Travel to Chatsworth House

I'm falling a little behind, so as to not confuse anyone keeping up, this entry will detail Friday June 3rd. Oh, and a disclaimer, very picture heavy, will add video later (issues with converting) enjoy! (psss. if you click on the photo's they enlarge too!)

We were told to be ready and in the commons room at 8:15 so after waking, showering, and breakfasting, I joined the class and we boarded our shuttle bus to Bakewell.

Our trek from Harlaxton Manor to Bakewell.


About an hour and half later (about 11 a.m.) we were in Bakewell. Once off the bus, Dr. Sylvia and Ringuette told us we could roam free for about an hour and 15 minutes until at 12:15 when we were to return to a spot toward the front of the village. As suggested, Luke, Ben and I set off throughout the village. We walked through a small garden, snapping shots left and right, then walked to a hiking shop so I could purchase some walking sticks, as my two professors had recommended (since I was going to be walking numerous trails over the five weeks) and eventually made our way to a tea room for lunch, the same place our professors had chosen as was evident in our being seated next to them. After a quick lunch, we dashed back to the entrance to meet with the rest of our group. We were told prior that we were going to walk to Chatsworth House from Bakewell. Little did many of us realize that in doing so, we had to hike up a good sized hill through the woods in addition to three more miles of pathways.
Now, I see how that last sentence may seem like it was a bad thing. However, it was quite the opposite. I could try and describe the experience by saying how awesome, or tremendous it was but I shouldn't. There are pictures below to perhaps give you an inkling of this experience, but all I can say is you would have to be there to appreciate just how much of an experience it is to see open country through a meadow stretch on for miles and miles and descend into a small coppice before it opening back to more country side and ending in the most typically beautiful and quaint village (Edesur) there ever was. You, would just have, to be there.
After making the four mile trek, Chatsworth appeared in front of us, perhaps one of the most grand scenes I've ever witnessed. We walked up and waited for everyone to gather around (since there were a few stragglers and some who had opted out of the walk and instead took the shuttle from Bakewell to Chatsworth). Once everyone had gathered together, we were given tickets to the tour and we entered. Over the next two and a half hours, we walked throughout the mansion, learning about different rooms and their makeup and exploring the grounds which stretched on and on and even included small little paths within it's boundaries. There were magnificent gardens, and architecture as well as sculptures. The house was very busy with tourists but it did not stop me from being able to discover.
The day unfortunately came to an end around 4:30 when we boarded the shuttle and departed back for Harlaxton. Once back, we went to dinner. Afterwards, a small group of peers and I went up to the Gregory (which is becoming more and more like a cozy hometown bar) for a few drinks. About ten o'clock the four or so people who had accompanied us there left while Luke and I stayed. During the course of the evening we became acquainted with more of the regulars who come to the bar. In addition to Simon from the other night, we left knowing Dan, Kris, Jen, and Kev. We left around midnight, making the mile trek back to Grantham and  went to sleep with another fulfilling day behind us.

 Garden at Bakewell

 River at Bakewell

 Garden at Bakewell

" My Vanity"

 The Tea House We Ate Lunch At

 Lunch

 Luke Kingery (accomplice)

 Ben Potmesil (roommate)

 Beginning the Walk (Dr. Ringuette pictured)

 Walking to Chatsworth

Dr. Sylvia Hiking the Hill (Dr. Hobermann in the background

The view from our walk

Climbing a stile

Castle in Edesur-the village outside of Chatsworth

Walking through Edesur

Coming upon Chatsworth House

A busy day at Chatsworth

The entrance to Chatsworth

Copy of Recasting of Achille's Shield

Some, of the grounds.

