Across the Pond

What do you think the of the Royal Family?  Are they merely figureheads?  Are they necessary to the identity of Great Britain?  Are they just an expensive way to help the British feel some particular way about themselves and their country?  All of the above?


I don't know.  I'm just an American who has never been to Europe.  Shoot....I've lived in all 4 U.S. states that border Mexico and I've never even been there!


One thing I know, however, is that I've always been intrigued by Great Britain.  It's a place I would really like to visit.  My interest is not just in the gossipy portion of the Royal Family but more so in how the family itself reacts to having such a public life.  I remember learning about Princess Diana as a child and really loving her grace and how much she loved her sons as well as her work as a humanitarian, despite her hatred of the press, who always hounded her.  I teared up when I watched her funeral as a 16-year-old.  I remember learning a little about how the British Parliament differs from our own government - and liking their system better.  


Especially the wigs.  I wish they wore those more often these days.


I also have a deep appreciation for England's rich history.  Our history as Americans is amazing but nothing in comparison with the long time span of crazy history that Great Britain enjoys.


It is this great history that leads Great Britain to this week: the marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton. 

With the exception of winning the bid on the 2012 Summer Olympics (now 459 days away!), it doesn't seem like there's been much news coming out of England.  At least none that has caught my attention.  Seeing the whole country so excited about this wedding has been cool and seeing how that excitement has spread globally is also pretty neat.


In making public my intention to watch the festivities, I know that I will get lumped in with a lot of people who are watching the wedding for different reasons (celebrities, fashion, etc.).  But more than that, I'm interested in watching a truly cultural event of one of the oldest cultures of the Old World. 


So there you have it.  Next exciting British event to be watching for in the future (other than the Olympics!)?  The coronation of the next King.  That'll be an event to see for sure.


Keep it Real!