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 

Salisbury, England

Salisbury Cathedral

If you have ever studied about England, you know it is famous for its cathedrals.  If you have ever seen one, then you know why!  These cathedrals are grand, aiming for the sky.  They were built to bring honour and glory to God, so no expense was spared.

Perhaps my favourite of all the cathedrals we have seen is Salisbury Cathedral.  It is in the town of Salisbury, just a short drive from Stonehenge.  The cathedral is in the middle of a picturesque town centre, surrounded by cafes and cute shops.  The steeple is 423 feet high, and you can see it from all around the town.  As you get closer to the church, you see that it stands alone in the middle of a huge field, so the whole building is visible from a distance.  As you can see, it is quite impressive!

The inside, too, is breath-taking.  If you’re planning on going to any church in England, let me give you some advice.  LOOK UP.  The ceiling may very well be the best part!  Salisbury cathedral is no exception –

There is a fountain in the middle of the first room with water so still that you can see the reflection of the ceiling in it.  As you continue forward towards the front of the church, you see huge stained glass windows, all depicting different Bible stories. 

When you are finished exploring upstairs, you can head down to the crypt.  Walk around and see all the chapels, but be respectful!  It is a place for quite prayer, and there is generally no talking allowed.  While you’re there, light a candle, say a prayer, and check out the treasury before you leave!  They have decorative plates, cups, jewels, and more stored downstairs.

When you are back up on ground level, you can see one of the four original Magna Cartas and stop by the café.  This place really has the whole package!

This place truly reflects God’s beauty.  As I stared and marvelled at this building created by men, I couldn't help but praise the creator of everything.  When you stand in a grand building that is centuries old, you are soon humbled into remembering how small you are, and how powerful God is.  Folks, there is nothing like it!

Rachel Stone

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~