A Different Thanksgiving

Well, this marks my first year away from home for Thanksgiving. First year without turkey and cranberry, yams, or homemade rolls. No pumpkin pie (or any pie for that matter) either. First year with no Macey's day parade, no family within a thousand miles, no chaotic but cherished gathering of crazy cousins (everyone please appreciate the alliterations there). This Thanksgiving was a different one in many ways, but I believe it ultimately made me more grateful for the many blessings in my life. 

The holiday break started Wednesday as soon as class finished. Girls throughout the Centre had planned different trips to Rome, Salzburg, Barcelona, Florence, and Paris; all were rushing about finishing up packing, printing plane tickets, and calling out the door. How incredible is it that we live within an hour to two hour plane ride of so many different cities and countries? It blows my mind. I am grateful for the chance to travel to new countries and cultures. 

Me, Ellen, Olivia, and Keturah chose to go to Munich, Germany. I am here to report it was an excellent decision. Only regret? Not realizing that "it's going to be cold in Germany" translates to "it's going to be frigid and you should probably bring every warm thing you own." But hey, you live and you learn, right? What's a trip to Germany without a little surprise and adventure? I am grateful for the warm scarf my amazing roommate Morgs knitted for me last year because it saved my butt. She is the best human being I know folks.  

We arrived Wednesday evening, took a train to our hotel, and just crashed that night so we could get an early start and make the most of the next day. When we went down to breakfast the next morning (Thanksgiving day!) to our pleasant surprise we found what was easily the best hotel breakfast I have ever had. SCORE. At the Centre we just have cereal, toast, oatmeal, yogurt, and bananas/oranges available for breakfast. This.. This was a feast. They had EGGS. Delicious scrambled eggs. Not the gross ones hotels usually have. I am talking homemade. Along with fresh bread, fancy cheese, turkey slices, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, mix fruit salad, cereals, etc. It just was so great.. I have missed eggs for breakfast so much. I am grateful for scrambled eggs and hotels that provide them.

After our wonderful breakfast we walked ten minutes down the street and around the corner to the train station to meet up with a tour group headed to Dachau. For those who don't know, Dachau is the second largest Nazi concentration camp. It was actually the original and longest running (twelve years). It was open for many years before war was actually declared and the first five years Hitler only had German politicians and other important Germans who were a threat to him inside of it. Our tour guide knew basically everything about the war, Dachau, and Hitler. He had gone to school at Dachau and took us through the site. We saw the shower room where they were tortured frequently (easy to wash the blood away in there..), original striped pajamas, footage from when the American soldiers liberated the camp (I will never un-see those images), barracks built for fifty that housed hundreds and spread disease like wildfire, and last but not least, we walked through the cremation ovens and gas chambers that 'disposed' of thousands of lives and bodies.

Needless to say, the whole experience was incredibly heavy, humbling, horrifying... But it also made me think of the thousands that survived or the thousands that maybe did not survive but helped others to. The ones to spread hope in a hopeless situation. The ones to did not forget who they were or lose themselves in the threat of war and dehumanizing events happening all around them. Ones like Anne Frank, who could find beauty in the world and still believe people were naturally good at heart. It made me think of how our Savior suffered every pain, suffering, and trial that occurred in this world so these people were never alone. He was with them the whole way, strengthening them and helping to bear the burden of the awful things happening. It made me see the strength of the human heart and I am grateful to know that we are never alone in the hard times of our life. 
I am grateful for the experience I had there and things I learned, as hideous as the place was.

After Dachau we headed back to Munich to visit the Christmas Market! (After stopping by our hotel really quick to add more layers to our clothes, that is..) Thursday was actually the official opening so we got to listen to the Mayor speak to the town, which was way cool. It was all in German of course so we had zero clue what was being said, but there was a cute little band playing classic German songs in their classic German outfits and they lit this giant tree with lights. It was very neat to see and feel a part of their culture. We spent the evening wandering through all the markets, scoping out what we might want to purchase the next night and trying a few German treats. I am grateful for markets; they are my favorite European thing. I vote we bring them back to the States in a stronger presence. I am also grateful for Christmas lights. They must release something that makes everyone who sees them happier instantly.

