close as I am going to get to Henry VIII. It was like being star struck; I know a little silly to be over an unknown actor, or a guy whose been dead for centuries. Either way though, it feels pretty good when a King, even a false one, acknowledges you. It makes me think that I would have been a damn good courtier.
Poor Henry VIII, the first monarch to have a completely secure throne in years after the bloody, gruesome, and tragic War of the Roses or Cousins' War where Henry's father, Henry VII, came out the final victor. So naturally Henry's greatest fear was to lose the throne again because everyone was completely sick of war by that point. Could you imagine spending everyday of your life fearful because you didn't have a son to follow you? It became his obsession, which is why we have divorce, and multiple marriages. Still a popular trend, nice one Henry. The happy ending to Henry's life is that he did get a beloved son, Edward, from the pious woman he considered his only true wife, Jane Seymour. Unfortunately, Edward died at age 15, only six years after he was crowned. The real tragedy of the story is that the powerful, charismatic Henry would never know that he in fact did not need a son because his little princess Elizabeth, with her fiery red hair, possessed extremely similar qualities. We do know that Elizabeth I was the most successful of Henry's three children, she had a long, stable reign, and lives on in English history as one of the most celebrated monarchs of all time.
Moral of the story: do not long for what you do not have, appreciate what you do because you never know where it might lead. I don't think I have a shot at being Queen, but never under estimate the power of a determined woman.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Thoughts on housework, battling bugs, and life in general...
Laundry. It is never ending. As a child I never understood how my mother could do so much laundry, and never finish it. Now I do. When you have children who have school uniforms, sports uniforms, regular clothes, pajamas, socks, underwear, bedding, towels...the list literally never ends. When you finally wash, dry, and iron everything, it just begins all over again the next day when the previous day's items are, of course, dirty. And if you even think about skipping a day of laundry then pretty much laundry hell breaks loose. I think we should stop wearing clothes all together, like come on people it's the 21st century, being so technologically advanced you think we'd get over our nakedness already. For me the absolute worst part of the laundry is the spiders. I am always thankful for a non rainy day in England, but it also means I have to hang the clothes up on the line outside. These tiny, little tree spiders make their webs from the trees to the clothes pins, and they land on me when I hang up the clothes. This may not seem like a big deal, but the line is literally infested, every clothes pin has a spider. To make matters worse, the tiny spiders bite me and it hurts. They are little tiny fang bites, but they leave bumps on my arms. The tragic thing about these bites is that they are useless, since I have not yet developed any super powers.
One of the grossest things I have ever seen was when the spider I had vacuumed up yesterday crawled out of the vacuum today when I picked it up. I have never been afraid of spiders before, this one was hairy, and it gave me such a fright. Country life has it's pros and cons. Another really weird thing about England is the lack of screens. Most people have screens on their windows, you know, to block out spiders, bees, wasps, and all the other terrifying insects that I repeatedly have to kill in my bathroom. Everyone seems really content to just let them fly right in, which is fine, expect for when they decide to stay. Screens, I miss em.
I know I do my fair share of complaining about having to iron, but the truth is that I'm really starting to enjoy it. Not only am I getting quicker and better, but today I watched this national geographic special on the prehistoric Megalodon shark. Educational, fascinating, and productive, which to me is an hour well spent.
On a totally unrelated to anything note, I was looking at some old e-mails today and I cam across some an old creative writing piece that I was forced to do in second year. I had completely forgot I had even written a short story, and I was actually surprised how my writing didn't make me cringe. I have made it a resolution of mine to start more creative writing. I will also be taking better care of my skin, which is again unrelated to all previous topics, but I bought some cleanser, toner, and moisturizer today, and I am quite excited about it.
I am nervous to go to Hampton Court tomorrow. It will be a serious mission, and will involve me finding my way around the busiest bus station in the United Kingdom. Wish me luck, I will need it. Despite the fact that housework never goes away, that scary bugs have become my constant companions, and that most of the time I travel I have no clue where I'm going and often get lost; I love my job, I love England, and I love that I spend my days off in castles and palaces.
