I WOULD NOW LIKE TO PRESENT TO YOU SUMMER 2011'S EPIC OVERLOAD #2!
THE PENNSYLVANIA RENAISSANCE FAIRE!
(this blog is required to be read with a british accent)
On Saturday my friend Meghan and I surpised our friend Emily for her 20th birthday by kidnapping her (yes a blindfold was involved)... and taking her to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire! Story behind it is that Emily, Meghan, and I all are huge fans of this BBC show called "Merlin". It's the "before they were famous" story of a young Merlin, Arthur, Gwenievere... etc. It's a fresh look at a well known age-old story and we absolutely love it. Anyways, though the Renaissance period isn't quite a medieval Camelot, we were delighted to find there were points where we felt like we were walking through an episode of the show. It was absolutely splendid. :)
Emily was totally surprised, especially since Meghan was part of the surprise. Walking down a street full of shops among costumed merry people. We watched an epic jousting tournament with chivalrous knights. We greeted the beautiful and strong Queen Elizabeth with a resounding shout of "God save the Queen!". I wish I could explain to you all how truly magical of an experience it was. There is something wonderful about pretending to be in another time, it truly makes you brave. I bantered with more then a few peasants selling wares along our path. I still remember the awe I felt when listening to a lovely, strong, convicted Queen encouraging her people that chivalry lives on as long as we continue to believe in it. We laughed almost ot the point of tears as the twin boys; aka " The Lords of Adventure" humorously taught their audience what it means to "love". Communication and romance lol. We enjoyed a live human chess competition as two suitors battled for the hand, and heart of the Queen. We screamed and cheered during the ultimate joust when good triumphed over evil in a battle of epic size. I mean seriously!... there were swords, bows and arrows, horses, lances, explosions, and even a huge stage fire! It was a beyond epic day.
To top the day off, in the late evening after the final show of the day Emily, Meghan, and I decided to use the restroom before we left. The restrooms were on the other side of "the shire" so our trio walked through the empty streets of a magical renaissance town. All the vedors and shows were closed so the streets were empty and quiet. Through the darkness of the streets there was no light other then the moon. Dorkily, we imagined it being in a curfewed Camelot, the night bringing a sense of mysterious adventure. Honestly, I think magical is the best word to describe our day. It was a day of chivalry, friendship, romance, wooing, knights, and queens, laughter, and tons of british accents. :)
Our day was spectacular. Definently epic overload worthy.
I think what stood out to me most was the passion that everyone seemed to have for what they were doing. Actors with a passion for making people laugh and telling amazing stories. Historians passionate about giving us a true glimpse of the time period. Passionate visitors who are there to be happy and joyful with complete strangers. The Queen talked to all the people at the end reminding us of the strength found in hope and the power in love. I pray that for the rest of my life I will continue to be a passionate person filled with hope and confidence because I have Christ as my solid rock and my constant friend and encouragment. :)