Windsor is Fantastic, Stonehenge is BORING. Oxford is Magical

After having also taken the hop on hop off bus and seen amazing sights like Albert hall, big ben, Shakespeare globe, etcetera. I decided that the next day I should take a day tour of Windsor, Oxford and Stonehenge.

I signed up and joined the tour where I met Lauren, a nice teenage girl who had travel to London with her dad and was currently taking tours while her dad worked. She was funny and great company on the tour. 

We began tour toward Windsor, We saw the castle and I fulfilled my bucket list item of taking a picture in front of the castle. It was truly excited, not to mention it feels like entering all those childhood stories of dragons and kings and queens. Very exciting. 

Afterward was Stonehenge.... it was....BORING. Seriously! I was very disappointed, I expected it to be this place where mystery envelops you and you feel like maybe something extraordinary did happen there. 

But no... it was stones, yes they are cool and interesting but they don't even let you go near them. And yes I understand having millions of tourist stepping on the stones would cause mayor destruction but WHY is it that this place is so famous? sure it can be a great picture background and that is cool, and yes they are a mystery but there isn't any excitement. I truly wouldn't recommend anyone wasting they're time on this especially when so many other places are waiting to be discovered. 

so enough about boring, lets get to the magic! Oxford is pure magic. Its years of knowledge pouring in to everything you see. The rustic buildings, the story's the Hogwarts based sections. its all so much fun. Not to mention that atmosphere that is palpable in every step you take there. Perhaps its a question of perspective but I would much prefer to see a place with story than stones with no story known at all, hey thats just me, stop reading this blog if you feel insulted by it.


Here are some pics

https://goo.gl/photos/znGQUohBSGkpeYzG9

I do confess Stonehenge inspired a few stories in my mind. maybe it wasn't such a waste after all. 

Non Catholic Catholic Church? What?

So what else should a girl at the UK do?

This is a funny experience:

As you can probably tell from reading my blog I am Catholic. I am not a saint, I don't think I am better than anyone else. I respect other religions. But yes as unpopular as it may sound I am catholic.


This post isn't published to offend anyone it was just the experience of a catholic girl in a new country, Not intended as a religious debate, nor as anything other than a telling of my adventures.


So on a Sunday morning walking thru the beautiful busy streets of London I see a catholic church! Its the first one I've seen in London so I am all excited. I can't wait to have mass!!!

So I walk in and the church looks a little bit different but hey it says it's catholic!

So I take a seat on a chair, and I wonder why there is chairs instead of pews.
again I question if it is really Catholic.

So I grab the book in front of me and read through it. It seems to have all the same prayers, even the Nicene creed is on it. I relax.

People are so nice, they smile and say hi. And then they begin sitting all around me. I notice there isn't any decoration like Catholic churches normally do. Not a statue, nor a crucifix. I find it odd but Oh well, its a new country so maybe new customs are still catholic.

Mass is about to begin, I stand start to get in to prayer and then all of a sudden I see her...the priest!

I am shocked!

I am scandalized!

I am confused!

Did Women  Catholic priest become accepted in the UK? Maybe Pope Francis passed a new law or something? Maybe I am dreaming?

I finally realize its a catholic nondenominational church.... I have no idea how this works but I realize I should leave.

But I can't I am surrounded! People are all over and the church is small there is no way to leave. I am an outsider! I am mortified! I wonder if anyone can tell that I don't belong here.

So I stay and hear a pretty interesting mass by a women priest.

I  know why is this a big deal?

For other denomination I totally respect there being women priests, or reverends or anything! GIRL POWER and all that, but as a Catholic, I believe Women play an important, powerful role. I just don't necessarily think that role is to be a priest.

Not only that but everyone was invited to have communion, as in no matter what denomination, no matter what age, no matter anything, everyone was invited as if it wasn't a big deal. Boy was this new for me!

I don't want to go in to a whole debate as to why I am catholic and why these things weren't precisely my cup of tea. I don't intend to defend my views on this platform, I don't think its the place. All I want to do is tell the funny story of wondering in to the wrong place, and feeling utterly lost. 

2015 London First day alone!!!!

After saying goodbye to dad, I can truly say my adventure began, I mean the part where I embarked on a journey all on my own.

First of all I had to switch hotels, I can't afford the hotels my dad pays for. I took a taxi where a super cute and adorable French guy gave me a ride! .... I couldn't take a pic sorry.

After setting in, I went out exploring! I got super lost!!!! but it was totally worth it!!!.

I took the Hop on Hop off bus, so much to see so much to do!!! Saw Albert Hall, trafalgar square, cemetery, big ben, a protesting Falun Gong in front of the Chinese embassy,  See the pictures:

https://goo.gl/photos/uUGKdSP5u34BZKDKA
Dinner at another pub!!!!!

Louvre 2015 and Eiffel tower

First of all!!!! WHAT THE HECK!!!! So many people!!!!!!!!!!