Goodnight,
C
One of the grossest things I have ever seen was when the spider I had vacuumed up yesterday crawled out of the vacuum today when I picked it up. I have never been afraid of spiders before, this one was hairy, and it gave me such a fright. Country life has it's pros and cons. Another really weird thing about England is the lack of screens. Most people have screens on their windows, you know, to block out spiders, bees, wasps, and all the other terrifying insects that I repeatedly have to kill in my bathroom. Everyone seems really content to just let them fly right in, which is fine, expect for when they decide to stay. Screens, I miss em.
I know I do my fair share of complaining about having to iron, but the truth is that I'm really starting to enjoy it. Not only am I getting quicker and better, but today I watched this national geographic special on the prehistoric Megalodon shark. Educational, fascinating, and productive, which to me is an hour well spent.
On a totally unrelated to anything note, I was looking at some old e-mails today and I cam across some an old creative writing piece that I was forced to do in second year. I had completely forgot I had even written a short story, and I was actually surprised how my writing didn't make me cringe. I have made it a resolution of mine to start more creative writing. I will also be taking better care of my skin, which is again unrelated to all previous topics, but I bought some cleanser, toner, and moisturizer today, and I am quite excited about it.
I am nervous to go to Hampton Court tomorrow. It will be a serious mission, and will involve me finding my way around the busiest bus station in the United Kingdom. Wish me luck, I will need it. Despite the fact that housework never goes away, that scary bugs have become my constant companions, and that most of the time I travel I have no clue where I'm going and often get lost; I love my job, I love England, and I love that I spend my days off in castles and palaces.
Goodnight,
C
Thursday, June 17, 2010
A History Lesson: Warwick Castle= Amazing
Warwick castle was unreal. Warwick is a smaller village community near Stratford Upon Avon, but wow they know how to entertain tourists. I was excited to go to the castle because I'd never been to a one before, but I didn't have the highest expectations. I thought it would be a neat experience, but more of a cheap thrill. The castle exceeded my expectations. It did have some wonderful thrills; I was terrified during the castle dungeon tour, but the state rooms and great halls were unbelievably gorgeous and well restored, the wax figures were actually awesome, and the history, well that's always my favorite part.
During the castle dungeon tour, live guides popped out at us, which I was fully expecting. However, they also presented the "horrible history" of the castle in a fun, entertaining and spooky way. The dungeon "cook" spoke about the effects the bubonic plague have on the human body, the first symptoms are the appearance of buboes, which are sores that surface on the neck, thighs, face, and genitals. He then very gruesomely ripped open a mankind to expose the major organs as he tore them out he explained that the plague rotted your insides first. He grabbed the bladder exclaimed it was still full, and squirted us all with water. What an awesome job, get dressed up all scary, terrify tourists, talk about the plague and squirt people with water. Other guides talked about different types of torture, beheading, and I was put on trial for witchcraft. Yes it made my day, I loved how magical and interactive they made it. I totally pleaded guilty and was sentenced to be burnt at the stake. How cool is that?
I then toured the classy Great Hall and State Rooms of the castle, which were all decorated and restored to what they would have looked like centuries ago, complete with wax figures and everything. First they explained the story of my personal favorite Earl of Warwick, Richard Neville, "The Kingmaker." He succeeded in taking the throne from the mentally unstable Henry VI and gave it to young Edward IV, the Yorkist claimant. And the War of the Roses continued with the Yorkist, and Lancasterian feuds (both of their father's began the war trying to push the incompetent Henry off his throne but were both killed in battle). Warwick was very much the voice behind King Edward until he married the common, but beautiful Elizabeth Woodsville against Warwick's wishes, so he turned against his best friend, the King, and plotted to put Edward's own brother George Duke of Clarence on the throne, when that failed he resorted back to supporting the old,crazy king Henry again. He failed at both attempts and was killed in battle against Edward IV (because Edward never lost). Although, Edward did go on to die of a common cold, and his two sons are the princes in the tower that I mentioned before. Both who disappeared conveniently so Edward's other brother Richard (evil Richard III) could take the throne for himself. Treacherous guys. This was a huge tangent, I apologize. Moral of the story, you can't even trust your closest friends or family, when it comes to the throne of England. Anyway, my point is that I got to waltz right into the mighty Warwick's great hall, but it was very intimidating all covered with medieval armor. The castle dates back to William I "the conqueror," after his defeat of the Saxons the castle was a fortification to protect England (originally built in 1068).
