Today marks one year since I began this wonderful site! I though I would go back and revisit some of the events that have happened in the past year...Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth GamesMy very first post in the "Great Britain" blog was of the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The games were a great success as well as the Opening Ceremony. To Check out the stats from the games and watch the video of the opening ceremony, click on the links below! Robin Williams 1951-2014On August 11, 2014, it was announced that Robin Williams had died of an alleged suicide. He was a gifted actor and comedian and like myself an avid enthusiast of Scotland. 50 Years of "Mary Poppins"One of my favorite musicals, "Mary Poppins" celebrated 50 years since hitting the big screen in 1964. Scottish Independence Referendum-September 18, 2014On September 18, 2014, probably the most nerve-racking day in the UK's recent history, the people of Scotland were asked a single question, "Should Scotland break away from the United Kingdom and become and Independent Country?" Alex Salmond, the leader of the Scottish National Party and First Minister of Scotland, led the "Yes" to Independence campaign. The campaign for The UK to remain intact was called Better Together and was lead by Alistair Darling. I showed my support for the "No" campaign by wearing my kilt to my college classes and around my town. I gave a brief lecture about the referendum to my college history class and also wrote an article for my local newspaper about the referendum. To read my article, click on the picture of me below. I stayed up late into the night until the results were announced around 12:30 am our time. It was a close vote, but thankfully, Scotland had rejected Independence in a staggering 55%-45% vote. I tell people all the time, this is the only time in my life I have gotten emotional and teary eyed when something political has happened. My "Travel with Rick Steves" Radio InterviewIn November of 2014, I had signed up to be a guest on Rick Steves' radio show and ask questions about traveling. The theme of the show was "Quiet Places in London". He had an Englishwoman and author named Siobhan Wall, to discuss quiet places she has studied. I was called and I got to speak with Rick and Siobhan. Since this was a recording session, I was able to capture the conversation and keep it as a souvenir. Also, for participating in the show, I received a free copy of my choice of Rick Steves Guidebooks. Alas, when the time came for them to air the show they had recorded, my session of speaking with Rick was not included in the final broadcast. But, I do have the conversation for memories. Click on the picture of Rick below to listen to the interview! Culinary GraduateOn December 19, 2014, I recieved my Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Culinary Arts from Allegany College of MD. Above is me with my Chef, Teacher, and friend, Bill hand. This day was bittersweet. On one hand, my long efforts in school were rewarded with my degree. On the other hand I was saying goodbye to all of the friends and teachers I had made during my time at Allegany College. This day was also bittersweet because my favorite show, "The Legend of Korra" came to an end! 2015 came with no big surprizes right away...2015 Travel & Adventure Show in D.C.On March 8, 2015, I traveled to Washington, D.C. for one reason only...to see, hear, and meet my favorite travel guru...RICK STEVES! I sat in the front row to hear his "Europe through the Back Door" lecture. It was very enlightening. Afterwards I joined the crowd at Rick's booth to get his autograph and picture. I carried all four of my Rick Steves Guidebooks with me in my Rick Steves Civita Day Pack and my personalized T-Shirt with Rick's picture on it. When he finally got to me, he was very impressed with my British selection of his books and more impressed with my t-shirt. It said "Keep Calm and Keep on Traveling"! He said he liked the motto. and signed all of my books. I then proceeded to get a picture with him admiring my shirt (below)! Click on the picture to look at all of the photos I took at the convention! Happy 21st Birthday Vinnie!On April 13th, I turned the big 2-1!!! I unfortunately didn't take any pictures but it was a great day! Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of CambridgeOn May 2, 2015 HRH Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge at St. Mary's Hospital in London! UK General Election 2015Like the Scottish Referendum back in 2014, this years General Election in the UK on May 7th was very nerve-racking. Many believed that Labour would be returning to Downing street with Ed Miliband as Prime Minister. Many also believed that UKIP (UK Independence Party) would gain a majority of seats in Parliament. But in a landslide overall majority, the Conservatives stayed in power. Labour was widely defeated in most cases. One of the biggest shakeups was in Scotland. The SNP (Scottish National Party) won 56 out of 59 Scottish seats in Parliament. Thereby becoming the third biggest party in the Commons, behind the Conservatives and Labour. This was one of the biggest victories for Scotland in years. In some ways people had mixed views of this because Scotland could have more power in having a say on a possible new Independence referendum. Only time will tell. But in the end, David Cameron remains Prime Minster and all should be well! Princess Charlotte's ChristeningPrincess Charlotte was christened at The Church of St Mary Magdalene, Sandringham, on Sunday 5th July. In addition to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George, the service was be attended by The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Mr Michael Middleton, Mrs Carole Middleton, and other family and invited guests. The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend Justin Welby, baptised Princess Charlotte, supported by The Reverend Canon Jonathan Riviere, the Rector of the Sandringham group of parishes. Her Royal Highness was baptised at the Lily Font, which was first used in the christening of Victoria, Princess Royal in 1841, with water from the River Jordan. Prince George turns 2!On July 22, 2015, Prince George celebrated his 2nd birthday! This special portrait of Prince George from his sister Princess Charlotte's Christening was released for his birthday! Also, as a little celebration, the Grenadier Guards played "Happy Birthday" during the Changing of the Guard! May the coming year(s) be as exciting as the first has been!
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