After Hastings, we drove up to Windsor for a few days. Sharon's uncle Albert and auntie Anna live in nearby Ascot - you know... where the horse racing is. We rented a "cottage" in Windsor which was supposedly fit for a family of four. While we did fit, it was very snug. The cottage turned out to be a converted single car garage, so by the time there was a double bed, another single bed and trundle, a kitchenette, en suite style bathroom, table and four chairs plus all our luggage, it's fair to say there was not a lot of room to spare. It did the job however as mainly a place to sleep and not much else.
Once we settled into our accommodation in Windsor, we had intended to jump in a train at Windsor and catch the train into the west end to attend the production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, however Windsor was teaming with people and parking was at a premium. After some unsuccessful searching for a car park close to the station we gave up in that idea and drive to nearby Slough, got a park easily and caught the train from there instead.
The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane where we went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory courtesy of Santa. What a wonderful production! The sets were incredible, the casting and performances wonderful - we had a fantastic evening, even with the hour and a bit in the train each way from Windsor.
It was quite late by the time we got back to Windsor and the fog had rolled in by then.
The fog would last pretty much the whole day, not burning off at all. Luckily, we had planned to be with Albert & Anna for much if the day rather than sightseeing. Albert took us to a local pub where we had a great meal - easily the best since arriving in the UK.
Albert reflecting on his time in Her Magesty's Prison Service
The following morning, we caught the train into London (this time from Ascot station - much easier parking than Windsor. It was yet another chilly morning but hot chocolates from the kiosk at the station helped.
London street views
The obligatory photo with he English phone booth - outside the British Museum.
Panorama view of the front of the British Museum.
Proof we were there
The inside courtyard for the original museum has been filled with a circular structure housing restaurant, kiosks, shops and other ancillary bits and bobs. A metal lattice overhead filled with glass panels mean that the centre courtyard is now completely enclosed. Quite a transformation for the old building. The square surround and the circular inner form a bold architectural statement.
Naturally, the exhibitions were incredible. We concentrated on the Egyptian section figuring it would hold the most interest for Max and Jemima.
he Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone Detail
Rosetta Stone detail
Rosetta Stone Detail
This is Cleopatra's mummy
Cleopatra's mummy - the face looks old English to me rather than Egyptian
Hieroglyphics
Jemima wasn't feeling well at the museum, so we decided to leave to allow her to get some fresh air - we walked down to Covent Garden with the hope of getting some lunch, perhaps visiting the T-Shirt stand the kids got some things at the night before we saw Charlie & the Chocolate Factory.
Covent Garden Christmas Tree
Covent Garden
Pie time at Covent Garden
A bit of live music at Covent Garden
Sharon looking her cutest with a London beanie
Jemima sampling some of the Tourist-wear
Back at Windsor
Sharon's Favourite shop - Kath Kidston
Queen Victoria, Windsor Castle and a Christmas Tree
Queen Victoria
Via Oxford to Nicole & Rob's
Sharon had wanted to see where Inspector Morse and latterly Lewis solved all their murder cases, so on our way to see my sister and family, we decided to go via Oxford. Much of Oxford could have been any suburb of London, but the old part where the churches, colleges and halls are did not disappoint.
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