Who knew sparkling water was explosive?

Yesterday was a long day. We attempted to leave the manor at 9:30 a.m. by calling a cab. We called 4 cab companies, all telling us that they were booked until 10:20. Well great, because our train was scheduled to leave at 10:15. !!!! We were frantic. We found our friend, Ralph outside (he's one of the shuttle bus drivers at Harlaxton.) The next shuttle bus wasn't supposed to leave until 10:10 but we begged Ralph and he agreed to take us to the train station. He saved the day! We're going to repay him in Cadbury chocolate.

The train ride was very long. It was a good time to bond with my AOPi (Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority) sisters. We had to ride 3 different trains to get to Bournville, where Cadbury World is. It took just over 3 hours. We ate sack lunches on the train that "mother Lauren" made for us.

When we finally arrive in Bournville we had to walk for about a mile (in the rain) to actually get to Cadbury World. 10 minutes into our walk we could smell the chocolate so we quickened our pace. We walked in the building. It was heavenly. Free chocolate every 30 feet or so. We learned the history of chocolate and cocoa beans. We learned about the founders of Cadbury. We rode a Cocoa Bean ride, and we even saw people making chocolate. (And they gave us samples, of course)

We concluded our tour with a stop at the World's Biggest Cadbury Shop! I bought some candy (duh) and some postcards. I even bought a Cadbury t-shirt... haha. On the front is says "mmmm." I thought it was fun. I had to get it. As typical tourists, our group even paid for a picture with a giant Cadbury Egg named Chuckle.
(pictures: "Cadbury World": http://community.webshots.com/user/ashleyhenke )

On the way home our train was really crowded. The seven of us had to split up and find single seats wherever they were available. I ended up sitting at a 4-person table with three older, very posh and polite ladies. They told me they liked my accent and they asked what I was doing in England. We chatted for a bit and then they all opened books or newspapers to read. I put my headphones on, and I started sorting through my purse. I found a bottle of un-opened water that I had bought on my way out of Cadbury World. Well, I didn't realize that Sparkling Water is carbonated. I opened my bottle of water and it sprayed all over myself and my 3 posh co-passengers. The lady across from me continued to read her newspaper as the water dripped down the page. It didn't seem to phase her at first, or maybe she didn't notice. Luckily I had napkins in my purse because I am my mother's daughter. I started to dab up the mess I had made. The ladies kind of chuckled. It was really embarrassing.

Overall it was a great trip... bonding with my sisters, eating chocolate, spilling water on strangers.

Take care and have a great week...