Natalie's Europe Blog: November 2007

Hey Guys!
First, in case I don't update this before then...HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! Don't worry, we are still going to celebrate this wonderful American holiday over here across the pond with lots of food. Mmmm...
Second, I took a day trip with many people to Windsor which is home to a beautiful castle that many kings and queens of England have lived in. The current Queen even resides there sometimes! It was so beautiful!! This is also the castle associated with King Arthur and the Round Table. We saw the changing of the guard (accompanied by the parade with band that played "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion, haha) and a beautiful dollhouse given to one of the queens by her grandchildren, which was amazing! We also walked across the river to Edon where both of the princes went to high school.
It was a wonderful, relaxing day.
Love and miss you all!! See you in less than 3 weeks! ♥♥♥

The beautiful chapel inside the castle--

Eton College--

Hey Everyone!
So this past weekend was what is called Long Weekend because instead of only having Friday to Sunday to travel we get Wednesday and Thursday too! 5 others and I chose to go to Paris and Barcelona. Obviously, it was AMAZING!
The first day we were in Paris 2 others and myself went to Versailles, which was unbelievably beautiful. We saw the Chateau of King Louis XVI (I think) and Marie Antoinette. Let's just say the French have never heard that phrase "Less is More." Everything was extravagantly decorated with lush fabrics, statues, and beautiful chandeliers. After the chateau we had some lunch, went to a museum of French art, and shopped at a local market. We then headed back into central Paris and met the other 3 at the Eiffel Tower!! It was so beautiful at night. We went to the very top which was definitely an experience! It was so beautiful to see everything lighted up.
The next day we went to the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and Notre Dame. I could spend a day at everyone of these places! At the Louvre I saw the Mona Lisa, which really isn't all that impressive in person; it's very small. In the Musee d'Orsay I saw tons of wonderful impressionist art, which is my favorite style. Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, etc. So cool to see what you talk about in class! Notre Dame was also equally as impressive.
That same day we also went to the Opera Garnier which is where the Phantom of the Opera was based!! I cannot even began to explain how gorgeous this place was! So so cool! We found box 5 and may have even seen the Phantom ;-) That night we also passed by the Moulin Rouge just for kicks. Let's just say, don't go at night!! It's a little dodgy (as the Brits would say).
The next half of the group headed off to Barcelona, while 2 others and I stayed in Paris for one more day. We went to the Picasso and Rodin ("the Thinker") Museums and walked along the main fashion street. We also searched for a market but never found one.
The next day we were all in Barcelona together. Barcelona is so different from Paris. Very artsy and unique. No one thing we saw was like the others. We went to the Gaudi park, which honored the most beloved architect in Spain, Gaudi. Next we were off to the Sagrada Familia, which is the amazing church that is built only on donations, so it is an ongoing process. So all of the styles are intermixed. So cool to see! We next went to the beach and I have now been in the Mediterranean!! While there we met some people from America who are studying across the street from us at Imperial College in London. It was so random! Also, one of the girls is from not too far from Pepperdine, and knows a friend of mine! Small, crazy world!
We came back on Sunday, ready to be back in London. We definitely had a wonderful time.
Love and miss you all!! Can't wait to see some of you in less than a month!
♥♥♥

Versailles--