One of my favorite little details about the castle that I had no idea about before I went there was that Queen Elizabeth I stayed there for a lavish visit in 1572. Why you ask? Her favorite at court, and Master of the Horse, Sir Robert Dudley, invited her there. Many suspect the couple went to the castle in order to have a romantic weekend to themselves as they were rumoured to have the most salacious affair. Anyway, the connection to Warwick is that Robert's brother Ambrose Dudley was Earl of Warwick at the time. I also went to St Mary's church in Warwick and visited the graves of Robert Dudley, his later wife Lettice Knollys, and their only son little Robert. Of course the Dudley and Elizabeth relationship doesn't work out because Robert's first wife, Amy, "accidentally falls down the stairs" and breaks her neck. This ruins Robert's reputation and almost Elizabeth's. That darn throne of England always destroying happiness. As you know the "virgin" Queen has an extremely successful rule but refuses to marry, and on her deathbed it is Robert's letter she holds dearly to her heart. (if you liked this bit of rambling the Virgin's Lover is a fantastic read).
The Cedar Drawing Room was probably the nicest sitting room I've ever been in. It is the largest and more elaborate of the drawing rooms in the castle. The reason it is called a drawing room is because 'drawing' is contraction of 'withdrawing,' which is what people did in these rooms after the great meal, to chill out and play cards or chess. You know before there were various less social distractions like TV, computers, or video games..how fascinating I know! The Green Drawing room was equally awesome because it contained all the wax figures of Henry VIII and his six wives, so naturally I took lots of pictures of myself with them.
Finally, the last room I feel compelled to talk about is the exquisite State Bed Room, that was personally designed for Queen Anne's visit in 1704. Unfortunately,even though they shipped over her huge four poster bed, she didn't show. At the time she had a massive falling out with a prominent lady from the English court, Duchess Sarah de Marble who was also staying at the castle. However, the bed remained at Warwick castle and was given as a gift to the Earl of Warwick by George VI. Let's not be too hard on Queen Anne she had quite a difficult life. Sixteen of her seventeen children died in child birth or infancy, and the soul survivor, he beloved son died at age twelve. Anne herself died young, they say of a broken heart, which ended the Stuart dynasty. The Stuart's were not lucky people.
I cannot leave out one of the castle's most delightful exhibitions. It's called the Royal Weekend Party, and the setting was incredible and quite opposite of the dungeon. As you walked in a maid announced your name and where you were from, but in a royal, old fashion manner. When I entered she yelled "Lady Carissa from Ontario Canada has arrived." There were again, many wax figures, and decorated rooms that were modeled to represent the castle in the 19th century when the Countess of Warwick, Frances Evelyn "Daisy" Greville use to throw her elaborate, lavish parities. It was her husband Francis Greville, who transformed the castle into a eloquent country mansion. The Countess had the most fascinating lifestyle. Many have said that she was the first women to be known internationally for her beauty. She also had several affairs, most famously, one with King Edward VII. Interestingly, this was not uncommon for Victorian women of a prominent status, as long as it was behind closed doors. The whole thing was fabulous presented, and I had no idea how scandalous and intriguing it would be.
On top of all this knowledge I had to store in my little brain, I climbed the 530 stairs of the castle towers. After that I didn't feel so guilty about the greasy fish and chips I had for lunch. The view was breathtaking, as it always is. If things couldn't get any better on my way out I spotted a Ben and Jerry's ice cream vending machine; it made my day.
