Arrival in England


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Europe » United Kingdom » England » Buckinghamshire
June 25th 2007
Published: August 7th 2007
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We landed safely in Gatwick airport this morning and were greeted by the most gracious hostess imaginable, Mary. She drove us through a seeming labyrinth of backwards highways (probably a combination of a sleepless night and driving on the wrong side of the road) to her and her husband Peter's welcoming home. We feasted on 'tea and toast' (actually delicious freshly baked bread, gourmet cheese and deli meats) before we headed off to Windsor Castle.

We enjoyed wandering around the grounds, seeing Queen Mary's doll house, the drawing gallery and the State Apartments. Art by Holbein, van Dyke, Rubens, DaVinci, and Michealangelo (among many others) was displayed in rooms appropriate to the grandour of the subject matter. The Queen was in residence, as signified by the Royal Standard flying from the Round Tower. We may have caught in the gardens, which the staff said she walked through often.

Our visit to Windsor Castle finished with a glorious Evensong service in St. George's Chapel (14th century). The 10 voice male choir was truly transcendental. It is a strange experience to worship in a tourist attraction, but the service was beautiful nonetheless, and I suppose the beauty is no less of
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This flag - The Royal Standard - means that the Queen is in residence at Windsor Castle.
a reflection of its creator because people will pay to see it.

-Erica




Additional photos below
Photos: 11, Displayed: 11


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Windsor Castle 3

The Courtyard - the section on the right is the Queen's apartment, and on the left are the State Apartments, which we were able to walk through.
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Windsor Castle 4

On the other side of the courtyard.
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Windsor Castle 5

Looking out from the castle.
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Windsor Castle 6

The Queen.... ? We don't know... you decide!
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Windsor Castle 7

Some gorgeous gardens at the castle.
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Windsor Castle 8

More gardens.
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Windsor Castle 9

More gardens.
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Windsor Castle 10

More gardens.
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Windsor Castle 11

This is right outside the castle, where a bunch of shops and businesses are.


26th June 2007

torque
I want to go to a castle. Thats it, I'm building my own!
27th June 2007

Not the Queen
Who is writing the journal entries?? Just curious. Glad you're having a fun thus far. As for the pic of the lady in the garden. Doesnt' look like the queen. There are huge staffs of royal gardners at all of the palaces. One day you should read the book "Earthly Joys" by Philippa Gregory which gives a detailed account of the role of the gardeners in the royal family. Very interesting. Be safe and have some real "ale" for me... :)
28th June 2007

enjoying....
Great to be able to 'hear and see' along with you. Enjoying the pictures and the commentary. Blessings.
28th June 2007

Lovely pics but we want to see YOU
Sharon are you sure you wouldn't want to be back here at work with us...missing you..Take care and be sure to have a cup of tea for all of us on our behalf. Cheers.
28th June 2007

Paparazzi
Is the city a buzz with plans for the concert Princes William and Harry are putting on in remembrance of their mother, Diana? Just curious.
28th June 2007

Not the Queen
I am sure it was not the Queen, for had it been, you would have been invited to tea ....... what else would a gracious lady do when she comes in delightful proximity to one of the finest families on the planet? Glad to see that it was a sunny day to savour such marvelous gardens. Love to you all
2nd July 2007

Ha ha! You just used the word "trancendental" to describe church liturgical music! If only it had been Palestrina.
7th July 2007

I was hoping some Augustinian would pick up on that! It was really the only word I could use though! no Palestrina, unfortunately...

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