For Thanksgiving dinner we went to the most adorable German restaurant off a street alley! Seriously, it was precious and very German. Luckily our waiter spoke English, as almost everyone does there. (He was also not too hard on the eyes, if you know what I'm saying..). It was all decked out for Christmas; Pine boughs everywhere, candlelight, and red and green decorations in a completely cliche (in the very best way) manner. I had chicken with broccoli and rice. Not the usual, but very very good. I am grateful for kind strangers who take pictures for you outside of restaurants and I am grateful for good chicken; I love chicken and broccoli. Honestly might be one of my favorite combinations (right up there with graham crackers + milk and peanut butter + strawberries on toast).

    

 

There was a Christmas tree coming out of the ceiling..? Who knows. We just went with it and loved it. 

Friday after another perfect breakfast we took a two hour train ride to the tiny town of Fussen to see the famous Neuschwanstein Castle--the castle Disney modeled after. Well, when we arrived my heart sunk a little because it was SO FOGGY. You honestly could hardly see twenty feet in front of you. They pointed and said "right above that building is the castle!" ..... Nothing. Could not see a single thing but fog. We started to hike up the mountain and I just was praying for the fog to clear enough to see it when we reached the top. The interior was cool, very different from any of the castles in England, but the part I was most interested in was the exterior. Well. I am grateful for prayer because by the time we hiked up past the castle to a viewing brigde the fog had cleared just enough for us to see it perfectly! It was perfect. It appeared to be floating on the clouds. I promise I took this photo (with just my phone even)! It truly was that beautiful. Crazy kings build gorgeous castles. 

Do you see a castle or am I just blind?

That evening we returned to the Christmas markets to do some shopping and try some more German food. I love the German people, language, culture, and entire country. I only got to see a very small part but it only took a glance to fall in love with it. Their architecture is adorable and the people were all so kind. Oh! This is one of the best parts: a local guy in Fussen who I bought lunch from gave me the best compliment ever. When I walked up to order he started rattling off in German to me before noticing my look of terror/non-comprehension. He then laughed and said, "Oh sorry, you look much more German than American. What can I get for you?" SCORE. One of our goals here every day consist of just trying not to look like tourists. Basically I felt like I was winning at life because a german man at a tourist shop with all Americans thought I was German. Hooray! I am so grateful for the chance I have to see other cultures and amazing places with some of my best friends; I really am the luckiest girl in the world and it is just not fair to everyone else. 

Their architecture is nothing less than perfect. 

All in all, it was a successful Thanksgiving. I was sad to miss the family festivities going on back home, but hey. I got to go to GERMANY! And if you can't be home for the holidays you might as well be visiting another country because that is the only thing that is almost as good. I am grateful to know that I will be with my family forever and grateful to know I will see them in just ten short days from now. They really are the best and the real reason I am the luckiest girl in the world. 

Love Always, Aimee

Snapshot from our beautiful walk up the mountain to Neuschwanstein

Favorite Place with my Favorite People

Today was one of my favorite days thus far; we went to the London Temple with most of our group and one of our professors. It took some pushing and convincing to work out the trip, but we got it sorted out in the end. After a quick breakfast this morning and a two hour coach ride we found ourselves on the grounds of the House of the Lord. 

Because we only brought one endowed priesthood holder with us we had to do all of our confirmations before we could start the baptisms. This ended up being a blessing in disguise. While we waited for our turn (in sets of three) we stayed in the lounge room. At first we all just sat quietly reading the Ensign or scriptures, but then one of the temple workers suggested (asked) us to sing hymns. Obviously we started with the Christmas ones and then moved to our favorites, such as 'I Stand All Amazed' and 'I Believe in Christ'.We sang almost every single Christmas hymn in the book (in harmonizing parts, of course) and it actually sounded fairly decent.  Maybe because we were in the temple...? Haha. But in all honesty, it was so special to sit inside the temple with my little study abroad family and sing of our Savior, His birth, and life. The spirit was so strong and we all just felt so peaceful.

