Exploridust: Day 100 and 101

Yes, this weekend marks the 100th day I have been abroad and I celebrated it in Northumbrian Style and Alnwick town events. On Saturday morning, I woke up at 5:45 to Skype with my Beta of Clovia pledge class sisters. It was wonderful to see their smiling faces and hear their voices:) Then, instead of going back to bed, I took Nora for a nice morning walk and did some sketching. After that, I went shopping in town at Oxfam (second hand charity shop). I got some zippers and a nice wool vest. I used the zippers to sew secret pockets into my clothes which will come in handy when traveling.

At 11:00, Sara and I took out our homestay family to our favorite cafe in town: Strawberry Lounge. I got a Raspberry Chocolate scone:) Once we were done enjoying our treats, we went to tour the art galleries put together by the art majors on the program. One of the galleries was in town the other was outdoors at the Woodland Walk near Alnwick Garden. I liked the nature art better. We walked out to Duchess' Viewpoint, which is a spectacular spot to take in the landscape. Also, I got to see the Treehouse for the first time; I can't wait to come back when its lit up at night. While we were walking in the forest, I collected wild garlic, which Sara and I later used in our meal. We cooked up a buttery saute with the wild garlic, onions, mushrooms, and a sprinkling of mature cheddar. I had my portion over brown rice and Sara had hers over pasta noodles. It was delicious there was no need for any other spices, the wild garlic was wonderful.

During the later part of the afternoon, I took Nora for a nice slow, long walk in the pasture. At night, I volunteered with Mary Frater (homestay mom) and Felicia at the Playhouse as a steward. The Northumberland Ranter band (ages 8 to 18) was performing a concert of traditional happy tunes featuring the Northumberland pipes. It was marvelous. While we were listening to the great music, Chris Frater (homestay dad) was helping out at the Alnwick Garden for the Cherry Blossom Festival. I saw the magnificent display of colored lights from my window in the castle.

This morning I went to my usual 11:15 service at St. Michael's. I had lunch with my homestay family. The dessert featured rhubarb from Chris' garden. I also was given some nice daffodils from the garden to brighten up my room! Afterward, Chris and I took a five mile walk in Hulne Park. Now, I suppose its time for me to start studying for my two final tests. However, tonight, I might Skype my family:)