So much to talk about!

Well hello again,

I know it has been awhile since the last time, things have just been busy! This past weekend we traveled to the Queen's weekend home, Windsor Castle. Interestingly enough this sparked some conversation and question amongst all of us... I wondered what is the Royal Family's last name? (I will answer this question at the end of my post, because I am fairly sure none of you know and I want to leave you thinking about it hehe). The castle was unbelievable. Her Majesty was not in residence the day that we had out tour set up so we were able to see everything that is open to the public. When she is there her personal flag flies telling everyone there are certain restrictions. It was interesting because once we got into the Castle walls I noticed planes flying over. I got to thinking that this was rather odd seeing as where we're from no planes can fly over the Whitehouse. I asked our your guide about this and she said that if the Queen were there then Heathrow airport changes their flight patterns to avoid the castle.. she is a BIG deal. We spent the entire day walking around the castle and then around the town of Windsor. This town is where Prince William and Harry attended school. The shops were amazing and the pubs and restaurants were incredibly cute. I even got to have my first Fish and Chips! It was great, however they serve it with a side of Mushy Peas. I kid you not, Mushy Peas. Needless to say I sampled it and then left it in its pathetic little green mound on my plate.

Last night we attended the best play I have ever seen. It is called 39 Steps and is a parody of the Hitchcock film. It is played by just 4 actors who have to race around and play all of the different parts. I was laughing so incredibly hard I think I cried a little. It is an extreme comedy where they make intentional mistakes to add to the humor. I would absolutely love to see it again some time!

Classes have become increasingly interesting. My favorite so far would have to be my Contemporary Britain Class. The professor is phenomenal. He makes everything so incredibly interesting that it feels more like an hour class rather than three. He allows us to ask any question we have keeping a completely open mind. Things that I have learned so far include:
- If the Queen chooses to marry she has the choice to name her husband King but usually does not. This is the case of Queen Elizabeth right now because she is married to Philip the Duke of Edinburgh. (A good thing she didn't too, a lot of Brits thing he's a huge jerk and he's cheated on the Queen!!)
- If there is a descendant that becomes King (like Charles and William will) and they marry, their wives will be Queen of England. However, they will never rule because they are not of the bloodline. (I still need to ask what is going to come of Camilla then.... but hopefully Kate Middleton will be William's Queen)
- There is going to be a general election in the time that we are here. Meaning there will be a new Prime Minister
- The Royal Family does not vote
- Great Britain does not have a written Constitution!
- British people are referred to as subjects (not citizens) because of the Monarchy
- And many, many more things!

Our tour guide that is with us on the program has promised to tell us about certain events where we can go to actually see the Queen! I am very excited for this because I think she looks like an adorable, little pocketsized Grandma :)

I think that is all, we booked our Spring Break to Athens, Rome and Santorini today, so excitement is in the air! I will keep you posted!

Answer to the question: The Royal family's last name is WINDSOR!!! They changed it to this in 1917!