European Adventure- Week 2

As Audrey Hepburn said in her famous film "Sabrina," "Paris is always a good idea." 

Well...maybe not for two rookie world traveling girls from the Midwest during the 21st Century. 

I will take the blame/fame here. It was my idea. I thought it was every girl’s dream to spend a week in Paris. It was mine. I have Madeline, Anastasia and Audrey to blame for these notions. I have the surplus of American merchandise with the Eiffel Tower on it and with fashionable girls wearing a beret walking a poodle and eating a croissant to blame for the fanciful depiction of the City of Love and Lights.

Day 1

Despite her concerns, I convinced Lexy that Paris was a good idea. Audrey told me so and I never second-guess Audrey. Emerald had to go back to college, so it was just Lexy and me who hopped on the Eurostar at the stunning St. Pancreas Train Station. We missed Emerald already!

The Eurostar can get you from London to Paris in two and a half hours, traveling up to 186 miles per hour and going under the English Channel for only 31 miles. The train ride was not as scary as it sounds. It was actually quite nice. It doesn’t feel like you are under the water for very long at all. I am claustrophobic, so I made myself sleep, or pretend to sleep during that part to keep myself from thinking about it too much. Our trip to Paris was going smooth until we got off at the Paris Gare du Nord station.

As soon as we got off the train, nicely dressed men approached us. I made the mistake of the uttering the word “taxi” to Lexy. The men proceeded to harass (I use the world in all literalness) us about if we needed a taxi. One man followed us from where we got off the train, through a crowd, to the exit area of the station. Multiple men approached us asking us if we needed a taxi, we kindly said no. We went over to an ATM to get euros and were approached there, while we were extracting money, about if we needed a taxi. Whether these offers were perfectly legitimate, or if they would have overcharged us, or if they were creepers, it was creepy. It was extremely uncomfortable and off-putting, and it put an uneasy taste in our mouths for our entire Paris experience.  

We got out of that forsaken train station, found a lovely lady taxi driver and made it safely to our hotel, a nice Marriott. The city surrounding us (away from the tourist locations) on our way to the hotel was dirty and congested with vendors, not the Paris I had dreamt of since I was a little girl.

Call us pathetic or whatever, but we holed up in our hotel for the remainder of the evening, enjoyed a nice dinner and watched Harry Potter. I had gelato for dessert because when in Paris. ;) 

Day 2

Instead of sticking to the original plan of spending five days in Paris, we decided to cram the must-do’s into one day and go back to our beloved London that had been oh so good to us. We had three things we really wanted to see in Paris: the Lourve, Notre Dam, and of course, the Eiffel Tower. We didn’t necessarily get an early start, but we were able to make it happen. We got around at a leisure pace, got metro (subway) instructions from the friendly desk boy and made our way into the city that had us clucking like chickens.

We pretty much dominated the metro that day. It was fairly easy to figure out the routes with a map. Our first stop was near the Louvre. We were still a distance from it, so we decided to get a taxi to make the most of our time. We weren’t having any luck finding one, but next thing we knew a guy rolls up on a bike with a buggy attached. The sign said 20 euros to get to the Louvre. I asked him if he could go down at all and he said 15. We thought- why not- and hopped on. It ended up being just the comedic relief we needed. He asked us where we were from. We told him America. He changed the cute French music playing to Justin Bieber’s “Baby.” LOL I would have preferred the French music but it was still hilarious.

We were riding along the Seine River when our driver pointed out that we were passing the famous Love Lock Bridge, which was way up there on my Paris bucket list. I didn’t think we would get to see it due to our condensed visit. He was kind enough to pull over and take our photos on the bridge. It didn’t have as many locks on it as I imagined. I did some research and discovered that the city of Paris recently started removing locks from the bridge earlier this summer because the more than 700,000 locks with an estimated combined weight of roughly the same as 20 elephants was causing damage to the bridge. I was so happy to see it and plan to go back one day and leave a lock on the bridge with my future hubby and follow the tradition of tossing the key in the river. I hope the city allows the tradition to continue!

We made it to the Louvre and handed our driver 15 euros. He held up his sign. In tiny letters it said “per person.” Lexy and I exchanged a look of, “We just got punked,” paid him 30 euros and laughed our way to the Louvre. It’s at least better than 40 euros.

I had an adorable photo opp when we walked up to the Louvre. A glamorous couple was kissing inside their Porsche under the entrance archways of the Louvre. No big deal.

There were tons of people at the Louvre. It is the world’s largest museum. It is housed in the Louvre Palace that was originally built as a fortress in the 12th century. At its center is the famous Paris landmark, the Louvre Pyramid, a large glass and metal pyramid that serves as the main entrance to the museum.

The museum was unbelievable! As if the artwork wasn’t enough beauty to behold, the walls and ceilings were gorgeously embellished with stone carvings, gold molding and romantic murals. You could spend days in it and still not see everything. Even during our high-speed tour, we saw several of the exhibits. The highlights were seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Alexandros of Antioch’s sculpture Venus de Milo, one of the most famous works of ancient Greek sculpture.

Next on our metro route was the medieval Catholic cathedral, Notre Dame. Again, there were tons of people at this attraction. There were also a lot of armed forces patrolling around the church. I’m guessing it is up on the list as a terrorist target. We were pleased to find out that it was free to get in. The wait in line wasn’t terribly long, probably twenty minutes, and it was worth it. The inside of the cathedral was gorgeous, with high stone arches, chandeliers, sculptures and stain glass. My fascinations of the church came from watching the Disney movie, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” (We totally watched it that night in our room. My favorite part of the movie is when Esmeralda sings, “God Help the Outcasts” in the church. It’s so moving.)

This left the grand finale of our one-day Parisian adventure- the Eiffel Tower. We had caught glimpses of the top of it throughout the day, but seeing it in its entirety is a magical, surreal experience. We had dinner at a café near the tower with a yummy banana, nutella crepe for dessert. There were hordes of people surrounding the tour. I had pictured it more abandoned and peaceful in my mind. We found the perfect place to take photos next to a beautiful flowerbed and were having a ball pretending to be models in front of the tour. But our fun didn’t last long because multiple men approached us, telling us how beautiful we were. We didn’t like how aggressive the men seemed to be in Paris while we were minding our own business and just trying to get off a train or enjoy the Eiffel Tower. We didn't get to do the fancy French shopping I was hoping to, but we did go through a cute little flea market and bought some souvenirs. Lexy bought a cute pink beret and some Eiffel Tower gummy candy and I got some macarons :D. 

We didn’t go to the top of the tower or wait around to see it light up. It doesn’t light up until 10 p.m. and we wanted to be back to our room before dark. I wasn’t disappointed though, one of my bucket list wishes is to kiss my husband at the top of it at night. I plan to travel to Paris again one day with my future husband for a romantic trip, hopefully when the country isn’t on alert from terrorism. I hope to see the famous arch, “Arc de Triomphe de I’Etoile” and I hope it rains at some point, because I have always pictured Paris beautiful in the rain. But I am glad I got to go with Lexy and accomplish all that we did in only one day. I was too close to the Eiffel Tower from London to not go see it! #YOLO

Day 3

We got back on the Eurostar and headed (home ;)) to London. I think I speak for the both of us when I say, I felt a relief of survival. Haha. Lexy’s mom gets the gold medal for being our loving travel agent from home and finding us an amazing hotel for a great price, the Strand Palace Hotel on the West End!!!!!!!! So dreamy! It was gorgeous and there were even those adorable doormen from the movies who get the door from you and help you with your luggage. After we got settled in, we got dinner at a delicious French restaurant right next to our hotel called “Salieri” and then got dessert at this adorable French pastry place called “Café Concerto.” Then we went to a play I had wanted to see called, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” about an autistic boy. I had heard wonderful things about it from my BADA classmates who had seen it, and they were correct! The acting and style of the play were excellent and the set was incredible! Every part of the stage lit up to illustrate the boy’s mind. It looked like a virtual video game.

Day 4

Being the English princesses we are, we slept in that morning and enjoyed exquisite high tea at our hotel. ;))) We explored the area surrounding our amazingly located hotel and did some shopping at stores like Top Shop and H&M. (My favorite store I discovered on the trip was Zara. I am so excited that we have it in the U.S!) Our hotel was right next to the famous Trafalgar Square and not far from Buckingham Palace or the heart of London where Big Ben is.

