On discussing the lack of security at the torch ceremony professor, I learned that David Cameron (the PM) was there, making the lack of security even more surprising. Our professor's thoughts? "Well, if your Obama was killed, there would be a lot of problems. But I don't think anyone would care if Cameron died. He doesn't seem so important."
The day was spent at the house and gardens of Stowe. It's said that Britain's consolation for losing the Revolutionary War was that they got to keep Stowe. It's now used as a private school for the very wealthy ("They're pretty stupid. It's a great school for rich people to get to know each other, though." --Architecture prof).
Look, Mom! I'm in a picture!
Temple of the British Worthies
Homer
Gothic Temple
Britannia
pet lion?
"He was very socially awkward, but a powerful politician. Like your Newt Gingrich."
unicorn?
Ballroom converted to library in the 1700s. "They used to dance very similar to your American line dancing. So a rectangle was the perfect shape for it."
another pet lion...
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A few times a week, we have "High Table" dinner, where everyone is required to dress formally, and the professors sit at a raised table at the end of the hall. Several students are invited each time. Look who got an invite!
I spent most of the meal discussing The Beatles/Liverpool with the dean of the program's wife, who grew up in Chester (near Liverpool) and was a teenager when the Beatles were big. JEALOUS.
Thanks for posting a picture with you in it! By the way, I also could see your reflection in the glass in the unicorn picture!
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