I am a delinquent blogger, but this is a life experience that I will always cherish and must share. Larry and I were invited to join a phenomenal, dream-come-true trip to the London Olympics.
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| Our home for a week...with unprecedented access. The Leeds Castle! |
We were flown first class and picked by our chauffeur...to be driven to our home for the week, the Leeds Castle. This castle is a living museum, but is usually only allowed to be explored in tours by day visitors. The group we traveled with was given unprecedented access where all ropes came down...we lived, ate, slept, enjoyed, and LIVED in the castle during our entire trip...and could listen to music in the drawing room, read in the library, eat in the immense banquet halls, and explore wherever we wanted. It was a dream. The castle's history was amazing and originally built in 1119 by the Normans, but was later owned by King Henry VIII (which he purchased for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.) The history of the castle and area was fascinating....and I couldn't believe that I was there. I slept in an original bedroom where royalty slept...and I was treated that way as well. It was by far the most amazing trip of my life and allowed me experiences that I never even dreamed of. I still can't believe it... We watched America win GOLD, explored Canterbury, toured St. Paul's cathedral, danced in a medieval castle, experienced falconry, saw Westminster Abbey, were trained in archery, did a killer ropes course, ate like Kings, made wonderful new friends, laughed, and had the time of our lives! It was also my first and only trip to Europe, my first passport stamp, my first visit to a castle or cathedral, my first Olympics, my first time in first class, and so many other firsts. My words don't do this justice at all, but it was such an incredible life experience. I will be forever grateful!
