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United Kingdom: January 13-17 2011
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Day 1: Our European adventure began with a one and a half hour flight delay out of LAX. Normally, this would not bother me. However, the time window for our connecting flight in Philly was gradually decreasing. As soon as we got to Philly, we sprinted to what seems like the opposite side of the airport. Good thing we were first off the plane! After everyone literally told us to just give up hope, we made it just as they were loading the last group of passengers.
We arrived in London, confused on how to get to Windsor. A bus ride that only cost 4 pounds each took us to a nearby city called Slough, and from there we were able to hire a cab ride for 11 pounds. Not bad! Upon arrival at the Harte and Garter hotel, we were informed that our room wouldn’t be ready for another couple of hours. We were both so exhausted but at least this gave us an opportunity to explore Windsor. Our hotel was located just around the corner from the main pedestrian shopping street and across the street from Windsor castle. After a stroll down the street and a stop into Boots (the best store ever) for some water, we toured the castle for a few hours. Afterwards, we inquired about our room at the hotel to see if it was ready….it wasn’t. As compensation, the hotel receptionist informed us we would be getting a free upgrade. Score! While we waited, we grabbed some afternoon tea and biscuits in the hotel’s restaurant and people watched. Finally, our room was ready. Now, I know rule #1 when traveling internationally is to not take a nap, but seeing as how I had slept very little on the plane I was wiped out. After a shower, it was lights out. A few hours later we woke up hungry and found out that most of the town was pretty dead, since it was a week night. Pizza Express, which is on almost every corner, for dinner was the solution.
Day 2: The day began with breakfast (Croque Madame) and coffee at a nearby French café. From there, we walked to one of two train stations in Windsor to head to London for the day. Luckily, since I had been to England the prior year, I knew my way around the transportation system. An hour train ride later, and we arrived at the London Waterloo station. Our first stop was to St. Paul’s cathedral, which was gorgeous.
By the time we were done there, we decided it was time for lunch. We hopped on the tube (yellow line) to Notting Hill gate. Our sole purpose for going here was because we both loved the movie Notting Hill and the neighborhood looked so cute. We were not disappointed. Notting Hill is filled with the cutest shops and restaurants. After lunch (a steak wrap) at a local pub and more shopping, I wanted to show AD the usual London sights: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye. This would take us right back to Waterloo station. However, due to the pounding rain and only one umbrella (I stupidly left mine in the hotel room), we were drenched and tired. I was only able to show AD Buckingham Palace. Oh well, we’re just going to have to come back! We left London and headed back to Windsor for dinner at a Thai food restaurant and beer at a local pub.
Day 3: A few weeks b
efore our trip, I came across a new tour group called Windsor Day Tours. The prices weren’t too bad, and the woman (Jill) had options for any type of tour. I definitely wanted to see Stonehenge, and I thought it would be interesting to see Jane Austen’s home. This tour was one of the best decisions I’ve made. After breakfast at the hotel, Jill picked us up in her car. She had along another passenger, a local who used this tour to get out and see more of her own country without the trouble of driving. The drive through the English countryside was beautiful, even with the cloudy skies. Throughout the whole drive Jill told us much of the history of England. We passed where the Magna Carta was signed and made it to our first stop: Chawton. Here, a cottage where Jane Austen lived with her mom and sister was transformed into a museum. It was amazing walking through the cottage and seeing her personal items, such as mirrors, desks, chairs, etc. I could just imagine Jane Austen writing Pride & Prejudice while sitting in her lovely garden. After Chawton, we went to Winchester, a fairly unknown town in England that proved to be a gem. I found out that this is where Jane Austen lived towards the end of her life while she was ill. The main road was pedestrians only and had tons of shops and restaurants. AD and I stopped into a busy restaurant for lunch, but since that took longer than expected, we decided not to visit the Winchester cathedral. After Winchester, Jill drove us to a village called Wherell. I learned that what constitutes a “village” is if there is a pub and a church, which there were. What made this village so quaint were the thatch roofs on almost every house. The irony about this is that in the medieval times, these roofs were used for the homes of servants. Now, these roofs would cost about 20,000 pounds!
Next stop was Woodhenge, which I had no clue existed. Jill informed us that Woodhenge was similar in age (5,000 b.c.) to Stonehenge, and was theorized to be used for feasting. A few miles away, we arrive at Stonehenge. Now, to some people Stonehenge might just be a pile of rocks in the middle of nowhere, but when you realize how old this site is, you can’t help but be in awe. Jill said that one of the theories is that Stonehenge was used for a prayer site or maybe for healing, since several remains were found within a few miles that showed evidence of ill or handicapped people.
On the way back from Stonehenge, we stopped at a local pub for tea and coffee, and then back on the road to Windsor, just in time for Helen and Pat’s welcome reception for their wedding guests at a local pub. It was so great to meet some of the guests, drink beer, and even learn a new card game. AD and I learned that the pub turned into a dance club downstairs, so we ventured into the packed room. After seeing that the place was filled with 18-20 year olds, we decided to head home.
Day 4: We slept in and lazed around the hotel room until around 11 a.m., then ventured out to the same French café we ate at a few days before. This day proved to be relatively low key, since it was the wedding day. We did some souvenir shopping and more walking around Windsor before heading back to get ready for the wedding. Luckily, the wedding was in the same hotel as where we were staying so it was literally just a few steps down the hall from us. Of course, we managed to be a little late anyways. The ceremony was simply beautiful…a string quartet and a view of the Windsor castle right outside the window. After the ceremony were pre-reception appetizers (which were so good!) and drinks. The reception was gorgeous inside, and I loved all of the speeches made by Pat’s friend and Helen’s mother. Wine was constantly flowing and people were having such a good time!
Day 5: After sleeping in a little bit, it was time to pack and head out for our next adventure. Helen and Pat were in the hotel foyer, saying goodbye to their guests. A short cab ride later we were at Heathrow airport, ate some lunch and waited for our flight to Sevilla.
