Busy Day!!

Today was a very busy, but fun day. When we woke up, the sun was shining and it was very nice outside. After breakfast, many of us exchanged our American money to pounds in the business office. We met in the Morning Room around 9 am to be welcomed by Dr. Kingsley, the principal here at Harlaxton. Around 10 am, Professor Bujak met us in the Morning Room to give us a British Cultures lecture over English Country House Estates. He told us all about Harlaxton and why is looks the way it does on the outside and where the ideas came from. He took us on a small tour of the manor to show us the difference betweeen the servants quarters and the family's areas. The servants quarters are very plain with concrete floors and bare walls. The family's areas are very lavishly decorated. There are may secret doors in the manor to allow the servants to get around unnoticed by the family living in it. After our lecture, it was time for lunch. It started raining and thundering at this time and it got colder, but we went on with our day. At 1:30 pm, we got on a bus and went to Belvoir (pronounced beaver) Castle. When we pulled up, we noticed a peacock, which we learned is the family emblem and we saw it in many forms throughout the castle. We got a tour and it was very interesting. Unfortunately we were not allowed to take pictures inside, but we were able to get pictures of the outside as well as the beautiful gardens. When our tour was over, we went to the giftshop and walked around in the gardens. Even though it was raining, we had a great time. When we got back, I think everyone went to the bookstore since it was one of the only days that it will be open while we are here. Many people bought shirts and jackets to wear. After supper, we went on a tour of the manor. It is such a beautiful building. It is a lot of fun just to explore and find new places (even if you get lost)! After our tour, many of us went to the Bistro just to sit, relax, and have a good time. It has been a very busy day and I am looking foward to another one tomorrow!