Another full day . .

It may be called the London temple but it is nowhere near being within the city limits. But either way we loaded up the bus and set off to spend a few hours in the House of the Lord.

In true British fashion, we were greeted very politely, shuffled through and sent on our way. It was a perfect morning.

When we got back to the city, a group of us hopped on the Tube towards Picadilly Circus for a matinee of The 39 Steps. What talent, what humor, what entertainment.

And without a moment to catch our breathe after the show, we headed to the Aguirre family’s home on the outskirts of London.

In true Argentine fashion, we were greeted with shouting and enthusiasm, flooded with food and chatter, and hardly able to leave. It was a perfect evening.

British with a capital b . .

Before June 7, 2011, I had never felt more British.

A game of cricket in Hyde Park in the morning.
Afternoon tea at Kensington Palace in the afternoon.
And an evening showing of Mouse Trap, the world’s longest running play, at St. Martin’s Theatre.

Oh London, how I’ll miss thee.

Bathing in Bath . .

Visiting the baths in Bath, England was a treat. I’ve been hot tubbing in Provo more times than I can count so seeing the roots of hot tubbing just helped me to justify all of those late night dips during college.

The Romans went for more than to show off their “hot bods” (not why I go either), they went to meditate and worship in the natural springs – genius!

After learning this, five us grabbed our suits, paid our dues and took an overpriced, but much enjoyed, dip in an authentic bath – a roman bath.

This October . .

During my stay in London I received a text that changed everything. Well not quite everything, but it changed something – my plans in October.

The texting conversation went a little something like this.

Mom: I think you drew a deer tag for the Book Cliffs.

Me: Are you serious?

Mom: Actually, I don’t think so. I think it’s just a regular tag.

(She couldn’t believe it either)

(I was thinking, thank goodness)

Kyle: Scott, you got a deer permit to the Book Cliffs!

Mom: Kyle looked at it, and it’s true. You got it.

To most of you this probably means nothing, and quite honestly it didn’t mean that much to me either. The difference between you and me is that I know what this kind of news should mean and what it means to some people – some people like my dad or brothers, or good family friends.

It should have meant the world.

It can take between five and ten years of submission into the annual drawing to draw a deer tag to the Book Cliffs.

I got the permit from my first entry.

Knowing this, I became overwhelmed. In fact, it was more than overwhelming – I felt like I didn’t deserve it (which I don’t) since I didn’t really care. I entered the drawing on a whim, literally because everyone was doing it. It was one more step of what we call the “Scott Accepting His Outdooor-Self” Campaign.

But because I have the tag for this October, I’m going to make the most of it.

The Book Cliffs is where the monster bucks are – or so I’ve been told . . . or so I’ve been told my entire life!

My dad, his brother Dale, and best friends Rob and Byron used to hunt in the Book Cliffs every year during the 80’s and early 90’s, and according to their stories, they almost died every year. Because in every Book Cliffs hunting story their horses ran away, the snow was up to their waists, they ran out of food, all of their possessions were soaked and they were drinking the only water they could find from hoof prints on the ground.

Oh and I forgot to mention that they always came home with a monster buck.

Wicked . .

Stop rolling your eyes at all of the west-end shows I've been seeing. I'm American and I like American shows, so get over it.

I've seen Wicked in L.A., New York, and now London.

I have to say that seeing Wicked with British accents was charming. "Dancing through life" will never quite measure up to "dawncing through life." Trust me, there's a difference between the two.

Elphaba's voice in London was the most amazing sound I've ever heard live. I'd go again just to hear her . . sigh.

Legally Blonde . .

Legally Blonde, need I say more?

Okay, I probably do need to say more. A friend, who I respect, saw the show a few months ago and really loved it. Her recommendation was enough for me. I hadn't seen the movie then but I had a pretty good idea of what it might be like. The music was outstanding and it was ridiculously entertaining on all levels.

It was, what is was and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Windsor Castle . .

I visited the Queen's weekend home. I just loved what she's done with the place and the fluffy hat soldiers were a nice touch too.

It turns out we have way more in common than I thought. After watching this video you'll know why.