London - Day Four

Windsor Castle is located in the town of Windsor on the Thames about 20 kilometers outside of London. The train deposits passengers at the base of the castle walls about a hundred yards from the entrance. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest continuously occupied castle in the world and home to the Queen Elizabeth II, while she didn't make an appearance, she was in residence on this day. Visitors can tour the castle grounds and the State Apartments, which comprise about ten of the castle's 360 rooms. I was simply in awe. The wealth of the royal family is beyond imagining. The collections of original armor, weaponry, jewels, paintings, furniture, and artifacts is incredible. I saw a dozen paintings and drawings from the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyck, and Leonardo Da Vinci that I've seen in history texts... and dozens more of lesser known artists. I mean, my god, the royal library collection had original pages from Da Vinci's sketchbook!!! I just can't imagine growing up in such a place, although, a pair of roller skates would have come in very handy. I spent a few hours dragging my jaw around the castle before taking a long walk on The Long Walk, which is a straight narrow 3-mile long park extending out from the front gate of the castle. I walked about a mile, took a picture, and proceeded back the way I came via zigzag route through Windsor. The temperature was falling and my stomach was rumbling so I found a restaurant I had passed earlier and stopped in to fill my belly. The Drury House is the oldest operating restaurant in Windsor, dating from the 17th century. I had a terrific lamb stew, beer, dessert, and English tea for dinner.

That night in London, I went back to Leicester Square and attempted to get tickets to see Les Miserables. London is the theatre capital of the world and the show was sold out, so I opted for Die Another Day. What better place could I see a James Bond flick, than in London? I probably would have fallen asleep in Les Mis anyhow...

I departed the next day.