Feb 2: Windsor Castle

Today Katie and I went to Windsor Castle. I have been there once before in my lifetime, when I was 9 and my family came to London. I thought it was cool then. I REALLY enjoyed it today. We got up early (left our residences by 8am), got on a train and headed out to Windsor Castle. Here it is in pictures and captions:

We arrived around 10am in the morning, taking a 9am train to Windsor. On the way up the hill to the castle, I saw a McDonald's which I am certain I ate in when I was 9. I haven't been to one during my stay here so far, but I'm bound to break soon. McDonald's tastes like home. If you don't like Mickey D's, you're a hater. (Or maybe making healthy choices about what you eat...just let me have this one).

Windsor Castle from the outside. I was half expecting a greeting like this one...

If you squint to blur your vision, the tree behind me looks like a green afro. Anyways, this is me in front of the castle, very excited to go in with my green lanyard and free audio tour (which was incredibly well done by the way, down to British polite phrases like "have a look around while I tell you more about [Sight X]".

The entrance to Windsor Castle. Again, I was bracing myself.

One side of Engine Court. Katie and I had a tour of the Royal Kitchen (unfortunately, no food samples) in the base of this building. Unfortunately, like everything indoors at Windsor, I was prohibited from taking pictures. Here is a video of some decent shots of it, if you're interested.

The path into Windsor, after entering the gates. There were arrow slits lining the outer walls, so stuff like this could happen.

The signature Round Tower of Windsor Castle. Pretty cool, huh?

St. George's Chapel. No photography inside here, either, but check some of these out.

Where are the rest of the guards?

OH THEY ARE ABOUT TO CHANGE? YES, I WILL WATCH THAT, THANK YOU. Here is a video I took of the changing process today, which is kind of like a goofy parade (skip around...it's long). Additionally,  since you've been good at reading my blog today, here is another video I took today in which the Royal Guard covers British artist Adele. No, seriously.

Hanging at Engine court, waiting for the tour. The wind was rough today. If you watched the videos above, just know that my hands nearly fell off for that mediocre film production. I hope you're happy.

A few of the town below, from Windsor Castle. It pays to have the high ground.

Had enough of me yet? If you can't tell, I really enjoy Windsor Castle (or my face froze like that because of the wind...your call).

I'll take this space to note the last, and most important area that I unfortunately couldn't take pictures of and haven't shared yet: The State Apartments (which is basically the incredible inside of the castle). This was an incredible tour, especially paired with the audio-guide. Sounds boring, I know, but this stuff is really cool (at least to me).

Decided to pass on McDonald's and instead enjoy at late lunch at the The Three Tuns pub. I'm pretty sure recipe for Pub names is put "The" in front of anything vaguely royal or story-like. And a body part is always a plus.  "The Kings Arms". "The Hare's Foot". "The Queen's Head". "The Fox and Thicket". "The Prince's Shrubbery". I made up 3 of those.

An incredible day deserves a gift...from me to me. I got this cool guy glass at the Windsor shop.

 Windsor Castle was an incredible trip, probably my favorite so far (I say that I lot, I know). I might even go back - if you get someone who works there to stamp your ticket, it automatically turns into a year-long pass. Yea, I didn't believe it either, but I'm not joking. Thanks Royal Family!
 Tomorrow is the Super Bowl. I will hopefully be spending my day/night hanging out/camping out/watching it at Carlsberg Sports Bar. My prediction: 49ers win, 27-20. Kaepernick MVP. Akers doesn't miss a field goal. Randy Moss has a significant role in the game. You heard it here first.


Til then- Cheers!

Feb. 1: Greenwich

Today Katie and I went to Greenwich, home of the Old Royal Naval College, the National Maritime Museum and, the Prime Meridian (Longitude 0). I didn't expect a lot going into it, but it ended up being one of my favorite days so far. Here it is in pictures and captions:

Riding on the top of a double-decker bus (the front is where the bar is).

Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Chapel on my left, Painted Hall on my right.

The Painted Hall is a big dining room. Looks like Hogwarts to me.

A little much, don't you think? It's just dinner...

I can't remember exactly who is in this, but its a mish-mash of religious/historical/mythological figures. So I guess everyone is happy.

Pretty cool ceiling. Also a jumble of religious/historical/mythological figures. Hopefully they can get along.

Hey King, should we go with the gold? - "Yea just put it up high so nobody can steal it"

Donations welcome, but don't donate your phone.

A very nice chapel.

Why do so many churches put there organs right above the door? Seems dangerous, doesn't it?

Old Royal Naval College, in case you can't read.

Painted Hall from the outside.

Chapel from the outside

Dockin' Out.

Show-boating.

Down by the river.

O2 Millenium Complex. London holds some sporting events and I believe some Olympic events here.

The Cutty Sark. (It's a ship)

National Maritime Museum

A picture from the slavery section of the National Maritime Museum. On the right, you can see some British commodores just hanging out while all the people they are about to enslave are partying with them. Yea, OK England..... I'm sure that's how that all went down.

Boat Engine

I needed some new East India company threads, but unfortunately, these weren't for sale.

The Cutty Sark up close, in case you thought I was lying.

Old Royal Naval College. I guess that Henry VIII was born on that square right there, at least that's how I interpreted it. Given the history, it wouldn't suprise me.

The National Maritime Museum - it was a really great place!

Seems like a waste. I can't use my bottle OR my ship now.

Just to remind you that the British like to be creepy and strange, here are some mast heads.

Fire in the hole!

Can I interest you in this East India Company telescope and compass?

Busy, isn't it?

The Royal Conservatory/PRIME MERIDIAN/YES LONGITUDE 0!

The Royal Observatory. Here they, you know, observe things.

Drink it in - LONGITUDE 0!

From this spot, I am in the western and eastern hemisphere AT THE SAME TIME!

The view from the Royal Observatory. Looking good, Greenwich (and London in the background)!

Observatory

Greenwich Market. Not quite like the Camden Markets, but still good times.

Katie and I ate dinner at The Old Brewery. Their brand of beer, Meantime, was quite interesting. We were able to have small samples of a few of them for a decent rate, which was nice. And I got some ribs, so I would say it was a pretty good evening.

The Old Brewery from the outside.

So to recap, my day went something like this: Woke up, met Katie, took bus down to Greenwich, explored the Old Royal Naval College, the Painted Hall, the Chapel, The National Maritime Museum, The Royal Observatory, LONGITUDE 0!!!, Greenwich itself, Greenwich Market, and the Old Brewery. It was a great day!

Tomorrow, Katie and I have tickets to Windsor Castle, where we will be getting a tour of the castle and royal kitchen. I vaguely remember Windsor from when I was 9, and I thought it was cool then. I can't wait to go back tomorrow!

Til then - Cheers!