Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace, a palace of fine extravagance nestled away in the small town of Woodstock.

The building of Blenheim started in 1705 and ended in 1722. The palace was built as a gift to John Churchill, 1^st Duke of Marlborough, as thanks for defeating the French and Bavarians at the battle of Blenheim. Walking in through the front doors immediately brings out your inner princess.  The drawing rooms bring history to life in a beautifully elegant way.  On the way out to the immaculate gardens you pass through the most exquisite library, gifted to the maker of the place by Queen Anne 

When you are out in the gardens, after you have explored the fountains, statues, and shrubbery, you can take a walk by the scenic lakeside. On this walk, you pass through what seems to be many fantasy worlds. There are trees big enough to make you feel like a hobbit, and canopy branches that make you feel like a fairy.  There are waterfalls and breath taking landscapes everywhere you look. You could choose to have an afternoon stroll or an all day walk around this large and majestic body of shimmering water.

If you choose to engage yourself in an activity less strenuous, you may opt to go to the quant water terrace cafe. It has seating that overlooks the beautifully up kept gardens, where you can relax and enjoy a nice cup of tea or a lovely baked good.

Now that you know all of the joy in store for you at Blenheim palace, you too can enjoy this historical gold mine.

- Stephanie Kight 

There's No Place Like Home

Wembley Church of Christ

   Have any of you ever been guilty of church hopping? I know personally how it goes: you go from church to church and nothing ever fits what you’re searching for because there is no church exactly like your home church. That is a really bad mindset; I had become the critic of all churches while at Harding, and nothing was ever good enough for me.

                Luckily, while I lived in London, I was fortunate enough to discover a church that welcomed me with open arms. The first Sunday I visited Wembley Church of Christ. So many people approached me so they could introduce themselves and get to know me better. Everyone was so excited to meet me, and there were some that came up to me multiple times just to give me a hug. I can honestly say that when I went to Wembley, that was the first time I felt truly at home.

                The following week when I didn’t return to Wembley, I immediately regretted it and wished I had. I felt a longing for it that I didn’t realize I had for Wembley. Each time I go there, the people are all very eager to talk to me. Before worship begins, they always have tea ready for anyone who wants some. One thing I love about Wembley that really stands out is their singing. I actually know most of the songs, and they sing a lot!

             The people at Wembley are genuine and impossible not to love; they show the true meaning of what a church family is, and it is the members of the church that makes Wembley so great. Through the week, I always looked forward to when Sunday would come back around. Even the beautiful gothic chapels with the stunning stained glass windows that I visited do not compare to this humble church. Although Wembley Church of Christ is small and not much to look at, it is very cheerful and welcoming.

 Wembley has become my home away from home. 

 Megan Neill

Oh the Places You Will Go... On the Tube!

One of the best things about London is its location.  In the city, you are so close to hundreds of interesting and historical places.  And thanks to the tube system, you have an easy and affordable method of getting to these places. However, it can be a bit confusing.

First of all, it can be very easy to get on the wrong train, or to get on a train going in the wrong direction.  Sometimes you miss your stop, and sometimes you get off in the wrong place.  It is all a learning experience, and it gets easier with time.

Secondly, there are some unwritten rules about etiquette on the tube.  Although they aren't incredibly hard to figure out, I can lay them out for you so that you can be prepared for your first experience.

Most importantly, remember to be courteous.  The tube is known for its efficiency and timeliness, so you should not do anything to jeopardize that.  For example, you should always let the people on the train get off of it before you try to get on.  Also, you should never stop the doors so that you can make it on a train. When you do this, you’re causing delays for everyone using the line!  It is much better for your safety and for the sanity of others just to wait for the next train.

The next most important thing is to be reserved.  You are in a confined place with a ton of people, so it is just common courtesy to not draw attention to yourself.  Just use your travel time as a great time to listen to some music on your iPod or catch up on your reading!

The third and final thing I have to say to you is be smart! Watch out for yourself – keep an eye on your belongings, don’t step in front of trains, and use your common sense.  With this in mind, the tube is a great and convenient method of transportation!

This is a very general overview of the tube.  Here I have included a link with some very specific rules, such as which side of the escalator to walk on, what to do with our trash, etc.  Read up and enjoy!

Rachel Stone

This is My Cup of Tea

London Coffee Shops

Ever walk into a coffee shop and it is silent? Londoners, although they are very busy on the streets, appreciate their quietness while eating. It is not unusual for a coffee shop to be hushed; it is a place to escape, a place to read, sip on some coffee or tea, or study. I find myself walking to a small coffee shop all the time, carrying my books with me, an iPod with headphones, and claiming my own little corner table. The only catch is it costs more to stay than ordering to go. Another issue: it is hard to decide what to order.

Caffe Nero (yes café is spelled with two fs) has the best hot chocolate. Rich, but not too chocolaty, this delicious treat is made perfect with the added whipped cream on top and little chocolate pieces.

 A pot of tea is a very nice choice as well. My personal favorite is mint tea. What is very convenient is that you can walk in and take a seat without being disturbed. You can just sit down and relax with a nice, warm drink.

Another place to consider is Pret. I have discovered that the people who work at Pret are always very friendly and cheerful. I have never left that place without someone asking me how I am doing or wishing me well. My personal favorite delight is their chocolate croissants.

London has coffee shops everywhere. All of them have been great, and I spend a great deal of time in them just reading or studying. While London is very crowded, busy, and constantly moving at a fast pace, coffee shops are warm, friendly, and sweet.

Megan Neill