Warwick and Stratford by Adrienne Van Aaken

July 23, 2011

Hello to everyone back in Canada! Our trip is coming to an end. :( Today we embarked on our last optional excursion of our trip. After breakfast we departed for our journey to Warwick Castle and Stratford – Upon – Avon. Our first stop was at Warwick Castle, where we got to experience Britain’s Ultimate Castle.  Throughout our trip, we have been privileged to see many sites that are rich in history and the castle was no disappointment in its history. At the castle we were able to experience the wonderful design of the castle, as well as its beautiful landscape views. Some students even experienced the castle’s dungeon. Warwick castle made for a great morning for the start of a great day and many students wanted to stay longer! After the castle, we headed back onto the bus to head to Stratford – Upon – Avon. This town was truly beautiful. It was filled with beautiful sites, shops, and of course things about Shakespeare! After studying Shakespeare throughout our high school careers, it was interesting to visit his town at the end of our Shakespeare studies. In Stratford, we were able to enjoy a nice lunch and some shopping. Of course being in Stratford and on an English trip visiting Shakespeare sites were a must. Some students visited his birthplace, while others visited his grave. In the end, everyone enjoyed this fun filled day before we had to crack down on our school work!

Harry Potter!!

July 22, 2011

Our stay in England would have been incomplete without Harry Potter of course!  We absolutely had to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.

very excited on the bus

waiting in line to watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2

trying to look cool with our 3D glasses

We all loved the movie!! :)

Blenheim Palace by Kylie Hendricks

July 22, 2011

Today we went to Blenheim Palace for an optional excursion, after a full morning of classes. The palace was only about fifteen minutes away from St. Edward’s, and was definitely well worth the visit. We began by walking around the courtyard and briefly looking at the gardens, and of course a visit to the gift shop. Then, we went on our scheduled tour through the interior of the palace. The guide told us all about the luxurious palace’s history, including the fact that it is the birthplace of Winston Churchill and the ancestral home of the Spencer- Churchill family. We also discovered that the palace remains a private home for the current Duke of Marlborough and his wife. After we finished the tour of the magnificent palace, we went outside to enjoy some afternoon tea while looking at Blenheim’s beautiful grounds. It would have been nice to perhaps see the Pleasure Gardens; however, we were limited on time, as many of us had essays to write, and the only way of getting there was by a short train ride. All in all, the trip was a great experience, and I believe that it was one of the most beautiful buildings that I have seen while we have been in England.