Tag Archives: medieval times

Royalty at its Finest at Windsor Castle

Our tour bus arrived in the regal town of Windsor and parked near the train station before we stumbled out into the winter chill.  Located thirty miles west of London, Windsor Castle overlooks the fertile Berkshire landscape of England and its battlements can be seen from miles around.  One of three magnificent residences of London’s royal family, Windsor Castle, has been inhabited by the rulers of England for nearly a millennium.

Our guide directed us to an upstairs shopping center with coffee shops, cafes and shopping boutiques crowded with visitors from the morning tour of the castle.  Couples sitting across from each other at intimate tables designed for two were enjoying a bite to eat while discussing their plans for what remained of the day.   I found myself desperately trying to keep up with the tour, winding through a maze of strangers until I was deposited at the opposite end of the Windsor Royal Shops located across the street from the royal residence.

The cobblestone streets led to an unexpected view of the castle.  The muted colors of the grey sarsen stone and deep red wooden accents have, over the years, replaced William the Conqueror’s original castle built in 1080.   Today, it is the official residence of the Queen of England and is hailed as Britain’s oldest continually inhabited royal home.   Atop of one of the towers was a  tiny clock with a black face and golden Roman numerals preparing us for the start of the next tour.

William built the fortress to guard London against enemies approaching from the west.  Small slits at the base of each tower protected the castle’s defenders as they shot arrows toward invaders who dared to attempt an attack.

Advancing towards the entrance to Windsor Castle, we noticed brick buildings and pastel covered storefronts ahead housing a museum, banks, shops and pubs with fish and chips.  A bronze statue of Queen Victoria stood in the center of Peascod Street where we made a left.  Up a mild slope, reaching a small set of stairs, we happened upon the ticket counter designated for groups and took our place in line.

Within minutes, we were shackled with wrist bands and audio tour devices.  We departed the waiting area where we were met with more cobblestone streets and an archway that pointed us in the direction of the castle.

Recognized as the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle includes 1,000 rooms.  I learned that the castle has been home to eight successive royal houses and was the primary childhood home of Queen Elizabeth II and considers it her favorite residence.  My entrance fee allowed me access to the grounds of the castle as well as the staterooms, Queen Mary’s Doll House display and St. George’s Chapel.  During my visit, I would have the opportunity to tour the Great Kitchen, witness the Changing of the Guard and explore the various monarch tombs in the chapel.

Before arranging the logistics to my tour to Windsor Castle, I learned that my cousin, Jim Ambuske, PhD was honored as one of the few American historians selected to review the historical documents of King George III.   He was incredibly helpful with a list of shops and pubs to visit while I was in Windsor.  Queen Elizabeth II had recently announced that she would allow access to these precious artifacts which included letters, journal entries and personal belongings of the King.   King George III reigned over Britain from 1760 to 1820 and made vast improvements to Windsor Castle transforming it into its current picturesque “Gothic” style, Georgian architecture.  I pictured my cousin sitting in the Round Tower reviewing documents and private royal possessions that had been locked away in the Royal Archives for over 200 years.

During the audio tour, I enjoyed learning many interesting facts about Windsor Castle, its history and the royal families that have lived here nearly 1,000 years.  The land on which the castle stands was once owned by Harold Godwinson who used the land as a hunting ground.  The original castle stood on a 50 foot motte, an artificial hill of dirt where the castle was built and had a 13 acre bailey, a courtyard located within the walls of the castle.  Where the Round Tower stands today, William constructed a wooden keep located at the castle’s most central location acting as its inner stronghold.

Many kings at Windsor Castle have contributed to the expansion and renovations of the castle resulting in the magnificent architectural beauty that remains today.

In 1347, Edward III began a major rebuilding program to expand the castle but it was Charles II’s 130,000 pound restoration that would include the addition of new state apartments, and alterations to St. George’s Hall and the King’s Chapel.    What remains of Charles II’s 1670s renovations can be seen in the King’s Dining Room and in the Queen’s Presence and Audience Changes.  My favorite addition to the castle’s landscape are the beautiful elms of the Long Walk, a 3-mile route that begins at the south entrance of the Castle to Windsor Great Park.

George III enlarges the Queen’s Lodge, George IV employs the assistance of Sir Jeffry Wyatville for another remodel project and Edward VII brings electricity to the castle in the early 20th century.  

Passing through the King Henry VIII gate, is one of the most significant additions to the castle, St. George’s Chapel.  Founded by Edward IV in 1475, this gorgeous Gothic structure was completed by Henry VIII in 1528 and would become the burial place for no less than 10 monarchs.