Still I forced my dad (Actually I didn't have to force he was so great about us spending  EIGHT hours in the museum. It was epic, it was like being submerge underwater but instead of water it was culture. paintings, artists, and the LOUVRE is a castle! the roof is hypnotic. the walls everywhere you turn there is something to look at. some paintings are painting of paintings !!!! Because so many people were there we didn't get too see up close the famous pieces like Mona Lisa.

After about  five hours my dad grew hungry, and once he mentioned it I realized I was starving too. But i didn't wat to leave. So my amazing dad invited me to eat in the restaurant inside the Louvre  ( I didn't even know it had a restaurant!) So I ordered the onion soup it was amazing.

Eiffel Tower. We didn't go up. The line was insane, we preferred to take another boat ride it was fantastic. seriously that river is charming.
https://goo.gl/photos/7ghrcTWjcD5NacTb8

https://goo.gl/photos/aM4q9FPxPfaV4RMi6

Paris 2015

So on my second day at Paris we walked to the latin quarter. We got to see Notre Dame. It was amazing, so much art I had no idea where to turn. Granted inside was darker than I had expected. but it didn't make it any less beautiful. It was like being transported in to an age of knights and magic.

Afterwards we ate on a corner next to Notre Dame and ate lemon crapes and had a capuchino that was so freaking strong. They might have great food in Paris but i did not like the coffee. 

Afterwards we went to the Concierge, its the prison where Marie Antoinette was kept before her execution. Again the history of such location made me feel very overwhelmed.  

We walked afterwards and through beautiful street, saw shops, they even have corners everywhere simply selling books. I love that the reading culture is still so alive over there. 

Afterwards we went to the Parthenon, its where all the important people have been buried. I was so excited maybe the ghosts of Dumas or Victor Hugo would inspire me to write the next world sensation. The place was so beautiful. paintings, sculptures, I think we need a place like that here in Texas.

We walked some more, walked by the university. And then as we thought we were lost we found a beautiful tiny church. I wrote the name somewhere but I can't find it. I'll look it up. 

Took Boat Tour on the Seine it was like being inside a movie.

https://goo.gl/photos/gj9Mtn6qhNb57etY9

https://goo.gl/photos/aM4q9FPxPfaV4RMi6

2015 London Last Day With Dad.

We made it barely on time to take the Eurostar to London! UK is much more careful with security we had to have passports checked and luggage checked kind of like on an airport.

I though going underwater would be scary but it totally wasn't it was super normal. the service is great we even had food served.

Once in London, my dad thought it be a good idea to take the "Tube" I agreed it would be interesting....... IT WAS NOT A GOOD IDEA.

We had no idea where we were going. people were mean, unhelpful and totally mad that our luggages were on their way. I kind of understand but come on!!! people no need to be rude!!!!
When we finally figured out where to get off we still had to walk and walk and walk!!!! it was insane!!!!!!

So after the insanity and the aching feet and hands from carrying luggage we finally made it to the hotel. But our room wasn't ready we had to wait a while.

After we were finally set we had dinner at a pub. Fish and Chips!!! I know right !!!!!

And then we took a night Tour! It was interesting, and freezing I was sooo cold!!!!!!!!

https://goo.gl/photos/PhcBVBceRLYhacuL7

https://goo.gl/photos/ZWs5fHyvhQZbEUbs9


Dad left the next day and the ADVENTURE BEGAN alone for the first time!

2015 Brugge

Final morning in Paris: Sad to leave but excited to see what else we see Cafe and Chocolate croissant before grabbing our train at the Gard du Nord.

On way to Brugge.  at this point I have no idea of what to expect. I had never heard of Brugge before my dad insisted on us going. 

 we took the train there it was funny cause no one even checked our ticket. There is was like literally no security. 

Once in Brugge IT WAS Beautiful like being inside a painting. And our HOTEL omg was from a fairy tale. a castle a real castle but completely modernized.

We didn't have a lot in time in Brugge so we had to leave our bags and go out to explore as much as we could in whatever little time we could.

The stores are adorable the square is magical, the slightly tilted tower is funny,  we took a little tour of the whole city and although I truly was enjoying everything BUT I was on a mission!!! I was trying to find a Basilica called The Holy Blood. It has a Catholic Relic. The blood of Jesus! I was so excited to be there and see it. Read more info on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_the_Holy_Blood

But  it was crazy We had no idea where it was. a Brugge is small so it was insane the amount of walking we had to do before we found it.
That plus being hungry I began to act completely bitchy, I know poor dad, he was really patient with me . Yes i have a short temper, lets not go into detail.

Finally we found it  and we got there just in time for an hour adoration, not only that but they allowed us to place our hand on the vile and see it up close it was grand!

Afterwards dad paid for a river tour and we loved it even more, the ducks, the bridges. I think this day has been my favorite with him.

