I woke up early to work on my polo paper and do more research on Nacho Figueras which is hardly a chore. Then, I made whole wheat oatmeal biscuits for breakfast. Church was uplifting and heart warming as usual. I am really going to miss the little congregation which I have bonded so well with during my stay in Alnwick. Our services are always interesting. Today, we had a kayleigh Scottish dance at the end of the service to one of the worship songs. And of course Andrew who leads the services, right away says, "Karel why don't you come up here and you and some other volunteers can lead.'' Haha. I have only done the kayleigh one other time in my life but I was glad to help and its easy to talk me into dancing to be sure. It was a good time.
Then, afterward I helped serve coffee and tea, which completed my service hours required for one of my classes. Then, I got all wrapped up in chatting with everyone and I had to run back to the castle through all the visiting tourists to grab some stuff in my room before being picked up by my homestay dad. I was nearly huffing and puffing when I got back out to the barbican and of course he was waiting and chatting with the guard. But, he is never in a rush and I never am late I just am not early. Haha. We got to their home and I could smell the delicious lamb roast in the oven from outside. I love lamb with Mary's homemade mint jelly. So tasty! For dessert, we had gooseberry, bread and butter pudding with custard. Very good as well.
We spent the dinner talking about the history of the Dukes of Northumberland and their contributions to the area and personal interests. However, our discussion really revolved around the first duchess, Elizabeth. She was quite the character. She was the true heir to the dukedom and she was very influential in restoring the Percy family name among the peerage. She was quite the collector, traveler, journaler, and party thrower. In some ways, it would have been nice if Northumberland Hall wasn't torn down to build Trafalgar Square in London, because it was such a beautiful stately home. She threw all sorts of famous balls and events. She collected countless artifacts from paintings to historical pieces like coronation gloves worn Elizabeth I. She traveled all across Europe and attend many famous events which she wrote in her journals, such as attending the wedding of Marie Antoinette. There is over fifty remaining diaries from her daily life. Overall, she is so fascinating.
For the rest of the afternoon, we went for a walk along the river in Warkworth. We also toured a great Norman church and gazed upon Warkworth castle. The long ago home and property of the Percys. We weighed the issues in death duties and inheritance taxes. Our trip was cut a little short because we realized it was almost five and they had an engagement this evening. Wow, afternoons can fly by. Our break is coming to a close and soon our program will come to a close as well. Hopefully, we all make the most of these last three weeks. Then, it will be on to traveling!
I thought this Easter display was so beautiful in the church we visited.
I love the glowing light coming from the tomb!
Warkworth Castle.
I can only imagine how it will look in a couple weeks when all the daffodils bloom at its base.
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