St. George’s Chapel was built as a burial chamber for Edward IV to replace the former house of worship, built on the premises.  Most visitors will agree that it is one of the most fascinating examples of late Gothic architecture and is a highlight of one’s visit to Windsor Castle.

Approaching the entrance to St. George’s Chapel, my eyes are drawn to the pinnacles above the flying buttresses.  The seventy-six carved figures are the Queen’s Beasts, representing the Royal Supporters of England.  These animal statues include the lion of England, the red dragon of Wales, the panther of Jane Seymour, the falcon of York, the black bull of Clarence, the yale of Beaufort, the white lion of Mortimer, the greyhound of Richmond the white hart of Richard II, the silver antelope of Bohun, the black dragon of Ulster, the white swan of Hereford, the unicorn of Edward II and the golden hind of Kent.

Inside, the windows allow the light to illuminate the marble floors and the luxurious artwork covering the walls.  The highlights of my visit include the West Window with stained glass images of 75 saints, popes and royal family  members, the tomb of Henry VIII and the brilliant multi-dimensional architecture of the chapel’s ceiling, displaying the Banners of the Knights of the Garter.

The first Round Tower of Windsor Castle was built of wood by William the Conqueror atop the Norman motte.  Offering spectacular views of the River Thames, it was the perfect outpost for the defense of the castle.  The current stone structure of the Round Tower was built by Henry II in 1170 and today houses the Royal Archives and Photographic Collection.

In 2011, the Round Tower was open to the public for tours, having been closed to visitors since 1975.  For a limited time in the summer months, the “Conquer the Tower” tour includes a visit to the cannonade at the base of the tower which was an added defense for the castle during Medieval times.  Ticket holders will be able to climb the 200 steps to the top of the Round Tower for a spectacular view of the London skyline and a close up view of the flagpole which displays the Royal Standard when the Queen is in residence or the Union Flag when she is not.

Located on the Upper Ward of Windsor Castle, surrounding the upper bailey, are the State Apartments and private apartments of the Royal Family.  Known for their exquisite interiors, these rooms were renovated by Charles II to rival the gorgeous quarters of King Louis XIV’s Versailles.  The King’s Dining Room, the Queen’s Presence Chamber and Audience Chamber are what remain of Charles II’s contribution to the Apartments, where ceilings were painted by Antonio Verrio and wood carvings created by Grinling Gibbons.

Queen Elizabeth took on the transformation of Windsor Castle’s State Apartments including St. George’s Hall after a devastating fire in 1992.  While some areas were restored to their original magnificence, the Octagon Dining Room, Lantern Lobby and St. George’s Hall were renovated to reflect the Queen’s preferences.

I was so excited to explore my final exhibit on my tour of Windsor Castle, Queen Mary’s Doll House.  Designed by Sir Edwin Luutyens in 1924, this exquisite dollhouse is the largest, most extravagant, most famous dollhouse in the world.  Built in the Palladian style, the house represented an Edwardian townhouse with running water, electricity and working elevators.  Luutyens received contributions from over 1500 artists and designers to furnish the house which included all of the luxuries one could imagine, including a fully stocked wine cellar containing genuine vintage wine.

Queen Mary’s Doll House is incredibly impressive with its elaborate miniature furnishings, architecture and interior design.  Standing three feet tall, each room was decorated with only the finest and most modern products available in the early 20th century.  While the carpets and curtains match Windsor Castle, I can’t help but notice the grand piano, monogrammed towels, the vacuum cleaner and a garage with fully functioning automobiles.  After returning home, I learned about a book written by Vita Sackville-West, A Note of Explanation, a children’s story about the adventures of a sprite that inhabits the dollhouse.

With only a half an hour left before boarding the bus, I set aside time to visit the royal gift shop and stroll through the shopping plaza for some coffee and a small bite to eat.  I purchased a Corgi and a commemorative plate from the Queen’s 90th birthday at Buckingham Palace and opted to pick up a sandwich and tea for the road.  Stonehenge, here we come!

