Friday, May 23, 2014
HAMPTON COURT! I was not prepared for the magnificent surprise that would be Hampton Court. This was an awesome palace to walk through and around every corner was another bit of history or another story about the palace and it’s inhabitants. King Henry VIII was the first royal that entertained here, with a great hall and a kitchen that could produce over 600 meals it all was completely grand. He certainly knew how to entertain his guests.
The newer sections of the palace for Queen Mary II and King William III were of completely different style, for me this was a living and breathing history lesson. I mean, in books you can see the difference, but being here in the actual space I could actually see with my own eyes what exactly the differences are. I better understand now than I ever have before.
The newer sections of the palace for Queen Mary II and King William III were of completely different style, for me this was a living and breathing history lesson. I mean, in books you can see the difference, but being here in the actual space I could actually see with my own eyes what exactly the differences are. I better understand now than I ever have before.
Another section of Hampton Court was King George II. Boy did he love extravagance! The series of meeting rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, etc., where quite a treat to walk through, proving how completely different each era was from one another.
It got quite cold and rainy in the afternoon so I didn’t really get the opportunity to explore the gardens. I did make it out a little bit, but it was wet and cold. I didn’t make it to the maze which I heard was pretty great.
In conclusion, however Hampton Court was an interesting experience. I ate candy for lunch, until I found the cafe. I got to put on a cape (“gown”) which helped to keep me warm. When people mention castles are drafty, they’re not kidding, like, at all. And the grandness of it all was quite overwhelming.
On the way back to the flat Jen, Oliver, and I decided to take the two hour boat ride down the Thames to Richmond where we could take the tube home. I was happy that the rain let up and the sun came out so we could sit on the front end of the boat. Oliver and I split a bottle of wine while we traveled down the river watching birds, people, kayaks, and boats. A great way to spend the evening.
It got quite cold and rainy in the afternoon so I didn’t really get the opportunity to explore the gardens. I did make it out a little bit, but it was wet and cold. I didn’t make it to the maze which I heard was pretty great.
In conclusion, however Hampton Court was an interesting experience. I ate candy for lunch, until I found the cafe. I got to put on a cape (“gown”) which helped to keep me warm. When people mention castles are drafty, they’re not kidding, like, at all. And the grandness of it all was quite overwhelming.
On the way back to the flat Jen, Oliver, and I decided to take the two hour boat ride down the Thames to Richmond where we could take the tube home. I was happy that the rain let up and the sun came out so we could sit on the front end of the boat. Oliver and I split a bottle of wine while we traveled down the river watching birds, people, kayaks, and boats. A great way to spend the evening.