Water fountain behind the house

Royal bed

Another royal bed

Yet, another royal bed

Until again,

Thank you

Keith

The Gregory and Our Tour

I last left you with me sleeping through dinner. To pick up, I was soon awaken by a loud beating on my door by Luke who, to my disappointment, informed me that I had indeed slept through dinner. There were no worries though since the bistro on campus was to open at 8. Luke, my roommate Ben, another fellow peer, Harrison, myself, and a couple of the girls (Kate, ehem, ...) also accompanying us on our trip all went down to the Bistro for a drink (and food, at least for me). Myself and Luke both purchased a Balmers, a cider beer that was rather large but good. I also added a cheese toasty to go along which would tide me over until later.
As we drank our beers, both the bartender and the security guard Rob joined us to watch Britain's Got Talent. I must say, it is as disappointing as the US version, lol. Nonetheless, we were entertained long enough to finish our beers. After doing so, Luke and I decided to hit up the nearest pub called The Gregory. Named after the second family to own Harlaxton Manor, the pub is stationed at the very end of the Village about a mile straight down from our stay.
However, this knowledge wasn't quite privy to us and as a result, when we were faced with either taking a bend that led straight to the village or going straight to the gate, we chose the bend and found ourselves winding in and out of little culdesacs until finally making our way through the oddly quiet little village and in front of The Gregory.
As we approached, we each noticed the prospect of our being underdressed, though at least luke had on decent shoes, as I was still sporting my hiking boots. Regardless, we entered and immediately took a seat at the small, but tasteful bar. The bartender noticed us soon after and told us it would be just a moment as he walked away, during which Luke and I simply sat and looked on at all the drink specials, trying to decide on our first real pub beer.
When the bartender returned and asked us what it would be, I incorrectly asked for a duchars (deuchars IPA which is pronounced yuchars) and Luke, a Directors. We each paid and cheered to our first beer in England. Perhaps too soon, we were finished and ready for another. This time we both decided on a Guinness, which, might I strongly add was much better than in the states and it still wasn't even the true Irish batch. This time, when it came to pay, I tried to apply some etiquette a fellow peer had spoken of earlier at the bistro concerning tipping. I told the gentleman along with my beer, "and one for you." He smiled, as though embarrassed for me, and politely declined. If the traffic being on opposite sides of the road wasn't enough of a reminder of our being foreigners, little cultural indicators like this most certainly were.
Fortunately there had been four or so gentlemen to our left, all of whom knew one another and were cracking up with jokes no doubt. While I don't quite recall how we were integrated into their conversation, soon enough, Luke and I found ourselves in friendly conversation with all of these lads. One, we were told was actually from Scotland while the others were true Englishmen. We talked about everything from the recent devastation in Joplin, to Obama, to the Tea Party, and even perceptions of the U.S. At one point, one of the gents walked us over to a map on the wall and began pointing out where the other men lived, directing our attention to little numbered plots of land in the village. We realized at this point how small this village was, as well as how intimate its inhabitants were. After some more talk, we looked to discover it was a little after midnight.
Still in need of shampoo and other items, Luke and I told our newfound friends that we had to get going. They asked us to stay for one more but upon doing so we told them we had to get to Grantham to the ASDA (Wal-Mart here) in order to get some items. Simon, one of the gentlemen, quickly offered to give us a ride, being that he lived there anyway. About ten minutes later we were in front of the ASDA and bidding Simon farewell.
I'm afraid, I must end here (another disjointed blog entry, I apologize.) Today we are travelling to Chatsworth and breakfast has just started. I will pick up later with the rest and hopefully catch up on today's events as well. Until again,

From Harlaxton Village

The Front Couryard

Thank you,

Keith

The Journey

As promised, though without much rest, I wish to fill everyone (which as of right now means all three followers) in on the details of my journey from Mattoon, IL to Grantham, UK.
I took the Amtrak out of Mattoon on Tuesday morning. It was scheduled to dock and depart by 9:30 a.m. As my fellow local cohort Luke Kingery stood by, we waited for a freight train to move out of the way. Finally, around 10:10 a.m. our train came in. We boarded and were on our way.
We were originally scheduled to get in to Chicago around 1 p.m. We didn't get off the train until 2 p.m. Much to both Luke and my disappointment, we skipped out on a good Chicago meal and ran down a cab. I jumped in and told the man we needed to get to O'Hare as quickly as possible. Our flight was scheduled to depart a little after 5 p.m. but with security on an international flight, we were told to arrive at 1:30. Fortunately, we arrived at 2:30 and with more than enough time to check baggage, grab a bite to eat, and get through security, all with about an hour to spare (I was the only person who didn't have to check luggage, not so sure a good thing though).
Before we knew it, our flight was called to board and we were off for a six hour plane ride across the Atlantic. Going into this whole trip, I have to admit, I was a little nervous about the flight, especially the minor combination of turbulence and flying over the ocean. However, to my delight, we experienced very little in the way of turbulence. In actuality, the flight was better than one I had taken to Denver a year and a half prior and it was only about an hour and a half. I had chicken curry for dinner, some wine, and a cranberry orange muffin for breakfast. While most of my time was spent reading Pride and Prejudice (required for my program), I managed to watch Tron and before I knew it, we were flying over Ireland and soon after Great Britain.
We arrived at Heathrow and had to go through customs. After a small waiting period and brief interview about our stay, we were through the gates and officially welcomed into the UK.
Our shuttle was running behind and as a result left us with about 40 minutes to wander the airport. Most of us went to a cafe and grabbed some breakfast. One Americano and lemon poppyseed muffin later, I boarded our shuttle along with our group and began our final transport to Harlaxton.
Though I slept most of the way there, I awoke just in time for the campus, landscape and all, to befall me. I cannot begin to describe the absolute magnificence of the manor and its estate. Built in the middle of the 19th century, the manor has been redone once since its original founding. I was in awe, though in a fairly sleepish awe.
We were told to grab our room assignments and then make our way to them. After doing so, I grabbed lunch, some loin quiche, boiled potatoes, and chicken noodle soup. Afterwards, I unpacked my clothing and then made my way to the Morning Room for our orientational meeting. Soon after learning a little more about the campus and the rules and regulations associated with our stay, I wandered back up to my room and crashed. I was so tired I slept through dinner. The day didn't end there though. Unfortunately, here it is almost 1 a.m. (which means almost 7 p.m. there) and I have class in 8 hours. I will continue the rest of today's little adventure as soon as I get a chance. Until again,

Thank you,

Keith