“The Lagonda Group” took over the lobby last night and shoved us right out of there with their fluted champagne glasses and broached ascots. Seems they rendezvous at “The Manor” every year, and we were simply not good enough to share space. This morning’s breakfast was the same story, relegated to the back dining hall, another long trek down the narrow, twisty hallways.
Nonetheless, we left for Oxford in high spirits. I keep saying this could be the literary tour, as we parked next to “The Eagle and the Child,” the pub where J. R. R. Tolkien was known to drink. Walked around Balliol College, one of 16 or more colleges there. Lovely landscaped gardens, quiet and surrounded by majestic buildings.
Did some shopping for t-shirts and such. Am anxious about my luggage weight again, but think it will be OK, as I brought along an expandable carry-on, and will put the heavier souvenirs in that!
Then off to Winsor Castle! Funny that you use the same exit for Winsor as the Ascot Race Course and Legoland! And funny that amber flashing road signs every couple miles warn of Fog, like we didn’t know that! (It burned off by noon.)
Rick is looking more and more like he was born to be an Englishman. He got himself a blue/grey/brown plaid scarf and a grey wool hat, and cuts quite a dapper and dashing figure… (We are still in search of Prancer and Vixen!)
Now THIS is what a castle should be! Portcullis, and turrets and arrow loops, oh my! Just the way I taught them in 7th grade! The audio tour was excellent, entered numbers to match what we were looking at and got fully informed, outside and in the state apartments. So, so fabulous!
No flag flying above the tower, so the Queen was not at home, darn it! Would have liked to think I might have encountered her along the walks…LOL
Okay, so my plastic watch, the one that’s gone through at least 20 different airports with me the past six years set off Winsor security. No explaining that, as I had earrings on, and the zipper on my pants was metal, too. Freaked me out, though!
Once again, the weather was with us, and we shall all return home without opening our umbrellas. After the rains and flooding of last week, who would have believed it? Rained a couple nights, and sprinkled as we drove, but truly a weather wonderful trip!
Drove through the park at Runnymede, and saw the marker where King John signed the Magna Charta, the forerunner of our Bill of Rights. He was forced to sign, and the nobles hadn’t meant for the peons to be equal with them under the law, but it all worked out well for us!
As I write this, it’s soon to be our “last supper” with the group. It’s been fun, and I’m so glad to have made this pilgrimage to Grandmother’s stomping grounds. Developed a deep appreciation for this country and their funny words. (*Smile*)
Tomorrow’s wrap-up will be the last in this “Best of England and Scotland” blog series.