London Trip: Day 3

I am finally getting around to finishing up the final two blogs from our amazing trip to London. Day 3 was probably my favorite day! We got up early took a tour bus on a day trip outside of London. There were three stops. Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge. First up, Windsor Castle. We only had an hour at most the stops, so I did more looking than photo taking. But here are a few pics from the day. 

This is the view on the walk up to the castle. The castle is more than 900 years old and sits above the Thames River. Windsor is the oldest official royal dwelling in the world. We were told this is where the Queen comes a lot on the weekends. Pretty nice little get-away, huh?

Me on the way into the castle. The yellow flag flying means the Queen is in the building.

Sadly, we didn't get to see her.

Lush gardens on the inside of the castle. 

The gardens surrounded the tower which is used as a safe haven should Her Royal Highness need protection.

The building to the right is St. George's Chapel. An official royal church. We were not allowed to take pictures inside. But inside was amazing, and beautiful. This is also were Prince Charles and Camilla were married.

Changing of the Guards outside of St. George's Chapel, located inside Windsor Castle. Neat to see.

Kim in front of St. George's Chapel. The architecture in this country is simply incredible.

The tower with the 'Queen is here flag' and the light pole adorned with the royal crown to acknowledge the royal territory.

Kimmy inside the castle. We also got to tour the 19 state rooms and see some amazing history. Beds of former kings and queens, Queen Mary's dolls house, etc. To see more about Windsor Castle, click HERE!
Next we loaded up on the bus and headed to Bath. It was about a two and a half hour drive. The countryside of England was truly amazing. Lush, rolling green hills, fields and fields of sheep, crops and even military training sites. I wasn't able to take pictures because my camera was stowed above me... darn it! But I will remember the scenery forever.

This is the Abbey at Bath. Bath is a beautiful Georgian city and also the home of Jane Austen. Bath is built on the River of Avon. We only got to spend an hour there, wish we had more time!
Our first stop, a trip inside the Roman Baths.

The Roman's came to Bath and developed the area as a spa. Natural hot springs run through the city. The 'Roman Bath's' were constructed in 60AD.

This is a look at the largest bath from the terrace that surrounds the pool. They warned us not to touch, drink, or get in the water. As you can tell, it's green and gross.
Back then I bet it was fabulous. I can just envision Roman men and women in their togas lounging around this area. Being fanned and fed grapes. Must have been the life.

The natural springs still feed a portion of the Roman Baths.

Me.

Allison.

Mom.

Kim.

At the end of the tour people can drink from the natural springs. It's supposed to have healing powers. We all made a wish of something healthy. It tasted nasty and was warm. 

Me in front off the Abbey which is just outside the Bath area. In this area there are also cute little shops. Kim got a pair of flip flops because her dogs were barking. The were bedazzled, right up her alley! HAHA!!

Inside the Abbey. Isn't it amazing? After listening to music inside the Abbey, we grabbed a drink and a snack and loaded up on the bus again. Our third and final stop... Stonehenge.

WOW! I was at Stonehenge!
Stonehenge, the most famous prehistoric monument in the world. It was incredible to be there. These arranged stones are in the middle of nowhere. Well actually, I guess they are located in a field near Salisbury. They have been here for at least 5,000 years. The guide said the stones have more than 700 different forms of moss growing on them.   

Silly Ally.

The field where Stonehenge is located along with these sheep.

Kim and Allison.

Kim being weird.

Allison being weird.

Me being weird. Mom wouldn't be weird with us, which was weird in itself!

After Stonehenge we made our way back to London. On the bus we were asking people were we should eat. This couple from Australia who had moved to London said if we liked Indian food we HAD to go to Brick Lane. They said the food was incredible and you could get a great margin. So we went.

On Brick Lane, the merchants battle for you. As you pass a restaurant, a salesmen walks with you and tries to get you in the door. They offer free drinks, free appetizers, discounts on meals, etc. After turning down a few offers, we accepted one from the guy in the white button up shirt - from Chillies. His offer, free drinks and 25% off our entire tab. It was great food and a neat experience.

After dinner we walked to the underground station.

A neat corner bar on the way to the underground. We were on the way to the Ye Olde Chesshire Cheese pub. One of the most popular OLD pubs in London.

And, we made it. Here I am under the sign acting nuts.

You have to walk through this alley way to get to the pub. It's said that authors Mark Twain and Charles Dickens were regulars at this Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese.
The pub was rebuilt in 1667 after the great London fires of 1666. It was originally built in 1538. It's dark and dungeony inside and it's super cool!
We were accosted by a drunk man who wanted to talk about America while we were there.

After a few drinks we headed back to the hotel and crashed. Our final full day was coming quickly.