In the Spirit of Downton Abbey--Crossing "the Pond" to London

I'm sure all you Downton Abbey fans have settled in for the new season. And, like me, you probably record it just in case you need to review a scene due to difficulty deciphering the accents and dialogue. (What is it they say, "two English speaking nations separated by a language," or something like that.)

Windsor Castle . . . . . . 

I've not been to Downton Abbey, aka Highclere Castle on a mere 5,000 acres in Hampshire, England, UK. But I have been to several other castles and palaces in and around London. I can tell you they all have at least two things in common: 1) They're gigantic and 2) They're terribly drafty.

I'll start with Windsor Castle. Windsor is about a thirty minute train ride from London. This castle is essentially the Queen's summer home and weekend retreat. If the queen is there, the Royal Flag is flying. If she isn't there, the Union Jack flies. When I was there, it was the Union Jack. So either HRH really wasn't there, or she was fooling people into thinking she wasn't there. Maybe she's a tricky HRH. Somehow I doubt it, but you never know. 

As you can tell by the photo, this place is enormous. We took a tour and I thought it was never going to end. I can report that all the damage that occurred from the fire a few years ago has been repaired. They actually posted a sign where the fire started.

I must say I liked what they did with the moat. It's been turned into a beautiful garden with English roses. I wonder if the BBC has ever considered a program about moat rehab? Something like "Recycling Medieval Moats Step by Step".

Moat Garden in October

There was an afternoon downpour before we left Windsor but we waited it out in a tea room sipping on an English breakfast tea along with biscuits (the dry and crumbly type), butter and jam. Pinkies up! 




Back to London and Buckingham Palace. . . . . . . 

The Changing of the Guard is certainly a popular event at Buckingham Palace. Before you head out for the change, be sure to check www.changing-the-guard.com to confirm the time and dates of the event. One needs to get there at least one hour before the scheduled changing to assure a place to stand at the fence, where you can see.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

The guard change is conducted in a large commons between the entrance gates and the palace. Lots of pageantry takes place, lots of flags, lots of swords, lots of marching, and a military band. At the end of the ceremony the band moves into concert formation. I thought they were probably going to play a chorus of God Save The Queen or possibly a rollicking Rule Britannia, Britannia Rules the Waves, but that wasn't the case. To my surprise they played Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror and then moved on to Glenn Campbell's Rhinestone Cowboy. So, a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll, but nothing by The Stones. It's refreshing to know that once and awhile the "stiff upper lip" loosens up.

And Now to Kensington Palace. . . . . . . .

King William III and Queen Mary II lived here and were the ones who actually had the property developed from a house into a palace. There are extensive wings of apartments which have been the residences of many Royals. Queen Victoria lived here as a child. Princess Margaret lived here. Princess Diana also lived here and now her grandson Prince George lives here with his Mum Kate and Daddy Will.

The Palace is surrounded by acres of lovely gardens and a lake. It is a popular place for people to gather and walk. This is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon.

Inside the palace is an exhibit of clothing--gowns, evening dresses, day dresses worn by Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, and Princess Diana. Lovely to see these beautiful frocks up close. This exhibit reminded me of The Hall of the First Ladies in the Smithsonian. 

Queen Victoria at Kensington Palace

Gin Any One?

Usually I offer a wine selection, but England is more of a beer and gin land. Since I'm not much of a beer drinker, I will share my favorite gin: Beefeater, London Dry Gin, Distilled in the Heart of the City. Pour a healthy amount in a tumbler, add fresh, effervescent tonic water, squeeze in a generous amount of lime juice, add plenty of ice, give it a swirl, take a drink. And then take another. Pretty good if I do say so my self.

Cheers!