The Hills Are Alive

June 14th

Everyone was a little peeved we had to spend our last Saturday in London out in the country (some girls even "missed the train"), but it was a fun, good experience, just like everything else George and Brett plan. We took a train from Blackfriars to Eynsford. I sat with Justne, Sarah, and Chelsea during the thirty minute ride. Once we exited the train, a group of men were waiting for us. This group of men consisted of an old stake president, his brothers, three guys our age from the local ward, and a twelve year old boy. They volunteered to be our guide on our country stroll/hike. The whole day the weather alternated from chilly rain to beautiful sunshine. I didn't have a jacket, but it never rained for long. 

Our first stop was the ruins of another castle. The walls were perfect for climbing, but we were told before entering the premises to quell our yearning to scale the walls. Large fines were given to anyone who decided to disobey this rule.

Jace! He is at the bottom of the stairwell I climbed up. I decided stairs are made for climbing, so there was no harm in climbing them . The only thing was that the rocks were weather down to nothing and the staircase was no a rock wall or slide of doom.

Watching over my kingdom. We were here for a short snack break and to take group pictures. 

We ventured through little towns, up hills, under bridges, and all around the country side. Couldn't complain about the company. A pleasant conversation was kept up the entire trip. We even sang a little. I met Brett's wife, Kristen. She joined us for the last few weeks with Brett's kids that go to high school. I didn't whip out me phone to take a picture, but we also traveled over a golf course and played on a little zip line.

Sarah and I talked for awhile to the young boy who was with us. He was just like any of the other deacon-aged boys, but British. We asked where he would go on vacation since we came to England. He would go to Florida because it is hot and has a beach, but also rains. Good answer kid.

The Hills Are Aliiiiiiiiive! With the Sound of Muuuuuuuusic! *Aaaaaaa aaaaaaa ahhhhh aaaaa*

Our hike took us to a cute little store on a lavender farm. They grew other plants too, but primarily lavender. The old men bought ginger wine and ginger beer and let us try it. British people do not drink root beer. I think this is a replacement. The ginger was really strong. It tasted like a powerful ginger snap cookie with a little less sugar. Quite the experience. My sip of ginger wine (still debating if it was okay to drink even though a stake president gave it to us) was overpowering. It has a fiery after taste. Watching everyone's face react to the kick was the best.

The group was divided on rose lemonade. You either love it or hate it. I don't know if I could drink a whole bottle. It tastes like you are literally drinking the smell of a rose.

Leslie and I snacking on Pringles. I mean Pringooooooals! The FIFA World Cup hype is strong all over Europe. My original can was lacking in salt. The sour cream & onion ones were good though.

So many options. I heard the lavender ice cream was good, but a little soapy. It just depends what you associate flower scents too. Apparently British people think of them as food.

We didn't wade through the creek like Brett warned us to be ready for. 

Owl Crossing? Wizard Mail? Nocturnal Animal Dance Party?

I have no idea what this sign means.

The rain started to come down again. It must be England. Are these field not gorgeous? Justyne talked about how when she was little she fantasized about running through high fields of flowers with her hair in braid and wearing a fun dress. England makes your dreams a reality. <3 Feeling like Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Sometimes I feel like I could be an artsy photographer.

The train ride home was hilarious since we were so tired and trying not to fall asleep. We played the game, "I'm throwing a party..." and who knows what else we talked about. We popped into Waitrose next to Gloucester Station on our way home. Sister Holmes suggest these chocolate dipped turkish delight bars. They were so-so. I think I might like them more if the turkish delight was higher quality. I am not the biggest fan of chewy/gummy candies. The chocolate part was good. :)

That night I went to watch the England VS Italy FIFA World Cup game with Audrey, Kiera, Brooke, Chloe, and Carolyn. The restaurant we watched it at was run by Italians, but full of Englishmen. Best choice. The game was so intense and fun with half the room scream-celebrating with every goal. Too bad for England that they lost. The game was late (at 11pm) since the World Cup is in Brazil this time. Chloe went to Brazil last year with BYU Jazz Band. It seems like such a fun place. This trip is turning me into an international traveler. I want to go everywhere!