Iceland or Bust!

You may have heard...

you may not have heard...

HUE IS HEADING TO ICELAND.

This year HUE 2012 is taking it's maiden voyage

to the mystic & enchanting land of Iceland.

The country, full of rich culture,

sits mysteriously alone in a private world of breathtaking beauty.

With the help of trained guides & experienced drivers,

we will be traveling into the heart 

of one of the world's most unique cultures,

exploring it's rugged terrains to discover some of the most beautiful places on earth,

and embarking on an adventure to sites few people in the world ever see.

Interested in joining in the groundbreaking expedition to Iceland?

Contact Harding's International Programs office 

for a last-minute spot

on the trip of a lifetime.

*images via 

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is one of England's many historic and treasured locations. It is, in fact, still a palace that is accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough. 

This is the entrance gate to the Palace.

This palace is also the birthplace of the famous Winston Churchill who was born on November 30, 1847. He spent most of his life here at the palace and felt a great love for this place up till the day he passed. 

This is our HUE 2011 group in front of the Palace.

The Palace was a gift from Queen Anne to John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough right after his victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. It is quite the site to see I might add. It is one of the most beautiful homes I have ever seen. Given, it is a Palace. 

A great view of where you can have lunch at the Palace.

Blenheim Palace has one of the most unique interior designs I have ever seen. It is extremely well kept and not to mention well reserved over the hundreds of years. But don't let the inside be the Palace be the only thing to draw you in. Take time to enjoy the scenery outside. Acres and acres of greenery and well groomed gardens. It is a sight to see for sure. 

This is myself, Ashley and Gracie in the Gardens.

I would definitely recommend Blenheim Palace to anyone who wants a good slice of history and wants to stay and enjoy your morning or afternoon. There is tons to do and the world famous city of Oxford is only 20 minutes down the road. But check it out for yourself! You won't be disappointed! 

The back view of the Palace.

http://www.blenheimpalace.com/

~Candice Meadows~

"Built on Seven Hills"

A coach ride and several uncomfortable naps later,
we arrived in Edinburgh, our last stop in Scotland. 

And just a little tip-
it's pronounced EH-din-bur-uh.

Once you get the hang of it, it's really quite fun to say!
Go ahead, say it. I know you want to. 

Despite the terrible rain and piercing wind on the first day we visited,
it's safe to say I fell in love with this city!
Since it's said to have been "built on Seven Hills,"
a postcard view is accessible from just about anywhere in this historic city. 

Just a few of my favorite places...

The beautiful Edinburgh Castle, which happens to be built on a hill, is charming and historic,
and offers a spectacular view looking out over the city.

If you're as excited about the Royal Family as I am, then you'd enjoy visiting Holyroodhouse, 

the Queen's Scottish residence. 

While you're there, take a walk through her beautiful garden.

If you're up for an adventure, hike Arthur's Seat, the highest hill in Edinburgh.

 I was a bit deceived when I first agreed to take this trek to the top...

...But I have to say, the view at the top is breathtaking- literally.

It really is worth all the huffing and sweating to see this magnificent view of the city.

Just be prepared for wind so strong you can't even speak without spit flying out of your mouth. 

Don't say I didn't warn you!

After you work up an appetite from all that hiking, head over to The Elephant House.

Harry Potter fans, anyone?

Well, J.K. Rowling began her famous series of books at this very restaurant.

Whether you're a huge Harry Potter fan or not, 

it's still really cool to see. 

And plus the food is delicious and very affordable, 

so you have no reason not to go! 

I'd love to hear any other suggestions for next time i'm in Edinburgh!

-Kristi

Windsor Castle

Windsor

Windsor is a cute town just west of London. 
The easiest way to get there is by train. 
If you are traveling from London the best route is to start off at Paddington Train Station 
then make the connection to Windsor at Slough. 
In total the trip out to Windsor should take less then an hour. 


I suggest spending the whole day there. 
Trust me- you wont get bored!!

Windsor is mainly known for the location for one of the castles owned by the Queen
 but that isn't all there is here. 


There are a lot cute shops and great places to eat.
 A great place to eat that has amazing prices and food that taste fantastic
 is a Greek restaurant, that has become one of my personal favorites,
 called Latino Taverna. 


If  you are not looking for a big meal 
there are a few cute little tea houses that shouldn't disappoint.

Windsor Castle it by far one of the best and most famous castles in England. 


It has been a chief residence for British sovereigns since Henry I in the 12th century. 


The castle is split into three parts; the Lower Ward, the Middle Ward, and the Upper Ward. 


The Lower Ward is where St. Georges Chapel is located, 
the Middle Ward is where you will find the famous round tower, 
and the Upper Ward is where the state rooms are located. 


There are so many awesome things to see in this castle and the grounds are beautiful. 
On a nice day this is the place to be!

Another thing that is very ingrained into the castle's history is the Oder of the Garter.

 It is the highest order of chivalry, or knighthood, existing in England.    

St. George's Chapel is full of so many important people in British history.
 For example Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour among many others.

If you are in London for a vacation or you live here 
and just need to escape the city I would suggest Windsor. 


You cant go wrong. 


Trust me it is worth your time and money!!


Ashley Fincher

What Sleeps At Westminster

Westminster Abbey is one of the most "must see" sites by tourist when visiting London. 

