Windsor Castle

Today was on our own, no scheduled tours. The hardest thing we had to do was decide what to do! With only so many hours available, we had to figure in transportation time ( and costs ) as well as priority of sightseeing places. Windsor Castle was my vote so we all agreed to get up early and hit the Underground. Unfortunate but it was morning rush hour. Lots of bustling people armed with briefcases and dressed in black suits...took the Circle Line (yellow) from Glouster where the hotel was, to Paddington Station.

What a wonderful train terminal! I do have an affection for those - so full of history and character. I was used to Victoria Station when I went to school here but Paddington is a lot smaller and easier to get around.

All this travel brought back so many memories. I loved standing on the underground listening to the clacking of the rails and feeling the sway of the car. The lights flickering as we were entering or leaving a platform. The swoosh of another train passing by going in the opposite direction. Even the escalators or, more commonly, the flights of concrete steps with the billboards on the wall and the musicians playing their music to the crowd, hoping for a few pounds so they could enjoy a pint at the pub.

The actual trains, not underground, have been improved since I took them to school. The first train had monitors on the back of each seat so you could entertain yourself. None of the hard seats were left either, just soft cushy ones. They've also taken to hiding the emergency brake so people (like my sister), wouldn't be tempted to pull the brake when they found out they got on the wrong train and are now heading to the white cliffs of Dover....(sorry Kim)

We took the train to Slough and changed to take a short 3 car train to Windsor.

Now to Windsor Castle! Of course the train station caught my attention first . Filled with tiny shops and restaurants, none of which were open yet. Also we were there before the tons of buses carrying little and big people. Had to get a Hot Chocolate at Starbucks while we waited for things to open up. Then onto the grounds. Trees and bushes were blooming and the day was clear but a little cool. Perfect!

 

Of course,too many pictures to post but here's a few of my favorites...

 

 

English school children on an 'outing' with their teacher. Notice they dress alike!

Ok, on to our next adventure. Back to Paddington Station, then the tube to Westminister. We didn't get there but we grabbed food at a pub. It was mid afternoon but they only had room in the basement. I had a delicious BLT sandwich with their ham-like bacon on a cibatia bread. Had a half pint Guiness, hope to have the other half tonight!

Then to the War rooms which documents Sir Winston Churchill and his time with his war admirals during WWII. They were in an area underground where they planned their war strategy. Very interesting! Full of school children again, many from France(must have taken the Chunnel) so it was quite crowded as well. Found our way back to the hotel with just enough time for a 10 min nap and change of clothes so we can boogie to the theatre.

Photo above is NOT during rush hour!

 

Again, height of rush hour. We were packed like sardines in the tube. Literally. I had conveniently forgotten those times where you're touching other people, being touched, breathing their air...not fun. But we did make it and we all got off at the right stop (touch and go about that, couldn't get through the people!), only to head right in to the theatre crowds. Everyone here was drinking and loud. And it wasn't even on a weekend. We got tickets to The Jersey Boys and waited outside. I got a vanilla coke to try to stay awake and I found a bag of Twiglets!

Once inside we made our way to our seats. They were pretty high up with no leg room. I worried about getting leg cramps in the middle of the performance.

 

 

Couldn't take pics during the show of course but it was good. The story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Excellent music! Some of us (uh hum) , were swaying and singing under our breath ...

When done, we made it outside where things were really getting rowdy. One young drunk lady came over to ask Caroline and me if we were having a nice evening....we could get drunk on her breath! We finally got out of there and went to the hotel on the ( not crowded) tube. After 11:00 pm, very very tired. Up tomorrow at 6 to get on the Chunnel to Paris.

 

 

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