Following Him Travels: Day Two [saturday] 06-15-13

Today we went to the church and had rehearsals for three hours which was kinda weird since the other choir wasn't with us but it was still good. I loved it! I just wish I had a better voice or a voice people would like to listen to. The church is actually located in a restored theater in Ealing. It looks like one of those buildings from the 1920's. If it had vintage theater chairs I could totally picture one of our American stars from the golden era performing up there.

After rehearsals, Sam and his beautiful sassy wife Rachel took us on the town. We had kebabs which apparently are really popular in the UK. Then we drove out to see Windsor Castle and shop a little bit at the shops near the castle. The castle was super cool and I couldn't help but think about the tales of knights and princesses I had grown up listening to as a kid. To think royalty walked this same cobblestone street or through these majestic carpeted halls. Apparently there was a royal family member at the castle that day since there was a flag flying but sadly it wasn't queen. It is rumored though that Windsor is one of her favorite places to stay though.

When we first got there it was pouring rain but it lightened up as we drove up to the castle and then stopped leaving the ground nice and moist. It was strictly prohibited to take pictures inside the castle though but for different reasons than you might think. We were told that we weren't allowed to take pictures because most of the furniture, decorating, etc. was actually copyrighted. Most of the team couldn't afford the castle or just didn't want to go inside with us so they went shopping. The boys love shopping Cameron and Regan most I think. We walked out of one store and Regan walked in and told us that he just had to get this one pair of nice shoes before they closed. It was super funny. I'm pretty sure for the rest of the trip they will be teased about how they shop more than anyone I know.

Me in front of the entrance to Windsor Castle

Now we were allowed to take pictures of the grounds since there is nothing they can do to stop you from doing so, so we took hundreds of pictures outside.

Or even imagine this castle under attack at night. The stars twinkling overhead while underneath torches blazed and shouts filled the night. The Brits would now be called to defend their prize, Windsor.

As we toured we prayed for the future of this country. We prayed that good decisions would be made to improve their lives. We prayed that these people would cherish their history as they advance into the future.

Later that night we walked down the streets to a quaint little fish and chips shop, okay maybe not so quaint. It was next to the river though which did make it more appealing. There were nearly a dozen swans gathering near the docks begging for food from passers by. We also saw boats sail down to the dock and then float away. On one occasion when the boat stopped we saw this bride and her wedding procession come out. However it would not be what you think, for this bride was from India so she was wearing a silk vibrant orange sahri. She and her groom walked down the dock and then along the edge of the river into the distance. We were all memorized because of the unusuality of this happening. After they left we soon went back to our fish and chips. Then the boys went on to feed the swans.