I had been dying to see a show at Shakespeare’s Globe. It was showing “Macbeth,” but I didn’t think we would be able to see it because the tickets had been sold out for a while. We called to double check and they told us if we got there an hour early, we might be able to get returned tickets. We took a taxi to the Globe and got in line an hour and a half before the show started. We got there at the perfect time because we were about fifth in line and the line got much, much longer behind us. We got lucky and scored two, amazing seats in the middle gallery! Although the Globe is famous for its standing stalls where the actors often interact with the audience, we wanted to sit to enjoy the 2+ hour-long play. It was killer! (Get it? ;)) The acting, costumes, visuals and live music gave the eerie magic of the famous Shakespeare story. During intermission, we got a gorgeous view of St. Paul's Cathedral at night. A preview of things to come tomorrow. 

Day 5

We slept in, did a tad more shopping around and then went to see St. Paul’s Cathedral, where Princess Diana was married. It was unbelievable. Sir Christopher Wren designed it in the late 17th Century in the English Baroque style. It is one of the highest domes in the world. The most impressive part of the cathedral for me was all of the mosaic artwork by Sir William Richmond. My favorite mosaics in the cathedral were the three saucer domes of the Quire ceiling depicting God’s creation of the animals of the earth. I could have stared at the Cathedral all day. I loved when the priest asked everyone to pause and say the Lord’s Prayer. The cathedral hosts a prayer every hour and daily services.

Next we went to check out the world-famous designer department store Harrod’s. It was a little too crowded for our liking, but the food marketplace was incredible. I of course, swooned over the desserts. I had a salted caramel croquembouche.

That evening we had dinner at the yummy French restaurant next to our hotel again before we went to see the musical “Funny Girl.” We enjoyed delicious pink sparkling wine. I let Lexy pick out that night’s show, after she had let me pick the last four on our trip! Haha. The Saboy Theatre hosting it was directly across from our hotel. It was amazing! The lead actress, Sheridan Smith was hilarious. I have never seen the movie with Barbra Streisand, but I loved seeing the show with her famous songs, “People” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” The stage had moving tracks that added really neat visual effect for the dance numbers. This was my eleventh and final show I saw during my time in Europe. It still feels like a dream that I got to stay on the West End and go to shows! It’s not so bad that Paris sent us back early.

Day 6

We left our hotel bright and early to catch a bus to Windsor Castle. We had pre-booked this tour when we got back to London. It was a magnificent way to spend our last day in dreamland. The bus took us to Victoria Coach Station, where we switched to another bus. We had a tour guide who gave interesting information on the hour ride there. We had a bit of scare when we got there. After we got through security, an alarm went off and they closed everything down for thirty minutes. The security guards told us to clear the roadways and get on the lawns (the opposite of the typical requirements at a castle.) We never really found out what that was all about, except that it was maybe a drill. We don’t think it was a drill…but I was hoping Harry would come out of the castle and we would finally meet. ;)

Windsor is definitely the nicest castle I visited on my trip. It’s what you think of when you imagine a castle from a fairytale. Having been the home of 39 monarchs, it is the largest inhabited and longest occupied castle in Europe. It is the preferred weekend home of Queen Elizabeth II and often hosts the royal family.

We toured two exhibits, the grand state apartments and the place of worship, St. George's Chapel. The fist exhibit we saw was Queen Mary’s Doll’s House. It is the largest, most famous dollhouse in the world. It is filled with thousands of objects made by leading artists and even includes electricity, running hot and cold water, working lifts and flushing lavatories. The other exhibit was “Shakespeare in the Royal Library,” commemorating the 400th anniversary of his death. It had the original Shakespeare folios (some with notes in them from the King), accounts of performances at Windsor Castle, and art by members of the royal family inspired by his plays. I loved the exhibits and found them to be symbolic of my trip to Europe because I came to study Shakespeare and I studied Ibsen’s play called “A Doll’s House.”

The state apartments were unbelievably ornamented with artwork and artifacts. We weren’t allowed to take photos, but here are some courtesy photos.

That evening we thought about going to see a show but decided to relax after we did our final souvenir shopping and had dinner at, you guessed it, a pub. : ) Believe it or not, we actually ate at the same pub chain we had lunch at Windsor. We had no idea because they are each named differently. We realized it after we sat down and saw the menu, but we didn't mind because it was good! I had a cheeseburger with chips (fries) and made the mistake of putting mustard on it. Note to self: although most of their food lacks flavor, the mustard in England is typically spicy. Like really spicy. And the packaging looks almost identical to regular mustard. I soothed my sorrows with sticky toffee pudding and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. It was AMAZING. The perfect way to end my trip of gorgeous castles and delicious sweets.

Some of my prized purchases to take home :) xoxo

Day 7

Despite the rumors, it didn’t rain at all during the two weeks we were in London, until the day we went home. It’s like London was crying to see us go. We got a taxi to the Heathrow Airport and had smooth travels home to Missouri. 

While I was in Europe for six weeks, it felt like a long time. But now that I'm home, it feels like a dream. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to take such an incredible trip at my age. I learned so much, I saw beautiful things, I ate lots of dessert, I laughed, and best of all, I got to share a large part of my adventure with two of my sweet friends. :) I'm glad I've gotten to share some of it with you through this blog. This trip verified that England really is the fairytale land it seems to be in storybooks. I know I will be back, and I hope this trip is just a glimmer of the world traveling I will get to do in my life. I am grateful for the safe, rolling green hills and small-town family I will always have to come home to. 

Weekly woes of two traveling American girls:

1. The men in Paris- especially at the train station. And also, the creepy guy outside Buckingham Palace who was trying to videotape us. Ladies, travel with caution.
2. Getting through security and back on the Eurostar in Paris (especially with all of my luggage)
3. Testy people in line at the Globe trying to get return tickets to see "Macbeth." Sadly, they were Americans.
4. The weird security lockdown at Windsor Castle and no appearance of Prince Harry on horseback to save me.
5. Spicy mustard (This has been a weekly woe every week in Europe, but redesigning the infrastructure of my cheeseburger, and therefore, the anatomic makeup of my tongue on my last night in England earned it a spot on the blog.)
6. The $100 fee for my second suitcase to fly home. I had to buy another suitcase, because hey, if  a girl's in Europe for six weeks, she's going to accumulate cute things. :) #worthit

Couldn't resist buying this sweater or taking this photo 

“There’s such a lot of world to see”

— Frank Sinatra, "Moon River"

European Adventure- Week 1

Brace yourself for the week I "carpe diemed" with two of my best gal pals in London and beyond. 

Day 1

After our fun-filled day in Oxford, we woke up in the magical land of London. We discovered that our hotel was near Hyde Park and that Kensington Palace was just on the other side, so we decided to make that our first adventure. On the way, we got brunch at a place called Café 19 (that would become our regular). Apparently, we have good taste because Robert Pattinson has ate there as well (my high school heartthrob.) I got my all-time favorite meal- French toast with bananas and sausage. (click photos to scroll)

We took a lovely stroll through Hyde Park and made our way to Kensington Palace, Kensieton Palace, same difference. We weren’t sure if we were at the right place because it isn’t what you might picture when you think of a “palace.” It looks more like a nice brick mansion. This is where Princess Diana used to live and where her son Prince Will and Princess Kate now live. I was in fan-girl haven. My mom has always been a huge Princess Diana fan. I must have inherited the gene because I am a huge Kate Middleton fan/wannabe. The living quarters are private, but we did get to tour the State Rooms. They were very antique and grand.

We were in for a treat because got to see a fashion display called “Fashion Rules Restyled,” featuring 18 couture gowns worn by Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Princess Diana. There were even original design sketches with fabric swatches framed on the walls and fashion magazine covers. My favorite gown was an ivory silk satin ball gown with intricate beading designed by Norman Hartnell for the Queen to wear on a state visit to France in 1957. It looks like something out of a real fairy tale. Oh wait, it is. (first gown in gallery below)

This reminded me of a special day in 2011 when my mom took me to see Princess Diana’s traveling fashion exhibit at Union Station in Kansas City. What made it extra special was that I had been crowned Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen the day before. We were exhausted from the crazy pageant week, but the five hours of driving were totally worth it to see many of the iconic pieces worn by our favorite princess. We even got to see her unbelievable wedding gown.

