GRAND TOUR – OCT. 4TH (WINDSOR AND ETON, LONDON) – By Tristan Schag
“British.” This one word exemplifies a suitable brief synopsis of our first real day in Europe. Bombarded by suit jackets, plaid, and long coats as we emerged from customs, we were, without doubt, in London. The drive from Heathrow to Windsor was a short one, but allowed us to become acquainted with our guide, Margaret, and her whimsical dry sense of humor. Fighting off fatigue with excitement, we disembarked from our bus to be greeted by uneven cobblestone and historic houses. We walked to the front gate of Windsor, where it started to rain, causing us to hurry to the visitors’ entrance and its welcoming shelter from the storm.
The castle itself was magnanimous in its allure and breathtaking in its décor. All in all, Windsor castle fully matches, and then exceeds, expectations for what a historic castle should be. The intricate carvings offset the masterful woodwork which complement the stunning architecture, all together creating a scene preserved from the past of glory and splendor. However, what was perhaps even more stunning than the interior of the castle was the interior of the adjoined chapel. The semi-gothic design paired with the historic significance of the decoration—past royalty had been buried in decorated tombs—preserved the beauty and the worship.
One interesting aspect of the chapel is its current use in British politics. The order of the Garter, a longstanding order of high chivalry, holds ceremonies in the chapel, for the introduction and continuance of its members. There are only twenty four members of the order, so it can be correctly assumed that position is prestigious and highly esteemed.
Right next to the town of Windsor, across the Thames, is the college of Eton. Eton is a boarding school for boys aged 13-18, and is one of the most prestigious and academically rigorous “high schools” in existence. With an annual tuition that rivals that of American universities, Eton has strayed slightly from its original purpose. Originally, Eton was founded to provide free education to poor, yet intelligent, boys. Today, Eton still provides and requires the same, if not a greater academic rigor, yet it is far from free. Eton is a boy’s school, yet still has a thriving drama and theatre department, putting on over 20 shows per annum.
As our day ended, and the rain chased us indoors, we said farewell to fair Windsor and gratefully greeted the warmth of sleep. Our day ended as it had begun, with warm but weary seniors searching for a bit more of rest.
“British.” This one word exemplifies a suitable brief synopsis of our first real day in Europe. Bombarded by suit jackets, plaid, and long coats as we emerged from customs, we were, without doubt, in London. The drive from Heathrow to Windsor was a short one, but allowed us to become acquainted with our guide, Margaret, and her whimsical dry sense of humor. Fighting off fatigue with excitement, we disembarked from our bus to be greeted by uneven cobblestone and historic houses. We walked to the front gate of Windsor, where it started to rain, causing us to hurry to the visitors’ entrance and its welcoming shelter from the storm.
The castle itself was magnanimous in its allure and breathtaking in its décor. All in all, Windsor castle fully matches, and then exceeds, expectations for what a historic castle should be. The intricate carvings offset the masterful woodwork which complement the stunning architecture, all together creating a scene preserved from the past of glory and splendor. However, what was perhaps even more stunning than the interior of the castle was the interior of the adjoined chapel. The semi-gothic design paired with the historic significance of the decoration—past royalty had been buried in decorated tombs—preserved the beauty and the worship.
One interesting aspect of the chapel is its current use in British politics. The order of the Garter, a longstanding order of high chivalry, holds ceremonies in the chapel, for the introduction and continuance of its members. There are only twenty four members of the order, so it can be correctly assumed that position is prestigious and highly esteemed.
Right next to the town of Windsor, across the Thames, is the college of Eton. Eton is a boarding school for boys aged 13-18, and is one of the most prestigious and academically rigorous “high schools” in existence. With an annual tuition that rivals that of American universities, Eton has strayed slightly from its original purpose. Originally, Eton was founded to provide free education to poor, yet intelligent, boys. Today, Eton still provides and requires the same, if not a greater academic rigor, yet it is far from free. Eton is a boy’s school, yet still has a thriving drama and theatre department, putting on over 20 shows per annum.
As our day ended, and the rain chased us indoors, we said farewell to fair Windsor and gratefully greeted the warmth of sleep. Our day ended as it had begun, with warm but weary seniors searching for a bit more of rest.