Saturday, November 17, 2012

Castle life and the London Olypics


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. 

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!



Larry holding his first Gold medal.

We had a couple Gold medalists stay with us through the week.  This is Taylor Ritzel  (on our Rowing team)

Remains of the Old mill


Exploring castle grounds...so breathtaking in person.


So excited to be at the Gymnastics finals...


We saw USA win GOLD!






That is MISSY FRANKLIN...and she was darling!



Our Mock King Henry VIII for a murder mystery dinner

An amazing meal in King Henry VIII actual banquet hall.

This was a canary diamond a friend let me try on...um....

Track and Field...great day.  We even saw the Blade runner.

At the Track and Field event.  So fun to watch! So exiting in person.

USA!  USA!

At the top of the maze in the stunning castle gardens.


St. Paul's Cathedral in Canterbury


A resting place for many Medieval kings and patron saints.













Try Falconry...why not...when in a castle, do as castle folk do...

The Big Ben



VIP seats in Wembley Stadium for the Gold medal Soccer Match...AMAZING!





This man is the archery trainer that personally taught Russel Crowe,  Richard Gere, and many more.

Can you see my head in our bedroom window?
View from our bedroom window in the castle..








So this is first class, huh?  It's hard to go back after having a seat like this.

A family that I will forever LOVE...for a million reasons.  


19 comments:

Andrea J said...

Who even knew such a trip was possible, amazing!

Laurene said...

Nice surprise this morning! Wonderful to see more pictures than were posted on Facebook (last I checked anyway). Kevin has one of those authentic Bobby hats and a bowler brim hat from when he served his mission in England. I served there too but our paths did not cross until after...an Institute Dance at the University of Utah.

jc said...

This was amazing and definatly a trip of a life time. I envy you and the wonderful time you had. Maybe someday....

Marinda said...

Holy Hannah! I can't believe you stayed in that castle! I'm just trying to imagine what a trip like that would be. What an amazing opportunity. thanks for the pics

Auna Leigh said...

Love it! So beyond cool! I feel like I was a fly on the wall! Love you!

Halfords said...

Wow! That is so neat!

kdnaegle said...

I'm so happy you had such a wonderful trip! You look amazing in your pictures!

Murse Student said...

wow, what a trip. First time visitor to your blog but will come back. Very neat.

Ritesh Kumar Nischhal said...

Wooow Ma'am...What a Amazing Journey.Lots of Mesmerized Moment in your Life.My Best Wishes Always With U & Ur Family ....My Self "Ritesh Nischal" (INDIA).

ruzzel01 said...

I envy you guys. Those are the exact place i dream to visit.

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Unknown said...

that was amazin summer. London 2012

jeremy said...

Perfect stop!

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xmissdisaster said...

I can't believe you got to go to London! Lucky you! I wish to go there someday. :']

a joyful noise said...

How exciting to be there and win a Gold Metal for USA. Your photos are awesome.
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Rik no Blog said...

Bom!

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Unknown said...

you both loom nice couple
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