England's (Newly Named) Golden Circle

Welcome back!

The real highlights for us during our stay in London, was the day that we took the whirlwind bus tour to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Lacock Village and Bath.





Windsor Castle, was - well a Castle. It was very beautiful with gardens that managed to look alive and in bloom despite the fact England has just barely entered into early spring. We visited Mary's miniature doll house (complete with mini wine bottles, paintings, and fully functional indoor plumbing <- circa from when there was barely any indoor plumbing for the masses) and the state apartments

Next stop was the mysterious Stonehenge which was as cool the second time as it was the first - the commentary really adds to the whole experience! My favourite part is all of the legends and folk tales surrounding it - everything including fairies, Uther Pendragon, the Wizard Merlin, and even the devil come up!

What they believe it used to have looked like...

The next stop was lunch in quaint little village of Lacock (lay-cock... yes I know it sounds bad). We ate at the King George Inn (named for the king which eventually lost his head due to the revolt lead by Oliver Cromwell). It was a delicious lunch (well, Matts Beef Wellington was delicious.. my mushroom stroganoff was - ah... well, the wellington was delicious at least!

For people not familiar with the village - it was the village used to film various Pride and Prejudice films as well as the one used in the 7th Harry Potter film when Dumbledore and Harry visit Professor Slughorn in his house. Unfortunately, there was no Mr. Darcy sightings... *le sigh*

The final stop was that of Bath - one of my personal favourites. Matthew went to view the Roman Baths (for which the city is named) and I *tried* to see the Jane Austin House (for those who don't know, I missed it the last time I visited) only to have missed the last entrance by 1 minute and 37 seconds - and no, they wouldn't let me in... I was so sad.

Bath Abbey

Once Matthew and I met up again, he tried to cheer me up by taking me for Tea in the famous 'Pump Room' attached to the Roman Baths - it was a beautiful room with hanging sparkling chandeliers (so like all of the Jane Austin films) and the tea was excellent, including sandwiches, cakes, and - of course - scones with clotted cream and delicious strawberry jam. Matt had coffee (Queen Victoria would have rolled over in her grave) and I had a nice pot of Lady Grey.

We were also allowed to "take the waters" so they used to say back in Georgian times, and sample the warm water from the natural hot spring feeding the ancient Roman baths. The water, which is said to have healing properties, has 51 minerals and have a total of 2 grams of dissolved solids per litre. Matt drank two cups (most of mine) so he should be nice and healthy!

On a sad note: I left my epically fashionable headband there by accident, and now my ears shall freeze...

And so now, the next day (my ears exposed to the elements) - we are speeding through the English Southern countryside towards the English Channel and mainland Europe.. We are off to Amsterdam for a few days.

Missing Everyone Lots!
M & M