Windsor

I awoke to another early morning manic cycle through London - from our hotel to Regent's Park and back.  This time I was not near the river so I did get a little lost, and I was a few minutes late getting on the bus.  Yes, Mr. Bresett was late.  We met our new driver Steve - an affable fellow who claims to have lived in Canada for a couple years, in some place called Toronto.  He got us to Windsor Castle in no time at all.  Literally, because I fell asleep as soon as the bus left, and awoke just as we arrived.  Mr. Sawatsky asked me if that is my usual level of consciousness on the bus in Europe.  Windsor Castle is huge and very well organized for visitors.  This is one of the queen's official residences, actually her favourite, the one she stays at most often.  Some of the guys were expecting to see her as we walked through the state rooms, maybe kicking back watching the tele.  But no luck.  The palace part of the castle that we got to see is immaculate, art-filled, royal in scope and size.  We also got to see the royal doll house - an amazing piece of architecture and artistry in miniature - it's actually very large for a doll house - more of a doll palace.  And we were there just in time for the changing of the guard.  A few of the guards were apparently late for this - as they approached a sauntering group of our boys, the head guard shouted in a gruff English accent "Mayk Way For The Queen's Gawd!!!".  He was carrying a machine gun with a bayonet on the end of it.  The boys made way rather quickly.
After lunch in Windsor (and a bit of time trying to quench the apparently unquenchable thirst for shopping some of the kids have - I hope none of them took your credit cards parents) Steve drove us at a madman's pace to Bath.  Actually, it was pretty normal driving in the English countryside, by Mr. Sawatsky thinks we should have a word with him about his speed.  I think Mr. Sawatsky should just sit further back so he doesn't have to see...

St. George's Chapel