Windsor Castle Visit

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Today was Windsor Castle day and we hauled the kids out of bed at an obscenely early 8am to get there in time for the changing of the guard. The train ride was pleasant and efficient and the kids were suitably impressed with the speed at which the train traveled. It was nice to get out of the city and the castle was beautiful. Of course, it started to rain just as the changing of the guard began. Those who have seen the changing of the guard probably know that it goes on for an impossibly long time and accordingly many of those with the best viewing positions eventually get too bored or too wet and move on letting latecomers like us get a good view for the second half. The castle ground and interiors were remarkable and Lauren listened intently to her audio guide. We learned a good bit of British Royal history and even saw paintings of King Charles’ children with their Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. We had an abbreviated tour of St. George’s Chapel because the kids needed lunch and then walked through Windsor. The food was somewhat unremarkable, but everyone left with a full belly and a revitalized mood. Souvenir shopping in Windsor and train back home for some afternoon chill out time. Last day before leaving so we started our laundry and did some organizing while the kids were grateful for some time to vegetate. Nice dinner out at “Ask” in Kensington (but again with the slow service…) then home for pre-purchased dessert of pastries from the nearby bakery and time to pack up. Venice tomorrow. Early.

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Photos

Windsor Castle
Tourist mecca.

Changing of the Guard
Oh the pageantry! Oh the rain!

Not so royal family
Still damp from the changing of the guard

Lauren with Castle
Being the Queen would be good

Comments

[Mal]

Keep them coming
We are re-living our trip to London except for the London eye. Some one mistook Dad for a wax figure at Mdme Tussaud's and jumped with fright when he moved.

[Beth Chapin]

Winsor
A blog -- my first. Does that mean I might catch up with current communication or that I'm so far behind as to be hopeless. Winsor is a spectacle. I still remember the grey day, the doll houses, and the crown jewels, which may be somewhere else but we saw them the same day. Venice -- enjoy. I've never been there and know it mostly through the mystery writer, Donna Leon, in whose books I noticed that her detective was always eating pastries but never bread. This weekend I met someone who claims that the bread in Venice is inedible. Love, Beth

[ulyssesj4]

Bread v Pastries
Sadly we didn't sample many pastries, but can confirm that the bread is not a local delicacy. Suspect both will be good in Paris.