Have you had the opportunity to visit Windsor Castle?  What fun places did you visit? Was there a restaurant or shop that you enjoyed?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my exciting day in Windsor and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Windsor Castle
Windsor, Berkshire, UK SL4 1NJ

  • Admission Fee:  £21.20 for adults (18 – 59); £13.30  for children ages 5 -17; children for and under are free; Seniors (60+)  are £19.30
  • Hours:  November 1 to February 28: Open from 10AM to 4:15PM (3PM is the last admission); March 1 – October 31:  Open from 10AM to 5:15PM (4PM is the last admission); Check the website for special closures
  • Amenities:  a multimedia guide is available in English, French, German, Spanish , Italian, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian and Mandarin, museum, gift shop, restrooms, special events
  • Length of Visit:  2.5 – 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for walking.  The busiest time is morning and early afternoon, so it is suggested to arrive after midday.  Photographs are not permitted within St. George’s Chapel or the State Apartments. Re-entry permits are available should you plan on returning to the site throughout the day

Where to Stay:

Sir Christopher Wren
Thames Street
Windsor, Berkshire, UK  SL4 1PX
Telephone: +44 1753 442400

Enjoy dinner along the Thames River!  This charming boutique hotel is located in the heart of Windsor and offers free Wifi, a conference center and access to the Wren Club with a gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, and spa treatments!

Where to Eat:

Macdonald Compleat Angler Hotel
Marlow Bridge
Bisham, Marlow, UK  SL7 1RG
Telephone:   +44 344 879 9128

Another gorgeous restaurant for riverside dining!

The Fox and Hounds Restaurant and Bar
Bishopsgate Road
Englefiel Green, Egham, UK  TW20 0XU
Fish Fridays and dogs are welcome everyday!  Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What to Eat: 

  • Bacon Sandwich consists of a generous amount of bacon between two pieces of bread seasoned with ketchup
  • Bangers and Mash are otherwise known as sausages and mashed potatoes
  • Beef Wellington
  • Bread Pudding
  • Fish and Chips
  • Full English Breakfast which includes sausages, eggs, beans, toast, hash browns, tomatoes, black pudding and much more
  • Haggis, Neeps and Tatties are comprised  of sheep’s heart, liver and lungs cooked with oatmeal, onions, spices and stock.  The neeps and tatties are turnips and potatoes
  • Spotted Dick is a pastry of dried fruits served with a custard
  • Steak and Kidney Pie is a filling of steak and beans inside of a pastry
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding
  • Sunday Roast

What to Read: 

  • The Uncommon Reader, by Alan Bennett
  • Revengeful Death, Jennie Melville
  • George VI by Denis Judd
  • Death at Windsor Castle, by C. C. Benison

Photo Guide for Windsor: 

  • The City of Windsor
  • Windsor Castle

Mardi Gras: Let the Good Times Roll

Mardi Gras, NOLA

Having spent the month exploring the beaches of Costa Rica, I decided to meet some of my best friends in New Orleans for the Mardi Gras festivities.  It had been a few years since my last visit while working for the cruise lines, so I was looking forward to experiencing one of NOLA’s most famous festivals, watching the parades and revisiting the city I had loved so much.

The Mardi Gras celebration is most known for its flamboyant festivities  throughout the world.  Starting as an ancient pagan holiday in Rome, many other European countries followed suit, observing the annual event which continues to this day.

The timing of the holiday coincided with the knighting ceremonies of the medieval times where extravagant feasts would follow.  It was during this time that small gifts such as coins would be given to the poor of the kingdom.  The tradition continues as doubloons are tossed into the crowd from parade floats and the feasting on colorful King Cakes.

While Mardi Gras was influenced by the Roman festival, it was also a religious celebration as well.   In some European countries, this day is known as Shrove Tuesday.  Festivities and parties are actually halted on this Tuesday providing an opportunity for Christians to atone for their sins, confessing in preparation for the Lent season.  Shrove, comes from the Hebrew word meaning “to confess”.

So how do all of the extraordinary costumes and masks play into the celebration of Mardi Gras?  Since the celebration prohibited activities in which one would “delight oneself”, this not only included eating, but other activities which would have been highly forbidden for religious reasons.  Therefore, for those who insisted on reveling in those restricted pleasures, they found a way to wear costumes to indulge but remain unidentified by the wearing of masks.

New Orleans has made this celebration most famous.  From parades, to parties, the wearing of beads and costumes, the multi-day event that starts January 6th until midnight of Fat Tuesday, takes place primarily in the French Quarter. At the close of the festivities, there is a meeting of the Courts of Rex and Comus which takes place at the Ball of the Mystick Krewe of Comus.  First celebrated here in 1699, the Mardi Gras festivities have been embraced by the Louisianans and were given its own tradition.  It is not uncommon to see banners, beads, floats and costumes in the traditional colors of purple (justice), green (faith) and gold (power).