After enjoying cute crown cappuccinos at Kensington, we went to see the gardens. They were gorgeous, but unfortunately there were no sightings of Will and Kate out for an afternoon stroll.

That evening we grabbed dinner at a pub and saw “Romeo and Juliet” on the West End at the Garrick Theatre. We pre-booked these tickets because it starred the main actors from the newer Disney “Cinderella” film and we LOVE that movie. Lily James who starred in the movie as Cinderella played Juliet. Richard Madden who played Prince Charming in the movie played Romeo. Sadly, his understudy was filling in for him because he was injured. But we had a pleasant surprise that Derek Jacobi who plays the King in Cinderella played Mercutio. He was delightful and stole the show! Lily James did a lovely job. It was such a pleasure to have the opportunity to watch her act in person.

Day 2

Emerald persuaded my still sickly booty out of bed and we seized our second day in London. We had brunch and then bought a double decker bus tour called the "Big City Bus Tour" that was good for 48 hours. (Confession- they didn’t validate ours for two days, so it really turned into 96 hours. #Score This may seem dishonest, but trust me, we spent a lot of money in taxi fares on this trip, so we weren’t hurting the London economy by any means.) This was a good way to get around the city and see the major landmarks. We had headphones to listen to interesting historical narration that corresponded to where we were. It also played royal classical music, which made the ride even more magical! Not long after getting on the bus, we realized we were close to the Sherlock Holmes museum. Emerald is a diehard fan, so we hopped off the bus. We then realized that the museum is separate from Sherlock’s address, 221 B. Baker Street, but that we weren’t far away. That was what Emerald really wanted to see so we walked there to fulfill her dream of seeing the iconic door next to Speedy’s Café. I have got to watch those shows! 

From there, we realized we weren’t far from King’s Cross Train Station. Emerald and I had on our London bucket list that we wanted to stand at Platform 9 ¾ from Harry Potter, so we headed that way. En route, we came across a giant, GORGEOUS Victorian building called St. Pancras International, which is a hotel and translation. We were lured inside by its beauty. I loved that amazing discoveries like this were around every corner in London.

We made it King's Cross. Being the Potter-heads we are, waited in line for an hour to take our picture on the platform. Lexy graciously followed along with our nerdy shenanigans.

Next we went to see the famous Big Ben clock tower from Peter Pan and take cute pictures inside a red telephone booth. When in London, right? ;) The clock tower wasn’t as big as I had pictured it in my mind, but it was gorgeous and ornately detailed. It rings on the hour every hour and that is magical. We ate dinner at a nearby pub (You will see a trend with this pub thing, but it’s the main source of food in London.) and saw the London Eye (the world’s tallest Ferris wheel) at sunset. It looked like a painting. We had the quite the evening trying to catch a bus ride home. It took us almost an hour to find the right bus stop, then we were on the bus for over an hour until we finally realized that we were still going to have to take a taxi to get all the way back to our hotel. We had a lot of laughs along the way though. Just Midwest girls in a European city world.

Day 3

We grabbed breakfast to go at our beloved Café 19 and hopped aboard our toughly-loved Big Bus City Tour. We went to the Queen’s crib, formerly known as Buckingham Palace. The grandeur of it lives up to expectations. There were A LOT of people there. It was nuts. I would have never dreamt you could tour the place. Lucky for us, the Queen opens up the palace for seven weeks of the year for tours. We tried waiting in the mile-long line and learned that it was better to purchase tickets for a later time and come back. So that’s just what we sight-seeing-savvy girls did.

While we waited for our tour, we walked to see the gorgeous gothic Westminster Abbey, where the Queen’s coronation was held and William and Kate were married. We didn’t go inside, but I plan to one day. We met a cute puppy dog along the way and that made me so happy! :)

We went back to Buckingham for our tour and it was beyond anything I imagined! I kept thinking of the movie the “BFG” I recently saw in theatres and even saw the magnificent room he had breakfast with the Queen and her corgis in. Each state room was so decadent and rich with gold leafing on the walls and ceilings, rich tapestries and carpets. Entire hallways were filled with paintings and sculptures. Every year the palace hosts a special display. We scored because this year’s display is “Fashioning a Reign: 90 Years of Style from the Queen’s Wardrobe” to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday. We got to see the many pieces of her wardrobe from when she was born to present day. We saw her wedding dress, ball gowns and the many hats she has worn over the years. The crowd-stopper was her coronation gown. It was unlike any gown I’ve every seen, with luscious, intricate beading and floral emblems to represent the countries of the United Kingdom and the states within the Commonwealth of Nations. We weren’t allowed to take photos inside the palace, but here are some courtesy photos to share the beauty I saw.

That evening we went to see the Bolshoi Ballet perform “Swan Lake” at the Royal Opera House. Emerald and I both love ballet and met in dance class at ORU so we were in heaven! This was definitely one of the biggest highlights of my entire trip abroad. We splurged on our tickets in advance when we discovered that the famous Russian ballet company would be performing the most iconic ballet in London for three nights. What we didn’t realize was that we would get to see greatest living ballerina, Svetlana Zakharova perform! She was phenomenal. She danced both the white and black swan roles and did more 32 fouttes at once! I was astonished to learn she is 37. We were over-the-moon that we got to see her perform in person.

Day 4

We were up bright and early, grabbed our Café 19 breakfast sandwiches (you guessed it) to go and were off to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour! We took a taxi to Victoria Station and left from there for the studios in Leavesdon. There was way too much mind-blowing magic about the studios to describe in this post, but it was so surreal to see the sets, costumes and props that brought the Harry Potter books to life. We saw the Great Dining Hall set which of course reminded me of the gorgeous dining hall I ate every meal in at Magdalen. We saw the annex where Harry lived under the staircase at the Dursley’s. We got to go inside the Dursley’s house. We even saw the house Harry’s parents lived in, Hagrid’s hut, Snape’s potions classroom and the list goes on.

The neatest part of the tour for me was walking across the Hogwarts bridge. It wasn’t over a cliff like in the movies, but it was still awesome! It made me think of all the scenes filmed there, like when Neville is running from the Death Eaters in the last film. The grand finale of the tour was the model of the Hogwarts castle. It was jawdropping. I didn’t know this before, but they actually filmed the model for the films and would use CGI to enhance it or make it look real.

I had some delicious Butterbeer of course :) I had it before at Harry Potter World Universal. Only four places in the world serve it and it is so yummy!

We went back to London and hopped back aboard our double decker bus. We went to see the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, which is a medieval castle that was built in 1066. As a whole, the Tower is made up of several buildings set within two rings of defensive stone walls and a moat. It is located along the River Thames in central London. The coolest part of seeing the Crown Jewels was seeing Queen Elizabeth’s Imperial State Crown, with the Black Prince’s Ruby and the fourth largest polished diamond in the world at 317.4 carats. It has 11 emeralds, 17 sapphires, 277 pearls and more than 3,000 smaller diamonds. We weren’t aloud to take photos inside the crown jewels exhibit, but I feel very fortunate to have seen them and to even put my face within inches of that crown (through glass of course). Needless to say, there were armed guards outside.

I didn’t mention that our double decker bus tickets included a riverboat tour. Conveniently, the port was right beside the Tower of London. We hopped on and got a beautiful view of the gorgeous bridges that go over the River Thames, including Millennium Bridge that appears in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" film. We even got to see the Tower Bridge (known as London Bridge) open and close for a boat to pass through! Lucky timing.

When we got off the boat, I decided to do some investigating at the National Theatre to see if I could get a ticket to the play “The Deep Blue Sea” by Terence Rattigan, the playwright we studied in my Modern Class. To my luck, I was able to get a standing ticket for only 5 pounds! I saw the play while Emerald rode the London eye and Lexy went back to the room to rest. I’ve always wanted to ride the London Eye, but I plan to one day with my future hubby. ;) The play was incredible and I feel so lucky to have snagged a ticket to see it. And I did snag a seat for the second half so I didn’t have to stand the entire two hours :)

Day 5

So sad that this was Emerald’s last day with us before she had to go back to school! There was another big thing left on her/our Europe bucket list- Stonehenge! We grabbed brunch at- you guessed it- Café 19 and took some time online finding an afternoon tour to book. (Word of advice, book your tours at least a day in advance to prevent stress haha). We got lucky and found one. A few hours later we were back at Victoria Station and on a bus to Stonehenge, which is located over two hours away from London in Wilshire (AKA- rolling hills and sheep farms). Stonehenge was built between 3000 and 2000 B.C. No one is positive why it was built, but we all know one thing about it- it rocks.