C
During the castle dungeon tour, live guides popped out at us, which I was fully expecting. However, they also presented the "horrible history" of the castle in a fun, entertaining and spooky way. The dungeon "cook" spoke about the effects the bubonic plague have on the human body, the first symptoms are the appearance of buboes, which are sores that surface on the neck, thighs, face, and genitals. He then very gruesomely ripped open a mankind to expose the major organs as he tore them out he explained that the plague rotted your insides first. He grabbed the bladder exclaimed it was still full, and squirted us all with water. What an awesome job, get dressed up all scary, terrify tourists, talk about the plague and squirt people with water. Other guides talked about different types of torture, beheading, and I was put on trial for witchcraft. Yes it made my day, I loved how magical and interactive they made it. I totally pleaded guilty and was sentenced to be burnt at the stake. How cool is that?
I then toured the classy Great Hall and State Rooms of the castle, which were all decorated and restored to what they would have looked like centuries ago, complete with wax figures and everything. First they explained the story of my personal favorite Earl of Warwick, Richard Neville, "The Kingmaker." He succeeded in taking the throne from the mentally unstable Henry VI and gave it to young Edward IV, the Yorkist claimant. And the War of the Roses continued with the Yorkist, and Lancasterian feuds (both of their father's began the war trying to push the incompetent Henry off his throne but were both killed in battle). Warwick was very much the voice behind King Edward until he married the common, but beautiful Elizabeth Woodsville against Warwick's wishes, so he turned against his best friend, the King, and plotted to put Edward's own brother George Duke of Clarence on the throne, when that failed he resorted back to supporting the old,crazy king Henry again. He failed at both attempts and was killed in battle against Edward IV (because Edward never lost). Although, Edward did go on to die of a common cold, and his two sons are the princes in the tower that I mentioned before. Both who disappeared conveniently so Edward's other brother Richard (evil Richard III) could take the throne for himself. Treacherous guys. This was a huge tangent, I apologize. Moral of the story, you can't even trust your closest friends or family, when it comes to the throne of England. Anyway, my point is that I got to waltz right into the mighty Warwick's great hall, but it was very intimidating all covered with medieval armor. The castle dates back to William I "the conqueror," after his defeat of the Saxons the castle was a fortification to protect England (originally built in 1068).
One of my favorite little details about the castle that I had no idea about before I went there was that Queen Elizabeth I stayed there for a lavish visit in 1572. Why you ask? Her favorite at court, and Master of the Horse, Sir Robert Dudley, invited her there. Many suspect the couple went to the castle in order to have a romantic weekend to themselves as they were rumoured to have the most salacious affair. Anyway, the connection to Warwick is that Robert's brother Ambrose Dudley was Earl of Warwick at the time. I also went to St Mary's church in Warwick and visited the graves of Robert Dudley, his later wife Lettice Knollys, and their only son little Robert. Of course the Dudley and Elizabeth relationship doesn't work out because Robert's first wife, Amy, "accidentally falls down the stairs" and breaks her neck. This ruins Robert's reputation and almost Elizabeth's. That darn throne of England always destroying happiness. As you know the "virgin" Queen has an extremely successful rule but refuses to marry, and on her deathbed it is Robert's letter she holds dearly to her heart. (if you liked this bit of rambling the Virgin's Lover is a fantastic read).
The Cedar Drawing Room was probably the nicest sitting room I've ever been in. It is the largest and more elaborate of the drawing rooms in the castle. The reason it is called a drawing room is because 'drawing' is contraction of 'withdrawing,' which is what people did in these rooms after the great meal, to chill out and play cards or chess. You know before there were various less social distractions like TV, computers, or video games..how fascinating I know! The Green Drawing room was equally awesome because it contained all the wax figures of Henry VIII and his six wives, so naturally I took lots of pictures of myself with them.
