2nd Day in London

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Woke up around 8AM this morning. We didn't go to sleep until midnight last night, even though we were exhausted! Dressed and out the door by 9AM and headed to Windsor Castle. Grabbed a muffin at the train station. We had to get on 3 different trains to get to Windsor. Decided against the guided tour, which was nice. We could arrive/leave on our own schedule. From the train station, we walked to Windsor Castle, which was maybe a 5 minute walk. The town of Windsor was really cool. It reminded us of what a Switzerland town would look like. Small cafe's with flowers overflowing in window boxes and small cobble-stone streets. We decided to head to the castle first then check out the town later.
Windsor Castle was absolutely amazing. It's almost a 1,000 years old. We purchased the "Kitchen Tour" for an extra $8. The kitchen tour was okay. We got to see a few parts of the castle the public doesn't see (without the pass). The kitchen is the oldest working kitchen in the world, I believe. The doll house tour was incredible as well. It was given as a gift to the queen. Taylor and Lexi would have loved it! Google if you can. Lastly, we toured the State's Apartments. This was unbelievable. The queen was either given or purchased Leonardo Da Vinci's book of sketches that were displayed, which you could walk right up to. Her art collection was AMAZING. I had no idea we would see so much original 12-16th Century art that you could walk right up to and touch if you wanted (of course, you're not allowed to, but if you really wanted to, you could). The military weapons that were displayed was also amazing. Swords, guns, etc. all over the walls, displayed in patterns. We couldn't take any photography inside (SUCKS!). Alot of original paintings, that you see in history books. The cherub paintings on the ceiling, dating to the 15th Century were so amazing. I wish I could have taken pictures! St. George's Chapel is closed on Sunday's, so we could only walk by.
After this we decided to head out for lunch.
We ate lunch at a cute little pub (I know, cute? but it was!!) called the Horse and Groom that was right across the street from Windsor Castle. We've quickly learned: 1) You seat yourself 2) if you see an available table - grab it - they are somewhat hard to find 3) VERY tight eating spaces - you basically eat with the people sitting next to you 4) You don't tip at pubs only at more formal restaurants, and you only tip 10%, if that! 5) They look at you strangely if you don't order alcohol 6) Lemonde = Sprite.
We had great food here - fish and chips again, but this time with mashed peas, which I really liked (Chris, not so much). The lady sitting next to us had her small dog with her, sitting in the pub on the chair. Cute, but weird lol. We did strike up a conversation with a group of 4 next to us - an Austrailian, American, Irish and Canadian. They were fun to talk with and were the ones who advised us on the tipping.
We walked around the Windsor town for a little bit and came upon a smaller church, off the main street. It was beautiful inside and we were allowed to take pictures! I believe the church dated back to the 15th century. The lady (who was the only person in the church) said the original "Last Supper" painting was hanging in the church. We were stunned. The original "Last Supper" painting, hanging in some random church in Windsor and not in a museum? It was huge and it hung above the entrance to the church. It was amazing. But quickly found out (from a flyer laying in the church), it was a "recreation" of the Last Supper, not the original by DaVinci. Still it was amazing and massive. I will post pics.
Headed back to London and on our way to the Thames River Cruise we came upon a farmer's market (we love farmer's markets!). Chris got a sausage/onion sandwich and we shared the AMAZING sugar/cinnamon Churros with chocolate dipping sauce. It will be a miracle if we gain less than 20lbs on this trip! All the walking we are doing will hopefully burn off the calories!
Headed to the Thames River cruise. The tour was nice. I really wanted to go on the night cruise, but we bought the wrong tickets, the 6:45pm (not dark yet) cruise. Oh well, still a great time.
Headed back to hotel. When we turned on our street where our hotel is located, we could hear really loud music. Oh great, but remembered our room is located in the back and we shouldn't have a problem. WRONG. The music is coming from the lounge that is located RIGHT ABOVE our room. Techno music BLARING - it's not even GOOD MUSIC! Uggghhhh.... We talked to the front desk and they said the music would be off by 11PM sharp. Which is fine, we headed out for a light dinner. It is now 10:50PM and we are in our room. I'm praying the music will shut down SOON. We are tired and the music in obnoxious. We'll see...
We plan on heading to Buckingham Palace, Tower of London and St Peter's Cathederal tomorrow...
xoxo,
Kelly & Chris

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Comments

[cactuswren]

Wow!
Looks like you guys are having a GREAT trip! Seeing lots of things. Thanks for all the pictures...I'm really enjoying them. Love, Mom

[Diana]

London having fun
I had to jump on this morning to see what you have done. You have seen a lot in 2 days. Going to a barbque today for Labor Day. You know what the "regular" people do while sitting in the 109 degree heat in Sun City. I noticed several of the pics you have jackets on....weather chilly? Your pics are really good. See you when you return at Kierland.

[KMG4]

Hi Diana!
We have seen a lot. We are taking a break right now. It's almost 7pm and just got back to our room. We will have a late dinner tonight - last night in London! Have fun at your bbq! Talk soon! Kelly