That evening we had dinner at a pub called “The Shakespeare,” followed by convenient store junk food and attempting to recap the Olympics on our tiny hotel TV.

Well folks, there's a recap of my first week of European adventure following my four weeks studying in Oxford with the British American Drama Academy. Was I exhausted? Yes, to the point of having a nasty cold, but I wasn't going to let that cramp my European style! I kept hoping I would run into Prince Harry in London... wistful thinking doesn't get one far in this life. 

Weekly woes of three traveling American girls: 

1. The Big City Bus Tour (in its defense, it was also a weekly win.) The dreadful night we couldn't seem to get back to our hotel on the bus, I asked the driver where we should get off to be closest to our hotel. He replied, "The Marble Arch." I thought he said, "The Marmalage." I even repeated it back to him. I went and told the girls we were to get off at the Marmalage. We haven't stopped laughing about it since. Those English accents will get you. 

2. Trying to find a nice Princess Diana souvenir for my mom. Most of the souvenirs I did find with her on them were cheap and tacky. I finally settled for a screen printed coffee mug, and I'm telling you people, that was the best I could find. England needs to step up their Princess Di memorabilia. I did end up finding a book of collector stamps later.

3. Running out of phone storage at the Harry Potter Studios after the one thousandth photo that day. Apple, why you gotta do me like that?

4. Gonking my head on obscure objects in pubs. Our last night in London as a trio, I was laughing about something at the pub and leaned back, only to bang my head (very hard) into a picture that was hanging in the corner of two walls. I mean, who hangs a photo like that? Keep in mind that pubs are very crowded in London. I have never had a headache so immediately and for so long after hitting my head. Oh well, it provided for more laughter. And I only had one glass of wine..seriously.

5. Getting yelled at by a restaurant manager and employee (at the same time, in front of the customers) after using their restroom. They thought I wasn't a customer. My friend had just bought something and we had ate there the day before. I obligingly purchased some kiesh to go and told the manager and I did not appreciate the way he treated me after we had in fact spent a considerable amount of money there. Yeesh, people. Note to everyone- expect to pay to use the restroom in Europe. At stations, it's 35-50 p (the English way of saying "cents") to use the restroom. 

“To live will be an awfully big adventure.”

— Peter Pan

My Midsummer Dream at Oxford- Week 4

The iconic Radcliffe Camera, a library and reading room, connected to the Bodleian Library by underground tunnels

And just like that, the Google search I dreamed of over a year ago has been my reality for four weeks. I lived my midsummer dream at Oxford. Now I wake up and continue searching the great wide web of dreams.

The last week was definitely the most intense. And getting a nasty cold did not help matters. My work hard, play hard lifestyle was catching up with me. Not only did we have classes from 9-6 most days, we also practiced our class scenes in the evening for hours to finalize preparing for our final day showcase. We also had more evening activities. On Tuesday, we had a grad forum with all of the graduate students in the program from schools like Yale and Julliard. It was so insightful to hear from their perspectives as young actors who go through this type of intense acting training on a regular basis.

On Wednesday, I gave myself a nice little break after my individual Shakespeare tutorial and ventured off campus. I had heard that Cowley Road was a great street for good food. I wanted to explore it before my time in Oxford was up. I discovered a darling vintage store with nice, authentic vintage clothing pieces. My dream store! I got a hat, some silk scarves, and two beautiful beaded tops. I ate a delicious lunch at a Mediterranean restaurant called “Pistache.” I was lured into it by their gorgeous pastries in the window, but the food was AMAZING. I had chicken korma and rice in tomato paste, a smoothie and a pistachio pastry for dessert. I got my nails done and also bought some flowers. It was an afternoon of sunshine for the soul amidst such an intense week- A Gatorade break during the last leg of a marathon- if you will. Or better known as a #treatyoself moment. (click to scroll through horizontal photo galleries)

That evening, we had an interesting Q&A with Scottish actor, Brian Cox. It was great to hear his insights on sustaining such a long career in film and theatre.

“Every part is the extending of yourself.”

— Brian Cox

Thursday evening, we had a master class with the very endearing British actor, John Heffernan. We did various individual and group exercises while reading works of Shakespeare to help better interpret the text’s rhythm, meaning and emotion. The last half of the class, John used other exercises to workshop several monologues for students who volunteered to perform. It was wonderful to watch such talented students step up to the plate and workshop complex works for everyone.

My group was really excited to ask John about his experience playing the role of Peter in the play “After the Dance” by Terence Rattigan because we had been studying that play in our Modern class and would be performing scenes from it on Open Day. He told us that Benedict Cumberbatch played the role of David, and the first “Sherlock” episode aired halfway through the play’s run. Benedict came to the dressing room and said someone had just recognized him in line at the store. John replied, “I have a feeling your life is about to really change.” The next day, there was a line around the block to see the play.

A photo from our last class- our fun Movement class with Mick Barnfather. Lots of laughs, songs and clowning around took place in this loft studio. It will be greatly missed. 

Friday was our last day of classes and I was up late that evening with my scene partner putting as much work in as we could to bring our scene to life the next day during our performance. Saturday morning was very special. All 90 students met on the lawn for a physical and vocal warm up with teachers Mick Barfather, Jackie Snow and John Tucker. It was so much fun. I kept thinking how lucky I was to be one of the 90 people on that lawn commemorating the end of four very special weeks.

My group’s performances were in the afternoon so I was able to watch some of the other groups perform, which was really wonderful. I watched Madeleine Potter’s Modern class perform scenes from Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler.” I loved being able to watch some of my friends perform work from the same playwright I had been studying for “A Doll’s House.” Each time the actress playing Hedda changed, they would exchange a red scarf. I loved that visual for the audience.

Shortly before my first performance, two of my best friends arrived at Magdalen to watch me and spend the next two weeks adventuring with me!! My friend Emerald, who I took dance classes with in college at Oral Roberts University, and my friend Lexy, who I met this year because she competed for Miss Missouri. I had prayed for one of my friends to be able to come so that I could travel safely after the program, and God blessed me in double portion to make it possible for two of my friends to come!! 

I title this photo- "They don't even go here.." from "Mean Girls"  To my right, Lexy and Emerald. Two girls who know how to tolerate my exhausted, sickly self dragging them around Oxford with love and laughter.

“When you trust yourself, that’s when the work pays off. ”

— Irina Brown

My group’s first performances were for our Modern class. Some students performed scenes from “After the Dance.” I performed a scene from Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” as Nora with my classmate Adam as Krogstad. We worked really hard on this scene and it made the performance all the more fun to explore. I felt great about it. It wasn’t an easy road to that performance, but it all paid off. My professor Irina Brown said it was “stunning.” :D I’ll take that!

Our second performances were for our Shakespeare class, taught by John Gorrie. Some performed scenes from a “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” I performed scenes from “Twelfth Night” as Viola. (Amanda Byne’s role in the spinoff movie “She’s the Man.”) I performed the famous monologue “I left no ring with her.” I had a love-hate relationship with that monologue because of it’s complexity, but in the end, I grew a lot as an actress because of it.

That evening we had a cocktail reception at my favorite place on campus, the beautiful cloisters. It was a joyful celebration of new friends and hard work. We hugged and we laughed and took photos. After that, we made our way to the dining hall for our formal farewell banquet. It was very bittersweet. I was nostalgic to say goodbye to my dream and my new friends, slaphappy I had survived the intense program and deliriously tired from it all. I think the feelings were mutual because the room was rather rowdy. Example- some students were standing on chairs and singing. After settling us down, BADA Dean and Director, Ian Woolridge left us with sweet words. We applauded our incredible professors and took a moment of silence to frame the moment in our memories. Due to my deliriousness and the goofiness of a room filled with actors, I had a hard time not laughing during that moment of silence.

After dinner, there was a disco party in the Old Kitchen Bar on campus right next to the dining hall. It was so fun to dance beneath the neon lights with my classmates and even some of my professors believe it or not! haha. A bunch of people went out that night, but I decided to stay in with my beloved jet-lagged friends. I knew we were going to make the most of the next day in Oxford and with my cold, I was in no condition to go out dancing all night. Although, I did stay up most of the night talking to some of my friends who lived on my floor. (Whoops)

The next day, I packed up my room and gave Emerald and Lexy a crash tour of Oxford. We had a magical day doing the must-do’s I hadn’t gotten to do yet in the city that had stolen my heart. First, we had high tea at the beautiful Grand Café I had been dying to visit. It was splendid.

