Windsor Castle and Jane Austen's House (photos & videos)

Brittany's brother Jason and his wife Krista came to visit us in June. We didn't go easy on them, either. The very first day after they arrived, we rented a car and hit the road. It was my first driving on the "wrong" side of the road, so it may have been a blessing to have five months off first, getting accustomed to the reverse flow of traffic. I think I did okay, but they upgraded us to a big Volvo, rather than the compact we reserved. It was nice having the extra leg room, but they were some roads where it felt like the car was spilling over line on both sides.

We all set out for Windsor Castle in the morning. It's basically like the royal family's country home. They're celebrating Prince Phillip's 90th birthday this year (just like Nana--hope you're feeling better soon), so they had a few things up for that. We also got to see part of the changing of the guard. Probably the most interesting part of our tour was the lack of grandeur surrounding Henry VIII's tomb in St. George's Chapel. I'd say he's probably the most influential monarch in England's history and quite the ego. He was very intent on leaving a lasting legacy (which he did). You would think for his final resting place he would have the most elaborate, ornate memorial. In fact, he had planned to take Cardinal Wolsey's magnificent tomb (as he did with most of Wolsey's things), but somehow it fell through. Centuries later, Admiral Nelson ended up with it, instead. King Henry VIII, was relegated to a very nondescript vault under the choir along with a few other people (including one his wives, Jane Seymour--but not Jane Seymour).

Windsor Castle

The main gate

Is that Rapunzel up there?

Jason & Krista

St. George's Chapel

I think Krista's wondering where she can get a bear hat.

This guard had just done a little robotic display, so they're keeping a safe radius.

Windsor seems like a good balance of antiquity, comfort, and majesty.

Next we headed to Chawton to see Jane Austen's House. I was driving the whole time, so I scarfed down lunch while they went inside. (It wasn't killing me to miss it.) I will say, though, the exterior was rather tranquil and relaxing.

Bench

Fanta is better over here--they use real juice.

Brittany really loved this flower. So be it.

Just a few of the many flowers in Jane Austen's garden

Idyllic entrance to the museum

Brittany (Something's missing...)

Krista & Brittany (That's better.)