Windsor and Eton

This morning we had our regular weekly house meeting (pay day!) and shortly after, we took the tube to Waterloo station to catch a train to Windsor. We got there just in time to see the guards march out of the complex playing music. We just missed the changing of the guard, but it was still cool to see this procession. We then went inside where we got tickets to see the castle. We met some ladies from Virginia in line, and while we were talking to them, a woman overheard us and told us her granddaughter is a Samford student. Later, in the gift shop, I met a lady from Knoxville—a Vols fan, no doubt! Small world…

The castle was beautiful. I have seen many castles this semester, but I still love going. They’re so elaborate and really just magical. Windsor was no exception. This is where the queen and her family live for part of the year and where Harry has been “resting since Iraq.” We saw a great art collection there, too, with Rembrandts, Van Dycks, Holbeins, Lawrences, and more. We also saw Leonardo DaVinci sketches and photographs from the royal weddings in the Royal Library. Queen Mary’s dollhouse was a sight, too—it was huge! We also saw the burial place of many of the Hanoverian kings (including QE2’s predecessor.)

I went to a café and got a large Americano coffee to have with the lunch I had packed. I have to order “Americanos” here if I want coffee like I’m used to. Their filtered coffees are okay, but Americano is always a safe option. I walked around Windsor and did a little bit of shopping as well.

Before heading back to London, Rachel, Philip, and I walked to Eton College. It wasn’t too far from the castle. Many prime ministers have gone to school here as well as George Orwell, and His Royal Majesty Prince William. I believe Harry went there too. It seemed very scholarly, but the boys were on “holiday,” so we didn’t get to see the students in their little top hats.

Oh yeah—last night I saw the Sound of Music musical at the London Palladium. It was absolutely delightful. It put me in the mood for Austria… only 11 days away!