After that, we did a little shopping in quaint bookstores and the Oxford covered market. We toured Christ Church university, the grandest and most iconic college in Oxford. Scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed here and the Great Dining Hall set for the films was modeled after the dining hall on this campus. It was neat to see it in person, but I couldn’t help but keep thinking that Magdalen was more beautiful. I don’t just think I’m biased, I think I’m right. I think I quite possibly lived and studied at the most beautiful college (in the world) for a month. I am so lucky. My Hogwarts dreams have been as fulfilled as they could ever be.

Next we climbed to the top of University Church and got a gorgeous view of Oxford from all sides of a 360 degree view. We climbed this tiny spiral staircase to the top. It felt like a real adventure for this claustrophobic chick. I loved it! Our view of the iconic Radcliffe Camera was gorgeous. I even recognized one of my BADA friends walking down below and hollered to get his attention and exchange hellos. The inside of the church is mentionably gorgeous as well. We even happened upon a lovely evening choir. 

We tried to get into the famous Bodleian Library, but realized one must buy a tour, or have a special Oxford student ID to get into the restricted, underground parts of the library. I’m not worried though, I know I will be back. :) It all seems so "Chamber of Secrets" to me and I have a new bucket list item. ;) This time, we opted for ice cream cones.

I gave the girls a tour of my beloved Magdalen College, the dining hall, the English flower beds, the deer pasture and even took them on the walking path C.S. Lewis and Oscar Wilde enjoyed themselves as students of Magdalen. I surprised them by taking them to see a tree made of  steel in the woods. The sculpture, called "Y" was created by artist Mark Wallinger and installed in 2008 to commemorate Magdalen College's 550 year anniversary. The first time I unexpectedly stumbled upon it during a walk, it took my breath away. I find it so enchanting. It blends in beautifully with its surroundings, making the image more mezmerising. It reminds me of something Tim Burton might create. I would explain it as a silver tree growing in the shape of love. 

To finish our day in Oxford, we went on a lovely boat ride on the river that runs along Magdalen. It’s technically called “punting” because someone stands and uses a long stick to push off the bottom of the river and propel the boat forward. We had a sweet boy named Rowan as our punter. Then it was time for us to catch the bus to London for more adventures. I was sad to say goodbye to my beautiful campus and Oxford.

In closing, my midsummer dream at Oxford wasn’t easy, but it was more than anything I could have ever imagined. It taught me more and stretched me to grow more than I ever imagined it would. It tested me emotionally, mentally and physically. It gave me incredible friends. It drew me closer to literature and acting. It helped me learn more about life and about myself. I often had to remind myself that it was an "intensive" and that it should feel like I was straining, striving for something just out of my grasp. I feel like I went to acting bootcamp and came out panting, but stronger. I cared about my work, which made it more precious and delicate.

A lot of people have asked me what my biggest takeaways were. Although there were many, the overall thing I learned within myself was this: Your passion and desire to do something must be bigger than your fear or doubts. If it is, then go for it and hold nothing back.

And hey, that mentality just might get you a dreamy trip to Europe or something like that. 

Other than having a cold and the dryer not working for me in the laundry room, and seeing another spider quite possibly the size of my hand in my living quarters, I can't report any weekly woes this time because I am too awestruck by how good life has been to me this past month.

Ok, I will give you one just for the sake of humor. It's been a woe from the get-go, but I was trying to be coy. Off the record, but for the record, the toilets at Magdalen do not work very well. At all. The pipes are really old. Moments like those teach you to appreciate the basic things in life. 

P.S. I want to say thank you to everyone who mailed me a card or a letter. It meant so much to me to feel your love and thoughts from all the way across the pond while I was tired and or maybe a little discouraged at times. Each one brightened my day more than you know. I never expected such an abundance of sweet thoughtfulness. My classmates kept asking me, "Why do you get so much mail?" I replied, "I'm very blessed. Coming from a small town has its perks." ;) The first photo is sweet notes from my mom's class at the North Missouri Center for Youth and Families.

“It is never ‘goodbye.’ It is always ‘au revoir.’”

— BADA Director, Ian Woolridge

The "Bridge of Sighs," my favorite thing in Oxford. It makes me sigh every time I look at it. I bought a beautiful painting of it from a gypsy street artist. It's my favorite trip purchase.

To get into this program, I was required to audition with two monologues: Shakespeare and modern. The modern monologue I chose was "Celeste" from Maureen Hunter's "Transit of Venus." I have shared it below, because I love how Celeste's cry of courage to see the world became mine. I love that her dreams and situation were so similar to mine and her words became my ticket to Oxford. Like her, I had never traveled the world. I'm a girl from a town of 400 people. My parents have hardly been out of the country. Like Celeste, I saw "mirrors reflecting mirrors" of all I could do and all of things I could see if I only had the chance. 

Earlier this year, I performed this monologue at an appearance as Miss Missouri shortly after my Oxford audition. I was emceeing the Southwest Little Theatre Angle Awards for the Washburn high school drama department. I was sharing about my aspirations to go to Oxford and asked the audience if they would like me to perform? The director Wyatt Hester dimmed the lights for me, and it was the most magical experience of my acting life. In that moment, I felt like an actress. I felt like I had the whole world in the palm of my hand and that even the dust particles in the light were listening to Celeste's yearning for more. And to think, I was in a little cozy theatre in southern Missouri. And to think, of all Celeste has done for me.

From "Transit of Venus" by Maureen Hunter, Canada Playwrights Express

CELESTE

No. I don't do it, you see. I don't do any of it. I don't baste, I don't sew, I don't knit, I don't mend, I don't darn, I don't tat, I don't embroider and I do not do petti-point! I do, however, read. And because I can read, I can learn. Oh, I can't actually travel – you have the advantage of me there - but I can read about travel, I can dream about it, I can imagine what it's like. I've been everywhere with you. You don't know it, but I have. I know every inch of sea you've sailed, every island you've set foot on. I know how the rains come sweeping across the mountains of Ile de France, and how the island itself lies curled in the sea like an oyster. I know about the doldrums and trade winds and tides. Tides! Tides are so mysterious. We've known about them since the days of Alexander, yet there's so much we don't know. Why, for instance are there two high tides and two low tides every day in some places, and only one in others? Why the tides of Saint Malo rise almost ten meters and only a fraction of that on the islands you visited? They do; did you know that? I want to know why. I want to know everything there is to know before I die. This was your gift to me, you see? You pointed me at the sky and said, look! And when I looked, what did I see? Mirrors! Mirrors reflecting mirrors reflecting mirrors, on and on to infinity. So much to know, so much to learn, so much to wonder about. Once you begin to wonder, it's impossible, isn't it – inconceivable! – to abandon that sense of wonder for anything as straight-forward and mundane as a needle and a piece of thread. 

My Midsummer Dream at Oxford- Week 3

Week three of my time studying with the British American Drama Academy at Oxford is complete and there is only one week left to go! In some ways it has flown by, but I have taken in so much incredible information that the program has felt very dense. I will definitely have a lot of processing to do when I get home and read through all of my notes, which I'm really excited about. There are so many plays I want to read and films I want to watch after hearing about them from my classmates and professors. I will also be doing some hardcore napping, also very exciting.

Classes got turned up a notch this week since we are deeper into our classes and will be showcasing our work on the final day, Saturday, July 6. We're really getting into the nitty gritty of our scenes, which is really fun and educational. We started doing mask work in our physical class with our teacher Mick Barnfather this week. You pick out a mask and then follow your impulse to take on the physicality and voice that the mask sparks in you. Then our teacher improvs a conversation with us to take us to different extremes of tension- anywhere from extreme happiness to distress. It's hilariously entertaining to watch the other students. You never know where a situation is going to go. I had a lot of fun doing it! It really takes you out of yourself and allows you to just play with a character of your own creation. 

In Movement class with our wonderful teacher Mick Barnfather. Can you spot three masks?

On Wednesday we had a master class with English actor, musician, writer and theatre director Simon Callow. Students performed different Shakespeare scenes he had assigned and we compared the different musicality among them. 