Not only is it popular due to its grand structure and beautiful architecture

 it is now the place of the recent wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

Westminster Abbey is a church that is a part of the Anglican denomination

 that studies and learns from the Bible just like other Christians from all over the world. 

One of the neat things about going to a service at this particular church

 is the fact that they will never turn you away. 

They are willing to open their doors to any and everyone at no charge, of course. 

My personal favorite thing about experiencing a service at this particular church 

is that you really get to experience a piece of British culture. 

Another neat thing about Westminster is all of the people buried and remembered inside the church. 

There are at this moment in time, 3,300 people buried inside the church building. 

Many of those whom are buried here are royals, artists and many others 

who have shaped the country into what it is today. 

This is also the place where funeral services such as the one for Princess Diana took place. 

There are so many secrets and stories to unfold within this magnificent building. 

One thing that is important to know about this historic landmark

 is don't let the fact that it is a church keep you from exploring its glory. 

I cannot explain how exciting it was to walk through and unlock its history. 

For some it is a symbol of hope to find a better life. 

For those hopeless romantics, it is now even a place where a real life fairy tale came true 

and that happily ever afters can still be found. 

Then for some it is just a great history lesson. 

The only question left unanswered is,

 what will you discover or find on your trip?

http://www.westminster-abbey.org/

~Candice Meadows~

Castle of History, Castle of Power, Come See Lodon Tower, Which Has Stood Forever and Ever!

(Tower of London with Tower Bridge in the back)

             I once went to the Tower of London on a class field trip 

and learned some basic facts about the castle. 

They are as follow:

The Tower of London is one of the oldest castles in England 

and was built by William the Conqueror; it originally consisted of only the White Tower. 

Like most castles in Britain, the Tower is built over an old Roman fort. 

The White  Tower has four towers and was once a royal palace. 

(The White Tower)

             The Tower of London has a total of twenty towers. 

The Tower currently hold the Royal Jewels of England, 

and was once home to the Royal Beast, 

but they were removed and placed in Regent’s Park Zoo 

because they once escaped from the castle and were running wild! 

The old Norman Tower/White Tower is beautiful with its white walls 

and grand open interior on all of its three floors. 

Across the lawn from the White Tower 

is the Queen’s House which is a beautiful preserved Tudor style building, 

which was originally built for Queen Ann from Henry VIII. 

Sadly she died before she saw it completed.  

(The Queen's House)

             The Tower of London is spectacular 

with its architecture and ingenuity in how to protect it from being attacked. 

The moat that once surrounded the Tower was one of the foulest smells in the city 

and best protection for the castle because it was basically a giant toilet.

 But these little facts are not what I remember best 

from my day spent at the Tower of London. 

The thing that is most memorable to me is the tour I went on 

and a very special Beefeater named Peter who led it.

             When I went to the Tower of London 

it was a blustery Tuesday afternoon in October. 

The sun was shining but the air was cold and damp. 

Bundled up in three layers of clothes 

I went on a guided tour of the castle given by a Beefeater. 

A Beefeater is one of the Queen’s guards who lives and works in the Tower of London. 

The Beefeater that led my tour was a sweet old man roughly in his fifties, 

and he took great pride in what he was telling everyone about the castle. 

He made the whole experience one hundred times better 

with his jokes about the prisoners who were held in the Tower. 

For example he took great pity on Sir Walter Raleigh 

who was once locked in the Queen’s House with his wife for several years! 

Saying that that was one of the most horrible fates for a man, 

luckily he and his wife were released but in the mean time they had had a child.

(Traitors Gate where traitors of the crown, such as Ann Boleyn would have been brought through)

             Throughout the whole tour little stories like that one were interjected

 to give life and character to the place that you were seeing.

 It made the past almost feel like a wonderful area for exploration 

and made me want to know more about the Tower and its past and the people 

who once lived there, 

and to forget about the fact that the tips of my fingers had gone numb.

(all the girls in the group with Peter the Beefeater)

              I am very grateful to Peter the Beefeater who made my visit fun and memorable. 

I recommend that if you are going to the Tower of London anytime soon

that you go on a guided tour. It is not that difficult.

In fact if you go to the website below 

you can see all the different things that you can see and do at the Tower of London. 

Enjoy!

http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/

To market, to market, to buy...some amazing food!

If you're in London for the weekend the Borough Market is the place to go for some delicious food! The Borough Market is London's most renowned food market, winning the 2010 London Lifestyle Award for London's Food Market of the Year! 


The market is open Thursday-Saturday and is located in Southwark, London, near the southern end of London Bridge. The market consists of up to 70 stalls and stands. Producers from all over the country bring a range of fresh produce to the market, including fish, meats, vegetables, ciders, cheeses, breads, coffees, cakes and patisseries. Other stalls specialize in produce imported from abroad. 


In my two visits to the Borough Market, I have tried a meringue, a chocolate éclair, fresh squeezed juice, and a falafel, which was so delicious I had to go back the next weekend and get another one!

 

History of the Borough Market -


The Borough Market has been in existents since 1014. In 1754, the market was closed by an Act of Parliament because it was causing heavy traffic congestion. In 1756, it purchased a small plot of land and began to rebuild the market into what it is today. The market has been filmed in such notable films as "Bridget Jones's Diary" and in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban."

 

If you would like to know more information about the Borough Market you can check out their website: http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/

I think a big part of participating in a new culture is trying new foods. 


We are about to start traveling through Europe, 
so please share with us the best and worst foods you have tried in a foreign country!