Summer Vacation - Day 4

Friday, July 26, 2013

First of all, I am SOOOOOO bummed!!! I bought little pocket memo books (the same type Dick's father would use on trips) so each of us could journal. I was doing a GREAT job. I wrote down all of the inside jokes, my thoughts, feelings and whereabouts. I almost FILLED an entire 80 sheet book and I accidentally left it in the seat pocket in the plane from England to JoBurg!!! I was so disappointed that I never wrote another word. :-(  Thankfully, Dick continued to write so it is his notes, combined with my recollection that I write this blog. :-(

8:30 wake up call.  Last day in London and want to see Windsor Castle before we go!! David T. makes arrangements for a late checkout so we meet downstairs at 10:30 a.m. to catch a cab out to Windsor.  42 pounds for the 6 of us and about 25 minute drive - one way.  Another sunny day, 70 degree day, and we are all in good spirits.

We go on the audio tour of Windsor and visit grounds and state rooms. Unbelievable with all the beautiful paintings, pieces of art and history.  Audio takes about 1 1/2 hours and we finish with tour of St. George's Chapel....burial place for Henry VIII and King George VI and Queen Mum...famous in movie "King's Speech".  Many other Kings and Queens buried at St. Georges.

Walking up to begin the tour.

Much bigger than I had imagined

At one time, this was the MOAT around the castle, now beautiful gardens!!

In the middle of the square INSIDE!

So, as we were taking the audio tour, I had another moment of utter meltdown. As we were listening to the tour describing this 12 century building, explain the paintings and collections, again it occurred to me (as in St. Paul's Cathedral, this rush of feelings and Dick and I had to stop and let it all happen, then wipe the tears and continue on. I can just describe it as:

1.  I am so far away from surroundings that are known to me and the only thing I can 'hold' onto right now is our love for each other. Everything else is so foreign.

2.  How did this happen - being a part of this amazing trip? I saw myself as a small child, without even a dream of experiencing all that we've experienced so far - and we are only on Day 4!!! TOO MUCHY!!

3.  How much I want to share this trip with others that I love. How much I thought of my family and friends that would really enjoy this history.

4.  Feeling the love and wonderment from my husband, sharing in this adventure with him and both of us looking at each other in awe at our surroundings and what we were experiencing.

Right after 'my episode'. This picture is worth 1000 words to me.

So grand

Just had to do it.

LOVE this doorway! It was HUGE!!

After the tour we have lunch at Carpenter's Pub - near the castle in Windsor - it was a good meal and we all ordered fairly typical English food.  Now about 2:30 pm.m and cab driver that dropped us off is back to pick us up and take us back to Sofitel Hotel.  Back at 3:00 pm., we pack up, clean up a bit and then off to Heathrow Terminal 5 - right next to our hotel - and get ready for flight to Johannesburg.

Waiting in the hotel lobby for the rest of the bags as we head to JoBurg!!

My backpack was pulled aside and double checked. I had to pull EVERYTHING out of it - and it was an unorganized mess with feminine products flying everywhere. David T will never forget that one!! hahaha!!! Come to find out - I had a small water bottle from the previous flight and no liquids were allowed! YIKES!!! FINALLY,  we get thru security and have time for a few beverages before our British Airways flight - leaving at 7:10 p.m. Will be another 'red-eye' with our arrival scheduled to be tomorrow morning - Saturday July 27 at 7:55 a.m.  Only one hour time change later so it will be about an 11 hour flight!!

London was great and everyone had a good time.  Now on to our nest adventure in South Africa!!!