Friday evening, I saw a production of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" performed by the Siege Theatre as a part of the Oxford Shakespeare Festival. I am very fortunate to be studying in England during the 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare's death because there is a surge of Shakespeare productions taking place here. The play was held outdoors at the gorgeous Oxford Castle Courtyard. It was a delightful performance and I enjoyed it with a warm mocha and two of my BADA friends, Jabari and Catherine. :) (click photos to scroll)

Saturday, I was in for a fairytale when some of my gal pals from my class, Davin, Sarah and Catherine invited me along to tour Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. It is the principal residence of the dukes of Marlborough, and the only non-royal-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of "palace." I never imagined how exquisite it would be not only on the outside, but especially the inside. Every room was so ornate and rich in art and baroque decor. I can't explain it, so I will just try to share some of its beauty with these photos. It's astonishing that something so massive and intricate was built in 1722. (click photos to scroll)

We enjoyed lunch on the back lawn by beautiful fountains (shared a yummy piece of cinnamon coffee cake) and then went for a lovely stroll along the river to visit the lovely English rose garden (the loveliest rose garden I have ever been to). It was such a magical day for a group of dreamy girls, filled with lots of sighs and laughs. That night we went out dancing, like a lot of other nights I have failed to mention on here... ;) #WhenInEngland (click photos to scroll)

Sunday, I enjoyed afternoon tea with my all-together beautiful friend, Andrea, who is also in my class "Wilson." We went to "The Rose" tearoom on High Street close to our Magdalen College campus. The high tea was scrumptious with finger sandwiches, scones, and a cake of your choice-  for which I chose carrot walnut cake :). I had the Yunnan Gold Pearl tea: easy-brewing black tea pearls with hints of plum and caramel- with added cream and sugar of course. It was the best tea I have ever had. Seriously. :)  (click photos to scroll)

That evening, we had a master class with the one and only Fiona Shaw, famously known as Mrs. Dudley in the "Harry Potter" movies. She gave brilliant advice on approaching text and workshopped monologues and scenes that various students volunteered. She was incredibly delightful and down-to-earth. Nothing like Mrs. Dudley ;). 

“It’s not what you do to the language, it’s what the language does to you.”

— Fiona Shaw

I will be so sad when the program is over and I have to say goodbye to this magical city and my sweet classmates. I could never have imagined how much I would love my group. I can't help but think that we were all meant to meet and experience this together. Writing this post, I am realizing even more how special it is that we spend nine hours together each day in classes, and still, we choose to spend our weekends together. Acting bonds people in a way I'm not sure anything else can. There is joy and power to be found in collective storytelling, a virtuous task of giving and receiving that intertwines people to strive for something bigger than themselves. I wish I could rewind and relive every minute with my classmates. They are each wonderful people- diligent, talented, caring, funny, and full of great potential. It's exciting to think about all the things people in this program will go on to accomplish in their lives.

I'm so excited for two of my closest friends, Lexy and Emerald to arrive on the final day to watch our performances! It's felt a little strange being so far away from those I love, so I think I will feel more anchored to the earth when I hug these girls! Not that long ago, I was praying for one of my friends to be able to come share this adventure with me. As usual, God over abundantly blessed me in double portion. The three of us are going to London for five days to sightsee and watch shows! :) We will also be doing some other adventuring around Europe.... :) Stay tuned!

And I couldn't be remiss to leave out my five weekly woes. Here's my slice of self-deprecating humor for the week.

1. A strapping young man, George Spencer-Churchill, the Earl of Sunderland is heir of the Blenheim Palace. He is only 24. Two of my icons are in his family tree, Princess Diana and Winston Churchill. He plays polo with Prince Harry and has blue eyes and flowing blond hair. He's basically prince charming. But he has a girlfriend. This throws a wrench in my plans of living in that palace.

2. One of my classmates met J.K. Rowling and got her autograph on Saturday at the "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" play premiere in London!!!!!@#%&#&%@^#^@&#%&& I'm so happy for my friend, but I'm so jealous it burns. (maybe even more jealous than I am of George's future wife)

3. Everyone from here asks us Americans about Donald Trump. It's embarrassing to be known for that. I quickly close the conversation down with a laugh, shake of the head, and few choice words.

4. Although I was borderline hating on English food in one of my previous posts, I have to say that the bread here is amazing. It doesn't have all of the sugars and preservatives our bread has. It has a fresher, lighter quality. In general, their foods are much fresher and healthier, store-bought and restaurant- with less preservatives and unnatural junk in it. Also, their desserts are so delicious. The carb/sweets struggle here is so real. But #WhenInEngland right? This time last year I was preparing for Miss America and living off egg whites, chicken and broccoli, so I'm going to shamelessly indulge myself. (or atleast as shamelessly as possible)

5. There is seldom an obligation to tip over here. Which sounds amazing, but the food services are a lot slower because they aren't working for tips. But most people are so sweet over here, it's hard to get too "hangry."

Stay tuned for the last chapter of my Midsummer Dream at Oxford- what a beautiful installment to the book I'm living. 

“Theatre language is never ordinary- it’s actually poetry dressed up as ordinary language.”

— Fiona Shaw

My Midsummer Dream at Oxford- Week 2

I can't believe two weeks have come and gone and my time in the British American Drama Academy's Midsummer at Oxford Program is already halfway through! 

I have to start by professing my love for my classmates. Before classes started, the 90 students were divided into six groups of approximately 15. I am in group "Wilson" and I truly adore each of my classmates. I will never forget how lucky I am to be in this class with these beautiful people. We are all so different, coming from different parts of America (and one girl from Canada!), yet we have this amazing camaraderie and spirit of encouragement for one another. I have learned so much from working and growing alongside my classmates. I have had so many laughs with them, especially during our Movement class where we learn "clowning." 

We've dug deeper into our courses, gaining better understanding of the scenes we are practicing in Shakespeare and Modern and working on the delivery of sonnets in Voice. Our Movement class is very fun. You never know what to expect when you arrive. We learn confusing songs and games at the beginning of class to warm ourselves up and then do comedic activities that push us out of our comfort zones. This ranges from choreographing group dances (which the dancer in me loves), imitating other group dances, pretending to be insects doing a mating dance, and improvising dramatic situations. It's wild. I always feel like I'm on the show "Who's Line Is It Anyway?" I wish I had some moments from that class on video. My goodness. 

The program definitely isn't easy. The class schedule is rigorous- 8 hours of acute focus and emotional exploration, followed by scene studying/rehearsals in the evenings. It is tiring, mentally, emotionally, and physically, but I am grateful to be striving for something that is within me, yet bigger than me in this season. And the sweet thing is, I'm not doing it alone. I am doing it with wonderful people. And I'm at Hogwarts. Whenever I feel discouraged or frustrated, I just remind myself that I'm at Hogwarts and then I feel better. (I'm joking, but really)

Some of our classes are off campus, sometimes a 15-20 minute walk, but I love it! I love walking down High Street in the middle of the day and being amongst the hustle and bustle of the shops and tourists. It breaks the day up to walk out amongst the beautiful city, smell the food, admire the window displays, and maybe slip in a place to grab a coffee or snack. Sometimes I will eat lunch off campus if it compliments my schedule. 

On Wednesday, we had a master class with actor and Yale School of Drama teacher, Peter Francis James. We went through Sonnet 130, 129, and a Prospero monologue from "The Tempest" to gain better understanding of their meanings, rhythm, and sound. He was such a the delight, very funny and captivating with a lot of practical advice about Shakespeare acting that can be applied to all acting.

