Earl's Court to Hatfield

Today we had the privilege of attending the Growing Schools Conference at the beautiful Hatfield Estate. This incredible house was built in 1611, and has been in the Cecil Family for over 400 years! The grounds surrounding the house, including the gardens, have been there even longer as they were part of the old palace grounds as well. It is under an oak tree on these grounds where Elizabeth I found out she was to be queen.

Hatfield House

During the conference we had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with educators from all over England. Presenters told us of the importance of bringing agricultural education to students with in the state (public) school system. We then continued the afternoon with gardening workshops and grounds tours of the Hatfield area.

We began the afternoon with a tour of the Hatfield House itself. The house was even more amazing on the inside, and you'll just have to believe us because we weren't allowed to take pictures of the inside of the home. We were honored to have the opportunity to visit, because formal tours of the house don't begin until April, and the family does still reside in the home. The house has 223 rooms, yet only cost 10,000 pounds to build (at the time of course). The grounds are also beautiful, and are being restored to classic English countryside style of woodland pasture.

Hatfield Grounds

The day was inspiring and everyone was so great to talk to. We learned a lot and feel blessed to have had such a wonderful opportunity. Thank you to the staff that made the Growing Schools Conference Possible.

EXTRA!

Things we learned in merely three days:

• Words such as "lovely" and "brilliant" should definitely be used as much as possible. We love to hear you say them!
•  Also "in" and "on" seem to be used interchangeably. 
• There is good food everywhere you look so don't be afraid to try anything. 
• The public transport systems are not as scary as they seem to be, and we are becoming wonderful navigators. 
• Dalmatians look best with the countryside, so make them your first choice of pet. 
• No one can afford London, even those who live in the city. Even kings and queens, and ladies and lords.
• Traffic is horrifying, unless you enjoy playing Frogger. With your life.
• Everything comes back to Harry Potter.
• Everything is beautiful. Every building is intricate and well made. Every garden is well tended and cared for. This place is brilliant.

More next time, we are still suffering from jet lag.

Love Heidie and Abby