Wee~ we managed to go on the free day tour!
Got picked up at 715am at our hotel and headed to the bus station.
We heard that a group had went on the same tour 2 days ago but got stuck in the bus for 12 hours heading back.
Eventually they got back to London close to 5am the next morning.
That freaked me out slightly.
At the bus station waiting for the tour to go off.
The station was full of people that were waiting to take buses out of London to other airports.
I think they were hoping to return home for the holidays.
The 3 of us.
Funny no one closed the doors.
It was freaking cold!!
First stop was Windsor Castle.
I just woke up from the bus ride..haha...
Wasn't feeling too well that day and my hair was a lil wet so I stuffed it into my cap =)
This was where our very funny guide was telling us how to get back to the bus.
He kept reminding us at every turn for the things to look out for.
The train model was the first.
2nd stop outside Windsor.
See all the snow?!
For all those who are wondering Windsor castle is the place that the royal family resides.
The Buckingham palace (according to my guide) was the 'office' where they work.
So, the Queen, comes back here every weekend for her rest and heads back to Buckingham on weekdays.
It's kinda glad to know that royalties have a life that's a little more normal too.
So, how do we know if the Queen is at either of the residence?
Look at the flag on the top of the palace.
If it's the union flag (it's only called the union jack on a ship) that means she's not in residence. =)
Same applies for Buckingham.
There's also a story behind this so ask your guide why did they put up 2 different flags.
Oh, the Queen drives her own unmarked car back and forth too...so watch out if you are driving there.
I love mummy's reaction in this photo...
I don't remember what we were saying already.
Our guide explaining what an impenetrable fortress this was.
A castle within a castle.
This is the only the outer wall.
The tower behind is the inner tower.
Apparently, they hired experts to help give advice in building the castles.
See the slits behind my 'Dick Tracy' guide, those are for the army shooting the arrows.
They look really tiny from the outside but it's a different story when you head behind the walls.
Tadah, see the squarish holes on the side?
Those are the behind the scenes of the slits above.
The Round tower behind.
Windsor castle was remodeled many times since it was built and they are visible evidences when you visit.
The compound was huge but only a small area was open to public.
Norman Gate.
The gate doors swing outwards instead of inwards.
There are also iron gates that fortify the defense and the holes which the guards pour hot water, oil, arrows, stones etc to prevent further penetration into the castle.
That's not all and if you want to know, head to Windsor of Tower of London. =)
Well, the interior exhibits doesn't allow photo-taking so I didn't dare try to sneak any photos.
Some areas open to public...
1. Queen Mary's dollhouse.
2. Drawings Gallery
3. State Apartments
I'll summarise these places..
The dollhouse was BEAUTIFUL!
Everything is modeled after the real stuff!!!
Even the toilets are flush-able.
The miniatures were made by brands that we know of too!
As for the drawings gallery, I wasn't too into paintings but there were some collections of the royalties.
Photos taken of them were pretty interesting and worthed a peek.
State apartments were GRAND!
I can't imagine being invited to a lunch or dinner with the royals!
Wahahaha...
The ceilings were really, really high too!!!
The murals on the ceilings were beautiful...
Too bad we can't take photos...
This was where the current royals still live.
Obviously, it was closed off to public.
I only took a photo from outside the gates.
Look at the sign, I think it should say 'Please stay off the Grass'.
Hahah..that's the amount of snow that fell in London.
The guards.
Same as the ones at Buckingham.
The streets outside Windsor.
Looks like a quaint little town right?
At the exit of the castle.
It's all brick and stone.
Really amazing to see a 1000 year old building.
Before the castle opened, we walked to this little building.
As you can see, it's slanting.
That's the way it has been for over 30 years.
It was built like that nothing is wrong with the foundation.
Amazing isn't it?
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