Windsor

I loved the countryside. The next time (hopefully there is a next time) I end up in the UK, I would love to stay out in the country. I mean, we were only there for a day, and we rode for hours through so many meadows and hills… but it was all so peaceful and lovely. Windsor Castle was a beauty, but moreso for the nature surrounding it, and the gardens within it. There was no sign of the Queen, although it was a Saturday and Windsor is where she spends most of her weekends.

• Highlights of Windsor Castle included:

– The state apartments and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. The apartments were grand, as was to be expected and I was especially in awe of the ceiling work. Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is the largest doll house in the world! I remember it being taller than me, with several floors featuring everything from a garden, nursery, wine cellar, and more. It even had electricity and running water. The details were amazing for the scale it was constructed in. Unfortunately, photography was prohibited for both areas.

– the changing of the guard at Windsor Castle > the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. We were only separated from the procession by waist-high metal bars, as if we were watching a parade. Our view was better overall, and we could actually hear and see the gents playing their instruments. We stayed and thoroughly enjoyed the entire procession.

– a letter Prince Albert wrote to Princess Victoria during their engagement. During their engagement, they corresponded mostly through letters. He wrote to her: “I need not tell you that since we left, all my thoughts have been with you at Windsor, and that your image fills my whole soul. Even in my dreams I never imagined that I should find so much love on earth…” and he signed with “promises of unchanging love and devotion. Your ever true Albert.” *swoon* *heart eyes for days* *le sigh*

Bath

Bath, Somerset was absolutely beautiful!!! We spent some time touring the Roman baths, but I enjoyed myself a lot more wandering about town. I visited a local bookshop and antique store where I purchased a Rhubarb & Ginger candle for my sister. It was handmade locally from 100% plant wax, and if everywhere I went smelled like that candle, I would 100% okay with that.

I wish we had more time to explore this area. Bath felt a lot like St Augustine. Quaint, and oh, so charming. Despite the fact that I got separated from the girls, I felt very safe wandering about by myself. I’d love to revisit Bath. I think I’d move to Bath. Even though we were only there for a few hours, I enjoyed two servings of homemade clotted cream ice cream by a locally owned placed called Marshfield Bakery. I decided on vanilla with chocolate syrup and a wafer — a simple combo, hard to mess up. But boy oh boy, did they get it so right. I decided to be a little more adventurous with my second helping, and tried their Heavenly Honeycomb. And heavenly it was.

Fun fact: Jane Austen lived in Bath during the 19th century. As a fan of hers, I was disappointed we didn’t have time to take a tour… but just another reason to come back. ♥

Stonehenge

Due to erosion and vandalism concerns on and around the monument, these days, you can’t get that close to Stonehenge (although they do offer private night tours with very limited space). In person, especially at a distance, it’s not much of a looker. But, it sure is fascinating. I still stand with the theory of aliens being responsible for constructing this monument, but that’s me.

Stonehenge was the last stop of this bus tour and marked our last bit of sightseeing for the London leg of our travels. We had an early start at 4AM the next day for our flight to Venice. We were excited to be Italy bound!

CHEERIO, LONDON. UNTIL NEXT TIME.