Finally, the last room I feel compelled to talk about is the exquisite State Bed Room, that was personally designed for Queen Anne's visit in 1704. Unfortunately,even though they shipped over her huge four poster bed, she didn't show. At the time she had a massive falling out with a prominent lady from the English court, Duchess Sarah de Marble who was also staying at the castle. However, the bed remained at Warwick castle and was given as a gift to the Earl of Warwick by George VI. Let's not be too hard on Queen Anne she had quite a difficult life. Sixteen of her seventeen children died in child birth or infancy, and the soul survivor, he beloved son died at age twelve. Anne herself died young, they say of a broken heart, which ended the Stuart dynasty. The Stuart's were not lucky people.
I cannot leave out one of the castle's most delightful exhibitions. It's called the Royal Weekend Party, and the setting was incredible and quite opposite of the dungeon. As you walked in a maid announced your name and where you were from, but in a royal, old fashion manner. When I entered she yelled "Lady Carissa from Ontario Canada has arrived." There were again, many wax figures, and decorated rooms that were modeled to represent the castle in the 19th century when the Countess of Warwick, Frances Evelyn "Daisy" Greville use to throw her elaborate, lavish parities. It was her husband Francis Greville, who transformed the castle into a eloquent country mansion. The Countess had the most fascinating lifestyle. Many have said that she was the first women to be known internationally for her beauty. She also had several affairs, most famously, one with King Edward VII. Interestingly, this was not uncommon for Victorian women of a prominent status, as long as it was behind closed doors. The whole thing was fabulous presented, and I had no idea how scandalous and intriguing it would be.
On top of all this knowledge I had to store in my little brain, I climbed the 530 stairs of the castle towers. After that I didn't feel so guilty about the greasy fish and chips I had for lunch. The view was breathtaking, as it always is. If things couldn't get any better on my way out I spotted a Ben and Jerry's ice cream vending machine; it made my day.
C
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
10 reasons why I love my job...
1) I work in England
2) I just took a dog for a walk in the beautiful English countryside on a warm, sunny evening (yes this is apart of my job).
3) I live thirty minutes from Oxford, an hour from London, and tomorrow I get to spend my day off at a castle (Warwick, who is currently the villain in my book so I'm excited, and yes I enjoy historical fiction so what?)
4) I spend all of my pay checks and it doesn't bother me because really why not, I'm in a wicked cool country, I get paid in cash, and pounds doesn't even seem like real money to me.
5) I am getting really freaking good at ironing
6) The food is free
7) On a weekly basis I walk on the same ground as famous people from both the past and present (and most likely the future)
8) Yesterday, I drove past JK Rowling's flat in London
9) I've seen Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflowers painting, and work by other artists I adore like Picasso, Monet, Delarchoe, Gainsborough, and Hogarth
10) I have an accent and that makes me interesting to people, which is pretty neat, and it's also quite funny how much nicer people are when I tell them I'm a Canadian not an American
The downside is missing all you people!
<3 C
2) I just took a dog for a walk in the beautiful English countryside on a warm, sunny evening (yes this is apart of my job).
3) I live thirty minutes from Oxford, an hour from London, and tomorrow I get to spend my day off at a castle (Warwick, who is currently the villain in my book so I'm excited, and yes I enjoy historical fiction so what?)
4) I spend all of my pay checks and it doesn't bother me because really why not, I'm in a wicked cool country, I get paid in cash, and pounds doesn't even seem like real money to me.
5) I am getting really freaking good at ironing
6) The food is free
7) On a weekly basis I walk on the same ground as famous people from both the past and present (and most likely the future)
8) Yesterday, I drove past JK Rowling's flat in London
9) I've seen Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflowers painting, and work by other artists I adore like Picasso, Monet, Delarchoe, Gainsborough, and Hogarth
10) I have an accent and that makes me interesting to people, which is pretty neat, and it's also quite funny how much nicer people are when I tell them I'm a Canadian not an American
The downside is missing all you people!
<3 C
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