The parades are over the top and have themes for various aspects of the history of Mardi Gras as well as social organizations (called Krewes) that continue on the tradition to this day.    The floats are lavishly decorated and manned by prestigious members of the Krewe where they throw out beads, candy and doubloons to bystanders.  The first Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans is said to have begun in 1837.  Some of the oldest known organizations that participate in the parade events are Comus, Momus, Original Illinois Club, Proteus and Twelfth Night Revelers.  But it is the Rex, King of Carnival that has been around the longest and is the most popular of all of the organizations,

Other Mardi Gras celebrations take place throughout the world.  For Brazil, the event is known as Carnivale and is the country’s most important holiday of the year.   And it is Rio de Janeiro that is credited as having the largest carnival celebration where over 2 million people from all over the world come to participate in the event.   In Belgium, it is the Carnival of Binche, one of the most important celebrations in their country as well, lasting from dawn until dusk with the playing of traditional carnival songs.  In some countries such as Germany, there are additional festivities such as “Pancake Day” where the tossing of pancakes and pancake races which continue today.  There is also “Fat Thursday”, the day in which all of the lard that was stored up for the winter must be consumed.  The start of Germany’s carnival season is November 11th at 11:11am.

And of course there is Italy, the birthplace of Carnival celebrations, stemming from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which celebrated the Roman god, Lupercus.   Venice is the most known of the cities where the celebrating of Martedi Grasso (Fat Tuesday) occurs, but there are other festivities that take place in cities such as Viareggio and Ivrea.

So if you have the opportunity to attend a Mardi Gras celebration, whether in New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro or where it all began in Italy, just take in the festivities, the parades and as they say in Louisiana, Laissez les bons temps rouler (Let the good times roll)!

I would love to hear about your Mardi Gras experience whether you have traveled to some of the top locations to celebrate or if you have your own Mardi Gras party each year!  Tell me all about it by leaving a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading about my past visit to New Orleans and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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What to See and What to Do: 

Mardi Gras (official website)

Spanish Plaza
2 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA  70130

The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France (also known as St. Louis Cathedral)
615 Pere Antoine Alley
New Orleans, LA  70116
Telephone:  504 525 9585

  • Admission Fee:  Free, with the option to leave a donation
  •  Hours:  Open daily from 8:30AM to 4PM with daily mass held at 12:05PM.
  •  Amenities:  Gift shop, can light candles for a charge of $2,
  •  Guided Tours and Informational Booklets:  Self-guided brochures are available for a $1 donation.  Guides are available for groups with a prior reservation.
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The cathedral may be closed on Saturdays due to weddings, so check their website to inquire if a wedding is on the schedule.  Please respect fellow visitors who may be entering the cathedral for prayer and refrain from taking photos during mass.

Where to Shop:

The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk
500 Port of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA  70130
Telephone:  504 522 1555

  • Open:  Monday – Saturday: 10AM – 9PM; Sunday: 10AM – 7PM

French Market
700 – 1010 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA  70116
Telephone:  504 522 2621

  • Hours:  The market is open daily from 9AM to 6PM.   The Farmer’s Market is open from 10AM to 6PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
  •  Amenities:  Shopping, food, crafts bazaar, flea market and live entertainment
  •  Length of Time to Spend at The French Market:  2 – 3 hours

Where to Stay:

Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
621 Saint Louis St.
New Orleans, LA  70130
Toll Free Number:  866 538 9295

This hotel is located in the middle of all of the action in New Orleans!  It is an absolutely beautiful property with a rooftop terrace, outdoor pool and balconies with a street view!

Where to Eat:

Acme Oyster Bar  – affordable seafood!
735 Iberville Street
Telephone: 504 522 5973

Try the oysters or a local po-boy sandwich or if you have a bigger appetite, the New Orleans Medley allows you to try a sampling of gumbo, jambalaya, red beans & rice and grilled smoked sausage.

Brennan’s – upscale Creole cuisine since 1956
417 Royal Street
Telephone:  504 525 9711

This is one of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans not only because the food is so fabulous but its courtyard and patio are picturesque and remind me of dining at a southern plantation. During a recent visit, I ordered the Roasted Oysters prepared with smoked chili butter and a manchego cheese crust.  For my entree, I decided to order a selection from the starters section and could not wait to try the New Orleans BBQ Lobster.  The wine list is extensive with over 30,000 bottles on site!  We ordered a bottle of Bartolo Mascarello.  Save some room for their signature dessert which is the Bananas Foster and is world-renowned!