“We are random acts in the universe or we are stories. I don’t believe in one or the other, but I think stories or more interesting so I went into storytelling. We are bound together by stories. ”

— Peter Francis James

Friday, we had a fun evening of BBQ and croquet on one of the beautiful lawns at Magdalen. My group naturally drifted together, because we love each other that much. I may or may not have had a mini photoshoot among the gorgeous English flowerbeds with some of my wonderful new girlfriends. :)) (click on photos to scroll)

Saturday was magical! We took two buses to Stratford, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The sun shined a spotlight on our charming day there. First, I saw Shakespeare's "Cymbeline" performed at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. This is one of Shakespeare's lesser performed plays, but I loved the story. The acting was superb. I especially enjoyed Bethan Cullinane's emotional performance of Innogen. I found the director's approach to be the most interesting part with the unique set design and use of props. Another interesting aspect was the gender swaps of several of the roles- most notably, that Cymbeline was played by a woman (who was a total rockstar by the way). During intermission, my friend and "Wilson" classmate Sarah and I got coffee and ice cream and slipped out by the river that runs through Stratford. It was picturesque with a stone arch bridge, boats and flocks of friendly swans. We may or may not have been late getting back to our seats... (click to scroll- the last photo is a sweet colt we saw on the bus ride in)

After the show, I visited Shakespeare's grave and place of baptism at the beautiful Holy Trinity Church. It cost 3 pounds to see his grave, which felt a little dirty, but who can blame them for charging? He is the king of language. Next to Shakespeare is buried his wife, Anne Hathaway, daughter Suzanna, son-in-law Dr John Hall, and Thomas Nash (first husband of Shakespeare's Grand-daughter Elizabeth). (click to scroll through photos)

Next, I visited Shakespeare's birthplace. It's on a busy street, sandwiched between businesses, which I wasn't expecting; nonetheless, it is a special sight to see. I find it amazing to be so preserved in its antiquity. I was running short on time before the Royal Shakespeare Theatre's performance of "Hamlet" and I still had one desired destination to visit- Anne Hathaway's cottage. So, I did what any girl would do, I hunted down a taxi and visited the beautiful cottage of Shakespeare's wife. Although it was closed for the day, I still got to admire it's beauty from outside the gate. Her front yard is one big flower bed (which is how every front yard should be in my book.) For some reason, I have often searched this cottage online and fancied seeing it. There is something so lovely about the idea to me- "Anne Hathaway's cottage." Bucket list check mark. I hope to return to Stratford one day and tour the cottage.

My taxi driver was so sweet- he waited on me to take photos at the cottage with my friend Kelsey and even took us to the lesser-known, more beautiful side of Shakespeare's birthplace on our way back. The side many tourists see is actually the kitchen entrance. He showed us the unmarked, front entrance of his house, which can be seen through a gate. It was lovely. I noticed that the flower pots even had Shakespeare's initials on them in gold. (click to scroll- first photo- Shakespeare's birthplace. second & third photo- Anne Hathaway's cottage- final photos are the lesser known side of Shakespeare's birthplace)

After visiting the cottage, I made a dash for some yummo fish and chips, before seeing Shakespeare's "Hamlet" at the Royal Shakespeare Company with everyone in the BADA program. The tickets were included in our tuition, and somehow, I got one front and center in the thrust-style theatre (a much different perspective than my upper level seats for "Cymbeline"). It's hard for me to even begin to describe just how much I enjoyed the performance and how moved I was by it. The lead actor, Paapa Essiedu was riveting. I don't think anyone left that theatre without feeling the pain, venom, wit, and heartbeat of Hamlet that he lived on that stage. I think we all felt like we knew Hamlet and we loved him amidst his madness and despair. I'm certain I witnessed the work of a true, great artist, and it's inspiring because he is young. 

Although it is a tragedy, the play was very vibrant, set in an African culture, with a lot of bright colors, loud prints, and fun drum music and dancing. The RSC is very diverse with actors of many different races, which I and the other students really appreciated. The company gave a great sense of unity, making it feel as if the world of the play was real, that they really were family or best friends and the circumstances were dire. The humanity they brought to the story, believe it or not, made it possible for the audience to find humor in the madness of it all. Who knew "Hamlet" was part comedy? I am honored to have been a part of that audience and am still thinking about the story because the production was that captivating and mystifying. I had never seen "Hamlet" before, and I don't know if I will ever want to see another live rendition of it, because I think it will best exist in my mind as it was at the RSC. 

Front and center for "Hamlet" with my friends Sarah and Hershel.

I spent the bus ride back drunk on Shakespeare's words with a bag of poetic souveinors. 'Twas a full and enriching day indeed.

Sunday, we were privileged to have a master class with two actors from the Royal Shakespeare Company: Bethan Cullinane who played Innogen in "Cymbeline" and Guildenstern in "Hamlet," and James Cooney who played Arviragus in "Cymbeline" and Rosencrantz in "Hamlet." It was so nice to hear practical advice from young professional actors about how they approach their work and handle such a rigorous schedule. I was amazed to learn that they only work on each show 8-9 weeks, with overlap of work for another show, making it really only 5-6 weeks to prepare each show; and they go to rehearsals during the day before performances. They usually balance two parts with an understudy part as well. WOW. I really enjoyed their performances and am grateful to have had the opportunity to gain candid insight from them. I think it's amazing that BADA takes its students to Stratford to experience Shakespeare's world, see a play, and THEN offers a Q&A with actors from the play. I am counting my blessings.

After the master class, I got dinner at "The Eagle and Child" pub where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien used to hang out and write together. This was definitely on my list of places I wanted to visit in Oxford. I had a delicious BBQ chicken entree and the MOST WONDERFUL dessert ever- salted caramel proliferates. They were these heavenly cream puffs covered in a caramel/chocolate coating, drizzled in a caramel/chocolate sauce and served with a scoop of ice cream. YUM. Literally the best dessert I have had for as long as I can remember.

So you might be wondering if I have any more woes as an American girl in a British world. Here are a few to hopefully make you laugh.

1. I still haven't learned all of the coins and their values. I unashamedly ask every cashier to help me. I need to work on this. One of my classmates told me that they have their values written on them which made me feel even more (un)ashamed of my agile adaptability to a foreign country. 

2. I went for a walk and saw a spider the size of my hand. I played it cool though. 

3. I went rowing in the stream that runs beside Magdalen College and did not do my former 4-H camp counselors proud. This experience spanned from getting wedged between a tree trunk and the bank, to causing traffic problems. The white wine did not help my efforts. Next time I think I'll try punting and be the person who doesn't have to punt. 

4. Mochas here are not as sweet as the ones I'm used to getting from Starbucks or McDonald's, although they are better quality. (Wow, I sound like such an American.) I just ask for sugar. 

5. Since we are already discussing my sugar problem, I am currently addicted to chocolate covered biscuits (thin cookies). They are a thing over here and I'm a big fan. I will probably be taking a suitcase of them home with me. I'm not sure why these aren't a thing in America, because they should be.

As a token of self-reinforcement: I am getting more confident about crossing the road. (Knock on wood) And by confident I mean, I don't sprint across the street now. It's a brisk jog. 

Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience. Only two more weeks of classes and then two more weeks of European adventure. I wouldn't mind if this program lasted for a year. One can wish.

Xx. Cheers.

“Lord, we know what we are, but know not what we may be.”

— Ophelia, Shakespeare's "Hamlet"

My sweet next-door neighbor, Kelsey from Kansas :) with McKensie from Missouri. Neighbors there and neighbors here. 

My Midsummer Dream at Oxford- Week 1

Some of you might be wondering how I wound up across the pond at the most beautiful college in the world. Well, it's a cute story so I will happily share. My dear mentor, Jennifer Hover White (Miss Missouri 2001) gave me a wonderful slice of advice when I was over at her house one time during college after babysitting her children. I asked her, "If there is one thing you would tell me I should do at this time in my life, what would it be?" She replied, "Study abroad." She had studied abroad once in Egypt to help start a school for women. Yes, she is a legend in my eyes too.

I had always dreamed of studying abroad, but had just accepted that it probably wasn't in the cards for me. I was on a tight schedule to accomplish my goal of graduating college in three years and my tuition scholarship was only good for on-campus. It would have to be something I could do during the summer or after I completed my degree. Well, being the fanciful dreamer I am, I was thinking hypothetically one day during class and asked myself, "If I could study anything, anywhere, what and where would it be?" My fanciful, dreamy little mind replied with two words- Drama and Oxford. So, I typed "Oxford drama summer program" into Google, and the British American Drama Academy Midsummer at Oxford Program link was at the top of my screen. Seek and you will find my friends. 

I wanted to apply right away, but decided to read more into it and pray about it. I did, and I felt like I was supposed to wait. It wasn't easy for me to listen to that feeling, but I did and it turns out it all worked out "just so" as the Brits say. That summer I won Miss Missouri. If I had applied, auditioned, and been accepted last year (a difficult task), I wouldn't have been able to attend the program because I was busy preparing for Miss America. I kept the dream in my heart, continued to pray about it, and God's faithfulness from that random Google search prevailed.

