Glasgow Bound on Virgin Rail

I only have a half hour of internet because I'm too cheap to spend 20 bucks on the net for 4 1/2 hours of traveling time. Stupid exchange rate. Come on Canadian dollar, strengthen up!

Yesterday was my last day in London. I got up around 10 and went to Windsor Castle, the Queen's Official Residence and the largest  still-in-use castle in the world. It was so interesting, I now understand why people have such an obsession with the monarchy. I always thought it was silly to be into that stuff, that it was such a dated and unnecessary existence in modern times but the history behind the British Royal family is so fascinating it's hard not to get wrapped up in it. I unfortunately couldn't take pics inside the castle or the chapel, so it's hard to describe the splendor and beauty of the places. 

Because it's the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's ascension to the throne they had a special exhibit about him in the State Apartments, full of portraits, information about him and his wives, and keepsakes. I stood on his grave in the chapel which although it was just a black square in the ground, felt really amazing to just be there. I saw original Da Vinci sketches, the largest and most beautiful doll's house I've ever seen, and so much more that I can't list with the 20 minutes I have left here. 

After I left the castle I wandered around the village of Windsor which is very interesting in itself. I visited Falstaff's Pub, located in the building where Shakespeare lived while writing The Merry Wives of Windsor. I then got the train back to London in hopes of making Kensington Palace and the Royal Albert Hall. Apparently the Palace closed early that day for a private function, so I just lurked around the gate and then headed up to RAH. The tours had ended for the day there as well, so I visited the gift shop, walked around and took photos. I wanted to go up early this morning but since my hotel checkout time was 12 pm I had no idea where I'd put my luggage. I also didn't want to risk missing my train at 2:30 from Euston. There will be another time to visit it...it ain't going nowhere!

In the nighttime I went on a "Jack the  Ripper" tour, with a tour guide that resembled Johnny Depp (who played Jack in From Hell). It was really informing and creepy, we visited the sites where they found the dead prostitutes bodies and the pub where the fifth and last victim Mary Kelly had her final drink. After that I headed back to Bayswater near my hotel for the most expensive meal I've ever ordered myself (again, stupid exchange rate), at an Indian restaurant where the food was yummy but the waiters weren't very friendly. I thought this was strange, they made jokes with the table full of Germans next to mine, and did nothing snide remarks to me. I should really stamp a Canadian flag on my forehead, or just say to everyone, "Hello, I'm not American, and I'd like some information please...."

Anyway I've got 5 minutes left and more to do on the net. Until the next time I pick up wireless...