I know it's been several days since I've posted -- the truth is, I've had to buckle down on school work and haven't really had that much to tell. It's still been a fun week....just with a lot of emphasis on the "study" part of study abroad.
The grand Harewood House and its perfect garden.
Yesterday was very eventful because we toured Harewood House and its estate. This was our final field trip for the Country Houses class, and I very much enjoyed it. This home was especially attractive because we got to see so many gorgeous rooms, unlike at Castle Howard where very little was open to the public. It is a heavily Neo-Classical house, designed by Robert Adam and furnished with amazing pieces by Chippendale (for all you historic architecture buffs reading this). These master craftsmen's talents were evident all over, and the detailing was exquisite. Other experiences unique to Harewood were being able to tour downstairs, where the servants lived and worked, and the self-explanatory Bird World. While the many species of exotic birds were interesting, nothing brought me more joy than the PENGUINS!!!! Anyone who knows me well knows that penguins are my favorite animal, and I've never been so close to them as I was that day. They were so playful and happy and adorable and clever....I could go on forever! My friends literally had to drag me away because I kept oohing and aahing over these fantastic creatures -- I may have embarrassed myself and those I was with, but I could't help it! I just loved those little guys!
I have so much love for Country Houses!
After the penguins we enjoyed some afternoon tea and scones on the terrace and headed back to campus. We had our final portfolio due the next day, consisting of several essays explaining the styles and functions of the country houses. It was a lot of work, but luckily I couldn't have been more interested in the subject. Today was our last day in class, and I have to say, I'm quite sad. This has been such an amazing learning experience -- once in a lifetime, really -- because I was not only able to enroll in a perfectly-English course (with an awesome teacher, shout-out to Kerry), but I also got to have a hands-on learning experience that could only come from being in Yorkshire. There is absolutely no comparison to something like this back home, and I'm so grateful to have been a part of this amazing class. I have gained so much knowledge about country houses and can't wait to study them more, whether in a classroom or on my own. They are such unique subjects because aside from being exquisite examples of architecture, design and all around luxury, these homes witnessed so many important historical times. What I especially loved, though, is that they are, in fact, homes: families lived (and some still do) in them, raised their children in them and made memories in them. There is life all around, and I am so unbelievably happy I got to experience so many. (For the record, Castle Howard was my favorite, with Harewood House in second and Temple Newsam last.)
Love these jiving ladies!
Yesterday evening was so much fun because we got to see the touring production Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Leeds's Grand Theatre with API. (It was so great to get to see Rachel, too!) I knew I was going to enjoy the production because a. it's Andrew Lloyd Webber and b. I'm Rachel Sallie Fisher, so I could never not have fun at a musical, BUT I had no idea I was going to LOVE it! The show itself was very sweet and catchy, with a real schmorgesborg of musical styles (country, Elvis, reggae, etc.). However, the real joy came at the finale, when Joseph finally reunites with his redeemed brothers and the whole stage turns into a giant celebration of dancing and color. Everyone in the audience was standing up, clapping and dancing because the joy in the room was just that contagious. It sounds very silly, and honestly the show really is, but that's what makes it so much fun! It's wholesome, goofy, quality music that teaches you a Biblical moral and gets you groovy ;)
Thanks and gig 'em,
Rachel
PS- Today has literally been identified with sleeping because I stayed up so late working on my portfolio, but luckily I've had Joseph's catchy tunes stuck in my head to keep me perky!
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