I applied on January 1 (the day the application process opened. Yes, I was serious about this business.) I read Patsy Rodenburg's "Speaking Shakespeare" book to prepare myself for my audition (the program is heavily Shakespeare focused and I don't have a lot of classical acting training, so this book was a key ingredient in building my confidence). I auditioned in Chicago at Northwestern University in March (in lieu of sending a tape in. I wanted the experience of auditioning face to face. If I was going for it, I was really going for it.) A beautiful bonus was that the day of my audition, they turned the Chicago River green for St. Patrick's Day- a wonderful sight I've always wanted to see! I had a few days of shopping and deep-dish fun in the Windy City and four weeks later, I received an acceptance email after a long day of public speaking duties with the Miss Mo crown. I am attending this program with scholarship money I was awarded for winning Miss Missouri. Dreams come true my friends. The Lord is good.

With my mom by the Chicago river dyed green for St. Patrick's Day, just a few hours after my audition.

So here I am!! I still can't believe it. A Google search dream has turned into reality. I feel like I’m living at Hogwarts. I joked about how I was going to Hogwarts to become a wizard from the moment I was accepted into the program. Magdalen College, where our program is hosted, is breathtaking, and some say it is the most beautiful of the more than 30 colleges that make up Oxford University. I arrived on Friday, July 8 and couldn’t believe the rich exquisiteness of the campus. I legitimately kept asking myself if I was really awake. It took me several days to wake up in the morning without feeling shocked by the majesty of the place, but two weeks in, and I am still enamored by the beauty. They even keep deer on campus! It really feels like a fairy tale. Pictures truly do it no justice in comparison to the direct splendor. My room is even stunning, with a fireplace, ornate wall moldings, and big window seat overlooking an incredible view of the campus. (click on photos to scroll)

This is my favorite part of campus- the Magdalen College Tower through the cloisters. Scenes from "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" were filmed in these hallways. The entire lawn is bordered by beautiful hydrangea plants. 

In the rose gardens at Magdalen College. The flowers were literally the size of my face. xoxo

I spent my first day getting acquainted with the area around campus. Magdalen College sits on High Street, a bustling strip full of diverse stores and restaurants. I walked up and down it who knows how many times that day. I honestly over did it after my 13 hours of traveling, but I was a girl in a wonderland of tearooms, hat shops, pastry shops, clothing boutiques, and beautiful mideivel buildings. The city of Oxford is a dreamland of historical charm. Around every corner there is something lovely and quaint to be admired. 

Saturday, I again perused High Street with fellow BADA students. We had a cocktail welcome party on one of the beautiful lawns at Magdalen. BADA Director, Ian Woolridge gave a welcome message that was very warm and inspirational. There are ninety students in the program. I thought I would know everyone by the end of the first week, but I am still meeting new faces. Everyone has been truly delightful. When you think of a drama program at Oxford, you might think of hoity toity drama queens and kings. I haven’t met one yet.

Sunday we had our first master class with British actress Pippa Nixon on auditioning. It was so nice to hear candidly from a professional about how she overcomes her personal obstacles to land roles. One of my favorite things she said was, "Do something every day that reminds you you're an actor." I also loved when she said, "Even if you don't get all the way to the character in the audition, at least they can see that you're reaching for something." 

“Do something every day that reminds you you’re an actor.”

— Pippa Nixon

That evening we had a pimms (cocktail) reception where we met our professors, before our formal welcome dinner in the gorgeous dining hall. The five course dinner was lovely. The candlelit tables really made me feel like I was in the Great Dining Hall at Hogwarts. We eat all of our meals there during the week- I skip back and forth between the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor tables. ;) (click on the pictures to scroll through a recap of the magical evening)

Monday the classroom fun began. Each day of the week we have four two-hour classes, except for Wednesdays, when we have private tutorials and a master class. My classes are Shakespeare, taught by John Gorrie, Modern with Irina Wooldridge, Voice with John Tucker, Movement with Mick Barnfather and Audition Technique with Ian Woolridge. My class schedule is different every day, which keeps things fresh and fun. In my Shakespeare class, we are studying "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Twelfth Night," in which I am doing two scenes as Viola. (Like a Amanda Byne's role in "She's The Man," which is loosely based on "Twelfth Night.") In my modern class, we are studying the plays "A Doll's House" (in which I am doing two scenes Nora) by Henrik Ibsen, adapted to English by Simon Stephens and "After the Dance" by Terence Rattigan. To help us understand the time period of "After the Dance," our professor showed us the film, "Bright Young Things," which I found to be very entertaining.

Over the weekend I saw two Shakespeare plays. One of my goals is to see as many Shakespeare plays as I can while I'm here. I watched a delightful production of “Love Labour’s Lost” by the Oxford Shakespeare Company outdoors at the Wadham College Gardens on Friday. It was delightful, set in the 70's and included some of my favorite hippie songs as musical interludes. Saturday I saw a wonderful performance of “Richard III” by the Bunch Backed Company in Oxford. It was an intimate performance done thrust-style (the audience was on the same level as the actors, surrounding the stage area) with a lot of eye contact between the actors and audience. I even got (fake) blood splattered on my shirt during the battle scene. My friends and I spontaneously hung out with the cast afterwards. When in Oxford right?

On Sunday, I enjoyed my second master class with actor Henry Goodman, who is currently starring in "Vulpone" at the Royal Shakespeare Company. I found his class to be my break-through moment thus far in the course. I haven't been acting much the past year due to my obligations as Miss Missouri, so the first week of classes I honestly felt like I was getting back into it, breaking down the crust of my pie as an actor before I could let my true self ooze out for others. (that's a metaphor to try to explain how I felt walled-up.) I am still working on it of course, but some of the partnering exercises he shared with us were exactly what I needed to head into the second week more openly and freely.

People back home might be wondering about the woes, or unexpected aspects of living abroad. As a funny side note: I will share a few in hopes of amusing you with my insufficiencies.

1. Crossing the street over here is very difficult because the cars drive on the opposite side as we do in America. Even though you may know you are looking the correct way first before you cross, the subconcsious part of your brain is still freaking out. Throw bikers (lots of bikers) into the mix of things, and you just hope for the best after looking both ways five times, making a dash for it with your tail between your legs and screaming like a true tourist. I have rode buses and taxis and find it very trippy being on the opposite side of the road. You are filled with seconds of fear for your life and then you reason that all is well and under control.

Was so relieved to find that I'm not the only one who needs help.

2. In addition to the difficulty that comes with crossing the road, it is also difficult to walk on the sidewalk here because everyone walks on the opposite side as we do in America, just as the cars drive on opposite side of the road. It’s like swimming upstream, and harder than you might think to correct.

3. I now know why there aren’t a lot of English restaurants in America. I don’t want to sound disrespectful to English cuisine, but the majority of the food here is bland compared to food back home. There are wonderful places to eat, but most of them aren’t English places. I have come to love Indian food in my one week here. Since India was once a part of the British Empire and is still a member of the Commonwealth, they have lots of amazig, authentic Indian food here that is hard to get back home. My taste buds are digging the zest of it.

My favorite English food place to discover thus far, Queen's Lane Coffee House- the oldest coffee house in Oxford, founded in 1654. This was my yummy Saturday brunch with two lovely gal pals I have made in the program. The banana Nutella waffle was MINE. :)))

4. The weather is very confusing. The first couple of days here, the weather was perfect- in the high seventies. Then it got cold later on in the week and I feared I didn’t pack enough warm clothes to last me through the trip. Then the temperatures jumped from the high sixties, low seventies to the upper eighties, low nineties. Let’s just say people in England know how to dress for any type of weather the day may bring. They are also known for having the best weather forecast services, due to the ever-changing environment. It could go from cloudy to sunny any time, but the weather is never extreme, which is a VERY NICE change from the arctic, swamp, or sahara conditions one can find in Missouri depending on the time of year.

5. I'm going to need to buy another suitcase. The fashion here is amazing. I love to sit down at a coffee shop and just observe the endless array of people who walk by, many are French tourists. I love the posh-meets-grundge look people rock over here- think prep-school hipster with a dash of the 90's. 

Those are the five woes and a summary from my first week as a student abroad. Hopefully I don't get hit by a car, continue to discover some more yummy restaurants and to ooze through my actor's pie crust. Stay tuned for next week’s blog post. 

P.S. People end messages in Xx here. So Xx. They also say "cheers," which I love. So cheers. 

(click to scroll through some more of Oxford's loveliness below)