It was also a unique experience to have my professor do my confirmations and baptisms. Not many university students can say they have gone to the temple with their professor! Let alone the temple in London. All in all, it brought our whole group even closer together--something none of us believed possible at this point. I mean, we have been living practically on top of each other for three and a half months now. We know almost everything about everyone from eating habits to sleeping patterns to love history to weird quirks to life goals and dreams to friend and family drama to... the list goes on. I can tell who is walking into a room based off how they open the door or their breathing sounds, haha.  I also know that if anything brings people together fast it is sharing spiritual experiences. Going to the temple was the perfect way to start our Thanksgiving breaks and best way to begin the end of our four month adventure together. 

I am so grateful for the beautiful place I've had the opportunity to live these last few months, the amazing and hilarious people I have gotten to know, and the incredible experiences we have been able to share together. I am grateful for the temple and opportunity it provides for us to not only feel closer to our Father in Heaven but to allow us a moment where we can take on a role similar to the Saviors by doing things of eternal importance that they cannot do for themselves. It's quite cool once you think about it. 

Such a solid day. Being so far from the temple has definitely increased my appreciation for it and I will definitely be taking advantage of how close I live to one once I return home. 

Tomorrow I am flying to Germany! Ha I say that as if it were a casual thing, but I promise I know going to another country for Thanksgiving break is not casual; it is freaking awesome. I am pumped! less pumped about the papers and finals to do the next week, but hey. I'll take it and enjoy it all while I have it because heaven knows the time is going too fast. 

Happy Thanksgiving :) 

Eat lots of turkey and cranberry sauce for me because who knows what I will be having..

Love Always, Aimee

(this is only half the group; the other had already ran to the bus because it was raining)

Real London Life

It has come to my attention that some folks here believe all I do across the pond is travel and party. I have come to set the record straight: those claims are false. While we do travel loads and go on many adventures, there are also countless hours spent writing papers, studying, and reading as well as attending class. I would be lying to say it was the same extent as going to school on campus, but it some ways it feels even more overwhelming here because London is calling right outside the front door. There are always a million things to do and places to see on top of twelve credit hours of class and homework along with church callings, day trips, and then trying to keep in touch with family, import/sort through photos, emails, write postcards and letters, grocery shop, exercise, and just do basic life things like laundry.. Our schedules are jam packed. More often than not I am up until well after midnight reading for class and then get up at 6:30 to go run and shower before class. After that it is go-go-go all day long. I am not complaining or trying to convince you that my life is too hard in any way, shape, or form; I just want you all to know that it is still real.

Yes, there are days it feels like a dream (and it is my dream).
Yes, every day I find myself in awe of how lucky I am that this is my life.
Yes, there are days--sometimes several in a row--where I stay in all day and do homework.
Yes, there are many nights I am stressed and up late trying to finish things with no idea how it will really happen (and yet somehow it miraculously always does).
Yes, I am in love with my life. It is full of all the best things this world has to offer: the most wonderful people, constant exploration and learning, loads of laughter, self-discovery, and traveling through some of the most beautiful countries and cultures known to man.

Now that we are done with the real talk I'll tell you what a general week here in London town is like.
Monday: classes
Tuesday: day trip
Wednesday: classes
Thursday: London excursion or classes
Friday: classes
Saturday: free (aka catch up on homework/laundry/go to markets for lunch/maybe see a show)

The days we have classes they go from nine to noon. After having lunch I will typically go to museums for homework or work on papers or study for tests or run to the store/laundry or do site visits or London walks or whatever else. Day trips we spend the day going by coach to somewhere, such as the Isle of Wight in the past or last week to Hampton Court and this week was to Cambridge. For London excursions we go to sites within tube rides such as the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey; you get the idea. Often another night of the week we have another thing planned by the program like an Evensong or last week we went to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to hear Beethoven's No. 9 Symphony in D minor (which was incredible AND we spotted Royalty)!

