Everyone Look at Brittany and Kira... :)

It has been an exceptionally busy week!!! For our group excursion this week we traveled on the coach to Hastings, Brighton, and Rye. One of my absolute favorite things is leaving the city and taking in the countryside :)

My summer home.

October 14, 1066--the most important date in Enlgish History...obviously :) Well...The English army was led by King Harold of the Anglo Saxons (ruler of England since the Roman Empire), while William Duke of Normandy approached the fields of Hastings with his army in hopes to conquer. Harold was holding a fierce front and William could not break their line of defense. William decided to fake a retreat to throw off Harold...it worked!! With Harold completely caught of guard William reversed their retreat and attacked. History states that an arrow pierced King Harold directly in his right eye. William Duke of Normandy became King and his line has remained the monarch of England till this day.

Fields of Hastings where the battle took place

So Serene

Battle Abbey

Literally almost fell into that pond below

Anthroplogie Ad

Our trip to Brighton was gorgeous. We went a little picture happy...

I do try with photopraphy sometimes...

Silly

It played "Under the Sea" from the Little Mermaid! I had to ride it, true happiness.

Naturally

Fresh donuts on the pier! Britt: cinnamon Kira: chocolate

Lovely Lady

Almost felt like home...almost

The main attraction for our trip to Brighton was The Royal Pavillion, built by King George IV as his getaway palace where he loved to entertain guests and floosies. The theme is all influenced by the Eastern culture --a little Indian, a little Chinese. The inside was unbelievable, but of course 'no photos!' are allowed.

An evening at the Cinema was in our best interest, so we walked to the nearest theatre. With our ticket in hand we walked through the doors....wow, WOW!

just casual and precious... creche

Westminster Abbey!!! Over 3,000 individuals buried here. Favorites: Darwin, Dickens, Mary Queen of Scots, Chaucer, and Handel.

Britt found out the British Museum was opened late on Thurday so a small group of us went. We spent the entire first hour in the Egyptian Sarcophagus Exhibit. So fascinating and creepy, we couldn't stop. We never left the exhibit because an interpretive dance/drama club interrupted our evening with a performance. Words can't explain, we'll try to post the video for your own enjoyment.

Yes, this is real.

On our day off we decided to go to tea in Kensington Gardens. It was a great idea, but just a dream because it was closed. All dressed up and nowhere to go. With our stomaches in mind we went to Zizzi's, a delicious italian restaurant. After dinner we went to the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum for you non Londoners). A new exhibit was being celebrated and it happened to be a Masquerade!!! The day was a success.

Finding a good diet coke can be a challenge.

Best Tiramisu in da world

Chandelier in the V&A

Totally wished we had our masks...huh? huh?

Our first Indian Dinner at Giftos in Southall. Britt loves the curry, I preferred the lentil.

Professor Shuler took our group to the Sikh Gurdwara (temple) for a tour and worship. Sikh is a blend of Hindu and Muslim and we had to cover our hair with scarves and take off our shoes in its duration. We got a free lunch and there may have been some serious gagging. Jack, imagine your worst nightmare: mass prepared mush.

"I like your Bindhi girl"

So we spent an entire day just outside of the city in a town called Southall. It's basically a Chinatown but India... I'd say we got into the spirit of the day.