Musings of a British Bloke: The last two weeks summed up

I have some major catching up to do. Then I can actually write true reflections, not just my scrambling thoughts of memories that are already fading. International student week was interesting. Not only were we minorities on campus, we became even more inclusive as a group. We pulled in tighter and didn't meet as many people as we should have. It was just difficult because many different ethnicities stuck together. It really doesn't matter because most of those people we may never see again.

Last Saturday we changed things up a bit and did a little more than your typical tours of museums. After piling into two vehicles we drove 1.5 hours to Bakewell. We went to our first church service in Bakewell which was refreshing, with a very laid back minister cracking jokes and stories continually. It was strange to have such a relaxed atmosphere in such a stoic cathedral. Before the service, we were lucky and climbed a narrow staircase to the top of the tower to watch the people do "the changes" which is ringing the bells. They ring them in such a combination that no pattern is ever repeated. Hard to believe with only five bells.
We next headed to one of my favorite places thus far this year. Haddon Hall is a place that seems to contain a sort of magic in its air. It is an old Castle/Mansion whose grounds were used in the making of the movie Jane Eyre. (For those of you who aren't literary scholars, that is an adaption of a famous book by Jane Austen, It's kinda a big deal for some people).

The hall has survived the renovations done to most structures during the 18th century,a nd thus maintains many of its original structures. The fancy woodwork was particularily spectacular to me, as well as the special technique of Undulating glass called "bombee glass" It gives the outside a nice effect as well as drawing more light into the room.

Above all, the garden was amazing. Set against some beautiful pastures in the back with a small footbridge in back, The garden is set up so perfectly, seemingly natural with the rustic castle walls as a perfect backdrop. It was set up in levels with a fountain as you can see in the picture, on the lower level.

We continued on to Winster, the village set on a hill in the middle of no where. This is where we began a 5.5 mile hike. We took footpaths past sheep and cows through fields and pastures, and just plain enjoying the beauty of the English landscape.

Also saw a few less-than-subtle signs of the English. They never leave you wondering.