The last few weeks have been such a blur of school and outings and late nights and everything in between. Here are some views from visits:

Hampton Court

Just a few of my favorite people

Careful with the Swans.. They all belong to the Queen and to hurt one is high treason.
You think I'm kidding? ...
The last guy to kick one while drunk back in 2007 is still in jail. 

Fun Fact: You get to wear fantastic capes around Hampton Court if you want. 

 

Have I ever told you that I am obsessed with gold? No? Oh. Well, I am obsessed with things that are gold.

Greenwich

Boat ride down the Thames to Greenwich! 

Our bff Big Ben lookin' fan-freaking-tastic from the river. Always the show-off. 

Straddling the Prime Meridian. Am I am in the east or western hemisphere? ... Nobody knows.

Royal Naval College

Favorite Chapel I've been in.
And I have been a good number of chapels in my lifetime.

 

Found some aebleskivers at the market! Score. Obviously Lauren and I had to get some. 

Firmly believe that different is beautiful too.

Stratford-Upon-Avon (Shakespeare's home)

 

Did we creep on this guy helping the elderly out?
Yes. Yes, we did. No shame.

 

We <3 Shakespeare! And wandering cute towns in the rain and seeing Much Ado About Nothing performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company set in the 1920's and looking like Downton Abbey.

Portsmouth

You haven't lived until you've had a Magnum Bar.  

Yes, that is my Professor jumping with us in the middle. He's pretty cool.

Camden Market

I seriously am obsessed with markets. Utah needs to get on it because they are the bomb.com

   

 

Ever heard of the cronut? Let me educate you to its brilliance. It is a croissant donut. Need I say more? The one featured about was bought (and shared, don't worry) at Camden Market. It's Apple and Cinnamon with some crumble thing.. So essentially it was heaven in my mouth.

Is there anything more beautiful then a donut cart? Donuts are my weakness. Weird, I know. I can say no to everything else.. But a good donut? There's nothing better. A bad donut? Nothing worse.

Running Scenes

This view is what gets up early every day. 

Cliffs of Dover and Dover Castle

I dare you to come at us. 

The throne suits me, don't you think? 

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra ft. Beethoven's 9th Symphony in D minor

You see those box seats behind us? Yes. That is Prince Charles of Wales, aka the next KING of Great Britain.
NBD guys, NBD... Just a normal Monday night in London

That Awkward Time we showed up at the Tate Britain and they asked us to be in a Movie

Canterbury Cathedral

coolest book shop ever in Canterbury. I can't lie; it was actually really hard for me to walk through the door. I felt off-balance in a way I can't even explain. 

London Centre Scenes

Me doing homework. Obviously I am ecstatic.

My Shakespeare Analysis after 4 hours of work... 

My current view of the drawing room 

It's all about the details in the dining room.

(to my left) the beginning of the stairstand front entry behind it

 Why do I say the stairs ominously?
I'll show you:

this is what I walk up 12+ times a day to get to my room/the lou.
No I am not kidding. This is real life. It's fine though; I will just have killer legs by the time I leave (or I'll ask for a refund).
The pathetic part is we all keep thinking we will get used to it and it will become easier.... And it doesn't 

Memes I Make when I can't Handle Any More Homework. 

Well, that is it for now! Sorry I have been neglecting the blog. I promise I have every intention of catching up (hopefully this weekend!) with Halloween pictures and a review of my trip to PARIS! Stay tuned; don't give up on me. I'm just holding on and pushing through some papers and school stuff. 

Love Always, Aimee 

Remember that one time we got day-of student tickets to the front row of WICKED for 25 pounds?
Yeah. That was a fantastic and beautiful day.

#cheerstodyoulondon