what fun!

what a weekend! i just got back from an evening of entertainement at The Shed (and yes it actually is, as its name implies, a real shed) followed by a pint at a local pub (our way of truly engaging in the english culture :)). to my surprise, charlbury is streaming with talent! we watched the locals belt out tunes, recite poetry, and even crack jokes about george bush. until tonight, i was oblivious to the amount of talent that hid behind virtually every door in this small town of 3000. the people here are wonderful and brilliant!

the day began with a trip out to warwick to visit warwick castle - the most significant medieval english castles. it was so amazing to be walking through the castle grounds that had hundreds of years ago been walked through by earls and duchessess of medieval time. it was quite an adventure! built way back in 1294, warwick castle is submersed in a rich history!

this picture to the left is "the mound" which is the oldest part of the castle and grounds as it was first built in 1028 - crazy!!

much of the castle today has been transformed into a virtual reality that allows us to truly grasp the medieval way of life. the rooms were intricately put together and the people were extremely life like! each room was so detailed and beautifully constructed. there was also the peacock gardens to visit, the party room (where a few of us girls spent a lot of time playing dress-up) and the dungeon (which was very sombering). all-in-all warwick castle was quite the entertaining experience and i thoroughly enjoyed myself!

after our time at the castle we went just outside of warwick to the conventry cathedral. the cathedral was absolotely stunning - filled with beautiful artwork and craftsmanship. the whole cathedral cried out "holy" and sacred - it truly felt like God's house.

after viewing the new cathedral, we walked across to the first cathedral which had originaly been built in the 14th century but had to be rebuilt after it was bombed in WWII. as i walked through the remaining shell that was once an acient and glorious cathedral, i felt the devastaton and despair. but i also felt God truly dwelling in that building, in his house. it was an experience that cannot be described but it truly touched me and moved me deeply.

this picture to the left is the 'monument' displayed at the front of the tattered cathedral. it was made from the charred remains of the original roofing that had fallen after the explosion and landed in this shape.

this monument was also placed in the old cathedral, was given as a token of reconciliation 50 years after WWII. the incription reads: "Both sculptures remind us that, in the face of destructive forces, human dignity and love will triumph over disaster and bring nations together in respect and peace".

Enough said. Good Night!