Court of Two Sisters – Jazz brunch buffet, expensive
613 Royal Street
Telephone:  504 522 7261

Once a home for a Louisiana governor, this restaurant is one of the most accommodating eateries in New Orleans with four dining rooms and a French menu to die for.  David had been begging me to try the Turtle Soup and it seemed as though every restaurant we visited, it was on the menu.  I started out with the Turtle Soup Au Sherry, which was actually quite good, but I will probably not order it again.  At least I can say I tried it and I hope he doesn’t encourage me to try the Frog Legs!  For my main entree, I could not pass up the Vegetarian Lasagna to save some room for the Creme Brulee!

Commander’s Palace, Creole and Jazz brunch buffet
1403 Washington Avenue
Telephone:  504 899 8221

A New Orleans landmark, this restaurant is the epitome of Creole and Louisiana cuisine! It is here that I first experienced Creole gumbo and Crawfish. Note that there is a dress code for Commander’s Palace.

Many people visit New Orleans to experience Emeril Lagasse’s restaurants and here are the links to these wonderful establishments as well!  I have not had the pleasure of visiting his restaurants as they are usually booked far in advance!  It is best to call ahead for reservations!

NOLA
534 St. Louis Street
Telephone: 504 522 6652

Meril
424 Girod Street
Telephone:  504 526 3745

Emeril’s New Orleans
800 Tchoupioulas Street
Telephone:  504 528 9393

Emeril’s Delmonico
1300 St. Charles Avenue
Telephone:  504 525 4937

What to Eat:

  • Crawfish Etoufee  – shellfish over rice, using a technique called “smothering”
  • Andouille Gumbo – a stew consisting of a strong-flavored stock with meat or shellfish, a roux, celery, bell peppers and onions. Andouille is a type of spicy sausage usually included in gumbo.
  • Jambalaya– a dish of meat and vegetables mixed with rice
  • Beignets – fried fritters, sometimes filled with fruit and topped with confectioner’s sugar
  • Zapp’s Potato Chips!– a thick cut, kettle style potato chip that includes cajun and creole spices.  My favorite flavor is the spicy cajun crawtators!

Where to Drink: 

Pat O’Brien’s Bar
718 St. Peter Street
New Orleans, LA  70116
Telephone:  504 525 4823

  • Hours:  The bar opens daily from noon; the piano lounge show typically begins at 6PM and the courtyard is available from 11AM;  The kitchen is open until 10PM.
  • Amenities:  Restaurant, bar and live entertainment
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Try Pat O’Brien’s signature drink, The Hurricane.  Additional specialty drinks on the menu include The Cyclone, Bloody Mary, Pat O’s Lemonade, Mint Julep, Skylab, Rainbow, Pat O’s Rainstorm, Category 5 Margarita, Fuzzy Leprechaun.  For a small fee you can keep the souvenir cup, which your server will carefully wrap up for you.  The piano bar is extremely fun to sing along with the dueling pianos and check out the flaming fountain at night, which is absolutely spectacular!

What to Read: 

  • New Orleans, DK Eyewitness Travel, by Marilyn Wood
  • A Street Car Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams
  • Interview with the Vampire, by Anne Rice
  • The Axeman of New Orleans: The True Story, by Miriam C. Davis
  • Voodoo Dreams, by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Photo Guide for New Orleans:

  • Mardi Gras is an amazing time to take photos for the floats, people, decorations, etc.
  • French Quarter:  The architecture is absolutely stunning, so look for the Creole houses with wrought-iron balconies.  Some of the most beautiful buildings in the Quarter include St. Louis Cathedral, the Old Ursuline Convent, as well as the Cabildo.
  • Jackson Square:  The square is located in front of St. Louis Cathedral and was once the location for public execution.  Today, there are musicians and tarot card readers that provide local entertainment and are accustomed to photographers shooting their pics.
  • Food photos are a must in New Orleans, so order a muffaletta, beignet or plate of oysters and shoot away.
  • Garden District:  With million dollar homes lining the street of St. Charles, you will want to hop on the streetcar to explore these amazing homes and their spectacular architecture.
  • Cemeteries of New Orleans:  While St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is home to some of the most famous mausoleums and interesting history, there are several cemeteries which are also accessible by tour.  These cemeteries include St. Louis Cemetery No. 2, Metairie Cemetery, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, Charity Hospital and Katrina Memorial Cemetery and Greenwood Cemetery.
  • Frenchmen Street is the new Bourbon Street just across the esplanade from the French Quarter.  A safe option for exploring New Orleans at night, visitors can browse a local art market, listen to local music at one of the amazing clubs and explore the fabulous street art throughout this district.