After the boat tour we were starving so my dad had the brilliant idea of buying bread, cheese and meets from the local shops, and Coca-Cola obviously and we had a little park picnic by the river. One of the best days ever seriously.

So before we knew it our day in Brugge ended.

The next morning we had breakfast in the hotel. A real fancy buffet where they even had a chocolate bar!!!

PS who ever said Swiss chocolate is better than Belgium chocolate is sooooo lying. or obviously never had Belgium chocolate.

We went shopping after that, my dad is obsessed with cuckoo clocks he bought like a dozen! he obviously had to have them shipped. But anyways we were running soooo late for the train!!!!  we had to run if we were going to ever get to London!!!!


Check out the pictures https://goo.gl/photos/SvBieimYR6vsXe1Z7
 https://goo.gl/photos/iKpmCqcHTSYRe3rC8

PARIS Wtih DAD

How to describe PARIS?https://goo.gl/photos/trAR3B36nhJuzEZRA

First thing we did once in Paris? We got LOST! I know so typical Tourist, imagine carrying suite cases the size of golden retrievers, and about the same weight walking around PARIS! it was amazing! Finally we asked someone for directions and he was super nice, and patient and so cute!!!!

The Hotel was shocking it was TINY  as in the two beds were pushed together and thats it no room to move at all! Apparently if you aren't loaded in Paris that is the best accommodation you shall receive.
I was anxious to go take a walk so after leaving our bags my dad and I just began walking! its overwhelming how much there is to see. We went towards SACRED HEART my heart was set on seeing the blessed location.

We encountered a few issues on the way. First of all it was super far from our Hotel. And the way seemed a bit confusing but oh well if you don't get lost in Paris then you really weren't there. and lastly we got surrounded by a band of guys. I know scary! So what happened was that I was so excited to reach the top of Sacred Heart when all of a sudden I feel someone pull on my arm, immediately before I even have a chance to react the guy says "A gift" and he begins tying a string on my arm. My dad is obviously annoyed but two other guys begin tying a string on his arm too. I begin talking to the guy tying my string, and I tell him how I am Mexican, and how much I love Futbol (Soccer for USA readers) and how el CHICHARITO is the BEST! They guy laughs and he seems nice, he finishes tying the string and I say goodbye  all of a sudden I hear my dad arguing the guys holding him don't let him go and they want him to pay for the string on both our wrists.

My dad is furious at this point, I feel a slight moment of terror myself but just as I think things will escalate, my new friend tells his band of mischievous delinquents to let us go.  Apparently he was a Chicharito fan himself.

We leave and fast, before anyone changes their minds. and my dad starts blaming me for the whole Ordeal, "WHY DID YOU STOP?" I understand why he is frightened I understand how lucky we have been, but still I get pissed that he blames me.

Finally we reach Sacred Heart and I forget any bad thing that happened or could have happened. the place feels peaceful and its beautiful. the images, the Blessed Sacrament exposed. We were lucky enough to arrive on time for Mass. Seriously God has me pampered. #blessed

So ended day one of or Paris adventure.

Paris Hunk

After getting lost in Paris, got directions from the 3rd cutest guy of my trip. He was dressed in great https://goo.gl/photos/Sk4cYojETU2w8jb37

Bye Bye Paris!

Views from the sky https://goo.gl/photos/9kmknBXbAquS8M347

Mostar

Mostar!

https://goo.gl/photos/WhBxZ6FpWt6DfhZf9

By far one of my favorite places! You can still feel some tension from the history, and you can witness the aftermath of the war. The preserved area, the old town where the tourist go is beautiful. The streets are covered with round pebbles,  according to legend the men made the pebble streets and forced their women wear wood clogs to  make them have a hard time walking, that way they wouldn't run of with other men.  Funny fact is that now a days some girls tried to walk the streets in heels, IT WAS HILARIOUS!!!!

The restaurant in Mostar was delicious and the service was great! They gave us free Grapa shots! and the most delicious dessert. And yes I know this is useless information if I didn't get names but I was on vacation so whatever!

The water in the river was super cold! Me and my dad placed our feet in the water. I seriously couldn't believe how cold the water was since Mostar is like being the ant underneath a magnifying glass.

The BRIDGE of Mostar!  is super tall!  and some people even jump of it just for show! Check video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TvQ14tbcz0

Legend says that the Zar ordered the bridge built, but he was mean and inconsiderate and forced an Architect to build it threatening him with death if the bridge fell. The architect was terrified and searched for help from a gypsy. She read the future and read that the only way the bridge would not fall was if the architect buried two lovers one on each side from the bridge. Two young lovers were sacrificed and buried they're souls only connecting through the bridge. Legend says that just in case the bridge didn't stand a night before inauguration day the architect fled and was never seen again. Who knows if the lovers were truly buried, but the bridge has continued to stand even through war, death, chaos.